As Connor McDavid steps onto the ice for Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final, the weight of expectations from fans, analysts, and the hockey world rests squarely on his shoulders. McDavid, once a kid playing hockey in his basement, now stands on the brink of hockey immortality. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and former star PK Subban have both highlighted McDavid’s unparalleled skill and potential for greatness, with Bettman calling him “the best hockey player on the face of the earth” and Subban noting that a Game 7 victory would bring “instant immortality.”
McDavid’s leadership throughout the playoffs has been nothing short of extraordinary. Down 3-0 earlier in the series, McDavid’s ability to rally his team back into contention has showcased his exceptional talent and the belief his teammates have in him. He urged fans not to stop cheering and said after Edmonton dropped the first three games, “It’s not over till’ it’s over.” He was right and McDavid has allowed himself to seize the moment and solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
This Has Been Years in The Making for McDavid and the Oilers
It was 11 years ago tonight that McDavid tweeted, “Always cool watching the Stanley Cup presented, but at the same time it makes me so jealous.”
Deemed a “Cup or bust season” before the year began, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic reflects on McDavid’s journey and how it’s been a lot longer than just this one campaign. Highlighting the highs and lows he and the Oilers have faced since his draft nine years ago, the path has been fraught with challenges.
Those experiences have shaped McDavid into the player he is today. “It’s been a long road to get to this point,” McDavid remarked. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs. A lot of lessons along the way — a lot of lessons. But it takes a lot. It really does.”
With almost as many playoff points as opponents Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov combined, McDavid’s performance in Game 7 could be his defining moment. His intensity and leadership will undoubtedly elevate his teammates, including Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. While the Florida Panthers won’t go down without a fight, the stage is set for McDavid to shine.
Tonight, McDavid has the chance to win his first Stanley Cup, secure the Conn Smythe Trophy, and achieve the dream that has driven him since childhood. As the world watches, Connor McDavid is poised to rise to the occasion and etch his name among the greatest in hockey history
