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Connor McDavid of the Oilers praises teammate Darnell Nurse as a valuable presence in the team's locker room.
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    Connor McDavid of the Oilers praises teammate Darnell Nurse as a valuable presence in the team’s locker room.

    Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is sticking up for one of his teammates.

    Speaking on Wednesday ahead of Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, McDavid and goalie Stuart Skinner were asked by Sportsnet’s Mark Spector about the performance of defenceman Darnell Nurse.

    “I’ll take that,” McDavid quickly said before launching into a defence of his teammate.

    “Nursey, he’s a big piece of our room,” the captain said. “Plus/minus, whatever, I know it’s a funny stat, but he gives us everything he’s got and he always has for a long time. I would expect him to have a great one tonight.”

    Nurse, 29, has two assists and a minus-12 for the Oilers through 15 playoff games. As Adam Vingan from Sportlogiq wrote Wednesday, “There is no hiding the fact that Nurse has been a liability defensively during the Oilers’ playoff run.”

    With the Oilers trailing 2-1 in the series, head coach Kris Knoblauch teased that lineup changes will be coming. You can watch Game 4 Wednesday on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

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    Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, recently spoke out about the importance of teammate Darnell Nurse in the team’s locker room. McDavid praised Nurse for his leadership qualities and his ability to bring a positive presence to the team.

    Nurse, a defenseman for the Oilers, has been with the team since being drafted in 2013. Over the years, he has established himself as a key player on the ice, but it is his off-ice contributions that have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.

    In a recent interview, McDavid highlighted Nurse’s impact on the team’s chemistry and morale. “Darnell is a great guy to have in the locker room,” McDavid said. “He brings a lot of energy and positivity to the team, and he’s always there to support his teammates.”

    McDavid also praised Nurse for his leadership skills, noting that he is always willing to step up and take charge when needed. “Darnell leads by example,” McDavid said. “He works hard every day and sets a great example for the rest of us to follow.”

    Nurse’s contributions to the team go beyond just his on-ice performance. He is known for his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the team’s success. His presence in the locker room helps to create a positive and supportive environment for all of his teammates.

    As the Oilers continue their quest for success this season, Nurse’s role as a valuable presence in the locker room will undoubtedly be crucial. His leadership, positivity, and dedication to the team make him an invaluable asset to the Oilers both on and off the ice.