Flames seeking answers for McDavid: 'We've let one guy beat us'

It's safe to say Connor McDavid is on the minds of the Calgary Flames three games into the Battle of Alberta.

The Edmonton Oilers superstar went off for three more points in Sunday's 4-1 Game 3 victory to bring his total to nine in the series. The Flames, now trailing 2-1 in the Round 2 matchup, are aware their season depends on finding a way to slow down the world's best player.

"We've let one guy beat us a few nights now," Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk said, per Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "Back to the drawing board and figure out a way to stop him next game."

Tkachuk added: "They've got one player that plays half the game and is playing some great hockey right now."

McDavid is up to a league-leading 23 points in 10 playoff contests this spring. During the regular season against Calgary, he notched three goals and four assists in four appearances.

Several other Oilers are having strong postseasons as well. Leon Draisaitl ranks second in playoff scoring with 19 points, while Evander Kane paces all skaters with 10 goals. Goaltender Mike Smith has a .933 save percentage this spring, but the Flames are fixated on McDavid.

"We have to stop him as a unit. One individual can't stop him. We just have to stop him together," said Calgary blue-liner Rasmus Andersson.

"We just have to play. I don't know if we're worried too much about it, maybe. We have to do a better job on him. The first three games here, we've been letting him dominate and that's why they're up 2-1."

Game 4 between the provincial rivals is scheduled for Tuesday in Edmonton.

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