POST-RAW | Corey Perry 01.27.24

Summary

The interview covers Evander Kane's return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup after being away from the team. Kane discusses the warm welcome from fans, finding chemistry with new linemates, observing the Oilers' win streak from afar, the value of getting a game in before the All-Star break, joining a team with Connor McDavid rather than playing against him, hearing cheers in Edmonton after years of boos elsewhere, and joking about ending up on his backside on his first shift.

Takeaways

• 😊 He was happy to get a warm welcome and response from the crowd during the national anthem
• 👍 He had good chemistry with his new teammates after only one practice together
• 😲 He was impressed by the team's focus on defense and working their way up the ice
• 📝 He watched a lot of games while injured to stay up to date on what was happening
• 😅 He joked about ending up on his backside on his first shift
• 🧐 He observed the team's pride in their defensive zone play as a key to their win streak
• ⏳ He noted the value of getting a game in before a long break coming up
• 😮 It was a bit strange for him being cheered in the arena after years of boos
• 🏋️‍♂️ He knows he has to work extra hard over the break to keep up with the young, fast players on his line
• 👴 He acknowledged the challenge of stepping into the situation at his age compared to the young guys

Q & A

What was the response Pat Maroon received from the crowd?

Maroon received some warm responses and cheers from the crowd, including during the national anthem.

Who are the young players Maroon is playing with on the line?

Maroon is playing with Ryan McLeod and Dylan Holloway, who are young, skilled, and fast players.

How does Maroon describe the chemistry with his new linemates?

Maroon said despite only one practice together, he felt they had some early chemistry and were communicating well on the bench and ice.

What has Maroon observed about how the Oilers are handling their long winning streak?

Maroon observed that the team takes pride in their defensive zone play first before working the puck out of their zone.

Why did Maroon want to get a game in before the holiday break?

Maroon wanted to get a game under his belt with the team before an extended 10-day break to stay sharp and integrated with the team.

How does Maroon describe Connor McDavid's skill level?

Maroon called McDavid a tremendous player and said it helps being on his team rather than playing against him now.

Was Maroon aware of the Oilers' winning streak while he was rehabbing his injury?

Yes, Maroon said when you have a lot of free time you follow what's happening around the league closely.

How will Maroon spend the holiday break?

Maroon said he will do extra training compared to normal years to keep up with his young, fast linemates.

How did Maroon feel about getting cheered in Edmonton?

Maroon said it was a little different getting cheered rather than booed, but it's always nice to hear cheers in the building.

Was it intentional for Maroon to fall down in the crease on his first shift?

Maroon jokingly said he had to make a statement on his first shift, but didn't intentionally fall.