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Would Connor McDavid trade all his hardware for a Stanley Cup?
Photo credit: NHL
Many want to see Oilers' Connor McDavid win the Stanley Cup. And many, after all, claim he is the best hockey player in world. Yet, despite Connor's impressive collection of NHL trophies and awards, the greatest prize illudes him still.
McDavid has won 5 scoring titles, 3 Hart Trophies as league's MVP, and has been the NHLPA's Most Outstanding Player 4 times, but no Stanley Cup. I am certain that if he could trade all of his hardware for a Stanley Cup, he may just consider it - but for a few seconds only, as amusement.
Hockey players are not built that way. They must earn the top NHL prize, or it means nothing. Besides, Connor McDavid wants to replace the images from last season's Finals, with him holding Lord Stanley's Cup in the air, and screaming incoherently with his Oilers teammates.
Alex Ovechkin and Nathan McKinnon, among others, did not win a Stanley Cup until well into their careers. This year may just be Connor McDavid's turn; except, the Florida Panthers stand in his, and the Oilers', way.
Florida is a +27 in goal differential through 17 playoff games this year. They're scoring more (3.88) and allowing fewer goals (2.29). 5v5, they've improved from 2.39 goals/60 to 3.53 this playoffs. Their powerplay is up year over year, which will benefit their cause if the Oilers continue to struggle on the PK.
The Panthers added Seth Jones and Brad Marchand to their already strong line-up. The Mikkola and Jones pairing has improved their team's shot attempts to 56%, goals for to 4.14 and goals against to 1.69 per 60 minutes 5v5.
"Meeks has been a beast all playoffs, he's everywhere," Marchand said. " I don't think he gets enough credit. He's extremely tough to play against. Then when you play with him, you realize that he's not flashy, but he closes so quick, he's always on top of guys and physical."
The trio of Marchand, Lundell and Luostorinen has earned 53% of the team's shot attempts 5v5. They average 4.2 goals for and 0.82 goals against. Marchand has 14 points in 17 playoff games, Luostorinen 13, and Lundell 5 goals and 7 assists, for 12 points.
Who wins this year's battle between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers may just be which team has the better 3rd line.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 40 ANSWERS Would Connor McDavid trade all his hardware for a Stanley Cup? Which team do you think will win this season's Stanley Cup? | ||
| Edmonton Oilers | 24 | 60 % |
| Florida Panthers | 16 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||