The Anaheim Ducks have pushed the reigning two-time Western Conference champions to the brink of elimination in the first round ... and the Oilers may have to fight for their playoff lives without their best player.
Connor McDavid is a "game-time decision" for Game 5 against the Ducks, head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after the Oilers' captain did not take part in the team's morning skate.
It's not entirely clear what McDavid is dealing with, but the six-time scoring champ did leave Game 2 of this series with what appeared to be a lower-body injury.
McDavid left the game temporarily after suffering a leg injury on this play pic.twitter.com/7MclTX6JkT
He's played in all four games, though the April 26 overtime contest saw him log his least amount of ice time so far (19:32). He still recorded two points in that game, and had two on April 24 — both Oilers losses that dropped them in a 3-1 hole.
"We do have some guys who are banged up, and they continue to play and do the best they can do," Knoblauch said, per ESPN. "Ultimately, everyone has to step it up a little bit. Playoffs are a tough time to play. It's tight checking, there's not much room... right now, we need those guys who are healthy to pick up the slack for the guys who can't play like they want to."
This story will be updated when McDavid's status is clear.
April 18: A fan shows off a rally towel before Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) greets fans on the blue carpet before opening night against the New York Islanders.
Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound before a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
1 / 33NHL fans and mascots cheer on their teams in 2025-26 seasonApril 18: A fan shows off a rally towel before Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
April 18: A fan shows off a rally towel before Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) greets fans on the blue carpet before opening night against the New York Islanders.
Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound before a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Connor McDavid injury news, and updates for Oilers vs Ducks Game 5