McDavid: Game-winner 'means the world to me' after summer of rehab

After scoring the game-winning goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the season opener on Wednesday night, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid said he was grateful to play an important role in the victory following a difficult summer of rehab from a knee injury.

"Pretty close to (100%). I've still got lots of kinks to work out in my game," McDavid told Sportsnet's Scott Oake. "I've been working toward it but that goal means the world to me, honestly, it was a long summer and that just means the world to me."

McDavid suffered a torn PCL in the final game of the 2018-19 campaign, which created doubts about his status for the start of this season.

But with the score tied 2-2 on Wednesday, the 22-year-old flashed his trademark speed to split through the Canucks' defense before tucking the puck underneath the crossbar with 5:23 to play in the third period.

Overall, McDavid logged 21:40 of ice time and registered a pair of shots on goal in the 3-2 victory.

The two-time Art Ross Trophy winner finished last season with 41 goals and a career-best 116 points.

The Oilers will continue their campaign on Saturday night when they host the Los Angeles Kings.