McDavid, Matthews on 'Showdown' commercial, underrated NHLers, more

"What's in the bag?"

"Big Mac."

"Play you for it. First one to miss ... "

"Watches the winner eat."

For sports fans of a certain vintage, that on-screen exchange between Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid should sound awfully familiar.

The two 1997-born captains feature in a new McDonald's commercial throwing back to the iconic "Showdown" theme of the 1990s. The previous iterations, launched in '93 and '97, showcased trick shots from NBA legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan and NHL greats Wayne Gretzky and Mats Sundin. This one includes references to Nickelback, T-ball, and chipped teeth.

The national ad coincides with a special "Showdown" menu at McDonald's locations in Canada. Among the six limited-time items: the "Smoky Quarter Papi," "Big Mac-David," "Power Play Poutine," and "Celly Sundae."

Matthews and McDavid recently answered a series of emailed questions from theScore relating to the campaign, as well as a few NHL and lifestyle topics.

Note: the transcript below has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Both of you were born after the first "Showdown" commercial with Bird and Jordan, but I'm sure you've seen it a few times. What jumps out at you about it?

McDavid: I think it's a great commercial! Watching two of the best basketball players of all time having fun and going head to head is very entertaining. Even watching the commercial now, 30-some-odd years later, it still resonates and makes an impact.

Matthews: Two special basketball players, to say the least, so just seeing them together interacting was really cool, basketball fan or otherwise.

"Try that, Mr. Fancy Stick" is a great line in the Sundin/Gretzky one. Do you have memories of watching it as a kid? What do you like about the "Showdown" theme, in general?

McDavid: Absolutely. Mats and Gretz are two of my all-time favorites. What I loved about the "Showdown" is that it gave Auston and I a fun and creative way to battle it out on the ice. I hope fans enjoy watching our commercial as much as I enjoyed watching the past ones.

Matthews: I was still young when this one came out. Yet, rewatching it now makes me really appreciate being part of this. Mats is one of the best players and captains to ever play for the Leafs, and Wayne's pedigree speaks for itself. Just really cool to see the two of them interacting.

You've been featured in a handful of commercials over the years. Do you get nervous on set or is it all just fun? Also, do you think your acting skills have significantly improved?

McDavid: This was a fun and busy two-day shoot we did back in September. Being with Auston - not to mention his dog, Felix - we were able to keep the mood really light. I've shot quite a few commercials in my career, and although I've felt like I've gotten better, I'm an athlete, not an actor.

Matthews: I always get some nerves, yet these are fun opportunities, which I appreciate. I try to go in with an open mind and enjoy it. Not sure about my acting skills improving yet, but I can hope the more reps the better I get.

Switching gears to the NHL, I'm curious, what's your favorite road arena? Why? Best memory there?

McDavid: I always like playing in Montreal. The rink is always so loud, and the fans are super into the game.

Matthews: The first game I ever played was in Ottawa, and being our provincial rival, that will always have a spot in my mind. Playing in places like Vegas is also super cool environment and only play there once a year.

If the NHL were to one day expand outside of North America, which city or cities would you like them to go to first?

McDavid: London, England, only because I think it's a great city and would be nice to visit.

Matthews: It would be cool to see teams in European cities, and of course staying within North America, I would love to see a team in Mexico.

What's something about the other guy that people don't know much about or don't appreciate as much as they should? It could be something on the ice, off it, anything.

McDavid: This is tough because our lives are pretty well-documented, but I would say something most people wouldn't know is that Auston is a great tennis player. He loves tennis and loves to run his agent all over the court.

Matthews: Davo is a really fun and smart guy to be around. He is easygoing and just a great person, which most people already know. He also is a great all-around athlete.

Who's the most underrated player in the NHL? What do you like about his game?

McDavid: Tough to say with how many great players there are in the league, but players are always the best judges of talent from my perspective. For me, I would say it's Martin Necas. He's so fast, so skilled, and tough to defend.

Matthews: There is just so much great talent in the league. Travis Konecny is a really effective player on both sides of the puck and competes hard.

Last one for you two: If you had a chance to sit down with your rookie self and pass along some advice, what would you say?

McDavid: Enjoy playing in the league. It goes by faster than you could imagine. I'm 10 years in, and it feels like it's just been a flash.

Matthews: Enjoy every minute and embrace it as it goes by quickly.

John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter/X (@MatiszJohn) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).

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