Connor McDavid takes responsibility for passing away scoring opportunities in shutout loss to Wild

The Edmonton Oilers fell 1-0 to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night in a game defined by missed opportunities and one early defensive breakdown. Afterward, captain Connor McDavid said the group played well enough to win but admitted he personally left chances on the table.

When asked about the quality of Edmonton’s chances, the Oilers captain acknowledged the team wasn’t able to consistently break Minnesota’s defensive layers. He also pointed to his own decision-making saying he passed up opportunities he usually takes.

“Yeah, maybe not the most grade A chances, but we definitely threw pucks there. Had some looks, passed some away myself more than anybody.”

McDavid has spoken often this season about wanting to shoot more. On Tuesday, he said that instinct still battled with his desire to set up teammates in good spots.

“I stand on the backside, so obviously trying to get him the puck. But yeah, I can take those.”

Despite being held off the scoreboard, McDavid felt the Oilers overall team game remained intact. Edmonton allowed only one goal in Jonas Brodin’s first-period shot and McDavid noted that nights like that typically turn into wins.

“Yeah, I mean, I thought we generated looks, only gave up one. Usually when you give up one, you’re going to win a lot of games. We didn’t.”

He admitted that the shutout loss prevented Edmonton from building immediate momentum in the standings but said the team’s overall process remained positive.

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Connor McDavid heaps praise on Jesper Wallstedt

The Oilers controlled possession for much of the final 40 minutes repeatedly hemming Minnesota in its zone. McDavid said the team produced enough to expect a different outcome but couldn’t find the clean execution required to beat a goaltender on a hot run.

Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt stopped 33 shots on the night earning his fourth shutout of the season. The Oilers captain made sure to give him his flowers.

“Yeah, I mean, we had some looks. Their goalie played well,” McDavid said. “They defended well.”

Minnesota closed off the middle of the ice throughout the night forcing Edmonton to generate offense from the perimeter or from second efforts around the crease. McDavid credited the Wild for combining structure with strong goaltending.

“They defended well. Obviously, they’re playing well. The goalie’s playing well. They’re doing a lot of really good things. ”

He pointed to the weekend win in Seattle and this performance as steps in the right direction.

“I thought there were some good signs. Played real solid in Seattle. I thought we played another pretty decent one here today. That’s a good sign.”

Next up, the Oilers host the Seattle Kraken at home ice on Wednesday.