Connor McDavid and Aleksander Barkov showcased their leadership and skill with decisive plays on their way to winning their respective conference titles.
In a crucial moment during Game 5 of the Western Final, with the Edmonton Oilers holding a narrow 3-2 lead over the Dallas Stars, McDavid demonstrated incredible speed, hitting 22.1 m.p.h. on a play that resulted in a breakaway goal.
Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse commented afterward, calling it “a prime example of a star player delivering in a high-pressure situation.”
The previous night, Barkov displayed his strength and puck control below the goal line, skillfully maneuvering past Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov before setting up Carter Verhaeghe with a precise backhand pass for the goal that clinched their series win.
Celebrating Florida`s third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final, Panthers forward Sam Reinhart told reporters, “The best players step up when it matters most, and he is undoubtedly the leader of this squad.”
