McDavid responds to Edmonton Oilers doubters: 'We like it that way'
Connor McDavid is relishing the role of the underdog in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
All hope seemed to be lost in the third period of Sunday night’s Game 4 as the LA Kings held a 3-1 lead over the Edmonton Oilers. A loss would have pushed the Oilers to the brink of elimination, giving the Kings a chance to close out the series in California on Tuesday night.
Yet, McDavid’s Oilers did not give up, tying the game in the dying seconds of regulation and eventually winning it off of Leon Draisaitl’s first-ever playoff OT winner. The series shifted from a potential 3-1 Kings lead to a 2-2 tie.
The Oilers captain chipped in with two assists on the night. In a post-game media scrum, McDavid talked about the team’s resiliency and mentioned how much belief this Oilers team has in their ability to stay in games.
“I’m sure there are a lot of people doubting us still, but we like it that way,” McDavid said. “A lot of people counting us out, but we’re fighting to beat a good team, they’re a great team, they really are, and we’re fighting.”
“We have a strong belief in here. A strong belief that we’re never out. People doubting us, putting ourselves in bad spots, but we’re working, we’re digging our way out, trying to find ways to win games.”
"Couple huge, huge plays, Bouch keeps that puck in & then he scores the goal. Leo does his thing. It was a fun win."
Connor McDavid on Evan Bouchard & Leon Draisaitl's goals to force overtime & win it in sudden death.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/GkvLm5crws
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 28, 2025
The home team has won every game of this series through the first four matchups. That would seem to give the Kings an advantage heading into Game 5 on Tuesday night. Edmonton looked shaky on the road to start this opening-round series, but these two gigantic wins are sure to give them some confidence.
McDavid said that this Oilers team will not back down from that challenge of stealing a win inside Crypto.com Arena.
“We believe we can win in any building… We go into every night thinking we can win,” McDavid said. “It’s what the playoffs are all about, going in and winning a big road game. Coming together, that’s what special groups do.
“We’re trying to win a big game in a tough building and environment that [the Kings] really thrive in. It’ll be an uphill battle, but I’ve got nothing but belief in this group.”
Edmonton has wrestled away the momentum of the series and now has a chance to take a commanding 3-2 lead if they can get a road win.
Plenty will continue to doubt that the Oilers can do it, but McDavid wouldn’t have it any other way.