"Dont't think that's in his nature": NHL analyst ruminates on Connor McDavid's viral outburst after Game 2 SCF loss

By ARJUN B

Modified Oct 07, 2024 10:50 GMT

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid went viral after appearing in a heated clip from Amazon's new NHL docuseries "Faceoff: Inside the NHL."

The clip shows a visibly emotional McDavid reproaching his teammates following a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Final.

After the defeat, which put the Oilers in a 2-0 series hole, McDavid is shown unleashing his frustration in the locker room, shouting at his teammates that the effort was "not good enough" and to "dig the f*** in."

The rare display of raw emotion from the typically reserved McDavid gave viewers an inside look at his competitive fire and leadership.

NHL analyst Ryan Rishaug commented on the viral clip, saying to TSN:

"Like, I don't think that's in Connor McDavid’s nature, what we saw there. I think that’s an extreme circumstance — the Stanley Cup Final, an extreme situation, you know, being down 2-0. That was after Game 2, and it just — that’s what came out of Connor McDavid, right?

“I don’t think that’s something that regularly happens during a regular season. I think it was situational, but I agree with you, it shows how much he cares.”

Rishaug added context, noting that McDavid and the Oilers had the opportunity to omit the explicit locker room scene before it aired. However, his understanding is that McDavid felt that since they granted the documentary crew all-access, they should show the raw footage rather than editing it down.

While acknowledging McDavid probably regrets doing more behind-the-scenes projects like this going forward, Rishaug commended him for taking the mature viewpoint of showing glimpses of real life in the NHL, warts and all.

Frankie Corrado on Connor McDavid's impact in the Oilers' comeback

After dropping the three matches in a row in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers made a comeback by winning the next three games and forcing Game 7 behind Connor McDavid's brilliance.

Analyst Frankie Corrado praised McDavid's impact, saying:

"He wanted to draw his team right into that battle, they did such a great job of coming back and making it a series ultimately falling one game short, but that's Conor McDavid really caring and being very passionate about his team trying to win a Stanley Cup."

Though the Oilers ultimately came up just short, losing Game 7 and the cup to Florida, McDavid proved his superstar status, according to Corrado.