"Flipped the script on them": Connor McDavid reflects on Edmonton Oilers' comeback win from 2-0 deficit in Game 4

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified May 30, 2024 05:32 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars, 5-2 on Wednesday in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. Oilers captain Connor McDavid shared his candid thoughts on the victory after the game.

In an interview with Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas, Connor McDavid opened up on the challenge of facing a two-goal deficit early in the game:

“Yeah, not to start where you wanted, but, you know, Game 3, we had to start where we wanted and it didn't matter,” McDavid said. “So, kind of flipped the script there on them, but, you know, everybody battled hard and a big win. Obviously, we knew what was on the line and a real big win and make it the best of three here.”

He appreciated his teammates’ performances, including Darnell Nurse, and praised the team's collective effort with everyone stepping up and doing what was needed to secure the win:

“I thought everybody played really well, honestly. We had contributions all over. I thought Darnell played great. I thought he got off to an unfair start again. But, you know, he's a battler.

“You know, I said this morning, he gives us everything he's got, and he did again tonight. You know, he starts the rush on a big goal that gets us going, and he was a rock,” McDavid added.

The Oilers captain seemed satisfied with the team’s overall performance in Game 4:

“You know, a lot of guys doing things that they're not normally asked, and everybody stepped up.”

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Connor McDavid opens up on 'real loud' home crowd after Leon Draisaitl’s snapshot

During the interview, Bukauskas mentioned how loud the arena was when Leon Draisaitl scored to make it 4-2 and asked McDavid what he was thinking at that moment:

“Real loud,” the Oilers captain said. “I mean, you know, obviously a big goal. You know, the building understands.”

Draisaitl’s snapshot after he zoomed past the Stars’ defense to collect Zach Hyman's pass near the hash marks sent Rogers Place into a frenzy and McDavid praised the fans for being able to recognize the quality of the goal (via Sportsnet):

“They're great hockey fans, but they understand the game too. You know, they're smart fans. They understand the magnitude of a goal like that, and they definitely got up for it,” he said.

The Oilers captain also commented on Connor Brown’s resilience throughout the playoffs, despite facing injuries and a dip in form. Brown had an assist from his outstanding play that eventually led to the Oilers’ third goal on the night:

“You know, it's been a long year for him,” McDavid said. “You know, I think everybody can understand what he's gone through. You know, a difficult knee injury that, you know, he probably hasn't felt like himself for a long time.

"And he battled all year long and faced a lot of criticism, but he's proven a lot of people wrong. You know, these playoffs and this series especially, he's been great.”

With this victory, Connor McDavid and Co. level the series 2-2-. Next up, the Oilers will face the Stars at American Airlines Center in Game 5 on Sunday.