The 2025 Stanley Cup Final has sparked some of the most passionate conversations in hockey circles, and Connor McDavid is at the center of it all. During an appearance on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s The Fan Hockey Show, veteran NHL analyst Liam McHugh offered a powerful comparison that got fans talking.
He likened McDavid’s overall influence on the ice to that of a young, prime Sidney Crosby, arguably the most complete player of his generation. In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, Connor McDavid delivered three assists, again proving why he’s the most impactful player on the ice, despite the Florida Panthers battling to a 5-4 win over the Oilers at Rogers Place on Friday.
Analyst Calls Connor McDavid the Best in All Situations, Compares Him to Prime Sidney Crosby
McHugh started by painting a vivid picture: “Bring a sports fan who’s never watched hockey, sit him down in front of the television, and within 30 seconds, they know McDavid is the best player on the ice,” he said.
There’s no mystery; his skating, the fluid stride, the effortless puck control, the awareness, everything about him screams elite. You don’t need to be a lifelong hockey fan to recognize it. But McHugh then went beyond the obvious and praised a part of McDavid’s game that often goes unnoticed: his defensive play.
What stood out to McHugh was how McDavid is now evolving into a two-way powerhouse. He pointed to a key backcheck in the first period against Florida’s Sam Bennett, describing it as a Crosby-type play. Not flashy or highlight reel-worthy, but it changed the game.
McHugh summed it up perfectly: “There were those little Crosby plays… I think when you have a maniacal drive like McDavid, you carve out that game…that can make him effective and make him arguably the best player on the ice in all situations.”
“We are appreciating [Connor McDavid’s] game for Crosby reasons. It’s the difference between being the most talented player and the best player.”
@liam_mchugh weighs in on McDavid & Leon Draisaitl’s statement in Game 1 with @mattymar89 & @futamichael.
#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/P10nu6k5L9— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) June 5, 2025
McDavid’s relentless effort to break up plays, block passing lanes, and track back hard defensively is showing the kind of complete game we once praised Crosby for. It’s not just about piling up points anymore; it’s about leading by example in every zone, on every shift.
Wayne Gretzky himself had reportedly been in favor of giving McDavid more minutes on the penalty kill, a move some questioned at first. But now, it looks like a game-changing decision.
According to McHugh, McDavid’s performance on the PK has been “phenomenal.” His instincts, timing, and ability to pressure puck carriers have added a new layer to Edmonton’s game. That’s what makes this phase of his career so fascinating. We’ve known for years that McDavid is a generational talent when it comes to offense. But now, he’s growing into something even bigger, a player who controls the game in all situations.
Even when he’s not scoring, he’s impacting the outcome in subtle but significant ways. That’s where the Crosby comparison feels most valid. Crosby made a career out of being great in every role, power play, penalty kill, and even faceoffs, and McDavid seems to be following that same path.
McDavid set up key goals for Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl, and Corey Perry, including the game-tying goal with just 18 seconds left in regulation. Despite the 5–4 double-overtime loss to, his presence was undeniable, bringing his total to five assists in just the first two games of the series.
As the series continues, fans will surely keep their eyes on the obvious: goals, assists, and electric plays. But if you look a little closer, you’ll see McDavid redefining greatness. Not just as a scorer, but as a leader, a defender, and a workhorse.
