Paul Coffey’s Stanley Cup Prediction Could Ignite Oilers’ Season

Hockey Hall of Famer and Edmonton Oilers legend Paul Coffey has delivered one of the most inspiring quotes of the season, predicting that Connor McDavid will lead the team to a Stanley Cup victory. In fact, these are the types of comments that can motivate a team to get over their previous hurdles and win it all.

“you ever get nervous before the games?”
“yeah… until I walk in the dressing room and see connor mcdavid and everything goes away” ?? pic.twitter.com/eRfZYZ8y5u

— L900N (@oilygifs) December 21, 2024

During a recent interview where, he talked about how McDavid calms him down anytime Coffey gets nervous before a game; the former NHL defenseman understands big moments and the pressure that comes with being a star. His words carry significant weight, not only because of his three Stanley Cup wins with the Oilers but also due to his deep understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level.

He said, “I’m always nervous till’ I walk in the dressing room, then I see Connor McDavid and everything goes away. Cause you got your guy here that you know is going to play great every single night for you.”

Coffey’s confidence in McDavid highlights the superstar’s pivotal role in the Oilers’ drive to win a Cup. They came close last season, falling just a game and a couple of goals shy in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final versus the Florida Panthers.

Coffey added:

“Others will never understand what that kid goes through putting those skates on every single night and having to be great, and putting the pressure on himself. But I’ll tell you what. He delivers every single night, and we will get him a Stanley Cup Connor will take a back seat to nobody when his career’s over.”

Is This A Rallying Cry for the Oilers to Win It For McDavid?

For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, Coffey’s statement could serve as a rallying cry. McDavid will go everything in his power to win the Cup with this team, but his teammates need to understand that he’s got more pressure on him than anyone in that room. They should want to win it for themselves, but also for him. Should McDavid not win a Cup, it will be an asterisk on his career that he doesn’t deserve.

Coffey knows how important that Cup win is to a superstar’s career. He’s won it. His comments tie Edmonton’s current roster to the dynasty era of the 1980s when the Oilers captured five championships, which should be inspiring for this group and part of why Coffey is there in the first place.

As the Oilers continue their push for playoff positioning, Coffey’s words may fuel their motivation, providing the extra spark needed to chase the Cup and cement McDavid’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest leaders.

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