This fall, the Oilers played centres Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl an average of 22 minutes per game from October through December. It was a slight increase in usage compared to the same period in the previous season. That’s a lot of hockey, which brings worry over fatigue and lower performance levels as the team chugs toward the postseason.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a three-game suspension. The NHL banned McDavid from appearing in three games this week, starting with Tuesday's loss to the Washington Capitals, for his cross-check on Vancouver’s Conor Garland during the final seconds of Saturday’s game.

McDavid was speaking to the media for the first time since he struck Garland in the head in the dying seconds of Saturday’s 3-2 loss.