What is it that sets Connor McDavid apart from other NHL superstars?

Article content

With the pressure starting to boil and the ground beginning to shake under the Oilers’ bench, it was one of those moments where a game, and maybe even a series, teetered on the brink.

Article content

Article content

The Dallas Stars just turned the volume up to 10, having closed Edmonton’s 3-0 first-period lead to 3-2 midway through the second. They were coming back. Every fan in the American Airlines Center believed it and every player on the Dallas bench knew it.

Article content

They were going to erase a 3-0 lead, win Game 5 and never look back. There’s no way the Oilers could recover from such a soul-breaking defeat.

The next goal was everything.

Two minutes later, Connor McDavid took a shotgun and blasted every breath of air out of that balloon of hope. He read the play, jumped on a loose puck, used his thoroughbred speed to stay a step ahead of Roope Hintz and executed a breakaway deke that looked like somebody accidentally hit the fast forward button on a replay.

And, just like that, the Oilers were back in charge, on their way to another Stanley Cup Final.

“All things considered, my hockey brain says that’s probably one of the nicest goals I’ve seen him score,” said Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, who’s seen all of them in his 10 years as McDavid’s teammate.

“Just the whole situation, how it played out, who he had coming up behind him. That’s a big-time play. There is only one player in the world who can do that in that moment and we’re very fortunate to have him on our side.”

Article content

Article content

Ain’t that the truth. In a playoff year where eight-figure superstars all over the league couldn’t live up to the weight of the moment, McDavid continues to elevate when it matters most.

Everyone remembers how he took his game to another level, delivering out-of-this world performances against Calgary and Los Angeles at breaking points in those series. Or how he scored the game winner for Canada in the Four Nations pressure cooker. Or how he racked up 42 points in 25 playoff games last year.

“I’ve seen Connor do it numerous times last year in the playoffs and, before I was coaching, watching him on TV,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. “It’s really remarkable how he and Leon have really elevated their game at this time.”

A team needs its highest-paid guys to be difference makers in the clutch (ask the Toronto Maple Leafs) and the Oilers are blessed in that respect. They have a handful of them. Their most highly-skilled players are also their best big-game players.

Article content

Over the last four post-seasons, McDavid’s 1.75 points per game average is best in the league while Draisaitl is second at 1.54. Those are crazy numbers over a large sample size. In a league where Elias Pettersson, Auston Matthews and Connor Hellebuyck command similar money, Edmonton’s guys stand alone.

“Those are two superstars who might be the two best players in the regular season year after year, but they elevate their game in the playoffs, which is harder to do,” said Knoblauch.

“The playoffs are tighter checking, lower scoring and you’re playing against better teams. They really enjoy it. I’m not sure exactly how some guys do it — there is a competitive aspect to it and having confidence in yourself.”

It’s something a player is born with, a trait Knoblauch noticed in McDavid very early on when he coached him in Junior.

“He was 17 and we had a series against Sault Ste. Marie and we were hearing how they were the best team in the last 10 or 15 years,” said Knoblauch. “Connor set a record for the most points in a series. I think it was 23 points in a six-game series. He was phenomenal. He helped carry our team into that final.”

Article content

While the ability to steady the nerves, slow the game and produce in critical moments might come naturally, it’s also been honed by years of experience, countless moments of truth. When you have 90 career playoff games under your belt, staying cool comes a little easier.

“Why in the big moments do we show up?,” said McDavid, when asked where this sense of timing comes from. “Because we’re prepared, we prepared to be in this position for a long time.

“These are more normal positions for us now, the moment doesn’t feel big, it doesn’t feel anything other than a hockey game that allows you to make your play.

“And I’ve been fortunate to be on good teams. Last year we were a great team and we were one or two shots away from winning. I was really fortunate to play on a great Canada team, a really special team to be a part of, a special event. It was one of the greatest hockey memories I have.

“Now, to be a part of this group, it’s been fun. These last couple of years have been some of the most fun I’ve had playing hockey. I look forward to what’s going to be an exciting month.”

E-mail: rtychkowski@postmedia.com

Article content