The worst has been confirmed for Connor McDavid following Game 7's loss

According to a recent report from Zach Laing of Oilers Nation, Connor McDavid played through an abdominal injury that will likely require surgery. This revelation makes his performance of eight goals and 42 points in 23 playoff games even more remarkable.

McDavid wasn't the only Oilers superstar playing at less than 100%. Laing also reports that Leon Draisaitl played with a broken finger and a broken rib, the latter believed to have been sustained in Game 1 of the second round against the Vancouver Canucks.

Draisaitl's injuries are less surprising, as fans had speculated about possible hand and rib issues throughout the playoffs. These injuries also help explain his reduced productivity in the final two rounds, where he managed just two goals and seven points over 13 games.

More information about player injuries is expected to emerge in the coming days. Several Oilers, including Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, and Darnell Nurse, were also believed to be dealing with various ailments.

Although players never want to use injuries as an excuse, Oilers fans will undoubtedly wonder what might have been if their elite duo had been healthy. This situation underscores the grueling nature of a lengthy playoff run and highlights just how challenging it is to win a Stanley Cup.