Darryl Sutter doesn’t hesitate when asked about Connor McDavid

At the start of the series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames, head coach Darryl Sutter knew what his team was up against. He was never shy to shower praise on superstar Connor McDavid. After Game 1 of the Battle of Alberta, Sutter told it like it was, saying McDavid “the best player in the league, he was the best player on the ice last night, not even close.”

Last night, the Flames’ playoff run came to an end, and again, it was McDavid who put the final nail in their coffin. But still, Sutter couldn’t help but praise the Oilers’ captain. Asked whether the better team won the series, Sutter pointed to McDavid as the difference-maker overall.

“The best player won the series for them,” said Sutter. “Hey, they won in five. You know what, it’s as I said. We scored the big goal in 2, 4 or 5 then you extend the series. And then the longer it goes, the better chance you have. Simple.”

Sutter also had a message for his players. what his message was to his team after the loss, Sutter expressed pride in what the team accomplished during the season as a whole.

“Keep your chin up and your chests out and walk out proud,” said Sutter. “Did a hell of a lot more than anybody said they’d do. I mean, the team that beat us was a favourite coming into the year and we weren’t even close, so, did a good job. I’m sure they’re disappointed, but that’s this division, against those guys.”

Sutter is right. The Flames were impressive this season, finishing with a 50-21-11 record. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom (Vezina Trophy), forward Elias Lindholm (Selke Trophy) and Sutter (Jack Adams Award) were named finalists for major individual awards. Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk both finished the regular season with over 100 points.

While Sutter praised McDavid, he also said it right about his own players.