Ex-Oilers goalie reveals how Connor McDavid inspires teammates

PUBLICATION

Noel Drolet
May 20, 2024 (5:18 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The importance of captains in an emotional NHL locker room

The NHL playoffs are not only the most physically demanding playoffs in sports, but are also incredibly mentally demanding. Playoff times brings about massive pressure, especially for some teams or players more than others.

Every player handles the stress of the postseason differently, with so many different personalities in one locker room. It can affect guys so much such as Jonathan Toews, who was dubbed «captain serious» for his stern approach to playoff pressures. Ex-Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson comments on what playoffs were like in the locker room, and how differently players can respond to the situation.

I wish I was playing in it. They are a lot of fun, but also a lot of stress. I loved playing in those games, and some guys didn't. You sort of get to know if a guy is tight before the game, so you try to make a joke or calm them down. Some guys like to play on edge (stressed) though, so your leaders have to monitor it.

This is one thing a lot of people misconstrue about captaincy, is just how hard it is to be a leader. You have so many different personalities in the room and a captain has to accommodate each one to ensure everyone is at the top of their game.

With the different personalities taking things differently, you have to wonder how the Oilers are feeling right now. McDavid has the ability to lead his team on the ice, but needs to show he does it off the ice too. He's done a great job of showing that this year, in getting the guys fired up and helping players accommodate to playoff hockey. He does nothing but speak highly of all his teammates, like he does in this post game interview after game 6.

Guys like McDavid are amazing to have as captains, especially when calming down a team's nerves before a big game. There's no game bigger than tonight's game, and the Oilers will look to get out there and take care of business on their road to Stanley Cup glory.