By Canadian Press

McDavid’s record start gives Oilers something to build on heading into home opener

Oct 17, 2018 | 2:30 PM

EDMONTON — It took a record-setting performance by Connor McDavid, but after four games on the road and 17 days living out of a suitcase, the Edmonton Oilers will take on the Boston Bruins in their home opener at Rogers Place Thursday with something to build on.

After a gruelling schedule that took them to Germany for an exhibition game and to Sweden for their season-opener against New Jersey, the Oilers are home with a 2-2 record thanks to a rousing comeback in a 5-4 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets Tuesday that had McDavid’s fingerprints all over it.

McDavid scored two goals and added two assists, giving him four goals and five assists on the Oilers’ first nine goals this season. Darnell Nurse decided it in overtime with the first goal McDavid hasn’t been in on. Adam Oates held the record with points on the first seven goals of a season, a mark set with the Detroit Red Wings in 1986-87.

“It definitely feels better coming back,” McDavid said. “Last night could have easily gone the other way where it ended 6-1 or 7-1 and we’re talking about a whole different thing and answering a bunch of different questions today.

“It definitely helps the mindset and, hopefully, we can keep the ball rolling.”

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After starting 0-2 — a 5-2 loss to the Devils and a 4-1 defeat against the Bruins in Boston — the Oilers bounced back with a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. Down 4-1 in Winnipeg, it looked like they’d drop to 1-3 until McDavid willed them back.

“The fact we were able to come back against a really good team is as important as the 2-2 record,” coach Todd McLellan said. “For me, 2-2 is better than 1-3 but the ability come back and have a total team effort was real big as well.”

With just five goals in their first three games, the Oilers needed a jolt of offensive confidence. Ty Rattie got some Tuesday with his first goal of the season. So did Jesse Puljujarvi, who notched his first — just his second in 20 games dating back to last season — to tie it 4-4 against the Jets. Both came on assists from McDavid.

“As a leader, I don’t think you can get much better than what Connor brings every day,” Nurse said. “When you have the best player in the world and his first and foremost focus is winning hockey games, it’s contagious.”

The rematch with the Bruins marks the first of four straight games at home for the Oilers, who haven’t played at Rogers Place since Sept. 29, when they beat the Calgary Flames 4-3 in pre-season.

“It feels a whole lot bigger in your head and in the dressing room, I think,” Rattie said of the difference between coming home 2-2 and 1-3. “It’s a fun plane ride when you win.

“It’s a good feeling in this room right now, but we woke up this morning and that’s over with. We’ve got to take care of business.”

———

BOSTON (4-1-0) at EDMONTON (2-2-0)

Thursday, Rogers Place

YOU AGAIN — The Bruins gave up an early goal to McDavid but roared into the lead on goals by David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Joakim Nordstrom in a span of 5:53 in the first period in their 4-1 win at TD Garden Oct. 11.

TOUGH CUSTOMERS – The Oilers have had more than they can handle when the Bruins come calling in Edmonton over the years – they’re 14-18-3-2 all-time against Boston on home ice.

LAST 10 – The Oilers are 6-4-0 vs. the Bruins in the last 10 meetings but have lost two straight after six straight wins. The Bruins beat the Oilers 3-2 in their last visit, Feb. 20, 2018.

MURDERER’S ROW – This rematch with the Bruins marks the second of six straight games the Oilers will play against teams that compiled 100-or-more points last season.

Robin Brownlee, The Canadian Press