The Edmonton Oilers ultimately came up short in their attempt to win the Stanley Cup against the Florida Panthers, but it wasn't due to lack of effort. 

Led by Connor McDavid, the Oilers erased a 3-0 series deficit to force Game 7, which Florida won 2-1.

For his outstanding post-season, which included 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 25 playoff games – five points shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record set in 1985 – McDavid was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the NHL playoffs.

Although the Oilers ultimately came up short, they put on a clinic on what it takes to come together as a team. In this short post-game interview, McDavid shared the recipe for their success:

1. CONTRIBUTION

Everyone on a successful team must contribute to its success. The goal scorers and the goalie with the big save make the headlines, but every team needs the fourth line or the seventh defenseman to push everyone at practice to make the team game-ready. A team needs everyone to contribute to their role.

2. Have FUN and believe

From minor sports to professional sports, having fun, learning, and having a passion for your sport will bring more joy and satisfaction to the hard work one needs to put in to be successful. Along with fun, teams must believe in and trust each other to reach their goals.

3. Set HIGH STANDARDS

Setting the bar high individually and collectively is non-negotiable in successful teams. When members don’t meet their standards, they take responsibility and rectify it. This unwavering commitment to excellence is what makes the team successful.

4. PLAY PRESENT

Often a cliché in sports interviews, one day at a time, one game at a time... But so true! You can look forward to your next challenge. But playing the present, not concerned about the past, whether you won or lost, and not looking into the future. Looking to the past and future is the main symptom of performance anxiety. It is okay to look at the past for evaluation purposes and into the future for game plans and goals. But being present is where the magic is!

Of course, there is more to success than these four points. The right mix of talent, systems, and good coaching would help. These four points are great starting points for players, coaches, and managers who want to build a successful program.