Connor McDavid Is Making NHL History

[@BestballNoah]

Absolutely love the film breakdown and explaining what makes players elite. We're missing this kind of detailed content on youtube, would love to see more!

[@-phenom-]

Absolutely agree! Too many other channels are consumed with quantity (putting up short/daily videos just to earn clicks/money) and could careless about quality -- I've started unsubscribing to many of them.

[@the1andonly759]

That was one of the best McDavid breakdowns I’ve seen on this platform, great vid

[@Krazy_Shorts]

I'd go so far as to say ANY platform!

[@kalikasurf]

It truly highlights just how good he is! So much variation in his shots, it makes him so unpredictable.

[@kudohlol9379]

Mcdavids puck handling skill while remaining always head up, and skating, and skating faster and better than anyone else. Absolute unreal.

[@xavierharding8938]

They lost to the Canucks twice 😀😃😄😁😆😅😂

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

Too bad his Cup handling skills are terrible 😂😂😂

[@mommysmilkers9518]

10 years from now all the “how the oilers wasted mcdavid” videos are gonna be equally sad and gold

[@outoo]

Wasting Mcdavid is next to impossible but if someone is can do it, it's Oilers

[@gregbrown3082]

Absolutely. To finish a season with McD and Draisaitl top 1 and 2 scorers, and yet barely make the playoffs... Jesus.

[@ianism3]

jeez yeah I hope not

[@cameronpickard7456]

nope he'll get several cups starting this year

[@malcolmholmes2596]

​LOL

[@northernvideo]

This is the stuff I teach kids about. Most of my players watch McDavid on youtube and see his flash and highlight goals but what they are not catching is his sense for the game and overall awareness. You said it perfectly regarding his play without the puck. Gretzky said the same thing, his success came when he didn't have the puck. Open ice and positioning is so important and the ability to read the play is a lost art.

[@hockeypsychology]

Love hearing that!

[@WithScienceAsMySheperd]

tell them to study JAGR = The best players ever : Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr. Nobody will touch this top 3. The current in modern times are close but will at best round-out the top 5 People who doubt Jagr should know he suffered losses of seasons to ALL lockouts of his era, and lost eyars in the KHL

[@ianism3]

I don't think it's a lost art at all. the modern NHL runs on getting to the right areas at precisely the right time without the puck. I think you're just thinking too much about the kids you teach and not considering that they aren't NHL-level talents.

[@BrokTheLoneWolf]

I saw him live. He was about to get clocked around centre ice and last second he got out of the way. His speed is unreal.

[@nickhockey96]

Lol I got him nice once. Only once tho 😂

[@amxterxsu138]

​@@nickhockey96sure thing pal 👍

[@tudormiller8898]

Great analysis of such a legend of the modern era of NHL. Watching in the UK 🇬🇧

[@rrk1008]

I’ll never get tired of watching that backhand no-look pass against the Blackhawks.

[@ElyseGiroux]

Tons of very interesting information in this video to study and improve our game, thank you

[@kurtwpg]

Scoring has crept back up. What Sid did in the dead puck era is arguably just as impressive.

[@tomh3999]

Or Peter Forsberg

[@fabreasy304]

Also some of the recent great goalies are retired or about to retire.

[@junct]

ok but even using era adjusted points per game mcdavid is still ahead (1.55 vs 1.40)

[@junct]

also art ross doesn't care for scoring creeping up. mcdavid's 5 vs sid's 2 should tell you which one is more impressive. mcdavid clearly stood out more in their respective eras

[@JesusFriedChrist]

Crosby > McDoofus

[@coconyt3623]

Wow. That is a damn good breakdown of why McD is so dominant. Definitely a damn great watch for any less knowledgeable fan.

[@Krazy_Shorts]

Great breakdown man! I love it. Didn't realize there were so many finer points his game. This dude is not from this planet!

[@REAPER-1xxx]

You put together so many good clips. Great job!

[@propstick]

Every game I watch, he does something spectacular. He's just freakisly talented and smart.

[@MrRumBacardi]

Incredible breakdown! I am the regular hockey fan that enjoys the highlights but when you break down the science like this it is so intresting! New sub!

[@Ando2k10]

Thank you for creating such thorough content. I really enjoy the breakdowns that you do. A suggestion, for a future video, that I'd really like to see, would be how goaltending has changed, past to present. From the stand-up, pad stacking goalies, to the butterfly, the pro-fly, and modern pro-fly hybrids.

[@keirpatrick3045]

Great analysis as always!

[@actionreplayhd]

Toronto fan here, not into hockey much but this video has made me appreciate the sport again.

[@BackyardBitcoin]

You’re a Masterful content creator. The breakdown, the music, the editing. Engaging from start to finish. Awesome stuff!

[@drdrai7479]

Great video, never seen McDavid's excellence explained so well.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

I saw all of Gretzky and Mario’s careers being 51. Mario was the biggest talent ever with best body for dominating. He was injured almost all the time. Still dominating every single game.

[@davideaston6944]

A HUGE part of "hockey" is being able to survive the physicality of it. It's integral to the game itself. So, you have to, HAVE to, consider this in deciding who was THE GREATEST player(s). Thus, Mario is down that list.

[@TheWarawaj]

@@davideaston6944 I'd have to disagree, Mario played after Cancer. Sid after BAD concussions that would have ended a lesser's career. Modern hockey is far less brutal than prior iterations. This was done to allow talent to take the stage and push old school hockey out. Imagine if Modern hockey was implemented in the 70's. How much more Sid or Mario or Gretz could have accomplished; how many more points could have been scored.

[@davideaston6944]

@@TheWarawaj "I'd have to disagree, Mario played after Cancer. Sid after BAD concussions that would have ended a lesser's career. " Sorry, I don't see this as any "counter-point" to what I said, and therefore, what exactly are you disagreeing with? There are certainly 'outliers' (as there are to ANY circumstance) to the idea that anyone not successfully playing through the physicality of hockey is therefore "not great": a freaking accident (or intentional 'accident', in many cases) like the shortening of Paul Kariya's career, for example, simply falls outside the average understanding and perspective of 'qualitative consideration'. Eric Lindros, as well. (Cancer? That isn't even in the equation regarding the effect of physicality on a player due to the nature of the game... ?? Completely lost as to why you'd bring that even up!). So, again, everyone, generally, is playing in the same game, on the same sheet of ice, against opponents in the same era, and suggesting comparing players playing in different eras is totally misleading and ingenuous as to the nature of qualitative consideration per era. Esposito scored 76 goals in the ERA he played in, while no one else did. Who cares what "the game" was, or what the "physical fitness of the player" was, etc. Espo is one of the greatest to ever play the game, BY COMPARISON to his peers, at WHATEVER the 'state of the game' was at that time; whatever the 'fitness / skill' level of the players was at that time. It is ALWAYS relative. But anyway, there are several reasons your propositions don't hold any weight; but I still don't even see what your premise was, to "counter" my conclusions. Cheers!

[@TheKaffin8ed]

Want to say how lucky hockey players are nowadays to have this sort of break down to learn from. Thanks!

[@coreytrevor3910]

Really impressive to see him only step on the gas more as 1, he gets older and 2, players around him are getting better. Not a easy task leading a Canadian team while also being one of the best in the game.

[@manuelkeats296]

Brilliant breakdown as usual my friend! Keep it coming.

[@StateOfMercury]

technically speaking, we are always witnessing NHL history (troll face)

[@tenminuteslater]

I feel like actual NHL players are taking notes from your video breakdowns!

[@TheShane12341234]

Justin Holl liked you comment

[@karrde666666]

As a canuck fan, its like getting to watch Bure's first year again

[@eggsbruhnadict4298]

A hockey channel that genuinely understands hockey is refreshing

[@christopherc4526]

Well done. Great breakdown

[@unbearablycringe]

We're lucky to be able to witness a generational talent like Connor McDavid

[@ethanparker7900]

These are solid breakdowns within his game. Quite interesting where this info could be new to some people. If only mcdavid was better defensively then it'd be even more interesting but his offensive skills surely are off the charts

[@cptmarcus]

I have never played hockey in my life but it seems fun, so I clicked this video in my recommended and damn this is entertaining to watch.

[@tr0ninja147]

Great analysis! Earned a new sub ! :)

[@JEEBUSxHIMSELF]

i know highlights are just that, highlights, but i swear to god some of these plays are just so far beyond anyone else its insane

[@briankoenig8923]

Super Mario had a higher PPG before his first retirement than Wayne.

[@ManMythLegend123]

This video was wild! Absolute beauty

[@Carimbo575]

Him moving the opponent stick with his free hand, as if saying "get this thing out of here" is so cool to watch...

[@kyyva4533]

What makes mcdavid so much better than the rest is the fact that the guy never looks at the puck NEVER ..not shooting, not passing, not taking the puck. It's brilliant

[@z3llmer]

He’s a star amongst stars

[@g_l_o_r_p]

Great breakdown

[@SlipknotGuy009]

The part about McDavid fooling defenders with his eyes and feet is a bit of a stretch. Hockey players are taught at a young age to fool players by looking somewhere where they are not going to pass the puck. Every player in the NHL does this, Hell, anyone hockey player who has played some level of hockey does this. In 2 on 1 situations, Defenders are taught to ALWAYS take the pass option away and let the goalie have a clean chance at stopping the puck. That's why in all of these replays where your claiming he's "fooling defenders with his eyes and feet". The Defender is trying to take the passing lane away and letting a shooting lane open up so the goalie has a better chance at stopping the puck. He's making textbook hockey decisions that all players are taught, he's the best player in the world after all.

[@-phenom-]

Another well done video! Man, HP, you are bringing it and providing amazing content! Thank you! One thing I really enjoy is you don't feel the need to beg for likes/subs at the beginning of your videos, but instead let your quality product earn you the honest dedicated fan base. On to Connor, one thing I wonder about is like many GOATs in other sports who started off putting up huge personal numbers, but realized they need to tweak their game to make the team better and thus increase their chances at championships(like Jordan focusing on defense/assists and not just his scoring). I wonder if it applies to hockey? Scoring is so much more important in hockey, hard to argue that McDavid should try and score less. But I do think he needs to start winning Cups to continue to be talked about with NHL royalty. I also wonder if health, specifically his knees, will be more likely to have problems as he gets older because of his tremendous speed and his body type? Even from watching your clips, he puts a ton of torque on his legs/joints. I just want to see this rare talent reach his full potential. The game really needs elite stars to help the game garner interest from more casual fans.

[@abj136]

Wait a D-man scored better than every forward in history except four players? I knew Orr was great, but this is insane!

[@JohnB-mo4kq]

Orr was basically Makar in his era. He just as easily could have played forward.

[@olegyamleq7796]

jesus dude, you are wicked smart, thanks for this, brilliant!!

[@wavemancali]

I've watched a lot of your videos now. You should really be teaching or coaching your analysis is amazing.

[@whatsfordinner21]

excellent video dude.

[@isthatujeebus]

Such a good analysis.

[@jaydenjohner6901]

I honestly don't think it's a debate that he's the most skilled player ever. Even Gretzky has said that. As an oilers fan I hope he gets the cup with us that he and draisatl deserve The teams come a long way, I'm proud of the guys and it would be amazing if we were the ones to bring the cup back to Canada 🍁🤞

[@shaman9]

4:15 that graph says it all.

[@joeyparker4287]

great vid. as a goalie this is a tough watch, but i’m pretty sure mcdavid couldn’t bury one on me so i’m good

[@claudedupont7432]

Even without a cup he is way above average ,no matter what.I never thought I would see such a raw talent after Crosby era

[@Lebroyal]

so that's why he lost by 7 goals and put up one measly secondary assist on the powerplay

[@jamess1021]

1/82 games and sheep like you think you're original, they lost so pretty bad games last year too and broke records in points. vegas had some blowouts last year and won the cup ffs. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt

[@NoCluYT]

bait

[@uctal8864]

It’s crazy how we take these boys for granted until they retire

[@xBonyKnees]

great video!

[@adventurefilms]

McDavid always reminds me of Obi-Wan Kenobi... he just has that look and mannerisms

[@maitrehg]

Obi Wan is not a loser.

[@Austin-hm6qq]

The fact you have 8 minutes straight of McDavid just torching the league says enough. Not many guys you could have over a minute of footage like this

[@neighborhoodprepped7862]

Great video

[@skepticalmonkey7263]

The training, goalie positioning, and equipment now are so different from the era when Gretzky and Lemieux played. I can't imagine what McDavid would have done against goalies that don't play in the butterfly (3 gpg?).

[@trentstringer5144]

He's unreal offensively. His numbers will probably need to drop for him to start winning tho

[@oisaux25]

Cool video. Thanks man

[@noptimized]

After eight seasons, Gretzky's career PPG was at 2.41.

[@liljoe31]

Take it easy. We are trying to compile some mcdavid best ever propaganda here

[@joshuabrownell3993]

I think longevity is actually going to help McDavid catch some of gretzky’s numbers. With the level that physical training and nutrition is at now, I think McDavid’s peak will last longer. If he’s lucky and can avoid any debilitating injuries, he should be able to get pretty darn close to 2000 points

[@devonrickett7692]

It’s like you guys literally watched none of the video at all

[@robotba89]

Ovi is amazing to watch because he is so good at his thing, but, like this vid said, McDavid is the complete package. The moment after McD has beaten the defender, and he is attacking the net, THAT is where McD is truly a freak. He can execute at such high speed, like nobody else can. That chip shot and phone booth tactical stick work with a defender chopping him at top speed is insanity. Sometimes he even changes direction a 3rd or 4th time after the goalie has already changed out of his jock and gone home. McDavid finishes. I have seen a lot of great players that just don't finish like he does. It's those impossible plays he actually executes that increases his aura, which draws me in that much closer when he's entering the zone. EK65 had a crazy long leash on San Jose last season, which was fun to watch, but nobody consistently subverts expectations like McDavid. I watch McDavid, thinking, "This guy could maybe score here..." when no other player would in that situation, which is why he is so great and I'm glad we have him in the league.

[@typewriteraudio]

Nice work

[@dingusmann3003]

gotta love how the oilers use mcdavid as a crutch while the rest of the team does just about fuckall :)

[@sPGgwUxYrSd7Cf5H]

His numbers might not say so yet but McDavid is hands down the best player to play the game. I grew up watching Gretzky, he was great but it wasn't the same game back then. Head to head in their prime, Gretzky Vs McDavid, McDavid wins hands down. Bedard will be good but McDavid's speed and size make him amazing.

[@maitrehg]

You are funny.

[@bryanwouters443]

the guy who can't win a cup wins? cool story bro🤣🤣

[@thew1zrd]

@@bryanwouters443Yeah bro cus 1 man can win a cup

[@moralitypolice8334]

every game and every moment that goes by we are witnessing history, so yes

[@abrahamben-dayan9843]

There is one way that you can technically beat McDavid- by keeping him pinned in the defensive zone. If McDavid had elite defenseman to back him up, he might be on pace with Gretzky & Lemieux. (Edit: he IS on pace with gretzky & Lemieux)

[@BOG0690]

It happens with Edmontons D excelling at giving the puck away and Nurse always being out of position

[@abrahamben-dayan9843]

@@BOG0690 that’s what a lot of casual hockey fans misunderstand. Good defenseman aren’t just about defense. Responsible puck management & quick transitions by D is the backbone to any good offense.

[@BOG0690]

@@abrahamben-dayan9843 Whoever Nurse pairs up with, that other defenseman needs to recognize that Nurse will most likely jump up in the fray and leave that defenseman to cover the back end - both positions - all by himself. Teams that can see this exploit it with a fast break and a long pass. Edmonton's goaltenders aren't meant to be constantly dealing with odd man rushes

[@anthonya8478]

As amazing as he is, I do enjoy watching MacKinnon even more. Just love how he flies on that ice. Imagine if they were on the same team! 😁

[@Millipede666]

Hey Hockeypsych ... make a video on Pavel Bure. I feel like he is a somewhat forgotten player and needs some love from this channel.

[@adambonesaw3689]

I'm a lifetime Edmontonian who doesn't like hockey and is starting to learn about mcdavid at age 31 in 2023. AMA

[@WilliamStewart1]

His speed is what truly separates him from his peers (pardon the pun). The other elite players can do what he does on a skill based level, but they don't have his speed which is the what pushes him clearly ahead regarding offensive talent.

[@codydavidyates72]

The ppg stat has other dimensions that are never discussed.

[@SunTzuMedia]

With a face only a mother could love

[@dogwithheadphones]

McDavid represents everything that makes hockey so fun and thrilling to watch. Quick, clever, unpredictable, and overall just so much raw talent. Being able to tell people “I saw McDavid play in person” is basically the same as saying “I got a copy of the Bible signed by Jesus himself”

[@Yousemimight]

Crosby was number 2 and 3 for 16 years too. But dropped some in years 17 to 19. offense is the highest its been since Gretzky and Mario's time, so things should stay hot for awhile for him and Austin.

[@oldsingingstudentdougbillf1665]

I’m definitely not disagreeing with the McD analogy. I’m a HUGE McD fan! However…McD is in his prime. All of the other legends played with serious injuries or their numbers declined with age. Crosby missed almost 200 games in what should have been his absolute prime and were also seasons where he was on the same numbers pace as McD. We’ll see where McD is after about 1000 games and later. Until then…McD I believe is unbelievable to watch.

[@michaelshields6326]

Yeah his PPG will drop with age. Sid was at 1.42 PPG during his prime

[@tmiklos4]

Averaging 1.5 points per game. Before Leumeux an Gretzky it was also unheard-of. Leumeux at first retirement an when he went into the hall of fame was quite a bit higher. Over 2 pts per game. He was still great after his return but pts per game went down enough to drop below Gretzky.

[@reeddixon5758]

He’s great and all, but is he on a 328 goal pace? I didn’t think so…

[@ebashford5334]

5:06 "and then throwing it up high or banking it off their head." Made me laugh so hard with the purely dry, analytical tone. But great analysis video.

[@doubledouble4g379]

Curious to see if he's still this dominant when he's in his 30s and starts to slow-down OR the next generation comes-in having watched him skate and learned how to copy it. Crosby is still an elite player even though he's at the back-end of his career, same with Ovie. So far, I don't see any reason he won't.

[@BaronSupremacy]

Gretz Mario and the older guys did it in the clutch, grab, and heavy hitting era

[@anonymous134y]

i still think Crosby in his prime was a much more complete player than McDavid but not as flashy. You can see a compilation/montage video of any single hockey skill like edge work, passing, behind the net, corners, back hand, defence and etc. If it wasn't for injuries I'd think he'd be the best in history. Funny coming from someone who is a Captials/Ovi fan. Mcdavid has great speed and stick handling but he is also playing with a top 5 player which is unheard of. Malkin was never a top 5 player.

[@Lancerandduck7]

There was arguably a season or two when Geno was the best player in the world, but those were usually when sid was out for extended periods, many years ago, and they didn't even play together when they are both dressed except for the PP so your point stands

[@michaelshields6326]

What? Malkin was unanimously considered a top 3 player in his prime, and had seasons where he was the best. Crosby, Ovechkin and Malkin were called the big 3. Malkin is easily at or above Draisaitl's level. 2 Art Ross wins, a Hart trophy, a Ted Lindsay, and one of the greatest Conn Smythe playoff runs of all time. The only difference is Crosby and Malkin rarely played together at 5 on 5. When they were out together, they put up amazing numbers, but they preferred being split up to increase offensive depth. I also wouldn't say its unheard of for two top 5 players to be on the same team or line. Crosby/Malkin, Lemieux/Jagr, Gretzky/Messier, Sakic/Forsberg, Sedin twins in their prime.

[@TheWarawaj]

the Sedin's were magic together. two bodies one brain on the ice. 97 & 29 have some moments that remind me of the Sedin's puck movement@@michaelshields6326

[@buddy3824]

Thanos was a McDavid level threat😮

[@zigfield723]

McDavid is so good he could do this INSPITE of woodcroft's new stifling neutral zone system.

[@LaSeSiS]

idk why people like to argue over good players in any sport, like just enjoy watching them and be happy that they make the game more fun to watch

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

Because my favorite is always better than your favorite that's why haha

[@LaSeSiS]

@@The_Bad_Guy. noted👍

[@krob5375]

Imagine Connor of today playing on the Oilers of the 80's..

[@pz691333]

How many cups has this player won ?

[@matt75hooper]

I've seen them all since 1965. McDavid is the best since Bobby Orr. Orr dominated all three Zones and his mind boggling Plus / Minus numbers will be impossible to replace Orr as the best ever. Imagine if you will- Orr had a CAREER season average of a plus/minus of +1 per game- EVERY GAME ! McDavid is fabulous. This is also the era of space aged skates, gloves & sticks, the 3 most important pieces of gear. Rest assured if Gretzky Lemeiux played today they would dominate. Orr today ? With those skates, nylon gloves and one piece composite Howitzer sticks ? Orr would be a human highlight reel every single night.

[@jukee67]

McDavid is the best athlete on the planet right now. Take someone to a live game seated at center ice and elevated for full view and it won't take long for that person to immediately realize what they are witnessing. That person will soon ask...who is that guy? Knowing when asking that question the answer already...he is the best. Overall movement, vision, skill and execution is one of a kind.

[@faysamcface7872]

If McDavid was around in that era of hockey, he would average a 4.98 point average. The guy is hands down greasiest of all time, my opinion. Great video

[@maitrehg]

Crazy stupid comment.

[@gregk6630]

The key detail you're missing that after his first eight years with the Oilers Gretzky's PPG was 2.45. That's a point per game difference with McDavid. The career average presented here for Gretzky includes his past prime years which of course brought down his average. The same goes for Lemieux. As great as McDavid is and obviously much better than his contemporaries he is no where near the Gretzky, Lemiuex category. He'd need to go on a run of five more seasons like he just had to even be considered in the conversation.

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

Agreed. Mcdavid is great no doubt. Maybe the best ever outside of Lemieux and Gretzky. But those 2 put up insane numbers and did it for basically their entire careers. I don't think anyone will ever be in their class.

[@maitrehg]

Gretzky and Lemieux are WAY better than McJesus. Not in the same class at all.

[@clutchitup8565]

This is unreal its like he has it down to a science he has perfected his shots

[@Bilscamp]

McDavid is already the best ever. He is without peer.

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

Are you staring at the poster of mcdavid you have on the wall when you said that hahaha

[@maitrehg]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Bilscamp]

@@The_Bad_Guy. sorry, my mistake. That's what your mom said about me last night!

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

@@Bilscamp did she wash your mcdavid jersey or do you not ever take it off?

[@Bilscamp]

@@The_Bad_Guy. she actually asked me to keep it on

[@mk-jm5tv]

Mcdavids issues: 1- he’s still young, let’s see if he can stay healthy and productive 2- he’s not single, women can ruin pro athletes. 3 - he plays for the oilers, RIP buddy

[@dolandarkxgrandayy6953]

All McDavid needs to do to truly achieve G.O.A.T status is for the Oilers to win the Conference final and go on to win the Cup. The early projections is a potential Oilers vs Leafs final which will never happen, but it would be wild to see.

[@RBTRYK]

Killer analysis as usual.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

Let’s hope he doesn’t get injured like ovie.

[@jukee67]

He is the fastest off the line and no way to predict what he will do from there. The game has gotten faster over the years and McDavid is the fastest with the puck by far. He has been the best out there since his first game in the NHL. Winning a Stanley Cup is not like winning any other sport championship. Hockey is the toughest game by far.

[@shannonevans8426]

Great video. All of this was said about Crosby, Malkin,Ovy,before them Jagr.Never be 200 point seasons or gretzky or Mario

[@tmiklos4]

Also McDavid is playing on a different league with more protection than Gretzky or Lemeiux. And even early Crosby, 18 years ago.