In anticipation of Saturday’s matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid is feeling an added sense of significance. This is mainly because Nathan MacKinnon, the current leading scorer in the NHL, will be playing in Edmonton and is currently on a remarkable streak, tallying 10 goals and 20 assists over his last 14 games.
McDavid expressed his eagerness to face off against top-tier players like MacKinnon, acknowledging his status as one of the league’s best. He also highlighted other standout players on the Avalanche roster, such as Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews, indicating his enthusiasm for testing himself against such elite competition.
The ongoing debate over the game’s best player has often revolved around McDavid and MacKinnon, with McDavid boasting three Hart Trophies but MacKinnon holding the prized possession of a Stanley Cup ring. Despite differing opinions, including one from Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov who dubbed MacKinnon as the best player globally due to his winning mentality, both players continue to showcase their prowess on the ice.
McDavid admires MacKinnon’s combination of skill, speed, and physicality, acknowledging the challenge he poses to opposing teams. With both the Avalanche and Oilers considered contenders in the Western Conference, their upcoming clashes offer a valuable opportunity for assessment and growth.
Reflecting on past encounters, particularly the Avalanche’s decisive victory over the Oilers in the 2022 playoffs, McDavid and his team recognize the lessons learned and the necessity for continuous improvement. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch emphasizes the difficulty in containing a player of MacKinnon’s caliber but underscores the importance of minimizing his impact to secure success.
As the highly anticipated game approaches, McDavid and the Oilers are gearing up to face the formidable challenge presented by MacKinnon and the Avalanche, fully aware of the stakes and the need to elevate their performance.