Connor McDavid shared his honest thoughts on how much he values teammate Evan Bouchard's clutch performance in big moments. Bouchard's calmness under pressure is one of the big reasons why Edmonton Oilers are featuring in their second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.
What did Connor McDavid had to say about Evan Bouchard?
While the media duties on Tuesday ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Edmonton Oilers skipper was asked if he had ever seen someone as calm as Evan Bouchard in pressure situations.
No, McDavid answered. No, Bouchie is amazing that way. Nothing fazes him—big games, big moments. Makes a mistake, nothing rattles him. It's amazing to see. He's really elevated his game, more so in his own zone. He's been fantastic. He's been on the kill, doing what he does. He's great.
During Game 4 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers were second away from going down 3-1 in the series. But, Bouchard scored two goals in the third-period as the game went into overtime. Later, Leon Draisaitl managed to score and tie the series 2-2. The Oilers have not looked back since then.
Bouchard has shown improvements in the postseason. He was once criticized for being weak defensively and being extra reliant on Mattias Ekholm. Due to Ekholm's injury for most of the playoffs, Bouchard has stepped up his game.
He has scored 17 points in 16 games with a plus-minus rating of 9. He will be a free agent on July 1. Last year, he scored 32 points in the playoffs. Due to two consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, he will get a big contract. Right now, he is on a $3,900,000 contract per season.
Connor McDavid to feature in Game 1 against Florida Panthers
Connor McDavid has to exit from the practise early on Sunday after talking with the training staff. This raised some eyebrows but coach Kris Knoblauch later said that there are no issues and McDavid will be seen playing Game 1 against the Panthers.
TSN's Ryan Rishaug shared the update on Connor McDavid from the coach on X.
Knoblauch said no major issue, McDavid will be good to go for game one, Rishaug tweeted.
Connor McDavid is a key player for the Oilers and even the last season's Conn Smythe Trophy winner. The Oilers will be looking to win their first championship since 1990 and also the first Canadian team to win since 1993.