<p>After ten years in the NHL, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/watch-micd-up-jon-cooper-tells-canada-be-selfish-and-shoot-the-puck-in-the-net-ahead-of-mcdavids-ot-winner">Connor McDavid</a> finally represented Team Canada in a best-on-best tournament at the 4 Nations Face-off, showing the hockey world—both longtime fans and newcomers alike— just why he’s regarded as the best player in the world.</p>
<p>McDavid finished second in the 4 Nations tournament scoring, recording three goals and two assists in four games, and created some lasting memories. Moreover, for non-Oilers fans who don&#8217;t openly root for him because he doesn’t play for their favourite NHL team, I imagine that during that short tournament—and especially at the moment <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/golden-goal-from-connor-mcdavid-propels-canada-over-usa-in-4-nations-face-off-final">he scored the goal that united a nation</a>—if they were rooting for Team Canada, they all cheered for him, feeling proud to see him wearing the red and white.</p>
<p>With that in mind, as a whole, McDavid’s highlight reel package is overflowing with unbelievable plays—enough that it would take you until the next best-on-best tournament to watch them all. He’s scored some big goals in his career, and whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just beginning to appreciate his talent, we’ve put together a list of his five biggest and most clutch goals he&#8217;s scored when the stakes were at their highest.</p>
<h2>McDavid’s Early Goal in Final Became Game Winner and Canada Won Gold at 2016 WHC</h2>
<p>McDavid finished his rookie campaign with the Oilers in 2016, recording 48 points in 45 games, and though he missed 37 games due to a clavicle injury, he was still selected to Team Canada for the World Hockey Championships in Russia that May.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/cmcdavid97?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cmcdavid97</a>&#39;s only goal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IIHFWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IIHFWorlds</a> came at the right time. Celebrate the championship with a RT <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IIHFWorlds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IIHFWorlds</a> <a href="https://t.co/O5qQYp9A7g">pic.twitter.com/O5qQYp9A7g</a></p>
<p>&mdash; IIHF (@IIHFHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/734476953030365184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Team Canada made it to the gold medal game to face off against Finland, and the future Oilers captain had yet to score in the tournament. But the then 19-year-old picked the perfect moment to net his first, burying a loose puck off of Matt Duchene’s shot. He slipped past a Finnish defender, pulled off a slick backhand-to-forehand move, and roofed it over his future teammate, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/former-oilers-goalie-mikko-koskinen-has-reportedly-retired-from-hockey">Mikko Koskinen</a>.</p>
<p>McDavid’s <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/looking-back-at-connor-mcdavids-history-with-team-canada">first-period goal proved to be the game-winner</a> in Team Canada’s 2-0 victory, marking the first time the Richmond Hill, ON native showed his clutch ability while competing for his country and playing against grown men on the international stage.</p>
<h2>McDavid Scores the Dagger Goal in Game 7 Against the Kings in 2022</h2>
<p>The Oilers faced <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/game-notes-kings-oilers-edmonton-the-favourite">the Los Angeles Kings in the first round</a> of the 2022 playoffs, in what was a back-and-forth battle between the two Pacific Division rivals all series. The Kings stunned Edmonton with a massive OT win in Game 5, forcing an elimination game in Game 6. That’s when the Oilers’ captain delivered in the clutch, scoring a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win to set the stage for an unforgettable Game 7.</p>
<p>Game 7 was tight checking, with the Oilers struggling to break through until the second period when McDavid set up former Oiler <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/remembering-cody-cecis-time-with-the-edmonton-oilers">Cody Ceci</a>—Mr. Game 7 himself—for the opening goal. With Edmonton clinging to a one-goal lead late in the third, Rogers Place was electric, but a nervous energy filled the air because one quick strike from the Kings could change everything.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CONNOR. MCDAVID. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Game7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Game7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StanleyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StanleyCup</a></p>
<p>NHL x <a href="https://twitter.com/massmutual?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@massmutual</a> </p>
<p>🇺🇸: <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/qTGIiEWyJs">https://t.co/qTGIiEWyJs</a><br />🇨🇦: <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportsnet</a> ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/FNYGtwwdpA">https://t.co/FNYGtwwdpA</a> <a href="https://t.co/F1ACSjPRMK">pic.twitter.com/F1ACSjPRMK</a></p>
<p>&mdash; NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1525697579924742144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Up by one goal late in the third, rather than sitting back, the captain took over. He grabbed the puck, darted toward the Kings’ goal, went around the net, bullied his way to the front and roofed it over Jonathan Quick to finish off an amazing individual effort.</p>
<p>The crowd at Rogers Place erupted when <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/the-day-after-edmonton-oilers-close-out-the-series-with-massive-2-0-win-over-the-los-angeles-kings">McDavid’s big goal sealed the deal</a>, and his celebration was filled with emotion, as everyone knew the Oilers were moving on to the second round after a 2-0 win in Game 7.</p>
<h2>McDavid Scores the Series-Clinching OT Goal to Eliminate Flames From Playoffs in 2022</h2>
<p>In the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oilers squared off against their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames, making it the first time the two teams had met in the postseason in 31 years, and the buildup to that series had Alberta fired up with excitement.</p>
<p>The Flames were the better team in the regular season and were favourites heading into the Battle of Alberta, but nerves likely got the best of both teams in Game 1, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/next-day-reaction-after-the-edmonton-oilers-fall-9-6-to-the-calgary-flames">where Calgary won by a whopping 9-6</a>—a throwback to an 80s-style score.</p>
<p>However, the Oilers bounced back, winning the next three games to set up an elimination Game 5 at the Saddledome in Calgary. It was a back-and-forth match, with Evan Bouchard tying the game at four apiece in the second period before it went to overtime.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On this day in 2022, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Calgary Flames in overtime, with Connor McDavid scoring the series-winner. <a href="https://t.co/nohdxCEsVX">pic.twitter.com/nohdxCEsVX</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Woz (@itsWozzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsWozzz/status/1794771346758762522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Five minutes into OT, it was the dynamic duo doing what they do best. Leon Draisaitl shielded the puck with his large frame and slid it over to McDavid, and he fired a quick shot <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/watch-connor-mcdavid-wins-battle-of-alberta-for-oilers">that beat goaltender Jacob Markstrom</a> for the series-winning overtime goal.</p>
<p>His goal <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/next-day-reaction-after-the-edmonton-oilers-eliminate-the-calgary-flames">propelled the Oilers to the Western Conference Final</a> and stands as a signature moment in the Battle of Alberta rivalry, especially considering several key players departed from the Flames in the offseason. Also, what a series it was for Edmonton&#8217;s leader, finishing with 12 points in just five games against Calgary.</p>
<h2>McDavid Nets Winner for Oilers in Double OT Against the Stars in 2024</h2>
<p>The Oilers faced off against <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-vs-dallas-stars-a-tactical-preview">the Dallas Stars in the 2024 Western Conference Final</a>, the two clubs&#8217; first playoff encounter since 2003. In Game 1, the Oilers took an early 2-0 lead, but the Stars mounted a comeback with two consecutive goals, including one from Tyler Seguin with just 2:32 left in regulation, forcing OT.</p>
<p>Just 17 seconds into the extra frame, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-pk-shines-and-mcdavid-calls-game-in-3-2-ot-win-against-dallas-stars">McDavid was given a four-minute penalty</a> after his stick struck Matt Duchene in the face, drawing blood. However, his teammates rallied together for a massive kill. Additionally, later in OT, the Oilers captain found himself all alone in front of the net and patiently waited for Jake Oettinger to get out of position. However, when he finally shot the puck, the Dallas netminder robbed him with his paddle.</p>
<p>Still, great players rise to the challenge in crucial situations, and the captain was not going to be denied twice.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE CAPTAIN SECURES GAME 1 FOR OIL COUNTRY! 🤩</p>
<p>Connor McDavid scores to secure the <a href="https://twitter.com/SUBWAYCanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SUBWAYCanada</a> OT winner in Dallas. <a href="https://t.co/vgPCtH4bYy">pic.twitter.com/vgPCtH4bYy</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1793861421756731616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Nearly 30 seconds into the second OT, McDavid found open space and redirected Bouchard’s pass up and over Oettinger, scoring the double-overtime winner and giving his team the Game 1 win.</p>
<p>In addition, we have to give an honorable mention to the goal McDavid scored in the elimination Game 6 against the Stars, in the same series.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CONNOR MCDAVID WITH A DISGUSTING GOAL TO START GAME 6 🤯🔥 <a href="https://t.co/f68uNrurVk">pic.twitter.com/f68uNrurVk</a></p>
<p>&mdash; B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1797422833024336238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>He opened the scoring with an incredible power play goal, weaving through the Stars&#8217; penalty kill unit before toe-dragging around Miro Heiskanen and beating Oettinger on the backhand, adding another one to his highlight reel package. The Oilers hung on to win Game 6 by a 2-1 score, eliminating Dallas and punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.</p>
<h2>McDavid Scores Iconic Game Winner for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-off</h2>
<p>It took a decade into McDavid’s NHL career for him to represent his country in a best-on-best tournament, and Team Canada’s alternate captain didn’t disappoint. As mentioned, he finished second in tournament scoring, with three goals and two assists in four games. Additionally, in the first game against the Americans, he scored another jaw-dropping goal, receiving a puck with speed and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/canada-united-states-open-4-nations-face-off-game-with-three-fights-in-nine-seconds">beating Connor Hellebuyck with a backhand in tight</a>, electrifying the crowd at the Bell Centre.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, he reserved his finest moment for the championship game against the Americans. With the game tied 2-2 in overtime, the three-time Hart Trophy winner found open space, received the puck from Mitch Marner, and as fast as it arrived on his stick, in the blink of an eye, fired it top corner past Hellebuyck, scoring the &#8216;golden goal&#8217; for Team Canada—<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/connor-mcdavid-has-his-signature-moment-in-a-canadian-sweater">5,471 days after Sidney Crosby&#8217;s iconic winner</a> at the 2010 Olympics.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THERE IT IS! THE GAME WINNER! THE TOURNAMENT WINNER! 😱😱😱 </p>
<p>CONNOR MCDAVID HAS WON IT FOR CANADA!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Nations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Nations</a> <a href="https://t.co/nDneA2e26K">pic.twitter.com/nDneA2e26K</a></p>
<p>&mdash; NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1892793654286160341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Whoever was cheering for Team Canada, regardless of their feelings toward the Oilers, were all Connor McDavid fans at that moment when he scored the winner. For many, it was about the game, but for others, it united a country, and it’s one of those goals you’ll always remember exactly where you were—one that will be replayed for years to come.</p>
<p>I say this time and time again—McDavid pulls off magic on a nightly basis, and we’ve almost just come to expect it. But every now and then, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate how special he truly is. With that in mind, what’s your favourite clutch McDavid goal?</p>


After ten years in the NHL, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/watch-micd-up-jon-cooper-tells-canada-be-selfish-and-shoot-the-puck-in-the-net-ahead-of-mcdavids-ot-winner">Connor McDavid</a> finally represented Team Canada in a best-on-best tournament at the 4 Nations Face-off, showing the hockey world—both longtime fans and newcomers alike— just why he’s regarded as the best player in the world.

McDavid finished second in the 4 Nations tournament scoring, recording three goals and two assists in four games, and created some lasting memories. Moreover, for non-Oilers fans who don't openly root for him because he doesn’t play for their favourite NHL team, I imagine that during that short tournament—and especially at the moment <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/golden-goal-from-connor-mcdavid-propels-canada-over-usa-in-4-nations-face-off-final">he scored the goal that united a nation</a>—if they were rooting for Team Canada, they all cheered for him, feeling proud to see him wearing the red and white.

With that in mind, as a whole, McDavid’s highlight reel package is overflowing with unbelievable plays—enough that it would take you until the next best-on-best tournament to watch them all. He’s scored some big goals in his career, and whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just beginning to appreciate his talent, we’ve put together a list of his five biggest and most clutch goals he's scored when the stakes were at their highest.
<h2>McDavid’s Early Goal in Final Became Game Winner and Canada Won Gold at 2016 WHC</h2>
McDavid finished his rookie campaign with the Oilers in 2016, recording 48 points in 45 games, and though he missed 37 games due to a clavicle injury, he was still selected to Team Canada for the World Hockey Championships in Russia that May.

https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/734476953030365184

Team Canada made it to the gold medal game to face off against Finland, and the future Oilers captain had yet to score in the tournament. But the then 19-year-old picked the perfect moment to net his first, burying a loose puck off of Matt Duchene’s shot. He slipped past a Finnish defender, pulled off a slick backhand-to-forehand move, and roofed it over his future teammate, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/former-oilers-goalie-mikko-koskinen-has-reportedly-retired-from-hockey">Mikko Koskinen</a>.

McDavid’s <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/looking-back-at-connor-mcdavids-history-with-team-canada">first-period goal proved to be the game-winner</a> in Team Canada’s 2-0 victory, marking the first time the Richmond Hill, ON native showed his clutch ability while competing for his country and playing against grown men on the international stage.
<h2>McDavid Scores the Dagger Goal in Game 7 Against the Kings in 2022</h2>
The Oilers faced <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/game-notes-kings-oilers-edmonton-the-favourite">the Los Angeles Kings in the first round</a> of the 2022 playoffs, in what was a back-and-forth battle between the two Pacific Division rivals all series. The Kings stunned Edmonton with a massive OT win in Game 5, forcing an elimination game in Game 6. That’s when the Oilers’ captain delivered in the clutch, scoring a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win to set the stage for an unforgettable Game 7.

Game 7 was tight checking, with the Oilers struggling to break through until the second period when McDavid set up former Oiler <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/remembering-cody-cecis-time-with-the-edmonton-oilers">Cody Ceci</a>—Mr. Game 7 himself—for the opening goal. With Edmonton clinging to a one-goal lead late in the third, Rogers Place was electric, but a nervous energy filled the air because one quick strike from the Kings could change everything.

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1525697579924742144

Up by one goal late in the third, rather than sitting back, the captain took over. He grabbed the puck, darted toward the Kings’ goal, went around the net, bullied his way to the front and roofed it over Jonathan Quick to finish off an amazing individual effort.

The crowd at Rogers Place erupted when <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/the-day-after-edmonton-oilers-close-out-the-series-with-massive-2-0-win-over-the-los-angeles-kings">McDavid’s big goal sealed the deal</a>, and his celebration was filled with emotion, as everyone knew the Oilers were moving on to the second round after a 2-0 win in Game 7.
<h2>McDavid Scores the Series-Clinching OT Goal to Eliminate Flames From Playoffs in 2022</h2>
In the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oilers squared off against their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames, making it the first time the two teams had met in the postseason in 31 years, and the buildup to that series had Alberta fired up with excitement.

The Flames were the better team in the regular season and were favourites heading into the Battle of Alberta, but nerves likely got the best of both teams in Game 1, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/next-day-reaction-after-the-edmonton-oilers-fall-9-6-to-the-calgary-flames">where Calgary won by a whopping 9-6</a>—a throwback to an 80s-style score.

However, the Oilers bounced back, winning the next three games to set up an elimination Game 5 at the Saddledome in Calgary. It was a back-and-forth match, with Evan Bouchard tying the game at four apiece in the second period before it went to overtime.

https://twitter.com/itsWozzz/status/1794771346758762522

Five minutes into OT, it was the dynamic duo doing what they do best. Leon Draisaitl shielded the puck with his large frame and slid it over to McDavid, and he fired a quick shot <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/watch-connor-mcdavid-wins-battle-of-alberta-for-oilers">that beat goaltender Jacob Markstrom</a> for the series-winning overtime goal.

His goal <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/next-day-reaction-after-the-edmonton-oilers-eliminate-the-calgary-flames">propelled the Oilers to the Western Conference Final</a> and stands as a signature moment in the Battle of Alberta rivalry, especially considering several key players departed from the Flames in the offseason. Also, what a series it was for Edmonton's leader, finishing with 12 points in just five games against Calgary.
<h2>McDavid Nets Winner for Oilers in Double OT Against the Stars in 2024</h2>
The Oilers faced off against <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-vs-dallas-stars-a-tactical-preview">the Dallas Stars in the 2024 Western Conference Final</a>, the two clubs' first playoff encounter since 2003. In Game 1, the Oilers took an early 2-0 lead, but the Stars mounted a comeback with two consecutive goals, including one from Tyler Seguin with just 2:32 left in regulation, forcing OT.

Just 17 seconds into the extra frame, <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-pk-shines-and-mcdavid-calls-game-in-3-2-ot-win-against-dallas-stars">McDavid was given a four-minute penalty</a> after his stick struck Matt Duchene in the face, drawing blood. However, his teammates rallied together for a massive kill. Additionally, later in OT, the Oilers captain found himself all alone in front of the net and patiently waited for Jake Oettinger to get out of position. However, when he finally shot the puck, the Dallas netminder robbed him with his paddle.

Still, great players rise to the challenge in crucial situations, and the captain was not going to be denied twice.

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1793861421756731616

Nearly 30 seconds into the second OT, McDavid found open space and redirected Bouchard’s pass up and over Oettinger, scoring the double-overtime winner and giving his team the Game 1 win.

In addition, we have to give an honorable mention to the goal McDavid scored in the elimination Game 6 against the Stars, in the same series.

https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1797422833024336238

He opened the scoring with an incredible power play goal, weaving through the Stars' penalty kill unit before toe-dragging around Miro Heiskanen and beating Oettinger on the backhand, adding another one to his highlight reel package. The Oilers hung on to win Game 6 by a 2-1 score, eliminating Dallas and punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
<h2>McDavid Scores Iconic Game Winner for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-off</h2>
It took a decade into McDavid’s NHL career for him to represent his country in a best-on-best tournament, and Team Canada’s alternate captain didn’t disappoint. As mentioned, he finished second in tournament scoring, with three goals and two assists in four games. Additionally, in the first game against the Americans, he scored another jaw-dropping goal, receiving a puck with speed and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/canada-united-states-open-4-nations-face-off-game-with-three-fights-in-nine-seconds">beating Connor Hellebuyck with a backhand in tight</a>, electrifying the crowd at the Bell Centre.

Nevertheless, he reserved his finest moment for the championship game against the Americans. With the game tied 2-2 in overtime, the three-time Hart Trophy winner found open space, received the puck from Mitch Marner, and as fast as it arrived on his stick, in the blink of an eye, fired it top corner past Hellebuyck, scoring the 'golden goal' for Team Canada—<a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/connor-mcdavid-has-his-signature-moment-in-a-canadian-sweater">5,471 days after Sidney Crosby's iconic winner</a> at the 2010 Olympics.

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1892793654286160341

Whoever was cheering for Team Canada, regardless of their feelings toward the Oilers, were all Connor McDavid fans at that moment when he scored the winner. For many, it was about the game, but for others, it united a country, and it’s one of those goals you’ll always remember exactly where you were—one that will be replayed for years to come.

I say this time and time again—McDavid pulls off magic on a nightly basis, and we’ve almost just come to expect it. But every now and then, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate how special he truly is. With that in mind, what’s your favourite clutch McDavid goal?

Looking back at the Top 5 clutch goals from Connor McDavid’s career

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