Everyone at Rogers Place had their jaw on the floor when Connor McDavid scored his goal - except Leon Draisaitl.
Everyone at Rogers Place had their jaw on the floor when Connor McDavid scored his goal - except Leon Draisaitl.
EDMONTON -- To Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid's highlight reel goal last night was more of the same.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oECe7txb5cM[/embed]
"Yah it was nice," Draisaitl began. "Seen it before, but nice." The media laughs at his flat response.
Once the laughs died down Draisaitl turned serious. He revealed his true feelings for his captain, "there's one player in the world who can make plays like that and things like that happen."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-earI3cj5k[/embed]
"I don't know what to say. He knows what I think of him." His respect for McDavid pours out of his words.
Both players have a reputation of not expressing a lot of emotions. What is clear to fans (and media who cover the team) is how much these two players care for and respect each other.
Before leaving the ice, the two superstars embraced each other. They have both worked tirelessly to reach this point in the season. Who knows what injuries they are playing through. Who knows how many hours they have spent away from Rogers Place perfecting their craft.
Draisaitl and McDavid have high expectations of each other. This year those expectations include winning the Stanley Cup. They are four wins away from achieving that goal.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2PIO9pJgOs[/embed]
In the past the expectations have been more personal. Draisaitl challenged McDavid to shoot more because he knew he could score at least 60 goals in a season.
With that context in mind, of course Draisaitl wasn't blown away by McDavid's goal. He expects that from his captain - just like his captain expects magnificent backhand saucer passes from Draisaitl.
They aren't surprised by each other's greatness - they expect it.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.
Related: Corey Perry Can Make NHL History
Related: McDavid is Getting Married to His Girlfriend of 8-Years
Related: McDavid on Pace to Smash Gretzky Record
Related: Oilers Break Multiple NHL Records With Win
Related: 'It's Not An Accident': Connor Brown Reveals Connor McDavid's Secret to Being the Best