Gretzky buzzing over McDavid, Matthews’ NHL playoff debuts
It’s 2005-06 all over again for Wayne Gretzky when it comes to youngsters Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews making their NHL playoff debuts.
The Great One couldn’t help but share his enthusiasm in a text to The Associated Press, comparing McDavid and Matthews’ arrival on the post-season stage with the same buzz generated during Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin’s rookie seasons.
“It’s just one of the best things that has happened to the NHL since Crosby and Ovechkin,” Gretzky wrote. “Should be fun for all.”
The comparison isn’t far off so far given how McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers’ second-year captain, and Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rookie of the year candidate, have taken the league by storm.