Crosby, the first overall pick in the 2005 draft, is in his 20th season in the NHL. The 37-year-old center has seven points (one goal, six assists) in eight games this season.
McDavid, whom the Oilers drafted first overall in 2015, is playing his 10th NHL campaign. The 27-year-old forward collected eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games.
“I hope to make it to 37,” McDavid said. I hope to be able to play at his level at this age. »
McDavid has 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) and is +15 in 13 games against Crosby, and the Oilers are 7-3-3. Crosby has seven points (three goals, four assists) and is -12, and the Penguins are 6-6-1.
Crosby and the Penguins won the first six games against McDavid and the Oilers, but the latter bounced back by winning the last seven.
The Penguins practiced in Edmonton on Thursday, and Crosby was asked about the Oilers’ success against his team.
“They have a lot of speed and they are very opportunistic,” Crosby analyzed. It’s very difficult to face Connor and Leon [Draisaitl] due, among other things, to their speed. One small mistake, poor puck management and it will end up in your net. That’s how dangerous they are. It tests your discipline, your structure and your level of competitiveness. You have to find ways to control the puck and not give them chances. »
This is the first of two matches between the two teams this season. The Oilers will visit the Penguins on January 9.
“He doesn’t seem to want to slow down,” McDavid said. But it’s always special to face Sid, [Evgeni] Malkin, [Kris] Letang and all the guys who have been part of great teams. »
McDavid said playing Crosby won’t be any different this time around, even though they will be teammates in the 4 Nations Showdown.
“We always want to win, he will want to win tomorrow too, and the competitive spirit will be there,” McDavid said. But in February, we will be teammates and that will also be a great moment. »
McDavid and Crosby are among the first six players named to Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Showdown, along with center Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, forward Brayden Point of the Lightning of Tampa Bay and forward Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins.
Crosby said he was looking forward to playing with McDavid rather than having to face him.
“It’ll be a lot better, that’s for sure,” Crosby smiled. I skated with him a little and seeing him up close, I realized how quickly he does everything, the quality of his hands, everything goes really quickly and there are things he does seem easy, but they really aren’t. He continues to improve, which is even more impressive. »
