It’s the showdown that every hockey fan wants to see: Auston Matthews vs. Connor McDavid.
But while it’s not like the Stanley Cup is on the line – for now – something almost as important is: Lunch.
In a throwback to previous iconic ad spots, the captains of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers faceoff in a shooting competition with McDavid’s lunch — a Big Mac — on the line.
The ad is inspired by the 1993 original starring basketball legends Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, then the 1997 NHL update, which featured Wayne Gretzky and Mats Sundin.
The spot begins with McDavid practising in an empty arena when Matthews shows up, issuing a challenge with the Oilers star’s lunch on the line.
The contest begins easily enough, with shots off the post and in, as well as some long-range clappers. But the ante gets upped when McDavid throws on a little music as a distraction: Nickelback’s Photograph.
“Nickelback classic, backhand,” McDavid says while burying his shot from the blue line.
“You know you love ’em,” the Canadian chirps as Matthews shows his dismay.
From there, the duo go into the stands for an attempt, have a quick race and then head up to the roof, where the Leafs star pounds a slapshot through a billboard with McDavid’s face on it — leaving the image of the Oilers stud down one of his front teeth.
At the end of the day, or evening, the two settle on a draw and head into a McDonald’s to get some much-needed grub.
But the battle featured in the commercial isn’t the only competition between the two former NHL MVPs. Both have new “Showdown” menu items that will be featured for a limited time beginning on Tuesday.
Team Matthews presents “The Smoky Quarter Papi,” which is described as “a smoky BBQ Quarter Pounder that is a flavour powerhouse that mirrors Matthews’ game day intensity.”
“Connor is a force on the ice, but I can bring the heat for sure,” Matthews said in a press release. “As this friendly rivalry heads out of the rink and onto the menu, the Smoky Quarter Papi isn’t afraid of a little extra sauce and is ready to bring big flavour.”
On the other side, Team McDavid brings the heat with the “Big Mac-David,” a double Big Mac that’s “as bold and commanding as McDavid himself.”
“I can’t think of a better lineup. Canada’s favourite game and a classic taste,” McDavid said in a release. “And the Big Mac-David is headed all the way to the finals.”
The restaurant chain also has added “The Spicy Junior Chirpy” chicken sandwich, “The Hat Trick” triple cheeseburger, a “Power Play Poutine” with spicy maple and bacon, and the “Celly Sundae.”