LATEST | Connor McDavid calls out the Canucks after being blown out

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Cooper Godin
October 12, 2023 (9:09)

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The Vancouver Canucks opened their 2023-24 season with a massive 8-1 win over their Pacific Division rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, thanks partly to a four-goal night from Brock Boeser.

When speaking with reporters after the game, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was unhappy, and it was easy to see his disappointment. It's only one game, and indeed, the Oilers will brush this one off and put it behind them, but there was a moment in the game that irked Connor McDavid, and he called out the Canucks in his post-game interview.

McDavid was asked his thoughts about the Canucks deploying their first power-play unit in the third period when the score was already 6-1.

"They made a few decisions in the third period that I thought were interesting. Throwing the backup goalie in with ten minutes left, I've not seen that. It's not like DeSmith is an EBUG, so I thought that was interesting. And I mean, yeah, they roll out the first power-play unit....not ideal, but never a situation you want to be in, and we don't like that." McDavid said.

Regarding Casey DeSmith coming in during the third period for Thatcher Demko, it was a little confusing at first, but after the game, Rick Tocchet explained his decision to make the move.

Tocchet said that Thatcher Demko was battling the flu and was dehydrated. He also went as far as telling reporters that Demko threw up in his mask, which played a big decision in pulling him from the game.

The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are set to meet again on Saturday night in Alberta on Hockey Night in Canada. It should be an exciting game, and we'll have to wait to see if any of that frustration mentioned by McDavid carries over into the weekend's re-match.