The disadvantages of Connor McDavid are obvious: a) the Oilers, b) technically he has passed the peak and c) the orange burning sticks and cones on his uniform tonight. But again, he is still the most talented player in the sport.
Tonight he carried the puck across the length of the ice, hitting, uh, literally all before scoring.
As a gift from the NHL, Connor and his Oilers played against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the second period, McDavid did … well, he just did everything.
Earlier today, Ottawa coach DJ Smith talked about what his strategy is to contain McDavid. “I don’t think there is any secret,” Smith told Brent Wallace, “Except that you expect him to have a bad day, that he doesn’t have his legs and that he misses the net”.
On Saturday, against the Leafs, McDavid did not have a bad day. He had legs. He didn’t lose the net.