McDavid says matchup against Maple Leafs is personal

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
January 16, 2024 (6:09 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Although the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs now only play each other twice a year, the two teams and their fanbases have developed quite the rivalry between their star studded rosters that goes back to the Canadian Division in the COVID season.

With the Leafs returning tonight to visit the Oilers, McDavid was asked to reflect on a specific set of games that he took personally. Sportsnet's Luke Fox asked McDavid if he remembered the time the Leafs and Oilers played three straight, where the Oilers lost all three games and McDavid didn't register a point. Judging his response, it's clear McDavid took that failure at the hands of his hometown team personally.

Couldn't wait for the Leafs to leave after that week. That was a long week.

Saying that he couldn't wait for the Leafs to leave and remembering the feelings from that week is more evidence of how emotionally invested McDavid is into the success of the Oilers. Especially in the most intense matchups, like most games against the Leafs, McDavid always wears his heart on his sleeve and takes it personally.

Being arguably the two most consistent Cup Contenders in Canada built off the success of extremely talented forwards, the Oilers and Leafs are very similar in their strengths and weaknesses - which always makes for incredibly entertaining games. Tonight should be a fantastic game as Edmonton looks to keep their ten game winning streak alive.