“He's not at his best”: Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch shared his candid thoughts on Connor McDavid’s recent performances

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has recently commented on team captain Connor McDavid's recent play. In his past five NHL contests, McDavid has notched three assists without a goal. Speaking to the media prior to the Oilers' game against the Florida Panthers on Thursday, Knoblauch was queried regarding the disparity in production between McDavid and forward Leon Draisaitl, who has a seven-game point streak going. To answer, Knoblauch said that comparing the two players would be "unfair."Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has lately spoken about the form of Connor McDavid, saying that their team captain had not scored in five games while managing only three assists in this period. Talking to the media prior to Edmonton's game against the Florida Panthers on Thursday, Knoblauch answered questions about the disparity in production between McDavid and teammate Leon Draisaitl, who has been on a hot seven-game point streak. In response, Knoblauch said comparing the two players would be "unfair," implying that there are factors other than raw statistics that determine performance and contribution to the team. “I think it's almost unfair to say 'What you expect from Connor' because he’s at such a high level; it's incredible every single night," Knoblauch said. He further added, "And certainly that's what I saw last year. I think he would be knowing that he's not at his best right now, and when our team isn't playing at its best, it's hard for any individual to play with their best.”With the NHL regular season now back in action following the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Edmonton Oilers have been having a rough time, losing three straight. Their struggles, though, predated the break, as they won just two of their last eight contests.Connor McDavid shone at the international tournament, scoring the championship-winning goal on February 20 in overtime and being named player of the game for his incredible display of skill. Even though he was successful at that level of play, McDavid has failed to bring his game to such a level while playing in the NHL upon returning, as he has not had a goal scored in his last five games. His recent form has brought out questions as to whether fatigue or other reasons are possibly influencing his game. “I have confidence that it'll get back together,” Knoblauch said. “Being familiar with his linemates going forward, Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman, will help that.”Also Read: “I’ve been worried”: Nick Robertson sent a blunt message clarifying his future with the Toronto Maple LeafsMcDavid is a renowned NHL player, having won four First Team All-Stars, five Art Ross Awards, four Ted Lindsay Awards, three Hart Memorial Awards, and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for 2022-23. He has also won Fastest Skater at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition four times. McDavid is one of only two players to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player, following fellow Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky in 1982.