FORT LAUDERDALE — Connor McDavid chose his words with care.
The Edmonton Oilers captain — widely regarded as the best player in hockey — had just been asked about the weight of expectation on his shoulders as his team faces a must-win situation.
“That’s a pretty heavy question,” McDavid replied with the Oilers on the brink of elimination in the Stanley Cup Final. “I don’t see it like that. If you did, it would probably overwhelm you and affect how you get ready and perform.
“It’s a big game — everyone knows that. I know that. And I’m excited for it.”
That pivotal game comes Tuesday night, with Edmonton trailing the defending champion Florida Panthers 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
The Oilers fought hard to even the series with a thrilling 5-4 overtime comeback win in Game 4, where they erased a 3-0 first-period deficit. But they stumbled in Game 5 at home, falling 5-2 and pushing themselves to the edge.
Now, they can’t afford a single misstep.
“The Cup will be in the building,” McDavid said of Game 6. “Those are the games you dream about. It’s not there for us — yet — but anytime the Cup’s in the house and you’re still playing, it means you’re doing something right.”
A quick start will be key if Edmonton hopes to force Game 7 back in Alberta on Friday.
Florida has dominated the opening period across the series, outscoring Edmonton 11-4 overall — including a lopsided 7-0 tally in the last three games.
“We want to play with the lead,” said veteran forward Corey Perry, appearing in his sixth Cup Final. “That’s the plan — get the first one, build momentum, and go from there.”
McDavid and teammate Leon Draisaitl are tied atop the playoff scoring chart with 33 points each, though McDavid only found the back of the net for the first time in the final during the third period of Game 5.
The 28-year-old has frequently been matched up against Florida captain Aleksander Barkov — a three-time Selke Trophy winner known for shutting down top opponents — just as he was in last year’s final.
“It’ll be another challenge,” Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said of facing McDavid again. “He’s desperate to win a Cup … but so are we.”
Speaking after Monday’s practice under the Florida heat, McDavid deflected attention from his personal performance.
“It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about all of us trying to get a win — that’s what we’re focused on.
“Everyone’s got another gear, myself included.”
Teammate Darnell Nurse praised McDavid’s influence and example.
“He leads by example,” Nurse said. “When he speaks, it matters because of the dedication he shows — not just on the ice or at practice, but in everything he does behind the scenes. That kind of commitment pushes the rest of us.”
Head coach Kris Knoblauch — who coached McDavid in junior with the OHL’s Erie Otters — said McDavid has always set the standard.
“From the start, it was his work ethic, attention to detail, and drive to be the best,” Knoblauch said. “As he’s matured, he’s embraced leadership and earned the respect of every player in the room by recognizing their contributions too.”
Perry, who first played with McDavid at the 2016 world championships and joined Edmonton this season, shared similar sentiments.
“I didn’t know him well until now,” said the 40-year-old. “But he surprised me. He’s outgoing, connects with everyone in the locker room, and when he speaks, people listen.
“His actions carry even more weight than his words … he’s the ideal captain.”
The Oilers have shown resilience before.
They rallied from a 3-2 deficit against Vancouver in last year’s second round, overcame a 2-0 hole against the Kings earlier this postseason, and nearly pulled off a Cup Final miracle last year as well.
“For whatever reason, we don’t like to take the easy route,” McDavid said. “Once again, we’re in a tough spot — and it’s up to us to dig our way out.”
The pressure is real.
— With files from The Canadian Press, published June 16, 2025.
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