As I watch Game 7 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings, Dimitri Filipovic texts me to marvel at Connor McDavid’s ability to control play.
He’s spot-on.
EDM97 is full value in the do-or-die game, setting up Cody Ceci’s 1-0 goal and then scoring himself on a glorious effort to put the series out of LAK’s reach.
McDavid is most noticeable when carrying the puck off the rush or running the half-wall on the man advantage, but the driving force behind his two-point night is actually his ability to forecast his first touch, then accelerate into his next play as soon as he touches the puck.
Goal 1: In the Offensive Zone
Like an experienced No. 9 in soccer, savvy hockey forwards are comfortable making plays with their backs to the net. In the playoffs, with space at a premium, the ability to catch a pass in this unfavorable position and then complete the next play becomes crucial.
EDM97 is tightly covered by LAK11. He pre-checks to read the ice, blends his movement with the catch and uses the momentum of the puck to spin away from his check. In the blink of an eye, he escapes into the trapezoid area, where over a quarter of all goals are scored, according to coach Jon Goyens.
EDM97, now facing the play, gets his eyes up to collect information, cuts back to evade another LAK player, and sets up a pinching Ceci for the 1-0 goal.