There have been many comparisons between Connor McDavid and Wayne Gretzky, as well as between McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Ahead of this year’s Stanley Cup Final, another comparison is being made — but Connor McDavid isn’t having it.
Both Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby lost in their first Stanley Cup Final appearances: Gretzky with the Edmonton Oilers against the New York Islanders in 1983, and Crosby with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008 against the Detroit Red Wings. The following season, however, both faced the same opponent again — and won.
Connor McDavid compared to Wayne Gretzky
Now, Connor McDavid finds himself in the exact same situation. Last year, the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in seven games, and now they are once again squaring off in the Stanley Cup Final. If the Oilers win, McDavid would join that exclusive club.
”Different story”
But Connor McDavid doesn’t like the comparison.
“I see, obviously, the parallels that everyone wants to write about,” McDavid said on Tuesday, according to The Score.
“At the end of the day, this is a different story. Different teams, different group. Just excited to have another kick at the can here. That’s all.”
Regarding facing the Florida Panthers once again, McDavid remains focused and aware of the challenge ahead.
“They have our complete focus. All our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone’s mind,” McDavid said.
The Final begins on Wednesday in Edmonton.
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