Will British Guys Be Impressed by Connor McDavid? (FIRST TIME REACTION)

Hockey Reaction with British Guys reacting to the greatest NHL Player of the 2022-2023 season, Connor McDavid. In this Connor McDavid Reaction, we watch his Top 25 Greatest Moments from his Hart Memorial Trophy winning season!
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Chapters:
Intro: 00:00
Reaction Starts: 00:49
Original Video: • Top 25 Connor McDavid ...
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[@DNReacts]

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[@danielvezina5521]

Penalty shots happened when a defender illegally stop a possible breakaway.

[@jasonmartens6529]

He wears 97 because he was born in 1997

[@jakescott1571]

More hockey players- try Pavel Datsyuk

[@Lee-hy8ii]

do a Carey Price and Dominik Hasek high light reaction :D

[@danielvezina5521]

@@Lee-hy8ii did you seriously put Carey Price and Dominic Hasek in the same category?

[@sirokat]

I think what makes Connor McDavid so incredible is not actually his puck possession or hands, but rather the fact that he is so flawless of a skater that he can simply make anyone look terrible with a mere body fake. He changes his speed of attack so rapidly that it’s rare for any defender to stay locked down on him.

[@ORagnar]

Those changes of speed and direction are phenomenal, and the way you can pivot on a dime, but he also has awareness of his surroundings and where the other players are. It's ridiculous how good he is. .o

[@DNReacts]

This definitely came across in these highlights! He just looks like such a phenomenal skater! Thanks for the comment 🤝

[@jenniferkowald1671]

​@@DNReactsyou need to react to his top 10 career highlights...it doesn't include anything from this last season so it will be new highlights for you!🎉

[@YouTube_OriginalViewer]

Exactly. You don’t even need to know a bunch about hockey to be able to tell he’s better than everyone. He’s like the guy in high school who’s faster than everyone, but it’s literally the nhl

[@cheeseburgerrandy43]

What he is able to do with his hands while his feet move at that rate of speed is what sets him apart from anyone else in history. I'm not trying to start a GOAT debate because there's a lot more to it, but for my money, he is certainly the most SKILLED player ever.

[@greatestsportslegends]

His "penalty kick" was epic... LOL And these are highlights from ONE season. He's incredible. Skates better than anyone in the league, by a significant margin.

[@Mark_Cadden]

He wears 97 because he was born in 1997. Same reason Sidney Crosby wears 87 being born in 1987 (also on 8/7). Random sidenote: McDavid played Jr Hockey in my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania for the Erie Otters and let me tell you. This kid was doing this stuff at 15 years old against 19/20 year olds in that league. Watching him in those years was insanely cool especially because of what he’s become now

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for this info Mark, this is great 🤝

[@Mark_Cadden]

@@DNReacts Absolutely! Love the channel

[@Dr.Acula76]

And now you get to see him play with Connor Brown again. Hopefully they have the same chemistry

[@Mark_Cadden]

@@Dr.Acula76 That would be awesome! I was half hoping they’d call Dane Fox up and offer him and re-create the line 😂

[@Dr.Acula76]

@@Mark_Cadden LOL

[@rorys3980]

The NHL Mt. Rushmore is pretty airtight with Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe but McDavid has a legit chance to crack it if he keeps up what he’s doing. He missed half of his rookie season, but ever since he’s finished 1st in the NHL in scoring 5 times and 2nd twice. That’s already tied for 4th for most times finishing 1st and tied for 3rd for most times finishing top 2. For comparison, the players he’s tied with or who are above him on those lists played somewhere between 17-26 seasons, compared to McDavid’s 8. And within those seasons, his 153 point season this year, and him putting up 105 points in 56 games in 2020/21 is unlike anything we’ve seen since Mario Lemieux in the mid-90s. The big thing (outside of remaining healthy) is just winning a Stanley Cup, people will forever hold it against him if he doesn’t, which isn’t really right to me. He’s already led the playoffs in scoring in 2022 despite not even making the Stanley Cup Final. I do think Gretzky is just untouchable though. Regardless of him playing in such a high-scoring era, the numbers are just too off the charts for such a long period of time that he’s just the ultimate outlier. McDavid may be the most talented player ever though, or at the very least right in the conversation alongside Lemieux and Orr. He’s probably the best skater of all time, and he combines that with being able to control the puck and think the game at the same speed. His hands in tight are also beyond exceptional.

[@DNReacts]

Wow, thanks for this great comment! Awesome read! 🤝 I for one split second, got Lemieux mixed up with the Lemieux I saw in the recent rivalry video! These highlights, the first I’d ever seen of McDavid, he just looked such a better skater than everyone else. Can’t wait for next season. Thanks again for the comment

[@answeris4217]

If he cracks it...he will likely take over Howes spot. The other guys are just insane

[@rorys3980]

@@answeris4217 The thing with Orr and Lemieux is you can always go with the lack of longevity argument to hold them back (at least somewhat). Think so much of what makes Gretzky unique is that he has this insane 10 or so year period of dominance that you can already say he was the best player of all time, but then he has another whole half of his career after that that could stand as an easy Hall of Fame level career on its own. If McDavid is able to continue this insane stretch for a few more years and then tack on a back half of his career that is excellent (even if not the same level), I think you could make the argument for him over Orr/Lemieux. Howe is still so unique in how long he was a dominant player. Most seasons as a Hart finalist, most top-5, most-top-10 finishes, etc. He was an all-star level player a full 21 years apart, then after that left the NHL for nearly a decade, then merged back into it with the Whalers. I ultimately have him at 4 as well, but I think it's not a clear cut thing to argue against that kind of longevity @DNReacts I think Orr was further ahead of his competition in terms of skating (his highlights are fun to watch because he makes other players look like they don't belong in the same league), but McDavid doing that kind of similar thing in today's age where the average player is just so much better and more skilled is crazy.

[@answeris4217]

@@rorys3980 I still would take Lemieux and Orr before Howe. Lemieux missed almost half a season because of cancer treatments and still won the scoring tittle. If longevity is a bigger deal then Jagr should be ahead of both and maybe even Ovi. Lemieux put his body on the line in order to be great.

[@ope7092]

He's already up there bro let's stop being ridiculous

[@brianclark3503]

Hilarious for me as a Canadian to hear the shoot out referred to as penalty kicks. 🤣😉 As many others have noted, it is the speed he is traveling at that makes accomplishing what he does so incredible. Great edge work, great vision and anticipation, he's got it all.

[@JohnnW1212]

There are a lot of fast skaters in the league, but what sets McDavid apart is that he maintains his speed while he has the puck & his hands are just as fast as his feet. Combine that with his elite hockey IQ and you’ve got a player with the potential to be top 3 all time if he can win a Stanley Cup or two

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for the comment and info John, we really appreciate it 🤝

[@kayo9125]

Already the most talented player ever

[@187Cazcrash]

@@kayo9125 Nope

[@chrisr7426]

He may be the first player ever to actually go FASTER with the puck. But I agree with you, most players lose some speed with the puck, but not McDavid. Sydney Crosby was the first player I remember that could do things with the puck at full speed that no one else could and McDavid has taken it to a whole other level.

[@kentzepick4169]

If his career stays on the same trajectory, I think he easily makes top 5 in NHL history. He’s so multi dimensional. People primarily think of him as a great scorer, which he is, but as these highlights show, he’s also a ridiculously good passer and playmaker.

[@alessandroscuderi7300]

Top 3 if he keeps at his recent trajectory. He just had one of greatest seasons ever this past year. Will need to win some cups and have longevity tho.

[@clandon9624]

Fym top 5. He could easily,easily be 2nd behind gretz once it’s all said and done. Especially if he can have repeate the 150 point mark even a few more times

[@clandon9624]

Also what? Nobody thinks if him as a goal scorer? He was a serial passer up until this season what are you on?

[@kentzepick4169]

@@clandon9624 You completely misread my comment.

[@avenueroy]

@@kentzepick4169 you said that people primarily think of him as a scorer, but that's not what he's known for at all. That's why it was such a big deal this year that he was scoring a ton and going for the Rocket, because everyone knows him as a playmaker first.

[@marcmainville7873]

Most players when puck handling slow down just a little bit. He doesn't seem to slow down at all and that combined with his overall speed sets him apart

[@HydraMods]

Leon Draisaitl had a good handful of goals this season that he bounced in off the goalie's back, they do this intentionally, it's not a mistake! They're very fun shots

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for letting us know, appreciate the comment 🤝

[@CC-of5xl]

Someone actually did a breakdown of their historic powerplay this year and the percentage of low angle shots was insane. The majority were like sub 30 degree which is unheard of. Well it was unheard of. I'm sure every team will change to it now.

[@Dr.Acula76]

McDavid bounced at least 3 in off the goalies back or mask this season that I can remember

[@colebevans8939]

@@CC-of5xlthat has a lot to do with Draisaitle’s elite shooting though. Not many guys in the league who routinely pick corners one timing the puck from below the circle. Then you’ve got an elite feed from Mcdavid, Bouchard on the point who you have to respect because if you leave him open he’s ripping it hard down, Hyman battling 2 guys at once out front and Nuge always in the right spot to pick up the loose pucks. That power play is a work of art, I’ve never watched anything so excitingly.

[@reaganharder1480]

By my observation intentionally banking off the goalie has only really become popular in the last 2 or 3 years, but it's definitely part of the game now.

[@greatestgameonearth]

Great reaction! It's crazy, most of his best goals aren't even in that highlight package. You guys should react to his best career highlights! Also, if you haven't seen Ovechkin's best career highlights and goals I would check that out too. Its incredibly entertaining

[@DNReacts]

Thank you 🤝 Will definitely come back for more Connor McDavid. Appreciate the comment!

[@bwalker77]

So, the GOAT debate. The consensus in hockey is Wayne Gretzky. You could probably have a react video just reading his stats page; his numbers are so ridiculous, they look like typos. He spent half his career beating every record, and the other half creating so much distance between him and other players than the majority of them looks unbreakable (Alex Ovechkin is chasing the career goals record). The NHL was like a broken video game, and Gretzky was the kid who knew every exploit. The catch is that he dominated so much, the rest of the league had to adjust. And it did. Gretzky played in the 80s' and 90s', and by the late 90s' you could clearly see a shift in the game: the defense schemes were more advanced, the defensemen were more mobile, etc... So Gretzky is still the player who dominated the league the most, but one could easily argue that McDavid, the greatest skater the league has ever seen, would have been even more unstoppable in the 80s'. We can expect McDavid to end his career as the second best player of all time.

[@scottiepaterson192]

2nd best is even debatable, and im a huge oilers fan. you still have lemieux and orr. lemieux is the only one who has even come close to putting up gretzky numbers and he did it when the defence was already evolving because of gretzky as you mentioned. also im in my 30s and too young to have seen orr play but the way everyone who got to see it talks about it, he dominated the game the same way as McDavid. the idea of a GOAT is always silly to me in general. you brought up an interesting point that i dont think gets considered enough in these debates though. and that's how much the game had to adapt to gretzky. almost like he was so good that he set the entire sport years ahead of it's natural progression. without gretzky would the sport have even evolved enough yet to see the rise of a player like mcdavid. i was 9 the year gretzky retired and i still remember watching his last game, but mcdavid would have been 2. his whole life has been taking in and learning from the game that had to adjust to gretzky.

[@bwalker77]

@@scottiepaterson192 Bobby Orr also changed the game a lot. I should have mentioned in my comment that #2 was likely a best case scenario. What I'm pretty sure of is, barring an injury, McDavid should be a top 5 player among Gretzky, Orr, Lemieux & Gordie Howe.

[@cristini06]

McDavid skating levels is just unreal !! The speed, the balance… everything is perfect. If you want an other player who is at another level, you must look at Pavel Datsyuk. When I want to show the beauty of our sport, I always show a video of him. His nickname when I played for the Red Wings was "Magic Man" that says a lot about him !

[@idrinkgasoline72]

Kane, Crosby, McDavid, Draisaitl, and Datsyuk are just so damn slick. Backstrom, Kuznetsov, Malkin, are too, but not at the level as those 5. Ovechkin is fast (Prime Ovi was probably almost as fast as McDavo, while being 3 inches taller and 40 pounds heavier), physical, and good dangles but it's different, more of just dangles rather than puck possession and control. Ovechkin is an athletic anomaly.

[@melodite6381]

It’s amazing how alive my city becomes when it comes to the playoffs, and having mcdavid on our team… is just someth8mg else and a truly special to witness. We knew when he was young, we knew that he would be special, Especially after he started skating faster than some of the fastest guys in the league. It takes tremendous quality and talent to do what he does!

[@lilsneady]

What’s so especially dangerous about the Oilers is that McDavid plays with Leon Draisaitl, who is definitely not close to McDavids level but is still one of the best playmakers in the NHL. Such a fun duo to watch (I’m not even an oilers fan)

[@Spliffstar26]

Leon Draisaitl is soo good

[@spectralflop823]

Yeah Drai makes the game fun to watch especially on the PP. combine that with mcdavids skill it’s easily one of the funnest teams to watch

[@26japrey]

Seeing him play live is a real eye opener. He is by far better than every player on the ice. His speed is unmatched but it's his acceleration over a few strides that blows you away. It's like turbo mode in a video game.

[@tomlarnie2581]

I saw him live in Vancouver and I was awestruck. You could hear the power in every stride he took. He tore the ice apart. It was worth the money I paid for that ticket.

[@andrewsokol2717]

I've been watching hockey since the late 70s, and IMO, McDavid is the best player of all time already. No one has looked as dominant with the puck as McDavid. There have been guys that are as fast, and maybe even marginally better passers or shooters, but no one, not even Gretzky, Lemieux or the other greats, has put it all together to be able to make the incredible plays the McDavid does routinely. Gretzky was the most similar, but was a step slower (though maybe even more brilliant with moves and hockey sense). They say Bobby Orr was also similar, but he is just before my time. I'm just thrilled to be able to watch all the Oilers games to see these great moves by McDavid. He does something amazing every single game. Sometimes he doesn't score, so it doesn't wind up on a highlight, but he is truly amazing to watch. Also, the Oilers have another player, Draisaitl, that also does incredible things regularly. These two guys definitely make watching the Oilers a highly entertaining experience.

[@pearsonkurt1]

The rest of the league has caught up since Gretzky and there's still top shelf d-men that have looked like beer league schumcks trying to get a stick on Connor. Connor also doesn't have the safety net that Wayne did. If you could get close to Gretzky, you had to deal with Semenko. Gretzky was the poetry, Semenko was the pain. Connor has never had that kind of door man protecting him. And I'm pretty sure you'll never see a more perfect partner to dance with than Drai. Those two on the ice at the same time is magic that the league may never see again in my lifetime. I watched the Oilers in the glory days. That team was the full package. The superstar with the greatest supporting cast of all time. I was an Oilers fan back then. Now I'm a Connor fan hoping for the full package to come back before hes done. The dude needs a cup.

[@dallasburgess5329]

Scores like Bure, Passes like Gretzky, Skates like no one has before🎉

[@reaganharder1480]

It's hard to compare players from such different eras as McDavid and Gretzky. From what I've seen of numbers, Gretzky dominated the league in a way McDavid can basically only dream of, but if you were to take even a somewhat mid NHL team from 2023 and send them in a time machine to face Gretzky in his glory days, The Great One probably wouldn't look near so impressive. But then, what is more a mark of greatness? Standing head and shoulders above your peers when half your training before going pro happened on a frozen pond, or dedicating half your life from the time you turn 12 to being a head above the rest when your peers are working just as hard as you are?

[@_portis]

the fact that this was in one season is incredible. Connor's straight-away speed, stick handling, edgework, awareness and quick release are spectacular.

[@Looch1717]

Definietly one of the better react channels ive seen, your reactions feel genuine and I appreciate your observations, you seem genuinely curious and I also appreciate that youve looked up some information about the player beforehand. Keep it up.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you 🙏🏼 we really appreciate that!

[@onlydbrasko]

He's the closest thing to Messi on ice. He can excel in two strides better than anyone but still has elite puck handling, vision, and IQ at top speed, a combination extremely rare in hockey. More importantly, like Messi, he rarely gets injured.

[@idrinkgasoline72]

Crosby is more like a Messi to me, McDavid is more like Mbappe to me because of the game breaking speed. Also Crosby is the best puck handler in the league and probably will be for a very long time.

[@onlydbrasko]

McDavid was more playmaker than scorer to begin his career. He finally scored 50+ last year and Mbappe isn't a playmaker on McDavid's level. Poor comparison.

[@idrinkgasoline72]

@@onlydbrasko but they fasssssssssssssss

[@janilohtander5808]

Best player in hockey , not even fan of the team but the individual skill is max level on this guy.

[@EricTheGolfFiend]

I had already seen those plays and you're amazed by how good he is, but then watching you guys react to them and realize how good he is, you feel it again. Good vid!

[@colinaudette291]

Typically hockey players do not have nearly as high of a percentage of made penalty shots as compared the percentage of soccer penalty shots

[@Timmycoo]

Yeah anything over 30% is considered good.

[@DNReacts]

Ah okay, makes sense, thanks for this Colin 🤝 Hope you’re doing well

[@DNReacts]

@@TimmycooThank you Timmy, really useful to know 🤝

[@patgard3668]

In acknowledging that 1 for 5 with Mcdavid's skillset is quite bad obv

[@Timmycoo]

@@patgard3668 Yeah I couldn't find a career penalty shot % but his shootout percentage is very high at 46.4%

[@christopherdempsey235]

Keep up the good work boys. My new favorite videos. Thank you

[@DNReacts]

Thank you Christopher. Really appreciate your support 🤝

[@Xr3737]

Underappreciated sport lads. Love the reactions

[@DNReacts]

Thank you 🤝

[@zarkaun96]

Do a video on Alexander Ovechkin!!! He is currently #2 goal scorer at 822 goals. He is going to surpass Gretzky as best goal scorer in the next few seasons. Ovechkin is not only an amazing scorer, but he's big and has a TON of great hits too.

[@hellomotoCoop]

Gotta do OVI

[@pearsonkurt1]

Ovi will never be Gretzky. Ovi is isanely great but scoring goals and making goals happen are two different things. Ovi plays for Team Ovi. Love the guy but it's the assists that really stand out for Greyzky. The Great One gave other guys he played with 1963 chances to be great as well. That's a big part of what made him the best. Still... I'm down to see these guys do an Ovi reel. He brings the goals AND he brings the entertainment like no other superstar ever. 6'3", 235... big man with dangerous hands.

[@zarkaun96]

@@pearsonkurt1 I never said he was trying or going to be Gretzky. I'm very aware that NO ONE will ever have as many assists as Gretzky. But when it comes to goals and goals alone, Ovi is going to beat the record. Gretzky is still going to be the Great One. The speed, the finesse, the IQ, he's THE hockey player. Just not the best scorer :p

[@AFT3RxLiFE]

Great video. Love seeing people from all over the world react to hockey videos. As for McDavid, I’m incredibly fortunate to live in Edmonton so I get to watch him play every game. I promise you there’s even crazier plays in the past seasons you guys need to react to.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, we really appreciate that! We’ll definitely be back to see more of his plays. He’s so incredible

[@ceeb830]

One thing I didn’t notice about mcDavid is how often he pushes the opponents stick away to stop a poke check… pure mastery of the puck

[@ach31337]

Pushes yes, but quite often grabs with the entire glove. He doesn't even NEED to do it, just keep the glove closed -- but they should really start calling it.

[@davenoppe5405]

Btw forgot to mention: love the channel guys and the great reactions. More hockey is always welcome!! 🇨🇦

[@DNReacts]

Thank you Dave, really appreciate your support 🤝

[@XaviRonaldo0]

He wears #97 because he was born in '97. Quite a few players do this probably the most prominent one is Sidney Crosby #87

[@lovefromCanadaeh]

This was a nice reaction to a great player, and I had fun watching it. I also realized how defensive and petty I can be when I drew a tiny Canadian flag onto your backdrop while watching. Although I have to say, it looked great.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, appreciate that 🤝 We’ve had a chat about flags. It took us 4 months to get a US one up 😂 We’re so pushed for time usually, content takes the priority, but have got it on our radar

[@lovefromCanadaeh]

​@DNReacts I'm glad you prioritize content because your content is great. So is your backdrop (and I do realize it's none of my business anyway). I was just being silly and adding some Canada to a hockey reaction. Thanks for being such good sports. Very classy

[@blitztim6416]

I’ve heard of him. Hadn’t seen him. He’s impressive. How he can make those moves, maintain the puck m, shoot so quick and accurately. Very impressive.

[@greglong1501]

I enjoyed watching your reactions to this video. How has your appreciation of ice hockey changed since you've started reviewing the NHL?

[@lapp3r30shockeycardflips]

Great job guys picking up on the body position! It is incredible. You lead with that knee to keep sticks away and make that cut he makes so many times. It's his first 2 strides that put him so far ahead of most players.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you 🤝 His skating ability is certainly incredible, and the way he controls the puck at those speeds too. Thanks for the comment

[@lapp3r30shockeycardflips]

@@DNReacts Exsctly.... It's the things he does at that speed that are utterly insane.

[@Idekoc]

Excited to see this. Mcdavid is incredible to watch. Love your channel!

[@DNReacts]

Thank you so much Gabriel, we really appreciate your support 🤝

[@gordonm4597]

You guys said it best... this is top 25 plays from 1 season, a year in which he eclipsed the 60 goal plateau. If you go back and see some of his career highlights, you'll see there's more videos of him that these videos wouldn't be close to. He is the scariest player a defensive player can see coming down the ice at him. You think you have time to get ready, look over to see whos with you or not,and before you realize it, he's past you and in on net. He does these moves at such high speeds, almost too much to defend. Check out, "McDavid, New York Rangers". Enjoy

[@MichaelRivera-ns2dd]

By far the best player now and one of the best all-time!!!!!

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for the comment Michael 🙏

[@fitzgeraldlansanah5306]

If he stays on track he can be top 5 in the nhl other players you can do are Alexander Ovechkin Sidney Crosby Nathan Mackinnon Auston Matthew's Carey Price Connor Bedard

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, appreciate this list, have taken a screenshot 🤝

[@AndyGrouch]

The skating of this guy is just unreal. He is just so much faster than anyone else in the ice. He has cheatcodes on.

[@calemorgan3982]

As long as he doesn't blow his knees out or get bad concussion's like many other greats in the game he will have a long carrier. Jaromir Jagr is a great example. 51yrs old this year.. still playing.. He was drafted in 1988 and still playing in 2023. Blows my mind how he's still going.

[@JoeyVatavuk]

only explanation i could think for the number is that he was born in 97. which is crazy that he’s been so good for this long

[@DNReacts]

I think that’s it reading through other comments. Thanks for the info 🤝

[@matthewirwin6134]

Love the Neville reference. The 1999 Man U vs Bayern Champions League final is the most excited I've ever been watching a game.

[@DNReacts]

Me too! (Nick)

[@jeffcahill5722]

You guys are pretty funny and enjoyable to watch.

[@user-lu9xf7ic9l]

I’m a born and bred Edmontonian. I’ve seen this team at it’s absolute worse. I was brown during the Oilers first heyday with Wayne Gretzky who is considered the GOAT. Conner is a generational talent, and the most humble of humans. We drafted him in 2015 and every year we know he is only getting better and better. 10 years ago a player won the scoring race with 89 points in 82 games. McDavid almost doubled that this year. He is still trending upwards and will probably play until at least 35 and he is only 26 now. If you want to see one of his all time greatest goals watch his goal against the New York Rangers in November of 2021. He literally dances the whole team and scores a massive goal. I’d love to see you guys do more of his highlight reactions, his assists are just as pretty. Then you need to watch his running mate Leon Draisaitl highlights. The two best players in the NHL and the on the same team. This video made my day!!!!

[@matthewirwin6134]

A hockey ballerina. His balance while going full speed is amazing.

[@DallasMorin84]

Being from Edmonton and watching Mcdavid live from time to time is unreal. The speed on TV doesnt do it justice compaired to seeing it live.

[@mattcraig163]

"It almost looks like he's a better skater than everyone else". This is dead on. McDavid is very good if not great in most aspects of the game, but what separates him from the other very good players is his elite speed and his ability to stick handle at top speeds. Also he has an elite level Hockey IQ. This means he see's the game very clearly and always knows where the opponents are, where his team mates are, and where the puck is. You will very rarely ever see him look down at the puck. He's such a joy to watch, makes hockey look like ballet in some ways. Thanks for the video

[@BlaagTheMentor]

"Did he mean to do that?" When Connor McDavid is involved, the answer is yes. Always yes.

[@deliriumcb5959]

As an example, on his around the world goal, from the moment he gets the puck to the moment he scores, he takes 4 strides. FOUR! That's nuts. His control and edgework are all-time unparalleled. A joy to watch.

[@spenoobguynhlfan333]

You need to watch McDavids top career highlights as he scored a couple goals the year before where he basically skates through entire teams.

[@MaestroMuerto]

Now that you have seen the fancy skating of Connor Mcdavid, You have to watch Alex Ovechkin. If Mcdavid is the pen, Ovi is the Sword. Looking forward to seeing more. Great Work.

[@markastoforoff7838]

Years ago I read an article about NHL players upping their skating skills by utilizing figure skaters in their training. They use different skill sets towards their skating. If you watch old footage from say the 1970's or even the 80's you won't see as many spinaramas as yoiu do in todays games. When I read the article people were like, "OMG how can hockey players be sissies and take up figure skating" because hockey players were supposed to be "Real men"

[@natedawg3855]

I live in Edmonton and the Oilers are my favourite team, we are very fortunate to have Connor. He's the best Hockey player in the World and my favourite player. I think he will finish in the Top 5 in NHL history, I see him winning at least 3 Stanley Cups and he will definitely be inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame... Go Oil Go!!

[@BrandonTheGreatish]

He means everything!

[@craigbutler623]

He is the best of this generation. A treat to watch .

[@DNReacts]

Can’t wait to see more of him and follow the next full season too 🔥

[@paulfrancis9129]

#97 McDavid was born on 13th January 1997

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for the confirmation Paul, we really appreciate that 🤝

[@XaviRonaldo0]

The thing about him is you wouldn't think a guy who's fairly tall to be that shifty a skater but that balance and quick subtle changes of direction are flawless. He's 6'1" and skates like a guy who's no more than 5'10"

[@tomlarnie2581]

His head is never down. watch these highlights he never looks at the puck. that is what i find amazing

[@leslieshand4509]

Watching you two watch hockey is so much fun

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, we really appreciate that 🤝

[@RangersFan94]

4:45 Definitely was on purpose! When the goalie goes into the RVH with the puck either farther than 10-15 feet (3-5ish yards/meters) or below the goal line, it leaves a gap by their strong side (whichever side of the ice/net the play is on) ear that usually would be covered by the glove in the VH. VH is "vertical horizontal" and RVH is "reverse vertical horizontal," and both are referring to the position of the goalie's pads. In the VH, the pad on the post is vertical, flush with the post, and the pad off the post is horizontal along the ice, covering the shot along the ice, while the glove hand is propped along the post above the pad, sort of like the goalie is cupping their ear to hear better, so that there's no shot at the upper corner. In the RVH, everything is swapped: the pad on the post is horizontal along the ice and the pad off the post is vertical (or rather, diagonal, propped on top of the horizontal pad), while the glove or stick arm is pressed down along the body to seal the post. The problem is that the RVH should only be used when the puck is right on top of you and above the goal line. This is because of that glove position, which usually would be covering the high shot, but because it's not, the RVH is assuming that the shot is coming from close enough that the shoulder is enough to cover the upper corner. When the puck is further away or below the goal line, however, that little gap between the mask and the post becomes wide open for banking the puck off of the side of the mask. Not only is the RVH able to be taken advantage of in those situations (when the shot isn't very close _and_ imminent) for those reasons, but because the pad on the post is horizontal, the skate isn't actually on the ice, which makes moving laterally much slower in the event that the shot doesn't come and instead the puck moves from one side of the ice to the other. For a while there, goalies were absolutely in love with the RVH when the puck was down low and outside of the slot, until players realized they could score free goals whenever goalies did so. Still an issue for a lot of goalies (like in the clip here), but most top goalies are getting better about staying on their edges when the puck isn't in a high danger area.

[@aquiace]

As soon as he steps on the ice you notice the flow of the game changes. It's electric and you just feel at any moment something magic is going to happen. He's gonna finish as one of the all time greats, no doubt. We're watching history in the making.

[@jamieVossen]

Just stumbled across your Pay Back episode a couple of weeks ago and I love watching you guys watching hockey. The Mcdavid episode was great but you need to do yourself a favour and check out his career highlights. This guy is a generational talent and is much watch TV. Keep up the great hockey videos Oh Canada!

[@DNReacts]

Thank you for the comment and support 🤝 We really appreciate it! Had a few in the comment saying we’ve got to watch his career highlights. We’ll definitely get them up before the new season

[@RushFan-2112]

By the way, 2022-23 was McDavid's most productive season of his career so far, but as far as I'm concerned, most of his best highlights come from previous seasons. You guys definitely need to check out a career highlight package of his (ideally one made recently so it's comprehensive).

[@OKNARF12]

He wears number 97 I believe because of his birth year. I get the pleasure to watch him every night. Plays for my hometown team. If you guys think these were great plays, check out his career highlights. Even just the top 10. Your jaws will be even closer to the ground.

[@CM-vc1hj]

McDavid is great and will go down as an all time great but I don't think anyone will replace Wayne Gretzky as hockey's goat

[@DNReacts]

Thank you for the comment and context, we really appreciate it 🙏

[@peteormond3565]

Check out Crosby's highlights if you haven't already. Very much a different player than Gretzky and McDavid but very much magical in his own right.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

He is the best skater in the NHL. Skating to him is as natural as walking

[@UnhingedCanadian]

I was at the game live when he scored his 60th goal to win the game in overtime. It was crazy. It was a meaningless game otherwise but it sounded like a playoff game when he scored his 60th which also won the game in overtime it was nuts.

[@brandonc6916]

Nothing quite like that kid. His speed & skill with the biscuit is legendary.

[@tristandeschamps8582]

I am an avid fan of both the NHL and the world of Football/soccer and with the Gary Neville reference I think you guys are educated in terms of Football and the prem so if you are willing to learn about the NHL and it's history, everything you would basically want to know is here. The NHL has been around since the 1920's and 30's but became popular commercially across North America in the 50's and 60's with stars of the sport all around the league, such as Gordie Howe=(similar in all time status to pele and played hockey similarly to the way Zidane played football) Then in the seventies Bobby Orr became the best player to ever play, creating the offensive defensemen role (sort of like a CDM and a CAM conbined into the same role) scoring hundreds of points using his dominant ability to break defences down with his skating, he is similar in status to Maradona with a touch of Beckenbauer when comparing the two sports, except he isn't really an idiot like Maradona. However in the 1980's came a player about 6"0 and 170llbs by the name of Wayne Gretzky, who shocked the league with his unbelievable mental mapping and dominant skill for the game. Gretzky by the end of his career, had more assists than any player had combined goals and assists, while also having more goals than any other player. His highlights may seem unimpressive, but for his dominance of the game I have no Football comparison. He wearing the number 99 retiring in 1999, winning four Stanley cups during his career instantly became the best player in the history of the game by a landslide. He impacted the game so greatly that the Number 99 can no longer be worn by any player. from 1999 onward, many players made a vast impact on the NHL, even though hockey at that point had been played across the world for half a century in places such as Russia, Sweden and Finland very competitively and countries overseas had been producing all time talent for decades upon decades, players like Lidstrom(played 1991-2012)(comparable to Beckenbauer) and Ovechkin(played 2001-Present day)(comparable to CR7)and many others redefined European hockey in the Western hemisphere. Also North American Players since Gretzky such as Mario Lemieux(played 1984-2006)(similar to Zidane and R9) Sidney Crosby(played 2003-present day) (Similar to Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard)and many others have kept the sport's popularity growing. However, then came along Connor McDavid, who is our generation's generational talent. There is more talent in the NHL right now than there has ever been bar none, but McDavid(comparable to Messi and Neymar in terms of skill in their respective sports) may be the most talented Hockey player ever. Wearing number 97 and playing for Gretzky's old team, he is the fastest and best skater ever, while also having the fastest hands/puck handling ever(In my opinion). Since entering the league he as only gotten better, last season he scored 60 goals and 89 assists leading the league in both categories, with his skilled German teammate Leon Draisaitl(comparable in skill to KDB regarding their respective sports) scoring the second most points in the league as they both dominate almost every game they play in offensively. Every player mentioned in this comment have won a vast amount of individual achievements, such as MVPs and scoring titles, also every play mentioned here has Won the Stanley cup, except for two of them Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. If hockey fans have anything to add and If Football fans or people getting into hockey have anything to ask, just reply, I will answer! All I want to do is simply educate and inspire interest in sports for those who haven't discovered them yet!

[@david.anthony5212]

Nick, you're right about the puck control. McDavid is perhaps the best ever at controlling the puck so well while at top speed. There have been other fast skaters, but they couldn't control the puck like McDavid or have his vision. If McDavid grew up playing football instead, with his skillset I wonder if he'd be a top striker?

[@DNReacts]

He’s so good!

[@toddmurray6596]

Great reaction video buds. Don't forget to put up the maple leaf behind you !

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, we’ll get that sorted too, thinking of how we redesign the background 🤝 Took us 4 months to get the American Flag, we’re pushed for time, thanks for the comment

[@Timmycoo]

When players are below the icing line (red line) they will frequently try and bank it in off the goalie, especially if the goalie isn't paying attention/expecting them to carry it to the other side. Also you'll notice a lot of snipers like to position the defensive player(s) in the way to act as a screen for the goalie so he can't see where the puck is coming from. He's a joy to watch. As a San Jose Sharks fan, I find myself watching the Oilers just to see him and Draisaitl do their magic.

[@lancewoodward5841]

FYI number 8 and 18 were both in the same game. I was there and the place went crazy with that OT win. Was sitting pretty close by to see the puck go off the goaltenders back and in. Happened so fast too. On thing I have learned going to games is don't look away for a second when McDavid is on the ice. There is a good chance that you will miss something. Also, in my opinion, watching him on television doesn't compare to seeing him live. Seeing him live is a real treat. And the closer you are to the ice, the better idea you get of what an elite talent he truly is.

[@randybegon3191]

i live where Mc David plays and he does this kind of play a dozen times a game . He truly is amazing to watch because his level of play seems 1 level above against the worlds best plyers

[@Kansika]

His skating and puck handling are incredible but what sets him most apart for me is how he never seems to look at the puck when he has possession and how he never lowers his head. No matter what speed he's doing, whether he's mid-ice or in a corner, his posture is always upright while he scans the ice for offensive opportunities as much as for self-defense. It's not for lack of effort that you seldom see hard body hits on him.

[@wadekevin2074]

Best ever. Simply unbelievable

[@UnhingedCanadian]

When you said he almost looks like he’s a better skater then everyone else made me laugh cause he pretty much the best skater the league has seen possibly ever.

[@elidonohue2624]

He’s just incredible. His linemate Draisaitl is a former MVP as well

[@flaviusfake271]

Gilbert Perreault's first goal in the legendary 1972 Summit Series (first time Canada with NHL pros vs USSR) is an absolute beauty. He goes from one end to the other end on an olympic ice rink (back then 2 times bigger) and scores shooting off the defenseman so McDavid isn't the first but you don't see many guys like them who fly on the ice so smoothly with great hands.

[@bigmike5592]

hes already being talked about as a gretzky level generational skill

[@BonnieWeppler]

I love to watch him play - he dances his way around the rink, like Fred Astaire on ice. 🍁🏒

[@DirtyDLions685]

Some people may not realize but number 11 on this list, he shoots the backhand off the goalie’s pad ON PURPOSE to be able to get his own rebound. Simply brilliant

[@DNReacts]

That’s insane! Thanks for letting us know 🤝

[@mikeaylward4521]

McDavid has more highlights in one season than other players have in a career....he is the most talented and skilled hockey player ever....

[@answeris4217]

Ever???

[@baconflavoured]

Like you boys said this is just one season. You guys need to watch his all time to date. There's a play that I want to say happened last season, where he dekes through the ENTIRE opposing team and then scores. It's absolutely insane. Dude has the personality of a wet sock, but damnit if he isn't one of the greatest to ever play the sport.

[@jakobcherry288]

Better yet, he did it a second time in the same month

[@jaypal9409]

That play (or one just like it) was against the New York Rangers in Edmonton in the 2021-22 season (November, I think.) It was a big night because they were honoring Kevin Lowe and many of the Oiler greats from the 80’s, including Gretzky, were in the building. Edmonton was down for the first part of that game and that goal was either a tie or go-ahead. It’s my #1 McDavid goal of all time, not just because of the talent, but because of the situation. Others to watch-series winning overtime goal against Calgary, again, not just because of his talent but because of the situation. And another funny one was against Toronto, in Toronto, where he faked out the defence-man, I think Riley, who was his friend. The reaction of the players on that one is fun to watch. Thanks for the highlights. Watched this in July while missing my Oilers hockey!

[@troybaier5460]

Dude my man is phenomenal

[@martyboddy5965]

cool video, first time watching you guys . I'm a New Zealander and my family are football mad but I became a hockey guy mid 90's first time I watched hockey I feel in love with it. Some of the terminology you used was correct, we don't call it a penalty kick, its a shootout but puck on a string is exactly how to describe McDavid. Yes 1 in 5 in a shootout isnt great for someone of his skill. Another good forward to check out, who also wears 97 is Kirill Kaprizov drafted in the same year as McDavid but 5 rounds later and spent a long time in Russia before playing in the NHL. Not as good as McDavid but still enjoyable to watch, amazing skater and puck control.

[@REAPER-1xxx]

My favourite goal shown is number 8. Unfortunately the full view isn’t shown. McJesus doesn’t get it in on 1st attempt. Smashes his stick off the boards in a fit of rage still on the move, Draisaitl understands the play ain’t over and retrieves the puck and the Dynamic Duo set up for another fly by. This time it works. The level of dominance they have together is unreal. They have so much time and space in the offensive zone compared to anyone else.

[@urex1717]

He truly is a phenom. He is so far in a class by himself that even Brits can recognize how good he is.

[@jarvisrein9318]

need to watch McDavid best all time. Walks through so many guys.

[@danielgray8521]

This is just highlights from one season. His career is full of exceptional plays.

[@davidsimpson6404]

The great thing about Conner s skating is every body out there is an elite skater it s the main skill in Hockey he s at another level for shure 🇨🇦

[@1N2345]

Connor McDavid is the greatest of all time. Not a doubt in my mind. Speed, agility, vision, accuracy, puck handling. He's got it all

[@jeniasmackay7931]

4:29 I was at that game, front row. Amazing to see. His 59th goal than scored his 60th in overtime. Rarely does anyone score 60 goals in one season…. He also rank 4th in all time points at 153 I think

[@dvnnyphvntom763]

McDavid mastered his skating speed, balance, stride, and edge work, but also masters the art of stick handling and deception. What makes him different is that he doesn’t look down at the puck when he has it, so he can spot every single movement the opposition makes, and he knows where everyone is on the ice.

[@colebevans8939]

30-40% success rate on a shootout is considered pretty good. There’s a handful of guys who average 50-60% on the shootout but it’s pretty rare. 1/5 is about average or a little below.

[@ManOfTrades]

footy fans watching mc david. Love it! The world getting into hockey

[@ootstapitsta]

That was a cool vid. I’m lucky enough to see the guy play live. The best to ever play is Wayne Gretzky who was also an Oiler, and believe it or not McDavid has a long way to go before he dominates the sport like Gretzky did. Nobody has ever dominated their individual sport, in any sport, like Gretzky. With that said this is the modern era and a lot has evolved in the game, especially defense and goaltending. What McDavid is doing is truly special. Lost in all the hype over him is the second best player in the NHL, his teammate Leon Draisaitl, also known as The German Gretzky. You’ll notice that he’s involved with a good number of those plays in this video. If you want to see his best goal of all time, look up “McDavid skates through 4 New York Rangers” from the season before this.

[@dmwd96]

3:18 You nailed it right there. While everything about mcdavids game is world-class, it’s his skating and ability to almost effortlessly separate himself from the opposition that truly sets him above the rest.

[@dmwd96]

Also, If you haven’t already, look up his goal against the New York Rangers. I assumed it would’ve been #1 on this list until I realized that this list only covers this most recent season 😅

[@kevinnagel68]

We’re so lucky to have him here in Edmonton.. he’s a living breathing highlight reel. Oh.. it’s a penalty shot… Not a penalty kick…. Lol😊

[@dorny14]

As an edmontonian you can't fully appreciate mcdavid until you see him in action live. Its that much faster and more unbelievable in person.