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Connor McDavid of the Oilers receives recognition for altercation with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers
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    Connor McDavid of the Oilers receives recognition for altercation with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers

    On a night he set a record for most assists in a single Stanley Cup Playoffs, Connor McDavid did something else that might have been even more impressive to his teammates.

    After Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman was hit by Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett when he tried to poke a puck out of the grasp of goalie Anthony Stolarz midway through the second period, McDavid raced into the fray.

    The Oilers star was on the receiving end of a few punches by Matthew Tkachuk and also exchanged some shoves with Bennett, who got a glove in McDavid’s face.

    Both feisty Panthers forwards got roughing penalties, and the Oilers scored on the ensuing five-on-three power play to take a 6-1 lead.

    “I think it says a lot about him as a leader,” Hyman said after the Oilers’ 8-1 win in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

    “I got hit in the head by Bennett and he might have been the first one in there. I can’t see because I’m on the ice, but I look up and he’s in there. He just sticks up for his teammates and he’s not afraid to get in the scrum. They go and take two penalties and we score.”

    McDavid saw his actions as the natural thing to do.

    “I didn’t throw very many punches, but that’s not the game I want to play. That’s not my job to really do,” he said.

    “I’m just there to make sure no one’s getting outnumbered. I thought Hyman was getting doubled up on by Bennett and Tkachuk. I just tried to jump in there and do my part as a teammate. Everybody’s gotta jump in there in those moments.”

    The Panthers lead the series 3-1 with Game 5 in Florida on Tuesday.

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    Connor McDavid, the star player for the Edmonton Oilers, recently made headlines for his altercation with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers. The incident occurred during a game between the two teams, and it quickly escalated into a heated exchange between the players.

    McDavid, known for his exceptional skill and speed on the ice, is not typically one to engage in physical altercations. However, in this particular instance, he found himself in the middle of a scuffle with Bennett and Tkachuk. The incident began when Bennett delivered a hard hit to McDavid, which led to a confrontation between the two players. Tkachuk then joined in, adding fuel to the fire.

    Despite being outnumbered, McDavid held his own in the altercation, standing up for himself and not backing down from the challenge. His willingness to stand up to his opponents and defend himself earned him recognition from fans and fellow players alike.

    While fights and altercations are not uncommon in hockey, seeing a player of McDavid’s caliber involved in such a situation is rare. His ability to handle himself in high-pressure situations like this one only adds to his reputation as one of the top players in the league.

    In the end, McDavid’s actions on the ice that day showed his determination and competitive spirit, earning him respect from both his teammates and his opponents. It was a reminder that even the most skilled players are not afraid to get physical when necessary.

    As the season continues, fans can expect to see more exciting moments from Connor McDavid as he continues to showcase his talent and leadership on the ice. And who knows, there may be more altercations in store as he faces off against tough opponents like Bennett and Tkachuk in the future.