Coach Jay Woodcroft says Captain Connor McDavid is an inspiration in the Edmonton Oilers' bid for the Stanley Cup.
The Oilers, 15/1 to win the Stanley Cup in 2021/22, beat the Dallas Stars over seven games in the Western Conference First Round to set up a Battle of Alberta in the Second Round against the Calgary Flames.
Making the difference
25-year-old McDavid was a difference maker in the opening round victory over the Kings scoring a playoff leading 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in the seven games.
With the Oilers 3-2 down in the series, McDavid figured in five of the six goals (two goals, three assists) Edmonton scored to win Games 6 (4-2) and 7 (2-0).
McDavid's hot form in the playoffs followed a regular season where he won his fourth Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's scoring leader after producing a career-high 123 points (44 goals, 79 assists) in 80 games.
He is again a finalist for the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, an award which he won unanimously last season.
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Flames next up
The Second Round series with the Flames will be their first meeting in the post-season since 1991. The Flames (50-21-11) will have home advantage after finishing seven points ahead of the Oilers (49-27-6) in the Pacific Division.
In 38 career playoff games, McDavid has amassed 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists).
Woodcroft said to the media about McDavid: "He's somebody who is not afraid to speak up and let his teammates know what he expects.
"He backs up those words, and they carry a lot of weight. His play has been very inspired. It's inspiring his teammates. He's driving us forward."
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