TSN’s Ryan Rishaug is taking some heat on social media Thursday after tweeting a video of Edmonton Oilers’ star center and captain Connor McDavid. The video in question shows McDavid in some distress as he takes in practice, nursing and rubbing what appears to be an injured left knee. The injury — which Frank Servalli noted is not a factor according to his sources — would likely have occurred when Drew Doughty ran McDavid during a game against the Los Angeles Kings in their opening-round playoff series.
Some of the responses to the tweet aren’t favorable as followers are suggesting that by tweeting the possible injury, Rishaugh is pointing out something the Kings might not have already been aware of. NHL teams and the players who are nursing nagging issues do whatever they can in their power not to reveal injuries and the video seems to point out an issue the Kings could target. One follower wrote, “Would sure be a shame if a reporter publicly posted things like this a few days before a big game where a team facing elimination would be looking for any possible advantage.”
Rishaug then posted another video on TSN doubling down on the fact that McDavid might be dealing with something. In defense, it is his job to post the news and possible issues before others might leak the story. At the same time, it’s understandable fans might be upset if McDavid is actually dealing with something. The Oilers need him at his best and with the Kings on the brink of elimination, you can bet the team will be aiming to test McDavid’s leg.
As mentioned earlier, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports that McDavid is not hurt, according to his sources. He explained during a segment on the site’s recent video:
“He (Connor McDavid) is not hurt. At least the last time I checked in, a couple of days, to ask that exact same question, “Is there something going on that I am missing” and the answer was no. I do not even have any evidence to point to anything in his game because he is still flying. I do not think anything is wrong with his hand, and obviously not his feet. I think their (LA Kings) game plan is to give the Oilers the perimeter. He (McDavid) can circle the perimeter as much as he wants because they believe he is much less of a threat, and I would say that is a very accurate statement. In many ways, I think what the Kings have done is similar to what the Colorado Avalanche did (in the Western Conference Finals last season).”
It’s important to remember that McDavid is not taking a maintenance day. The fact that he’s even practicing with the team as they have extra days to work on strategy and systems before facing the Kings on Saturday is good news. Evander Kane has been sitting out practices with nagging issues and that’s expected when trying to rest. McDavid is electing not to do so, suggesting he’s fine.
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