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Darryl Sutter gives his honest opinion of Connor McDavid heading into Monday night's game

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Colton Pankiw
March 15, 2021  (9:41)
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The Calgary Flames surprised quit a few last week when they announced they were not only firing Geoff Ward as head coach, but bringing in Darryl Sutter as his replacement. Despite not coaching since the 2016-17 season however, the 62-year-old has kept up with what is going on in the league, particularly when it comes to the top talent.

This upcoming week, the Flames will take on their provincial rival Edmonton Oilers both Monday and Wednesday night, meaning Sutter's team will be tasked with trying to contain Connor McDavid, something the coach admitted will not be easy to do.

«Bottom line, he's head and shoulders the best player in the league,» Sutter said. «I don't think there's one player who stops Connor McDavid. He's a tough guy to stop. You just try to slow him down within the rules, limit his chances.»

Sutter certainly isn't wrong in saying slowing down McDavid is nearly impossible, as the 24-year-old is once again tearing it up with a league leading 52 points in just 30 games played. 10 of those 52 points on the season have come in four games against the Flames. Monday and Wednesday's tilts will be extremely important for both teams as things in the North Division are really starting to heat up. As it stands now, the Oilers are tied for second place in the division with the Winnipeg Jets at 36 points apiece, while the Flames sit in fifth with 29. While that seems like a significant point spread however, they are two games in hand of Edmonton.

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