Stephen A. roasts Connor McDavid for scoreless Game 3: '13 shots, no goals!' — P.K. Subban defends him
Connor McDavid (via Getty Images)
Connor McDavid just got caught in the crossfire of an ESPN debate, and NHL Twitter is living for it. After the Oilers' brutal 6–1 loss to the Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Stephen A.
Smith dropped the gloves on First Take, calling out McDavid for not scoring despite launching 13 shots. But former NHL star P.K. Subban wasn't having it, jumping in to defend the face of the league.
Stephen A. rips Connor McDavid's performance: 'Thirteen shots. No goals. Zero.'
Stephen A. Smith may not be a full-time hockey guy, but when he shows up, he shows up. On ESPN's First Take, he went all in on Connor McDavid, questioning why no one was holding him accountable for Game 3.
P.K. Subban & Stephen A. call on Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl to REGROUP 👀 | First Take
'Thirteen shots. No goals. Zero, nothing, in the Stanley Cup? When do you get to hold a superstar accountable, if not under these conditions?'
He didn't deny McDavid's greatness but argued that when the lights are brightest, you've got to deliver.
Especially in a blowout where your team is on the verge of collapse.
P.K. Subban claps back: 'One game doesn't define Connor McDavid'
P.K. Subban, who knows a thing or two about pressure moments, was quick to jump in. His defense? McDavid is delivering, just not on the scoresheet that night.
Subban pointed out that McDavid's been the engine behind the Oilers all playoffs long, racking up 31 points in 19 games. One bad night doesn't erase that, and it definitely doesn't make him the problem.
He stressed that hockey's a team game. It's not like McDavid gave up six goals.
Fans are torn — is it fair to call out McDavid after Game 3?
Twitter's response? A mix of 'he's got a point' and 'Stephen A. doesn't know puck.'
Some fans agreed with the hot take: if McDavid wants to be in the GOAT convo, he needs to step up in the Finals.
Others clapped back, reminding folks that McDavid can't do it alone and that maybe focus should be on the Oilers' defense and penalties, not the guy trying to shoot them out of trouble.
Fair or not, this series is defining McDavid's legacy. He's already a generational player, but legends are built in the Stanley Cup Final. And after falling behind 0–3 to the Panthers, the clock is ticking.
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