Connor McDavid is a world-class superstar. Connor Bedard can learn a lot from him both on and off the ice.
The Chicago Blackhawks were close to completing a multi-goal comeback against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night at United Center. A big third period allowed them to force overtime on a rainy (and late) night in Chicago.
In overtime, the Oilers were awarded a power play as the Hawks were caught with too many men on the ice. Edmonton’s man advantage is lethal and they showed why in overtime. Connor McDavid’s beautiful play set up a free tap-in for Zach Hyman.
This was the second night in a row that McDavid’s beautiful feet set up a game-winner in overtime. One night prior, he set up Connor Brown to beat the St. Louis Blues.
McDavid made the big play in overtime but that was just his first assist of the game. That made it so that he had just one assist in each of the three matchups this season between Edmonton and Chicago. That’s high-end production for most players but McDavid is capable of so much more. For a guy with 71 points in 48 games, the Hawks did a decent job of containing him.
To say that McDavid is a star would be an understatement. He is the best player in the world for a variety of reasons. Stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, and Auston Matthews amongst others are close but nobody matches what McDavid brings.
We know about his offensive prowess. He already has over 1000 points and he’s 28 years old. McDavid also plays a certain way which allows him to have 200-foot success in the league. Nobody questions his commitment to defense which can in turn lead to winning.
Edmonton was in the Stanley Cup Final last spring for a reason. Their depth plays a big role but McDavid (and Leon Draisaitl) being committed to playing the right way does wonders for them.
McDavid has a level of speed that nobody in the league can get to, especially when the puck is on the stick. His ability to score and create for others is a result of that speed. His motor has a bit to do with it as well as he is always looking to break out for a big play.
Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard can learn a lot from McDavid. Outside of having the same first name, they have a lot in common. Both of them were billed as “generational prospects” and were the number-one picks in their respective drafts.
Like Bedard, McDavid’s early years were filled with points but no winning. Now, we’ve seen what the Oilers have become under the leadership of McDavid both on and off the ice. It took years to get to where he is today and Bedard must recognize the grind it takes to get there no matter how generational you are.
Bedard will never have McDavid’s speed or edge work but he can have similar production if he finds the best ways to use his skills. That means relying mostly on his shot and brilliant hockey IQ. The motor and will to win must match McDavid’s intensity level to be a top-five player in this league. The best players take their skills and become obsessed with winning to be successful.
After playing against him a few times now, Bedard has seen McDavid firsthand. Chicago must hope that he has learned a thing or two from watching the Edmonton superstar because there are tools he can grab and bring to his game.
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