Avs' MacKinnon addresses hype about facing off against McDavid

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon addresses hype about facing off against Connor McDavid

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 5/30/22

Of all the storylines ahead of the NHL Western Conference Final, there is one that stands above the rest: The matchup at center ice between Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid.

Which is no surprise, because the Colorado Avalanche speedster and Edmonton Oilers captain are two of the most fascinating players in the league right now. But when MacKinnon was asked about the hype during media availability on Monday, he confessed he really isn't interested in it.

"Not really thinking about that a whole lot," he said. "Obviously, I see that stuff. Hopefully, that gets more viewers and lowers escrow but other than that, I don't care"

“Hopefully that gets more viewers and lowers escrow but other than that I don’t care.”

Nathan MacKinnon is fired up for the narrative of him matching up against Connor McDavid #LetsGoOilers #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/lg1A4GyYI4
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) May 30, 2022

While the comment may sound cheeky, MacKinnon did compliment McDavid, who is arguably the single greatest player in the NHL right now.

"I think he's the best," MacKinnon said. "I think he's been the best for a little bit now."

Colorado is coming off tough-fought second-round series against the St. Louis Blues, which ended with the Avs battling from behind to defeat the opponent 3-2 in Game 6. Edmonton completed the gentleman's sweep of the Calgary Flames last Thursday with McDavid scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.

The series clinching goal moment

Connor McDavid OT goal takes the Oilers to the Western Conference Final

: @EdmontonOilers
pic.twitter.com/lgnWd5LWtZ
— (@sportingnews) May 27, 2022