from Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun,

It has never happened before.

Never has an NHL team had a fork stuck in them before the All-Star break en route to equaling a record 10 straight seasons out of the playoffs only to return to a scene like the Edmonton Oilers will experience tonight.

Because of the return of Connor McDavid, they’ll return to an environment charged with anticipation and excitement, an experience very much like the first home game of the season.

“It’s like September again,” said Oilers’ media relations director J.J. Hebert, as he surveyed the media gathered to cover the return of the player so many expect to be the greatest since Gretzky from missing 37 games due to a broken collarbone.

“For Connor, it probably is,” said coach Todd McLellan.

McLellan said he’s not going to baby McDavid upon re-entry.

“Open the door and let him go,” he said.

continued