Savoie Thriving on Oilers’ Top Line Alongside McDavid
The Edmonton Oilers have found a spark on their top line with rookie forward Matt Savoie playing alongside Connor McDavid, following a lower-body injury to Leon Draisaitl. Savoie is embracing the opportunity to contribute alongside one of the NHL’s premier talents.
“It’s just a lot of excitement from my side, obviously,” Savoie said. “A chance to play with the best player in the world and contribute at that level every night.”
McDavid’s Dominance and Savoie’s Impact
Connor McDavid currently ranks second in the NHL with 118 points, consisting of 40 goals and 78 assists, trailing only Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, who has 120 points (40 goals, 80 assists). Savoie, a 22-year-traditional rookie, has quickly made an impact, registering three points (two goals, one assist) in five games playing on the top line with McDavid and Zach Hyman.
The Oilers (35-28-9) hold a one-point lead over the Vegas Golden Knights (32-16-14) for second place in the Pacific Division heading into their Thursday matchup.
Adapting to a Top-Line Role
Savoie’s promotion to the top line came after Leon Draisaitl sustained a lower-body injury on March 15 in a 3-1 win against the Nashville Predators and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. Savoie has seamlessly integrated into the line, demonstrating a strong understanding of how to complement McDavid’s playmaking abilities.
“When you’re playing with Connor, I think you just have to be aware of where he is on the ice and not force pucks to him, but try to get the pucks to him in good spots and be available for him,” Savoie explained. “I think he’s a player that’s able to develop good plays and little passes that very few in the League can do, so you have to be ready. You have to be on your toes and in scoring position at all times.”
McDavid Praises Savoie’s Contributions
McDavid has been impressed with Savoie’s performance and energy. “He’s playing well. He’s doing a lot of really good things,” McDavid said. “That was a huge goal on the kill there. He plays with a lot of energy, he’s got a great motor on him, he keeps pucks alive, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Savoie has as well been seeing time on the Oilers’ first power-play unit, in addition to his penalty-killing duties, and scored a short-handed goal in a 5-2 win against the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday.
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