(Edmonton) This season, Connor McDavid has stepped up when the Edmonton Oilers needed it most.
Posted at 5:36 p.m.
Since the Oilers found themselves outside the NHL playoff picture on March 4, McDavid has posted an average playing time per game of more than 21 minutes, in addition to having 14 goals and 25 mentions. help in just 24 games. What’s more, the Albertans won 16 of their 24 games to clinch their playoff spot.
“When I’m playing at my skill level, I skate, I control the puck and I play aggressively,” McDavid said. It is in this context that I am at my best. »
What people don’t see, though, is how complete McDavid has become over the years.
“He has the will to win. He emphasized many aspects of the game that our staff wanted to see improve, including his work in defensive territory, said Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, who was promoted minor leaguers after Dave Tippett was fired in February. We ask our star players to do more for the team, to take on more responsibility. »
McDavid has also spent recent campaigns patching the biggest holes in his game.
After being selected first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, he struggled in the playoffs. McDavid won just 42% of his faceoffs in his first three campaigns, but that rate has since risen to 54% — he’s ranked 21and rank in this chapter in the Bettman circuit.
This progress is attributable in particular to McDavid’s work during the summer season with his physical trainer Gary Roberts, a former forward who is one of the luminaries in his field, and during the annual BioSteel camp. He also has his own training schedule, sometimes choosing to take time off from a round of golf with his buddies to focus on it.
“I think that’s what makes the difference between really, really good hockey players and legendary ones,” Oilers player Matt Hendricks said. As soon as I met Connor, I knew he had it in him. He has a plan. Every move he makes has a purpose. »
During the season, McDavid’s leadership and that of Leon Draisaitl remind defenseman Duncar Keith of his time with the Chicago Blackhawks with star players Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
“Kane, Toews, Draisaitl, McDavid, those guys are dominant because they’re competitive and they want to be the best,” Keith said. Connor and Leon are learning and want to take on more responsibility because they feel some pressure. They want to win here. »
McDavid’s drive to win influences even his social life; he only drinks light or gluten-free beer, translucent hard liquors, and wine—if he drinks, of course. His diet is followed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Oilers general manager Ken Holland, who has been watching McDavid for nearly three years, has learned a thing or two about him and his ability to carry the team into the playoffs.
“He’s involved every night, he gives his all every day, and he doesn’t take any breaks in the summer,” Holland said. He trains relentlessly. He’s focused, and he’s motivated. He wants to excel in all facets of the game. I believe he does everything in his power to ensure that we are successful. »