Connor McDavid (captain of the Edmonton Oilers) revealed that he played through a fracture in his foot and ankle during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which contributed to the Oilers' disappointing loss to the Anaheim Ducks. In the six-game series, McDavid managed only one goal and six points, while posting a minus-8 rating. The injury severely limited his speed, a crucial aspect of his game, preventing him from participating in practices and morning skates after a collision with teammate Mattias Ekholm in Game 2. Teammate Leon Draisaitl acknowledged that McDavid's diminished speed impacted his performance, stating, “We could all tell that it took a step out of him.” Draisaitl himself played with a knee injury, reflecting the overall compromised state of the Oilers' roster. The Ducks capitalized on their power play, scoring eight goals in 16 opportunities throughout the series, ultimately outscoring Edmonton 26-21. Following the early exit, McDavid expressed frustration with the team's performance, noting that patience is wearing thin as he seeks a Stanley Cup. The Oilers now face significant pressure to improve before the next season, especially with McDavid's contract expiring soon.