Nathan Mackinnon is facing backlashes after the first game of Team Canada at 4 Nations Face-Off
Photo credit: Imagn Images
With the NHL's return to international play, the expectations are high for star players like Connor McDavid and Nathan Mackinnon.
However, MacKinnon was under fire for his overtime decisions in Team Canada's 4-3 win over Sweden.
MacKinnon led five rushes during an extended 3-on-3 overtime but failed to convert despite having Connor McDavid as his linemate.
Many Oilers supporters felt he was too focused on a solo effort instead of utilizing his teammates.
One fan broke down MacKinnon's overtime plays:
1st Rush: Goes 1 on 3 when he can wait for support
2nd Rush: Fine with a shot here
3rd Rush: Rushes up the ice alone with McDavid revving up behind him
4th: Looks off a pass, cuts back and goes 1 on 3 again while his linemates are changing
5th: Shoots on a 2 on 1
2nd Rush: Fine with a shot here
3rd Rush: Rushes up the ice alone with McDavid revving up behind him
4th: Looks off a pass, cuts back and goes 1 on 3 again while his linemates are changing
5th: Shoots on a 2 on 1
While some viewed this as poor decision-making, Oilers analyst Jason Gregor defended MacKinnon by arguing that elite players like him have the talent to create game-winning moments.
He pointed out that you can't blame a star for wanting to take control in big moments and the reality likely falls somewhere in between.
MacKinnon's aggressive playstyle can be a difference-maker, but with McDavid as an option, he didn't always need to force the big play.
A more balanced approach which is using his skill to create chances while trusting his linemates could have led to a win way earlier in the game.
Ultimately, it's early in the tournament and adjusting to a Team Canada lineup takes time since there is only starts in it.
However, Canada faces a major test next against Team USA where they'll need to find better chemistry to secure another win.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14 | 225 ANSWERS Nathan Mackinnon is facing backlashes after the first game of Team Canada at 4 Nations Face-Off Do you think Nathan Mackinnon and Connor McDavid played well in the first game against Sweden? | ||
| Yes | 154 | 68.4 % |
| No | 71 | 31.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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