Just two games into their 2015-16 schedule and it appears as though the Edmonton Oilers have already taken to the teachings of their new head coach. For a second consecutive outing, Todd McLellan’s side managed to hold their own against another Central Division powerhouse.
If one were to simply look at the box score from last night’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators, they would likely come to the conclusion that Pekka Rinne was sole the reason Todd McLellan’s side dropped a 2-0 decision. While the three-time Vezina Trophy nominee was solid in between the pipes, the 32-year old was rarely tested by Connor McDavid.
In each of the last two years, the Edmonton Oilers have had their season essentially come to an end before the start of December. In the highly competitive Western Conference, going 8-17-2 and 6-13-4 over the first two months of your schedule isn’t going to work and it ultimately cost the previous head coach his job.
On night in which Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid made his long-awaited NHL debut, it was a childhood friend of the 2015 first overall pick who stole the spotlight in yesterday’s showdown with the St. Louis Blues. Fellow rookie Robby Fabbri scored what proved to be the eventual game-winner midway through the third period, as the Oilers dropped their season opener 3-1 to the reigning Central Division winners.
