Canes return home, turn back McDavid, Oilers
By Chip Alexander
The Canes (30-22-6), returning from a 4-1 road trip that was their best since 1998, began the game three points out of playoff position in the Eastern Conference. They’re now 15-5-1 since New Year’s Eve -- the most wins and points in the NHL in that 21-game stretch -- but still chasing the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, with no room for slippage.
“I think everybody knows exactly what kind of position we’re in,” Niederreiter said. “Everybody needs to get points to make the playoffs and I feel like we’re right there. We need a big push to get there and every game matters a lot, so we’ve got to make sure we win the close ones.
“It’s coming down to playoff hockey and who wants it more, and we need to make sure we find ways to battle out games like tonight. It definitely wasn’t our best hockey we’ve played, but we found a way to win and that’s what matters.”
McElhinney was the Canes’ best player much of the game. He allowed an early goal to Leon Draisaitl as the Oilers converted on a two-on-one rush but was calm and steady after it on a night when the Canes were outshot 41-27, when the Oilers’ Connor McDavid again demonstrated why he’s the league’s most explosive player.
“He’s not hard to spot out there,” McElhinney said. “He’s flying 100 miles an hour and you can see him coming from 200 feet away. He’s special, just a combination of skills and speed. He’s a treat to watch.”
“Nino has been lights-out since he arrived,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.
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Canes return home, turn back McDavid, Oilers
