Forgive me, Gord above, for I have sinned. I have cast a shroud of doubt around Connor McDavid.

I instantly felt regret when I published my last post because I worried perception wouldn’t match my intent. But how quickly I forgot about the summer he spent rehabbing instead of opting for surgery following the Mark Giordano “accidental contact” with the post so he’d be ready in time for the start of the season. He’s banged up, there’s no question about that, but what should not be in question is his willingness to empty the tank.

Make sure you have nothing left to lose … the fact he played last night is inspiring for the coaches, the fans, and most important of all, his teammates.

But they still might be out of gas.

The Blame Game

One of the fundamental pillars of the sport of hockey is blame. Whether you’re a coach or a fan, you want to understand why something is happening, good or bad. When something positive happens, like Leon Draisaitl scoring a power play goal, usually that’s ascribed to the player. Rightfully so! But who told Leon to stand there?

Or, more accurately, who told Leon to skate wherever he wants on the power play in order to maximize his hockey IQ and instincts? Glen Gulutzan did. When the players succeed, it’s because of the players, and when they fail, it’s because of the coaches.

My editor and new pal Zach Laing and I were talking about the noise surrounding the team sitting on leads, and Jason Gregor asked Kris Knoblauch the question after Game 5. “Yes, I tell them to sit on a lead,” said Knoblauch.

Just kidding, he didn’t say that. It was actually the opposite.

Yikes! This even has Knoblauch’s name on it? That doesn’t seem fair. But he’s the head coach, I guess. Hopefully we can agree that the coaches don’t want to be drastically outshot........

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