Evan’s Daily: McDavid Hits 60, Makar Voted Best Defenseman by NHL Players

Connor McDavid is having an absurd season for the Edmonton Oilers, and it continued on Wednesday night, when he hit the 60 goal mark in exciting fashion.

In Colorado, the Avalanche suffered a tough loss at home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but off the ice, Cale Makar was voted the best defenseman in the NHL by his peers.

All that and more in this Thursday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Cale Makar was voted the best defenseman in the NHL by his peers in the NHLPA player poll.

Makar is progressing in his return from injury, but was not able to play on Wednesday night.

The Avalanche played well in the first period against the Penguins, but struggled in the second and third, getting into a lot of penalty trouble. Read the game story here.

After the game, both Jared Bednar and Darren Helm were not happy with the extra minor given to Helm in the second period in a battle with Sidney Crosby.

Kurtis MacDermid‘s lack of discipline is an issue in this edition of Plus/Minus.

Around the NHL

The Hart Trophy has been locked up since the first week of the season. We all know Connor McDavid is going to win it, and he ran away with the scoring title a long time ago. On Wednesday night, he hit the 60 goal mark for the first time in his career, and did so with a spectacular overtime goal. Take a look at the goal for yourself.

Connor McDavid joins the 60-goal club with this OT Winner. 🔥

pic.twitter.com/ZPpOTbskXP

— Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) March 23, 2023

Now, will this spectacular season be wasted? Or will the Oilers take the next step in the postseason? We’ll find out soon enough.

National Hockey Now

PHN: A look at the win from the Penguins perspective over the Avalanche. When the word “Shocker” is in the headline, you know they weren’t expected to come away with a win.