Top NHLer makes surprising comment about Connor McDavid after loss
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Recently, host of 32 Thoughts Elliotte Friedman spoke about the respect Connor McDavid has across the NHL, as described by a top player in the league.
What the power forward wouldn't admit is that he backed off Connor McDavid on Nov. 17, a 7-4 Washington victory. Wilson eased up as McDavid came up the right-wing boards on a breakout. «I mean I like the guy, he is great for the game,» he said sheepishly, with a smile. «You know, sometimes you just don't need to make the hit, but I won't either deny nor confirm that.»
- Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts
- Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts
It's not a surprise that the feisty Tom Wilson didn't make the hit he spoke about. Many have tried and failed.
The more likely scenario was that Wilson was unable to make the hit along the boards in that Capitals-Oilers game; McDavid likely sped past him lightening-quick.
What is true, however, is that the Oilers' Captain commands respect across the league and the world, and yes, he is good for the game as a player and role-model.
Since his arrival in the NHL in 2015-16, McDavid has been the face of the league, as a player putting-up numbers at an historic pace, and as a role-model, demonstrating his character and gamesmanship for kids to model after.
So, for Wilson to say he's great for the game and the NHL, is an understatement.
For some context, however, Friedman had asked Wilson whether he warns a player he's about to lay-out with a bodycheck.
For some context, however, Friedman had asked Wilson whether he warns a player he's about to lay-out with a bodycheck.
«There was a play a couple of games ago where a young kid came down the left side, came right across the blue line into the middle of the ice,» he said. «I was backchecking and came the other way to meet himAnd we're both going full speed and it's going to be a big hit but at some points it's just, it is tough to execute the hit clean. And that would be a point where I would just say, 'Hey, heads up and then maybe bump into him.' Makes you look bad if they put it through your feet and go in and score, so you gotta be smart about it."
Good point Tom. If there is one thing Connor McDavid can do, whether you let-up on him or not, is to make players look bad.
He is very good at doing that. Maybe even the best.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 20 | 697 ANSWERS Top NHLer makes surprising comment about Connor McDavid after loss Is Connor McDavid playing like he's the best players in the NHL at the moment? | ||
| yes | 617 | 88.5 % |
| no | 80 | 11.5 % |
| List of polls | ||