This is the only hockey player close to Connor McDavid. 

As a hockey fan, the pragmatic choice is McDavid, but Nate has an endless list of clutch game winners. I've seen it for myself so many times. McDavid is a PP monster and 3 on 3 OT, but in even strength with less room, I have to go with Nate. He's a proven clutch winner.

As a homer, based in Denver, you're 100% correct. McD is like Lightening; explosive with insane skill. MacK is like thunder, where you start to see/hear a distant rumble, you feel it build, then all of a sudden you're rocked and wondering what the hell just happened. For Denver, we're lucky to have 2 players that could create anything at any moment (MacK and Makar). We were lucky to have that in Forsberg + Sakic years back. It's a rarity.

The thing with McDavid though is that he's able to change direction way more, defenders have to deal with his speed and not knowing when and how he's going to turn you inside out. And his stick handling is insane. Love the Nate Dawg too, I feel he's actually underrated in terms of how good he is despite winning the Cup last year.

I see a lot of similarities in the Crosby VS Ovechkin debate, even though it isn't perfect. Nate is an absolute Dogg on the ice, and it should be no debate that he has consistently been the number two guy. Nate uses his brute strength to force guys where he wants, meanwhile McDavid will just slip past without a trace before anyone can say anything different. He's also pretty close in speed to McDavid, and one of the biggest differences is just in scoring. Like Sid, Nate gives the pass and works just as well defensively, meanwhile Connor is like Ovi in that he brings in the points and the goals. I would love Nate to finally be healthy and entire season and have a breakout just like Connor, so that he can really show that bite in him. No debate on Connor being the best, but too often Nate gets overshadowed in the end because of injury or not hitting that 100 point mark. Wonderful analysis once again :))

This isn't meant to be an insult to the oilers or oilers fans but I would point to the Stanley cup playoffs last year and more specifically the WCF. MacKinnon made a greater impact for his team when it REALLY counted. If the question is who would I want in a game 7. Hand down it's MacKinnon. He's passionate and clutch in big moments. I've watched a lot of oilers games and I just haven't seen the same from McDavid. Yes, the talent and skill level is second to none but MacKinnon has the intangibles that are not reflected in stats.

its hard to chose between them as it would depend on who they are also playing with... mcd and drai chemistry is next level. but mac and rant and up there as well. if nurse is on the ice its a lose no matter who you choose...

For the last minute of play? A determined and/or angry Mackinnon is terrifying, so I’m picking him.

Now have both of them stand next to their Stanley Cups. If MacKinnon had to carry his team like McDavid did would he be the same. I loved how McDavid averaged 1 goal in four games against the Avs last year, and Makar robbed him skating backwards. McDavid is a great player, but he is one of two stars on the Oilers.

If I were a player I’d go with McKinnon as a teammate tbh. Not quite as flashy but plays hard in all areas of the game and he never cheats

I always say Mcdavid skates like a Gazelle beautiful, gracious, and smooth like silk, partly do to his taller and longer build. Meanwhile Mackinnon skates like a bull powerful, galloping, and ultra explosive due to his shorter stockier build

I'm a pens fan and I went to the pens vs avs game this year in pgh. I've never seen someone more determined than McKinnon to score a goal.

I would definitely pick Nate for a last minute goal. The way he plays is just so calming for the rest of the team. He sees the game lime nobody and is a stud defensively! By far my favorite player ever

Honestly for a game 7 goal I'd go with Mac. Although McDavid is the better player, MacKinnon is just another animal in clutch situations

I can't put my finger on what it is exactly that's so different but something about the ferocity and quickness that Mack crosses over with at top speed is completely different than anyone I've ever seen, the only guy that's kinda similar is Guy Lafleur

How come nobody EVER brings up the 2022 Western Conference Finals when debating MacKinnon vs McDavid?

If it's the last minute of a game 7 I'd say MacKinnon. Simply because I know the refs will have missed a call or let a call go which would piss him off and consequently causing him to score his very next shift. He does this very often and it is honestly surprisingly consistent as well. You see him yell at the refs, the faceoff happens, and he scores. Prime example: game 5 against STL in 2022, he goes 200 feet through their entire team before roofing it from between his feet just out of reach of the goalie.

When I saw the goal, I thought the defenseman just stood there doing nothing. Then I saw this and realized MacKinnon made a move on him that tied him up on that spot

Macs next step this year has been actually taking edge, something he seemingly shyed away from in years prior

Nate is a much more complete and HARD hockey player. McDavid is pure offensive speed

Different sport and amateur level: I must say as a defenseman in soccer, this speed thing is absolutely true in soccer too. I've played against a number of players who were quick and dangerous with the ball. They were most dangerous when a forward/midfielder went loose on their coverage and assumed "ah the defense will have him", giving the threat way too much room to charge through their area of the field with a full head of steam. Its really tough at that point for the D to be able to thwart him, so its soxrelayeable to hear the d-men i. This clip go "theres nothing we could do there." Thats code for "i wish our teammates didnt let him blow right past them" You need to have a center or winger more carefully protecting against those attacks through the center of the ice. McKinnon & McDavid are counting on a half-hearted poke check from the winger who has a thought process of, "eh, if I dont get him, there are still two d-men there."

Love the way you demonstrate technique!

No doubt McDavid is a better player but MacK has a clutch gene like no other. I’d take the Dogg.

Need one goal in game 7, of course I’m going with MacKinnon, he is as clutch as they get, also a shut down defender in the playoffs

I've been saying it for the last 3 years or so, if MacKinnon could just go a full season without getting hurt, he'd come in 2nd to McDavid in pts.

Taking mack he has killer instinct.

linear crossovers grew my hockey and skating skill exponentially

Damn. Kind of insane to see Suzuki's name right after Mackinnon and McDavid eh:P It's just one stat but good for the kid!

Last minute of a game 7, down by 1, I gotta go with Mackinnon

Right NOW, I'd go with MacKinnon - he's got that big 12.6 mil payday coming next year because he shows-up and performs in the playoffs and has a ring to show for it. I'll take the proven commodity even if McDavid is better by other measures.

Finally! A respectful argument between a good player vs McDavid.. None of this overpaid Matthews nonsense.. McKinnon and McDavid, very similar players for sure !

Mcdavid and mack can make the nhl look like a literal beer league

I would pick Nate. He is amazing with the puck.

that goal at 1:30 was ridiculous lol

they both bring top end dynamic speed and skills but lil bit better in certain aspects. Mcd is slightly better in playmaking and agility. But Mackinnon is more imposing physically , moves like a freight train, and he's gotta a mean tantrum to go with it.

As an individual player, nobody can touch McDavid but there’s not much proof, I don’t think, that he has the intangibles that MacKinnon has.

Good analysis. If I had a choice to take either into game 7 with a minute left to make a difference, I already like my chances. That being said, I'd take McKinnon simply because of his experience deep in the playoffs.

To me there is 4 people who can / will change the game with the puck on their stick. Ovi, Crosby , MacKinnon and McDavid. Will never knock anyone else in the league, but you know when they grab the puck something magical is gonna happen

Love me some Mack.

I'll take Nate Dogg... 10 of 10

Game 7. Going with the Dawg

Nice vid … I’d really have to flip a coin as to picking Mac or “ Mic “ both those boys bring it

Mcdavid is the best player in the world overall. That being said, Mackinnon is able to really take his game to another level in the playoffs. So much so that he out performs Mcdavid. Really hoping we get to see these two go at it again in another playoff series this year!

I think MacKinnen has exactly what you said speed and ability to change direction to go directly to the net, on the other hand McDavid has speed and can do more with his stick also sees the ice better for the unbelievable pass for the goal.

Great Video

Colorado even has their own Drai and nurse

yo bro, i really wanna see u play hockey. U give such descripitive descripiton and anatlytze of the player, u must also be a talented player

You have touched on 1/4 of how and why Nathan is the only player close to Mcdavid....there is a cluster of Players who have the Caramilk secret....I know because I gave it to them in the mid-2000s. I could shut all of them down in a couple of games and give the whole Book on them to the League...but they are Pioneering a NewAge era of offense and I really enjoy that kind of hockey. Its why I forced the entire NHL to evolve beginning in 2009 , I had the support of a Hockey Legend Pat Quinn.

I'd choose mcdavid now, for the goal, simply because he has finally started to shoot the puck more, rather than passing, before I'd choose mackinnon

Need one goal in game 7, Mac

No doubt, Mackinnon for sure.

MacKinnon cause he knows how to finish in big moments (hence being a cup winner).

McDavid if I needed a goal in the last shift of a game. But they're both so good, it's splitting hairs. McDavid has the edge to me because his ability to read the game in the offensive and set up plays with quickness and hands is best in the league

Interesting video. Both are really fast. Although McDavid has insane speed. He isn’t the one that uses it as much. McDavid can whittle through traffic really well. Mackinnon garners speed and great puck handling more often. Im an Avalanche fan and love Nate. I think Nate brings a bit more to the team as a leader. But McDavid is a player you pick first for your allstar vote.

MacK is a gamer. He just gets better the more thats on the line. McDavid hasnt shown us that in the playoffs yet. He's always just who he is, which is the best player in the world... but for a game 7, I'm taking MacK.

MacKinnon is a beast... McDavid is a monster !

@ Hockey psychology I think you underestimate Connors strength. There are plenty of examples where he is tangled up with big defenders and he out muscles them when he's unable to utilize his speed. It's a combination of speed and strength. I wouldn't put him in the same category as Nate and sid who rely on grinding more. Good video Those two generate offencein a similar fashion...I'd choose Nate to score the tying goal or OT goal before this season. Now it would be Connor. He's got confidence that he can wrist one 5 hole or top corner when ever he gets enough room to dangle into the slot area. PS I'm an Oilers fan since the Gretzky era and I lived in Cole Hbr where Sid and Nathan are from. life is good to this hockey fan.

MacKinnon for me. And he has a Cup.

I would choose to answer the question with another question. If you could trade for either of these players which one are you taking?

Jack Hughes does it too.

100%. Also change of speed will catch the defense flat footed. The only way you could stop him is to not give him the inside. Yes he will still beat you but you have to have another defender anticipating the inside cut.

McDavid no doubt is best player in the league but in a game 7 I'll take MacKinnon

Basically, everyone is getting caught flat footed(even though they’re not really standing still). This is a big time coaching issue in my opinion. We see what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. Does “natural” ability come into play here? I don’t think so. They were just taught something that for some reason, others weren’t. Or others were and they just don’t have the work ethic McDavid and McKinnon have. It’s technique along with endless practicing and training. Obviously some guys are just more athletic than others, but there’s enough very good skaters out there that could raise their game if they really wanted to. It’s all about that want factor. Some are content with scoring 30 or 40 goals in the NHL, which is great, and then there’s those that want to hit that 50 or 60. How obsessed are McDavid and McKinnon with getting better compared to the majority of NHL players? Probably immeasurable…

I honestly think the "best player in the world" tag is more up for debate than people give credit for. Don't get me wrong, McDavid is absolutely incredible especially this season collecting over 150 points and he probably is the best player in the world, but MacKinnon is a lot closer than people think, in my opinion, and is the best playoff performer by far. He has 93 points in 70 games and has never been in a playoff run where he has collected less than 1 point per game(his lowest playoff total was 6 points in 6 games back in 17-18). Also, at even strength, nobody has been better than MacKinnon this year since Jan. 1. Mackinnon has 53 points at even strength since Jan. 1(after he returned from injury), 7 points more than Pastrnak in second(12 more than McDavid who is in fifth). Again, like I said, I'm in no way saying McDavid isn't a phenomenal player and after the season he's having this year, right now he definitely is the best player in the world. This also ties into my belief that the best player in the world doesn't need to be the MVP every year. The Ted Lindsay exists for the league's most exceptional player, and sure, give that to McDavid every year if you want, but I don't believe that just because McDavid is the "best player in the world" means he deserves the Hart every year. This year he for sure deserves the Hart, no questions asked. Am I still salty MacKinnon lost the Hart he should have won a few years back to Taylor Hall? Absolutely. That was garbage and he should have won it that year(or the next year when MacKinnon fulfilled the same criteria that Hall used to win his). Regardless, I am just happy that I am fortunate enough to get to watch so many amazing hockey players in my lifetime. Gonna be some incredible years coming up!

Mack is a monster.

I’d go with mac

Do one for draisaitl I'd be curious to see where'd you have him

McDavid hasn't even scored against the Avs this season, yet MacKinnon has scored in both games. Nate Dogg is a much better player and team builder. McDooDoo has to carry the Oilers because he doesn't build his team up to his level of play. Mack only puts the team on his back when he has too, because he hones his teammates to be as good as him. Thats why the Avs are champs and Oilers are chumps.

Nikita Kucherov. Oh my god. How do people not see this? McDavid is pure skill but Kucherov is skill & creativity.

I'm an Avs fan, but no one is more dangerous than Conor McCregor. I would take him in a fight any day.

Oilers fan here Nathan MacKinnon seems more explosive in my opinion I think the skill that separates them is mcdavid's ability to stickhandle through defenders and McDavid is more deceptive while McKinnon is just sheer power and brute Force and typically puts the puck more in open ice away from the defender. I must say Nathan MacKinnon seems to score better highlight-reel goals honestly than McDavid does. McDavid has more points but his goals just don't quite have the same flash. McDavid surprises the defenders with deception it seems like while Nathan MacKinnon just blows them away with power. McDavid tends to set back until he sees an opening and then he goes While Nathan MacKinnon seems to make his own openings

please refer to Stanley Cup last year if you think McDavid is better

Cale Makar is as good as MacKinnon. Watch his skating; he may not explode quite as fast north-south but he can dance around and past opposition players

I take Big Mac because that goal isn't necessarily going to come from him. It could come from a team mate Mac fought for earlier in the game. Mcmuffin makes his linemates better Big Mac makes his whole team better. If you need a stat to back that up I'll refer you to one lord Stanley. Neither the oilers nor the Avs have great goaltending but only one of these teams blames the goalies for their lack of success.

I don't gotta think too hard about this one... Nate Dog Forever n A Day!

Hughes a close 3rd🤩

I'm gonna have to go with Wayne simmonds

I would go with Maurice Richard.

If you listen closely, you can hear Draisaitl laughing in the distance

Love mackinnon is my favourite player and although they are the most alike in the league. Kucherov is undoubtedly the second best player in the league

Сколько Кубков Стэнли выиграл Макдэвид? Вот, когда выиграет первый раз, тогда и будет вишенка на торте.

Nate is more complete. I would take him all day in a playoff run, no disrespect to Connor

When a great player like Mckinnon is the closest thing and you know the gap is still immsense you know how crazy mcdavid is, making it look like a video-game

McDavid is the most gifted OFFENSIVE player in the NHL, 127 points is crazy. But 59 of those are on the power play. So that means 5v5 he is a 1 ppg player with a plus 10 differential. I’ve got MacKinnon all day 🤙🏻

he is nr 2 in the league yes

I wish the videogames understood this concept.

I'll always take McDavid in a clutch situation, but in this hypothetical where I have both of them as an option, I'd just... throw both of them out there. (I know not the spirit of the question but still)

MacKinnon all the way

yes

You post 4h ago and have 300 likes ohmygod

I'm hoping Jack Hughes will be like this eventually

There's a difference between regular season and playoffs, and there's a difference between getting points, and winning. Mcdavid does insane in the regular season, and even better in the early rounds of the playoffs, but if there's a player who knows how to win more, is Mackinnon.

Mcdavid might be the better player, but I feel that macKinnon is a better leader.

Kinda insane that Mack is the closest, but he's not really close lol

You must have never hear of Jack Hughes, and he's not surrounded by top 5 picks like ya boy McDandy

It's a flip of the coin really. You would have just as much opportunity with both of you needed a goal

This was a Modano special

Would you pick MacKinnon or McDavid if you needed 1 goal in the last minute of play in a game 7? The answer's easy: Jordan Eberle.

I'm going with Brayden point

MacKinnon all night

Better yet. It's team Canada at the Olympics and I put out Mcdavid Mackinnon and Nuge