Connor McDavid Has Amusing Line About His Game-Tying Assist in Game 1 vs. Panthers

The center looked back on a pivotal play.

Connor McDavid skates past Brad Marchand during the Stanley Cup Final. / Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Throughout his career, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid has been renowned for his stoic public persona—never too high, never too low.

When he makes a joke, however, it's usually worth listening to. Such was the case Friday, as the Oilers readied for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on the back of a thrilling Game 1 win.

During a press conference, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet in Canada asked McDavid where he was passing his (errant on first glance) game-tying assist late in Game 1.

"I won't say, I won't say," he deadpanned, shaking his head. "All that matters is it ended up where it needed to be, and we scored."

"It ended up where it needed to be" 😅@FriedgeHNIC asked who Connor McDavid was passing to on the Oilers’ game-tying goal in Game 1. pic.twitter.com/rEAOFsqTvx

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 6, 2025

McDavid's risky pass was snared by defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who scored to tie the game 3–3 6:33 into the third period. Center Leon Draisaitl then netted the winner at 19:29 of overtime, with McDavid again assisting.

Game 2 of the rematch between the Panthers and Edmonton is scheduled for Friday at 8 ET.

---

More on Sports Illustrated

feed