Is Connor McDavid the most talented player in hockey history? Several media are asking the question these days.
The Edmonton Oilers captain has taken his game to a level not seen since the start of the playoffs.
For those who have seen Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux play, comparisons are either premature or completely out of order.
Their objections are understandable. These great players have set records that may never be broken.
Gretzky had 2,857 points in an era when he scored a lot in the National League.
His record may never be lowered. Not just because it seems unattainable, but mostly because hockey isn’t played the same way anymore.
modern day athlete
The game is more systematic these days. Everything is analyzed in depth. Goalkeepers are superior and more athletic.
Everything happens at lightning speed and this is where McDavid comes into the picture. His great speed gives him a head start on everyone.
McDavid is a 21 year old athletee century, the kind who is able to raise the limits of his sport.
They are found in all disciplines.
In football, Tom Brady has led his teams to seven Super Bowl titles.
In soccer, Lionel Messi is considered the greatest player in the history of his sport.
Former sprinter Usain Bolt holds several world records.
Also in women
The same phenomenon is observed in women. Serena Williams revolutionized women’s tennis.
Skier Lindsay Vonn has won 82 World Cup events, a women’s record.
Brazilian Marta is nicknamed the female Pelé of soccer, a nickname endorsed by the great Pelé himself.
Gymnast Simone Biles has a collection of seven Olympic medals and 25 from world championships.
Closer to home, Marie-Phillip Poulin is identified as the female counterpart of Sidney Crosby.
Recognized by its peers
In his first six NHL seasons, McDavid captured four scoring championships.
The Players Association voted him their team’s most valuable player three times.
And, for the first time since its debut, the Edmonton Oilers are in contention for the Stanley Cup. They only need one victory to reach the four aces.
It would be their first since 2006 when they were defeated in seven games by the Carolina Hurricanes in the Grand Final.
More homogeneous team
McDavid is on a mission.
He wants to show that he is capable of leading his team to great honours.
We also see a formation that no longer depends only on its captain and Leon Draisaitl.
Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse have become mainstays on defense. Duncan Keith gives the defensive squad playoff experience they didn’t have in the past.
Tyson Barrie is another who is doing well.
General manager Ken Holland had a lucky hand by adding Zack Hyman and Evander Kane to his attacking group.
If Mike Smith doesn’t let himself be thwarted by beach balls, like the one he let pass on Tuesday night, the Oilers might continue their march for quite a while yet.
Le grand Mario
When you think regarding it, the Oilers may have the best chance of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Canada.
McDavid is arguably the best player in the world.
Whether he is the most talented of all time, everyone has their own opinion.
In my opinion, this title still belongs to Mario Lemieux. But it is not said that McDavid might not make me change my mind one day.
