Connor McDavid sends hardcore message after huge hit, speaks on Team Canada linemates
Team Canada and Connor McDavid had a phenomenal showing in their first game of the tournament today, with their intensity felt right out of the gate.
On his first shift of the game, McDavid laid a rare massive hit against a Czechia defender and then potted 3 points the rest of the game. The hit even shocked McDavid’s teammates, but it showed what Team Canada will be all about at this Olympics.
Connor McDavid speaks on his huge hit, Team Canada linemates after Game 1
Speaking to media after the game, McDavid confirmed exactly what most Canadians felt while watching the hit - McDavid was sending a message that even Canada’s most skilled players are ready to get physical and dominate games in every way possible at these Olympics.
Our team wants to play hard, and everyone wants to play hard at this tournament.
We want to be a hard forechecking team, and it doesn’t have to be just Wilson, or Bennett, or Marchand. It can be everybody.
- Connor McDavid
We want to be a hard forechecking team, and it doesn’t have to be just Wilson, or Bennett, or Marchand. It can be everybody.
- Connor McDavid
McDavid is fully adopting the style of hockey Canadians have seen from past Olympics with NHL players. They have the best skill, and everyone wants player on the roster is willing to set the tone physically.
When a massive hit like this comes from Canada’s top player on his first shift, McDavid was setting the tone that they’re here to play Canadian hockey. It was a call back to their 2014 style of play at the Olympics, which featured some players who were the ultimate combo of skill and toughness in their prime. Shea Weber, Ryan Getzlaf, Jamie Benn, Corey Perry, Rick Nash, PK Subban - and everyone else.
As the game wore on and Canada wore down Czechia with wave after wave of elite players, they ran away with Game 1. McDavid’s line appeared to generate instant chemistry, and the Oilers captain seemed thrilled with his linemates after the game.
Unreal. Unreal. Both of them were amazing. Wilson is just a forechecking dog, so hard on guys, created so much space out there, it was fun. Celebrini was really impressive. Kept so many plays alive. He was dangerous, a great player.
- Connor McDavid
- Connor McDavid
Canada may not be done tweaking their lines as the tournament moves on, but one thing is clear after Game 1: this is a roster of some of hockey’s absolute best, and they’re willing to do anything to bring home Gold.
Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Team Canada teammates have amazing reaction to McDavid’s massive hit at Olympics
Team Canada teammates have amazing reaction to McDavid’s massive hit at Olympics