Connor McDavid makes rare equipment change during Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final

As the Oilers came out for warmup in Game 5, fans immediately noticed that McDavid changed the curve of his stick.

McDavid had previously used a custom variant of the P92 curve on his CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro Stick. Before Game 5, he made a surprising change to turn to a variant stick curve.

By this time of the year and the playoffs, players clearly have their gear choices locked in, especially creatures of habit like McDavid. To see him make a change in one of the biggest games of his career shows that he was willing to try anything for a difference.

Before last night, McDavid had fired 17 shots on goal in the Stanley Cup Final and had yet to score a goal, or even more than one even strength point.

Switching out his stick curve would help mostly for shooting, and it did finally turn the tides for McDavid with a goal - but he only registered 2 shots.

Hopefully he's satisfied with the curve change, and can start firing the puck a little more. McDavid's obviously more known to be a passer, but he's also a Rocket Richard Trophy winner. He needs to be firing the puck, and ideally, puts his stamp on the series offensively in Game 6.

Now facing elimination for the first time this playoffs, the Oilers will truly be in desperation time. Every player needs to dig deep to find the best they've ever played, and that especially includes McDavid.