Connor McDavid struggles to find words after Olympic heartbreak: "Scramble play"

Connor McDavid stood in the tunnel for a short interview minutes after Canada's devastating 2-1 overtime loss to the United States, barely able to articulate the pain of falling short on hockey's biggest stage.

The Edmonton Oilers captain who had carried Canada through the tournament with a record-breaking performance, could only manage short halting responses when asked about the defeat.

"Disappointed, obviously," McDavid began. "Just kind of a scramble play. A scramble play. Just disappointed."

Jack Hughes had scored just 1:41 into 3-on-3 overtime beating Jordan Binnington five-hole on a centering pass from Zach Werenski. For McDavid, who had been held off the scoresheet for the first time all tournament the ending felt especially cruel.

Connor McDavid had high praise for Connor Hellebuyck

Despite his obvious heartbreak, McDavid acknowledged what everyone watching had witnessed. Canada was the better team for long stretches.

"Thought we played a great game," McDavid said. "Their goalie played really, really well."

Connor Hellebuyck had indeed been exceptional for the Americans stopping 41 of 42 shots. Canada dominated possession though outshooting the U.S. 42-28 overall and 33-18 over the final two periods. They created multiple grade-A chances including open nets and an extended five-on-three power play.

When pressed about what comes next, McDavid's answer was characteristically brief: "Just move on. Onward."

He tried to find perspective in the bigger picture, though the words felt hollow in the immediate aftermath.

"Good experience, obviously. A disappointing end. It was a hard fight to get to this point, and proud of the guys to get to this point. Thanks," he said.

With that, McDavid was done. Sidney Crosby would later step in to handle the longer press conference alongside head coach Jon Cooper shielding his teammate from having to relive the loss in greater detail.

Connor McDavid had a historic tournament performance

McDavid had accomplished something unprecedented over the previous two weeks. He finished the tournament with 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) in six games which is the highest single-tournament total by an NHL player in Winter Olympics history surpassing the previous record of 11 points set by Finland's Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu.

He led the tournament in scoring and was named both the MVP and Best Forward. He was also selected to the Olympic All-Star Team alongside Canadian teammates Cale Makar and Macklin Celebrini.

Unlike the 4 Nations Face-Off last year in February, where McDavid had helped Canada win gold, this tournament ended in heartbreak. The margin between victory and disappointment proved to be 1:41 of overtime and one scramble play.

McDavid was seen with a taped hand in handshake line

As if the emotional toll wasn't enough, observers noted troubling signs during the post-game handshake line. Sharp-eyed fans on social media spotted what appeared to be tape binding two fingers together on McDavid's right hand, specifically his middle and ring fingers.

The injury may explain some uncharacteristic moments throughout the tournament. While McDavid's speed and passing remained elite, his puck handling looked slightly compromised at times when attempting plays in tight spaces.

"Couple people eagle eyed McDavid's fingers being taped in the handshake," one social media user noted. "So not only do we lose, but both Connor and Leon have busted hands coming out of the break."

His Oilers partner Leon Draisaitl who played for Germany was also repeatedly seen icing his hand during the tournament. For Edmonton, facing the final 24 games of the regular season with both superstars potentially compromised might be a significant concern in the coming days.