Team Canada and USA will play in the 4 Nations Faceoff final tonight, which has prompted Connor McDavid to reflect back on Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.
The Stanley Cup Final is the pinnacle of the NHL, and McDavid was asked to compare this year's 4 Nations Final to the feeling of Game 7.
Connor McDavid still says Game 7 is more important than Canada vs USA
When asked to compare the two experiences in a new interview with the Athletic, McDavid was still partial to winning the Stanley Cup. It's the ultimate goal in professional hockey, and still just months removed from the loss, it's got to sting for McDavid.
Obviously I was extremely disappointed to lose that game. I feel like Game 7, Stanley Cup Final, is as big a game as you're going to play in your whole life. It's good to be able to draw on the experience obviously, having just been there a couple of months ago. Playing in big games is something I love to do - everyone loves to do. And tomorrow is a big game.»
- Connor McDavid
It also should be a motivating factor for McDavid to get a better result in a big game, and for the Edmonton Oilers to get back to the Stanley Cup final this season.
For now, McDavid is taking this chance with Team Canada to soak in the lessons from another legend in their locker room - Sidney Crosby. McDavid is consciously picking up on the leadership aspects and conduct of Crosby, not just to win in this tournament, but with the Oilers too.
He's got a very calming presence about him. He's played in all these big games. Olympic gold medals. Game 7's. Cup Finals. Whatever it is, he's played there, been there and done that. And been successful in doing that. A guy like that, you can learn a lot from.
- Connor McDavid
Tonight's game will be one of the most important games of McDavid's career - along with most of the other players in the game. Being the return of best on best international hockey in almost 10 years, there's ultimate bragging rights on the line.
Puck drops between Canada and the USA tonight at 5:30MT. It may be one of the best hockey games played in the last decade.