McDavid has heartwarming message for Edmonton Oilers fans after blowout win
It’s no secret that Connor McDavid loves playing for the Edmonton Oilers, and the fans play a big part in that.
Rogers Place was rocking on Sunday afternoon as the Oilers demolished the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final, winning by a score of 6-1. The Oilers captain had two goals in the game and helped the team jump out to a 2-1 series lead.
It was a full team effort with Zach Hyman scoring a pair, Evan Bouchard getting one, and John Klingberg netting his first of the playoffs against his former team. The only downside was Connor Brown leaving the game with an apparent injury.
McDavid sat down with Sportsnet reporter Gene Principe after the game, where he praised Oilers fans for their support.
“There’s not a better rink in the NHL, it’s so special to play here,” McDavid said. “These fans, come playoff time, they bring the energy.
“Such a fun building to play in.”
"There’s not a better rink in the NHL. It’s so special to play here." 🤝
Connor McDavid praises @RogersPlace as he joins @GenePrincipe after the Oilers' Game 3 win. pic.twitter.com/k7TsSQ7v3d
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2025
Oilers fans have been waiting quite a while to see their team play in the Alberta capital again. The last Oilers playoff game at Rogers Place was Game 4 of the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, which was nearly two weeks ago.
Fans must have used that time to get creative with their taunts toward Dallas players. Midway through the game, chants of “U.S. backup” were sent toward Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, who served as Connor Hellebuyck’s backup at the Four Nations Face Off.
#Oilers fans chanting “U.S. Backup” at Oettinger right now
— Preston Hodgkinson (@NHLHodgkinson) May 25, 2025
It was also a bit of a strange game for both the players and fans. Instead of a game in the evening, this one started at 1 p.m. MDT, making it a rare afternoon playoff game. McDavid admitted that the early start time took some getting used to.
“I thought it was a bit wonky, actually,” McDavid said. “Stu [Skinner] held us in it, I thought we gave up too many chances, but we found a way to get a lead… take the win and move on.”
Skinner had perhaps his best performance of the 2025 playoffs, turning aside 33 of the 34 he faced. This was the first non-shutout victory this postseason.
McDavid and the Oilers will now have a chance to take a stranglehold on the series with Game 4 set to go on Tuesday night.