Hailed by Gretzky, McDavid is likely finalist for MVP
It’s 2005-06 all over again for Wayne Gretzky when it comes to youngsters Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews making their NHL playoff debuts.
The Great One couldn’t help but share his enthusiasm in a text, comparing McDavid and Matthews’ arrival on the postseason stage to the same buzz generated during Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin’s rookie seasons.
“It’s just one of the best things that has happened to the NHL since Crosby and Ovechkin,” Gretzky wrote. “Should be fun for all.”
The comparison isn’t far off, given how McDavid, the Oilers’ second-year captain, and Matthews, the Maple Leafs’ Rookie of the Year candidate, have taken the league by storm.
McDavid in 2015 and Matthews last year were selected with the No. 1 pick in consecutive drafts, as were Ovechkin (2004) and Crosby (2005).
McDavid is considered an MVP finalist after leading the league with 100 points, and helping the Oilers end a 10-year playoff drought. Matthews led NHL rookies with 40 goals and 69 points in helping the youthladen Maple Leafs make the jump from dead last a year ago to 14th and clinch the franchise’s second playoff berth in 12 seasons.
McDavid had an assist in a 3-2 overtime series-opening loss to San Jose on Wednesday, and said the Oilers lacked finish.
“I don’t know whether they raised their game or our game fell off,” McDavid said. “I thought maybe we got a little comfortable, which can’t happen.”
Matthews made his playoff debut in a 3-2 overtime loss at Washington on Thursday. Before the game, Matthews shared Gretzky’s excitement about McDavid and other young players getting their first taste of the playoffs.
“For a second year in the league, you see a lot of young guys making the playoffs, and teams that weren’t so good that are now making it into the playoffs,” Matthews said. “I think it’s awesome for the guys in this room, especially all the rookies.
“It’s something that we’ve yet to experience it at this level, so we’re looking forward to it.”