Spittin' Chiclets just shared Connor McDavid's reaction to the first-period hit from Drew Helleson in Thursday night's Oilers and Ducks game in Edmonton.
It's a rare peek behind the curtain for a player who rarely gives much away. McDavid had a huge night on the scoreboard, but the physical side of the game stole plenty of attention.
The Oilers captain finished with a goal and three assists in the 5-4 loss to Anaheim, and the Oilers have been dealing with a lot of noise around how hard he's playing lately.
Spittin' Chiclets quoted McDavid saying people have him pegged as some sort of robot, but that he has feelings and emotions too.
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That line lands because of how the week has gone. Just hours earlier in the same game, McDavid's massive hit on Leo Carlsson had Edmonton buzzing, and the talk since has been about whether he is playing a grittier game.
Helleson, a second-round pick in 2019, logged 23:10 for the Ducks and picked up an assist in the win. He also took 2 penalty minutes, and Anaheim left Edmonton with the two points.
Is McDavid's edge here to stay?
The numbers say the production hasn't slowed down at all. McDavid has 44 points in 17 games this season and sits at +21, and he has two short-handed goals, one of them Thursday night.
Only 2 penalty minutes on the season for McDavid shows the edge has stayed within the rules. The hits are landing, but he isn't living in the box, and that's the version of him opponents should fear most.
The Ducks, meanwhile, found a way to win a one-goal game in a building where that rarely happens. Helleson sits at -3 on the year, though he finished Thursday at +1.
My view: the robot label has always been lazy. A player who scores like this and now plays with some bite is harder to handle than the one everyone thought they knew.
Edmonton will be looking to answer a tough loss in its next game, and every shift McDavid takes will be watched for whether that edge shows up again.
Quick hits
MINNESOTA WILD: Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno won't play tonight against the Sharks, according to Michael Russo. That's two lineup holes for the Wild to fill.
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TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: John Tavares looks set to return Saturday against the Canadiens, per Jim Hiller via Mark Masters. Good news for a lineup that needs him.
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ST-LOUIS BLUES: Logan Mailloux has been recalled from his conditioning assignment and has joined the team, Jeremy Rutherford reported ahead of the Nashville game.
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DALLAS STARS: Glen Gulutzan says Miro Heiskanen is doubtful for Saturday's game against San Jose. The Stars could be thin on the back end.
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BUFFALO SABRES: Ryan McLeod will be a healthy scratch tonight when the Sabres host the Blue Jackets, per NHL Rosters. A surprise name on the sit-down list.
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Is Connor McDavid's grittier game a good idea for the Oilers' captain?
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