Did Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid mock New York Rangers announcer Sam Rosen’s legendary powerplay goal call?

Connor McDavid scored on the powerplay for the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of their game with the New York Rangers. He’s done this plenty of times in his young career, so that doesn’t come as a surprise.

However, what he did, or rather appeared to do, after the goal drew some attention on social media. He appeared to mock announcer Sam Rosen’s signature call “it’s a powerplay goal.”

He clearly used the phrase while celebrating the goal, unless I’m absolutely horrible at reading lips. But assuming I’m not, that’s what he’s saying. The question is whether or not he was saying it to mock Sam Rosen, and frankly, he probably wasn’t, for three reasons.

First of all, for as great of an announcer as Rosen is, not many people outside of New York have ever heard of him. He doesn’t call nationally televised hockey games, and with McDavid being from Canada, it’s even less likely he’s seen Rosen call many games.

It’s entirely possible—even likely—that McDavid has never heard Rosen use the phrase while calling a game. MSG Network’s coverage doesn’t reach Edmonton.

Secondly, Rosen isn’t the only commentator who uses the phrase. I’ve heard other announcers use it many times, especially on games that are on NBC or NHL Network. Rosen is known for it, but it’s commonly used.

McDavid may not know where the phrase originates. I’m sure he’s more concerned with helping the Oilers get out of their slump than he is about learning the history of phrases used by hockey announcers.

The third and final reason is that McDavid has never shown this type of behavior before. McDavid has never shown the slightest amount of cockiness in his personality and isn’t known for mocking people.

He’s the type of player who goes about his business and plays hockey. It’s doubtful he meant to mock Rosen with the use of the phrase.