Don't expect Connor McDavid and Brandon Manning to be non-to-nose again when the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers rematch at Rogers Place on Thursday.
McDavid, who Manning triggered a rare emotional response from in their first meeting since a collision between the two left the Oilers captain with a broken collarbone, said his focus lies on the two points at stake.
"I said my spiel last game," McDavid said. "Tonight is a big two points for both teams. They're looking for a playoff spot and we're trying to hold one down."
McDavid said that he will have to do a better job containing his emotions if, or perhaps when, Manning gets in his ear. But if the temperature of the game rises, whether or not it's fueled by the friction between the two, McDavid believes his team is ready for that challenge.
"We're a big, strong team, and (we have) a lot of different guys who can play that game."
Or, as his linemate Patrick Maroon put it: "Our meat is strong. We can go up against any team, I think, if it gets physical. We have the meat in here to do it."
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