Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers delivered everything fans hoped for—and then some. Just minutes into the second period, the Panthers held a commanding 3-1 lead, rekindling memories of last year’s hard-fought Final. But momentum shifted as Connor McDavid orchestrated a comeback that would remind the hockey world exactly why he’s the most electrifying player on ice today.
The Oilers clawed back to tie the game, eventually forcing overtime in enemy territory. Then, with the clock winding down and Edmonton on a power play, McDavid pulled off a signature play. From below the goal line, he delivered a perfect pass to Leon Draisaitl, who slammed home the winner. The 4-3 overtime thriller not only gave the Oilers a 1-0 series lead—it ignited a new round of praise for their captain.
On the heels of the game, NHL icon Wayne Gretzky joined The Pat McAfee Show and didn’t hesitate when asked to identify the league’s top player. His response was clear, heartfelt, and unequivocal.
Gretzky: “He’s the best player in hockey”
With his trademark poise, Gretzky made his thoughts known on McDavid’s greatness: “There’s no question he’s the best player in hockey,” he said. “He’s an unselfish young man. He loves playing in Edmonton, he loves being the captain of the Oilers. He wants desperately to win a Stanley Cup—that’s all he wants. That’s what he cares about the most right now.”
Those words carried extra weight coming from Gretzky, who knows better than anyone what it takes to lead a team to a championship in Edmonton. His own success with the Oilers in the 1980s—four Stanley Cups in five years—still defines the golden era of the franchise. Gretzky added, “He’s just been great for our game; he’s been great for the city of Edmonton.”
A legacy in motion
While Gretzky has long since retired, his influence remains deeply woven into the Oilers’ identity. Seeing someone like McDavid wear the “C” with such intensity and class only reinforces that legacy. McDavid’s performance in Game 1, where he recorded two assists—including the game-deciding feed—was another step toward fulfilling his ultimate goal.
The Oilers haven’t hoisted the Cup since the 1989-90 season. For McDavid, the opportunity to end that drought is more than a career milestone—it’s a mission. Every game he plays in these playoffs reinforces the idea that he’s not just the best of his generation, but possibly on a path to something greater.
The road to greatness continues
Few players in NHL history have combined elite talent and unwavering determination like McDavid. Season after season, he showcases a level of excellence that consistently raises the standard across the league.
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His commitment to team success and his relentless pursuit of a title remain at the heart of his legacy in the making. “He wants desperately to win a Stanley Cup—that’s all he wants,” said Wayne Gretzky, summing up the mindset of hockey’s most driven superstar.