Connor McDavid had a generational postseason run, setting an all-time record for assists during one playoff season.
McDavid led the Edmonton Oilers to a Game 7 against the Florida Panthers after being down 3-0 in the series. In Games 4 and 5, he made history, becoming the first player in NHL history to record consecutive four-point games in a final.
McDavid’s 42 points are the fourth-best in any playoffs, but it wasn’t enough for the Edmonton Oilers.
They had the chance to become the first team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to win the Cup after being down 3-0 in the series and to be the first Canadian-based team since 1993 to win it, but they eventually lost 2-1 in the deciding game.
Although the Oilers didn’t win the Cup, Connor McDavid was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
It’s the first time since 2003 that a player has won the trophy being on the losing team.
The player who won in 2003 was Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
It’s understandable that a player who has just lost the final is disappointed, but Connor McDavid has received criticism for not being on the ice to accept the award.
When Giguere won it, he was on the ice despite just having lost the Finals, and now, he slams McDavid for his decision not to leave the locker room.
”It’s a privilege to play in the NHL. Even if you’re the best player in the world, you’re not bigger than the sport,” Giguere said per BPM Sports Radio on Instagram.
Per House of Hockey, Giguere also said that McDavid’s actions were disrespectful.
”It should be an obligation to show up and accept the trophy, it’s a respect question. It is similar to the handshake. The game gives us so much, we should give back, and showing respect to the trophy is part of it.”
Aside from Connor McDavid and Giguere, only Ron Hextall, Reggie Leach, Glenn Hall, and Roger Crozier have won the Conn Smythe while being on the losing team.
