Connor McDavid needed less than 40 minutes to produce his first career postseason hat trick.
After opening the scoring 19 seconds into Game 2 of the Edmonton Oilers' qualifying-round series against the Chicago Blackhawks, the superstar forward made the highlight reel with an absurd backhand marker off the rush less than four minutes later.
McDavid then capped off the hat trick late in the second period.
Have a GAME, @cmcdavid97! 💥
— #StanleyCup Qualifiers on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) August 4, 2020
The human highlight reel completes his first career playoff HAT TRICK, presented by @Enterprise. pic.twitter.com/qCA7rFbhOI
With no fans in the building, some improvising was required.
NHL going all-out with the hat trick celebrations in the bubble. pic.twitter.com/IkcVnS8ow0
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 4, 2020
After the game, McDavid said he didn't think the tradition was needed under the circumstances.
McDavid said the hats were “unnecessary.” Classic McDavid answer.
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) August 4, 2020
The Oilers captain needed only three shots to notch the hat trick, and all three of teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' assists in the contest came on McDavid's markers.
The Oilers ultimately defeated the Blackhawks 6-3 to even the series at one game apiece.
