Wayne Talks Connor
By baggedmilk
7 years ago
It’s a slow news day for the Oilers so I figured I would highlight a few sections from the interview that Wayne Gretzky did with the NHL Network before yesterday’s game against the Penguins. In the interview, Gretzky talks glowingly about Connor McDavid and reveals what advice he gave to the young phenom.
As we all know, yesterday’s game was the first time that Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby have ever played against each other. This was one of those games that people had circled on their calendar and a game that the media pumped up into a battle of epic proportions.
When asked about the match between Connor and Sid, Gretzky said:
“For me I get to watch Pittsburgh, winning the Stanley Cup and being the great team they are. Crosby, to me, is the best player in hockey until somebody knocks him off that mantle. He is the best player. It is a great test for Connor and a great test for our hockey club.”
Wait a minute… Why did Wayne mention the teams rather than drone on about two individual players? This thing was supposed to be all about Connor. What gives? Let’s see what else he said about the matchup.
“We’ve had a really nice start to the season. We’ve had a really good road trip. (but) we’re going up against the Stanley Cup champions. They’re a very good team. They’re champions for a reason.”
Stupid, sexy Gretzky. Always right. Always knowing the right thing to say. Although, I wonder what Gretz would have had to say about coughing up that two-goal lead?
ON CONNOR MCDAVID
Even though Wayne Gretzky is on record praising Connor McDavid multiple times, it never gets tiring to hear the best ever talking about our shiny new captain. Although the interview didn’t get too gushy, Gretzky did drop some truth bombs for your ear holes.
“I think he’s the best 19-year-old hockey player I’ve ever seen.”
SQUEEEEE! Alright, I know we normally squee for Eberle around these parts, but how can you not love this simple statement. This short sentence was all I was waiting for even though I’ve heard him say it before. We all know Connor McDavid is special, but it seems to carry more weight when Gretzky says it don’t you think? Maybe it’s just me, but I put more into Wayne’s words over my own teenage infatuation.
What else did he have to say?
“Connor right now is obviously the catalyst. Being 19-years-old and being the captain of an NHL team, it’s an honour and a thrill. I think he’s accepted (the captaincy) with a great deal of respect. His teammates idolize him, and believe that he’s the guy who’s going to lead them to the promised land.”
I think I just went from six to midnight. Mmmmmmmmm. Wait nobody is reading this, right? Moving on. When asked if what kind of advice Gretzky gave to McDavid he said:
“I said to Connor, just go play and enjoy yourself. Mark Messier used to say to me every day ‘there’s not one thing about the game of hockey that I don’t like.’ If you think that way, and you believe it, you’re going to enjoy every single minute of playing in and being part of the National Hockey League.”
Smart man, that Wayne.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
My question for you guys is whether or not you put more weight into Wayne’s words when it comes to Connor McDavid than you would have if it were anyone else. Are Gretzky’s words gospel to you like they are to me? Do you even care? You tell me.
Recent articles from baggedmilk
