Connor McDavid shares his true feelings about not leading the NHL in scoring this year
After being eliminated from last year's playoffs, both McDavid and Draisaitl said this year would be cup or bust. The Oilers started this year to an awful star of 2-9-1, but have since turned it around and are now nearing the NHL record for a team win streak of 17. Yet through the Oilers recent success, McDavid and Draisaitl haven't been the only ones putting up absurd points.
Instead, Connor McDavid says he's «been there, done that» with receiving Art Ross Trophies, and is rather looking to play a more complete game - even if that means scoring less. In a recent interview with Mark Spector, McDavid opened up about his entire approach to this year.
«It's not one of those years where everyone's going to be writing about all these big numbers and stuff like that. But, we've been there and done that,» McDavid said. «It's about being a part of something, and I think it's a good thing that no one's writing about Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way.»
When asked if he was concerned about losing out on his fourth consecutive scoring title, McDavid was entirely dismissive about personal accomplishments again.
«We're doing something bigger than us winning an Art Ross, or another Hart Trophy. Leon and I have led the league ��one-two in scoring ��for the better part of four or five years. We've been there and we've done that.»
From these responses, it's clear that McDavid and the entire Oilers roster has thrown away the importance of individual success, and are buying into a team style of play - that's what's arguably led to this incredible string of success. Since Knoblauch took over with defensive coach Paul Coffey the Oilers have been playing incredibly sound defensively, and these comments from McDavid highlight the importance of the team first philosophy. It's true leadership and maturity from McDavid, and it's this kind of mentality that will take the Oilers deep into the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
Will McDavid still win the Art Ross Trophy this year? | ||
| Yes | 252 | 41.9 % |
| No | 306 | 50.8 % |
| See Results | 44 | 7.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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