Mike Babcock receives an unforeseen judgment from Connor McDavid prior to the Oilers’ visit to Toronto.
Before the Oilers’ visit to Toronto, Connor McDavid delivers a stunning judgment on Mike Babcock.
Connor McDavid has just rendered a powerful public judgement on Mike Babcock, the Oilers’ head coach.
The franchise player’s praise of his coach was direct and unsolicited by any controversy, despite the coach’s divisive image. It was also reflecting light.
“He has set a standard here that we strive to attain on a daily basis,” McDavid stated. “When we don’t, we hear about it. We want that. He has been great, really. I can’t say anything else. It seems important to him to care for those around him.”
McDavid didn’t name a former coach, and his remarks weren’t directed at anyone. However, when a captain states that he expects to be notified when the club is in trouble, he is portraying a space where accountability is accepted from the highest levels of the organization.
Babcock is aided by the timing. The Oilers are 14-3-3 and are in first place in the Pacific Division after defeating the Flyers 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to three games. Last week, we looked at Edmonton’s new identity under Babcock, and McDavid’s remarks align with that picture.
Its road record is what makes it stand out the most. On Saturday, Edmonton travels to Toronto and is 7-0-1 on the road.
