The trend now is the same trend we’ve seen for most of the last 12 years — a team almost entirely reliant on one over-worked line.
Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock has struggled to reduce Connor McDavid's workload through the first 12 games of the season, writer Robert Tychkowski reports. Despite intending to distribute ice time more evenly across the lineup, McDavid's average time on ice has climbed to 23:53 per game, which leads all NHL forwards.
Tychkowski highlights that Edmonton remains heavily reliant on McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who combined for 20 goals prior to facing Detroit, compared to 12 from the team's remaining 10 forwards. Injuries to key players, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, have further contributed to the heavy reliance on top stars.
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