I don't want to derail this thread or anything but McDavid being able to play his minutes comes downs to conditioning and his efficient skating after years of doing it. This nonsense of him coasting isn't rooted in reality.
If he coasted less, I doubt he's getting gassed playing 18 minutes a game. The elite of the elite are always on a different level when it comes to commitment both on and off the ice/field or whatever the sport is.
The way Tom Brady, Crosby, McDavid, Lebron James, Ronaldo, Messi etc do it in their sports is different than your average guy. End of story.
In the NHL, it was Crosby who really led started the trend on NHL level training for what in essence, was a child. @ 12/13 years old with a personal trainer, taking hundreds of shots a day, skating coach's, fitness coach, weight training the modern NHL way, nutrition like no other. That dedication makes the difference.
McDavid training with Gary Roberts and other elite NHL's at 14/15 and the famous story of when he flew to Edmonton to sign his big $100 million contract. He didn't even stay in town for a celebration dinner or drink. Flew right back to Toronto to make a 6 am workout with Gary Roberts. Lot's of others just say screw it, and enjoy themselves once in a while.
People thought Tom Brady was full of **** with his "system" in his early 30's. Not a chance can you play at a high level in your mid 40's they said. The guy is as boring as can be and everything is dedicated to him playing longer and more effective than before. The special ones see it differently and do it differently. Bobby Orr, who is McDavid's agent said he would be the best skater in the game ever, at 15 years old. Bobby Orr saw it than. It's just different for the best of the best.
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