DENVER — The matchup between Colorado’s top stars will be the focus of all eyes. Nathan MacKinnon Edmonton’s Connor McDavid The NHL’s Western Conference Final will open on Tuesday, with Game 1
MacKinnon hopes for at least that. However, it has nothing to do McDavid.
“Hope, that.” [storyline] Gets more viewers and lowers the escrow [for players]MacKinnon, however, said Monday that she didn’t really care. “I don’t really think about that.” [McDavid] It’s a lot but, obviously, that is what I see. He is the best. That’s what I have said. He’s been the best for some time now, and it will take a whole team effort to stop him.”
MacKinnon’s cheeky comment – a reference to NHL’s revenue sharing structure, where more money comes in for the league but less going back on players’ salaries – at least addressed McDavid headon.
The Oilers captain, when asked to his turn about MacKinnon’s involvement in the Oilers’ success, resisted the temptation of mentioning him.
McDavid stated, “They’re an excellent team over there.” “I’ve learned that in the past two years. This year is no different. They have some really talented players, and they are all very good.”
Although it was a valiant effort from both players, no amount of downplaying can remove the pending “wow!” factor.
It is rare for two powerful offensive teams such as the Avalanche or Oilers to meet in the later rounds of the playoffs. They are also leading the playoff field in average goals per game (4.33 for Oilers, 4.30 for Avalanche).
Top players such as MacKinnon deliver high-level performances Cale Makar In Colorado and McDavid Leon Draisaitl Edmonton’s four best players in the postseason are crucial to continuing that scoring momentum.
McDavid, Draisaitl and the Oilers have led the way as they are tied for the team lead in points at 26, while MacKinnon is tied for the Avalanche lead at 13 each.
Makar is the Avalanche’s anchor at the backend. He will be seeing plenty of McDavid throughout the series. In practice, the Norris Trophy finalist also goes toe to toe with MacKinnon. He understands the unique challenge each player presents on ice.
Makar stated that there are many similarities between MacKinnon’s MacDavid. “But they have very different playing styles. McDavid is very quick and efficient, and can take the first steps quickly. Both are such electric players, and McDavid has been the driving force behind them both as well as their other top players. It will be a tough test but we are all very excited.
McDavid has produced a postseason of multi-point performances in all 12 games, including 10 wins in a row for the Oilers. This would be enough to rattle any other goaltender. Colorado’s Darcy Kuemper I take the assignment seriously.
He said, “It’s an exciting challenge for sure.” He is a dynamic and electric player. He’s a creator every time that he steps on the ice. Cale mentioned that they have some similarities, but they are different players. It’s a great challenge. You are eager to take on the best players worldwide and look forward to it.
This is to not mention the work Draisaitl did riding shotgun alongside McDavid in Edmonton’s second-round series win against Calgary.
For any opponent, it’s a lot of work. However, Colorado is trying to slow down Edmonton across the board.
Makar said, “I think we are just excited.” “Obviously, this place is special.” [in the Conference Final] Personally, I have never been. We have a lot more experience than I do, so that’s a plus. We’re excited to get started, I believe.