Connor McDavid is an endless source of highlights, and not just for fans.
The best player in the world is delivering such a standout season that his peers can’t help but watch his best moments.
The Edmonton Oilers captain has already set career highs with 55 goals and 127 points, and has 15 games left in the regular season.
“He’s from another planet,” Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin said.
“He dominates,” added Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. It continues to improve and for any player that is what you are looking for. »
In recent years, he has focused on doing even better in the faceoff circle and on defense.
This season, he specifically wanted to score more, surpassing the 50-goal mark for the first time in his career.
“I kind of always had the mentality of going first, going with the best game available,” McDavid said. This season, I think it’s mostly a question of having been put in good positions and being surrounded by good players. »
The difference between McDavid and the next closest scorer, teammate Leon Draisaitl, is 29 points. Boston’s David Pastrnak ranks second in goals, but is still nine behind McDavid.
Coming off a 13-goal flurry in 10 games, McDavid is nearing the highest single-season tally since 2005—Ovechkin’s 65 in 2007-08.
Ovechkin marvels at what McDavid achieves.
“It’s a pleasure to see how he controls the puck and the speed,” said the Russian veteran, who is trailed only by Wayne Gretzky in career goals.
Dylan Strome saw McDavid hone aspects of his game when they were teammates in junior in Erie, Pennsylvania.
“He’s finding new ways to be creative,” Strome said. Sometimes you wonder what more he can do. »
Strome, who now plays with Ovechkin in Washington, noticed McDavid scoring from different angles, shooting from further and attempting more one-timers.
Part of that comes from watching Crosby, Auston Matthews and other players, studying how they take their shots.
“So many guys go about it in different ways,” McDavid said. Watching other players at work is always an opportunity to learn something. »
Nathan MacKinnon, a key part of Colorado’s title win last year, said McDavid’s fabulous season makes him want to improve.
“It makes you want to fight for something,” MacKinnon said.
“The ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup,” McDavid said. This is what we are working towards. »
The Oilers’ next game is Tuesday night at home against Ottawa.