Connor McDavid Calls Brandon Manning 'Classless'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- November 3rd, 2015.
Edmonton Oilers first-overall pick Connor McDavid flew into the boards in a game against the Flyers, colliding with defenseman Brandon Manning. McDavid broke his collarbone (you can watch the play here).
On Thursday night the two teams met for the first time in 2016 -- this time in Philadelphia -- and McDavid says Manning admitted to purposely injuring him.
"You know what, I did all I could defending him last year in the media," McDavid said after Thursday's game via TSN.com, a 6-5 dramatic Flyers win. "I didn't want to make a big deal saying he did it on purpose. He wanted to make some comments today about what went on last year and I thought it was one of the classless things I've ever seen on the ice. He said some things and our guys responded accordingly.
Related: Raffl Scores Late, Flyers Beat Oilers For 7th Straight Win
"We can put the whole 'he did it on purpose' thing to rest, because what he said out there confirmed that. It shows what kind of guy he is, how he doesn't step up and fight some of our guys."
McDavid had a goal and an assist on Thursday, but Manning got the last laugh, as the Flyers won their seventh straight game.
"I think anybody who knows me or who has played with or against me along the road here knows that I am not that kind of player," Manning said via CSNPhilly.com. "I am not out there intentionally trying to hurt people. I'm a guy who plays the game hard and I take pride in that."
Update:
Wayne Gretzky chimed in on McDavid's comments.
