Last night's goal by Connor McDavid - his first at Rexall wearing the most beautiful sweaters in the NHL - was without a doubt my favorite of his career so far. He pretzel'd Peter Mrazek so badly, it had me giggling out loud.
It was his fourth goal of the season, and he now has six points on the season. He has recorded a point in three straight, and four games out of five.
McDavid had another really good game last night. From the Edmonton Journal player grades:
#97 Connor McDavid, 7. Came to life in a brilliant second period where he showed his stick skills and elusiveness, both on one play on the game winner which he buried with a superlative deke after first gaining separation from the defender with a sophisticated roll. That was the third breathtaking goal McDavid has been involved in over the past 3 games, and is already beginning to become something of a habit with the wunderkind. Made a superb move and pass to Letestu for a chance that really should have been buried. Got to another puck in the offensive zone where he leaped to avoid the defender while simultaneously taking the most efficient line to the puck. Also drew the (rather lame) penalty that led to the first Oilers goal. Played just 15:36, including a little bit of time on the PK where he acquitted himself well. I’m tempted to give him an 8 but will soon run out of room once he hits his true level. He’s got many games in his future that will be greater than this one.Like they said he was on the PK towards the end of the game, which I thought was kind of amazing.
Cam Talbot was awesome; it wasn't all about McDavid on this night. Talbot stopped 28 of 29 shots at Rexall last night. The lone score by the Red Wings was a Tomas Tatar marker with 6:49 to go in the game.
The Oilers have won now three games in a row. That hasn't happened many times since I've been running this blog.
