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Connor McDavid weighs in on the biggest takeaway for Oilers post Stanley Cup heartbreak
Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid has finally shared his thoughts on the playoff run. His team had come close to capturing its first Stanley Cup in 34 years but lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
"It'll take some time to honestly get over it," McDavid said (via Sportsnet). "At the end of the day though, you are gonna have to get over it at some point. But we'll get ourselves ready to go again for another important season and go all over again."
"Looking back, a lot of great moments that I'll remember for the rest of my life ... To bring joy to a fan base and to bring joy to people, in today's day and age, is an amazing thing. Our group does feel grateful that we had the opportunity to do that."
The Oilers did everything right but fell short of their ultimate goal. McDavid scored 42 points in the playoffs and 132 in the regular season. It earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. McDavid clarified that it wasn’t the trophy he was looking to win.
"Obviously, it’s an honor with the names on that trophy," McDavid said (via NHL.com), after the 2-1 loss in Game 7.
Despite not scoring in the last two games of the Final, McDavid was the clear choice for the Conn Smythe. He received 16 of 17 first-place votes and became the sixth player on the losing team to win the award. McDavid is the first skater to do so since Reggie Leach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1976.
“I don’t think he cares,” Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl said regarding McDavid. “It speaks to how amazing of a hockey player he is. There is no player in the world that wants to win a Stanley Cup more than him, and he does everything right every single day just to win it one day. It’s hard, especially him being sad and being disappointed.”
McDavid proved himself as one of the greatest players of his generation. He scored 32 goals and had 100 assists in 76 regular-season games. McDavid led Edmonton to victories over the Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars in the first three rounds.
Connor McDavid's important role and Mattias Ekholm's comments
When the Oilers were trailing 3-0 in the final against the Panthers, Connor McDavid ignited a comeback with eight points in Games 4 and 5. He continued to perform under immense pressure.
“We all see it, he’s the biggest reason we’re here,” Edmonton defenseman Mattias Ekholm said (via NHL.com). “He is our leader, he’s leading out there by example every night. He wants this to work for us and he shows it every night. I mean, there's really nothing you can say. It’s just all positive.”
The Oilers' playoff journey included surviving five elimination games to reach Game 7. Hopefully, they'll review their mistakes and return stronger next season.
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