When it comes to NHL rivalries, few names stir up as much drama and anticipation as Matthew Tkachuk and Connor McDavid. On the surface, their clashes are the stuff of hockey legend—tense, fiery, and unpredictable.

But in a recent episode of Faceoff, fans were treated to a rare moment that promised to peel back the curtain on what truly goes on between these two stars.

During a candid interview, Tkachuk—Edmonton’s notorious pest—offered surprisingly honest thoughts about McDavid, leaving viewers and hockey insiders buzzing with speculation.

Was this just a fleeting moment of respect, or could Tkachuk’s words hint at something deeper about the Oilers’ superstar and his impact on the league?

The episode, titled “The Rat Kings,” didn’t just spotlight McDavid’s prowess; it also revealed the immense challenges faced by any team daring to stand in the Oilers’ way.

As Tkachuk’s comments echoed through the hockey world, questions began to swirl: what does this unexpected compliment mean for the ongoing rivalry, and how might it shape the battles yet to come?

With Faceoff’s behind-the-scenes access and a cast of NHL heavyweights, this season promises revelations that could change how fans view their favorite players. But what did Tkachuk really say—and why does it matter so much now?

Photo credit: USA Today Sports

On a recent episode of Faceoff, Edmonton’s favourite love-to-hate pest Matthew Tkachuk had some positive things to say about the ultimate competitor Connor McDavid.

As reported by writer Caleb Kerney, in episode six of Faceoff, titled «The Rat Kings,» Tkachuk had some encouraging words to share about McDavid following Game 1 of the Finals, saying of McDavid that he’s the «toughest task.»

Oilers’ pest gives Connor McDavid a huge compliment

It’s the toughest task in the NHL right now, playing against Connor McDavid,» Tkachuk said to the docu-series interviewer. «You’re not going to get into his head.

He’s the best player in the world, obviously.

I tell you what, there was some chances everywhere. You couldn’t let up for one second. You can’t give an inch to those guys; they’ll make you pay right away.

– Matthew Tkachuk

It’s the ultimate compliment about the ultimate competitor, something Oilers’ fans have known for ten years, having watched Connor McDavid play game-in and game-out, performing at a level seldomly seen in the NHL.

The compliment, however, was extended to the entire Oilers’ team, one that stretched the Stanley Cup Panthers to its limits last post-season. It’s a testament as to what the Oilers are capable of doing, and what they are intent on doing this season: Winning a Stanley Cup.

For anyone that might want to watch Faceoff, following is an excerpt from Caleb Kerney’s article:

Season 2 of FACEOFF: Inside the NHL is now available for hockey fans to enjoy on Prime Video). Season One of this series was praised for its ability to shine a new light on the hockey stars who participated. It’s for both casual and hardcore fans, offering a deeper look into the lives of these hockey players.

The six-episode season features an inside look at various hockey players, including Brady Tkachuk, Sean Monahan, Zach Werenski, Sidney Crosby, Anze Kopitar, Quinton Byfield, Brendan Shanahan, William Nylander, Seth Jarvis, Brad Marchand, Zach Hyman, and Matthew Tkachuk.

You may want to catch the episode that features Zach Hyman.