Connor McDavid took a late hit after his empty-net goal Saturday, then waved off the Oilers teammates ready to answer for it.
The game was already won. He didn't want it escalating into an altercation, or worse, an injury, with nothing left to play for.
That's a leader thinking long term. Protect the bodies, bank the two points, move on to Anaheim.
Not everyone saw it that way. One Oilers fan was blunt: "What's stopping the next team from taking liberties with Edmonton's big boys if Connor's out there calling guys off."
The same post put it simply: "You don't touch the golden goose whether he likes it or not."
That's the old hockey code. If the league's best player can be hit late without a response, opponents take notes.
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Mike Babcock's Oilers face the age-old question of protecting their star
McDavid had a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win over Seattle and now has nine points in three games. He carries a $12,500,000 cap hit.
Every one of those points depends on him staying healthy. That's exactly why his teammates wanted to step in, and exactly why he stopped them.
McDavid made the smart call that night and the wrong call for the long run. A late hit on the league's most valuable player needs an answer, even if it comes the next time these teams meet.
Waving off your protection is like leaving the front door unlocked because the street seems quiet tonight.
Mike Babcock preaches aggression. Part of that should mean nobody takes a free run at his superstar.
The Oilers sit at 2-0-1 and visit Anaheim on Wednesday. Opponents will be watching how Edmonton handles the next late hit.
McDavid can call his teammates off once. If it becomes a pattern, the rest of the league will notice long before he does.
Should the Oilers have defended Connor McDavid even after he waved them off?
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