Connor McDavid isn’t just playing well right now; he’s playing at a level never even seen before in his wildly entertaining NHL career. Often known as McJesus because he looks like he can walk on water, the No. 97 run that has produced the past twelve games is almost unbelievable.
I used the word “wild” on purpose. It was a game against the Minnesota Wild, after which the media questioned McDavid about his play and tendency to pass up shots. He’s been on another planet since that game, and Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames was the latest reminder of what he can do when he wants to.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch noted at the time, “I think he was disappointed with your guys’ coverage of his offensive ability, or not shooting the puck. Maybe that got things moving.”
McDavid wasn’t just excited, he took it personally
On Tuesday night, McDavid notched five assists, pushed his season total to 67 points in just 38 games and made a statement as the player he chased in Colorado (Nathan MacKinnon) went pointless. The Oilers didn’t just win — they dominated, and Sportsnet’s Mark Spector put it well when he asked Leon Draisaitl if there was just a jet engine attached to McDavid for the rest of the team to jump behind. “He definitely turns the game around,” Draisaitl replied.
What happens in December is what really sets this run apart from all the other warm runs. In 11 games, McDavid has collected 31 points. That’s not just a leading production; that’s a pace that over an entire season would land him in the top 50 NHL scorers — and he’s doing it in one month. What’s even more telling is that he hasn’t played a single meaningless night in a row, at a time of year when most players are simply trying to survive the schedule.
When asked where the energy comes from, McDavid’s answer was as nonchalant as his dominance was overwhelming. He likes the routine. He likes routine. “The schedule suits me,” he said. And right now that is clearly the case.
Keep this McDavid line together
In his own right, McDavid is a sight to behold. Some credit should go to his linemates, whom McDavid is publicly petitioning to stay where they are. He centers what looks like the best line in hockey, flanked by Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. As a trio, they set the pace and force opponents to chase them all night long.
This is the kind of line that will have some people ask if Team Canada were to consider all three players for the Olympics and just merge them together.
Most importantly, the Oilers are 8-2-1 during this McDavid explosion. Being the shooter and driver he wanted to be when he made comments about scoring goals early in the season, Edmonton has emerged from the middle of the pack and is tied for first in the Pacific.
McDavid has always been great. But right now he seems untouchable, and the rest of the league is just trying to keep up with him.
Next: NHL Be Ready: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl sends a straight question
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