Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is facing the heat after a lopsided 6–1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Among the loudest critics was ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who called out the three-time MVP during ‘First Take’, arguing that an elite player like McDavid shouldn’t struggle to deliver in defining moments.
“Connor McDavid-13 shots, no goals, zero, nothing in the Stanley Cup,” Smith said. “This is a three-time league MVP. No championship. Maybe the greatest that has never won. When do you get to hold a superstar accountable, if not under these conditions?”
It’s a question that has lingered throughout McDavid’s career. He’s been labeled the most talented player of his generation, but despite multiple scoring titles and individual accolades, a Stanley Cup has eluded him and the Oilers. That absence is growing louder with each playoff loss, particularly when it comes in such emphatic fashion.
.@PKSubban1 and @stephenasmith disagree on how accountable Connor McDavid is for the Oilers’ Game 3 loss.
“Thirteen shots. No goals. Zero, nothing, in the Stanley Cup? … When do you get to hold a superstar accountable, if not under these conditions?” pic.twitter.com/ssMNq8Ymfa
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 10, 2025
Florida’s win gave them a 2–1 series lead and showcased their superiority in execution and discipline. Meanwhile, Edmonton unravelled. The Oilers accumulated 85 penalty minutes, more than any Stanley Cup Final game since 1986, highlighting their loss of composure as frustrations mounted.
The third period descended into chaos, culminating in a line brawl that resulted in multiple players being ejected and prompting further scrutiny of the team’s leadership.
Momentum Slipping from McDavid and the Oilers
McDavid addressed the loss with a mixture of honesty and defiance. “It was a weird game,” he said. “When you start in the first with four penalties, almost half the period you’re killing… not a good way to get into your game. We never got to our game.”
He denied that the team broke down entirely. “I don’t think we lost our composure until maybe the very end there,” he said. “Obviously it wasn’t our best, not our best at all. But it’s coming. Shift the focus to finding a way to get a win in Game 4.”
“I don’t think our best has shown up all series long, but it’s coming.”
Connor McDavid speaks after the Oilers’ Game 3 loss. pic.twitter.com/zzdjCi3taV
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 10, 2025
Whether they can remains an open question. Florida has dominated both ends of the ice. Sam Bennett’s goal was his 14th of the postseason, tying his franchise record for power-play goals in a single playoffs. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, once again a steady presence, turned away 32 of 33 shots, keeping McDavid and the Oilers at bay.
With their backs against the wall, Edmonton is facing more than just the Panthers. The pressure to win and for McDavid to carry them there is mounting. Analysts like PK Subban remain optimistic, citing McDavid’s pedigree and past performances. But the time for hypotheticals is over. He’ll need to produce in Game 4 if the Oilers are to stay alive.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch hasn’t confirmed if he’ll shake up the lineup or make strategic changes, but he defended McDavid and the team’s leadership after the loss. Still, with Edmonton trying to avoid falling into a 3–1 series deficit, the spotlight on their captain will only intensify.
Smith’s take serves as a reminder that superstars are only measured by championships. If McDavid wants to shut down the critics, this is the time to do it.