After watching the football game that broke out in Colorado last night, I woke up inspired to write an article. I logged into Twitter and all I saw were complaints about the off-side non-call! So instead of pooping on the Zebras, lets go in a different (more positive) direction with this one. Five unique things to look for in this series – and the players that do them exceptionally well. Lets go!
Makar’s Edgework. Take a closer look at the Kadri goal from last night right here (goal starts at 3:50 of the video). Watch Makar go from crossing over at full speed (pushes the Defence back), to a subtle inside edge to slow himself down (avoid skating into the defenders and find open ice). Then a beautiful punch to the right to isolate the forward and create a little 2-on-1 on the defending forward Instead of taking on the Oilers best defender (Nurse). What an absolutely beautiful offensive zone entry, all created by magnificent edgework and IQ. After the pass, Makar doesn’t stay behind the defending forward; he gets into a good support position where Rantanen could make a pass back to him.
There are numerous times where Makar’s ability to change direction on a dime and find the seams (head is always up) gets him out of trouble. One time in the 3rd period, it was evident that Makar was dead to rights on the strong side of the ice… but a good punch and acceleration created a seam in the middle, which he skated into (and out of the other teams forecheck). One pass later and the Avalanche were attacking the Oilers D vs being stuck on the overloaded side.
Draisaitl’s Computer-like Brain. Everyone loves #97 on the Oilers, and rightly so. But the Big German’s last 4 seasons get overshadowed by the fact that McDavid is a once-in-a-generation talent and it’s almost unfair. Leon has point totals of: 105, 110, 84 (shortened season) and 110 in his past 4 regular seasons (per hockeydb). That’s a whopping 409 points in just 289 games; a PPG average of 1.42. Draisaitl’s points-per-game is actually HIGHER in the 2021-22 playoffs – he’s averaging 2.15 PPG in the playoffs! In an era where scoring is difficult, goalies are monsters and speed demons patrol the ice on a nightly basis, the Oilers forward is putting up Gretzky-like numbers. Wayne and Draisaitl have similar skill sets – they don’t win at skating, shooting, or bumping. They win with their minds – finding open space, passing, making plays, execution, and being at the right place at the right time. Just watch the Game 1 highlight’s from Makar’s comments above. On the Oilers 2nd goal, watch how the big German goes from stationary to 4th gear, uses his body to create space for McDavid, runs a little interference on the strong side D and then slides off the coverage into soft ice at the goal line for a potential give-and-go play? As the old saying goes, there’s free education on television just about every night and watching Draisaitl work is a lesson in Hockey IQ every single evening.
Toews’ In-Game Adjustments. I don’t think Toews gets enough credit for being a world-class defenceman. Just go back and watch Alex Newhook sing Toews’ praises on our podcast (17:10 of the video). In Toews’ second shift of the game (16:15 of the first), McDavid blows the doors off him in the neutral zone and almost scores. Fast forward to 10:40 of the first (7 minutes later). Watch how Toews steps up on McDavid in the neutral ice and surprises number 97, slowing him down and not allowing the uber-skilled forward to get to his 5th and 6th gear. Most players respect McDavid’s speed and back off, allowing him to get on top of them while he’s at top speed. Toews recognized that he’s dead if he lets 97 do that to him (second shift of the game) and make the adjustment. Understanding your opponent and playing that cat-and-mouse game with the opponent is the essence of the high-level game.
Hyman’s high-traffic area game. Zach Hyman is on an absolute heater recently, with 7 bingos in his past 6 playoff matches. Those are world class numbers ladies and gentleman! Hyman’s last couple of goals have not been pretty, but his ability to get open in high-traffic areas, track/find loose pucks and win battles in those areas to get shots on goal is mighty impressive. Just take a look at Hyman’s shot map from the past 10 games (thanks Instat) – it’s no trouble to tell where Hyman makes his living. I’m sure every Leafs fan would love to still have Hyman in a blue and white jersey, not blue and orange.
Mackinnon’s Explosiveness. Just go back to the YouTube clip on Makar (above) and watch Colorado’s second goal. My goodness gracious! Lets watch this YouTube video which breaks down Mackinnon’s get-off and straight line speed (good job by Mack Hockey here). On home ice, Colorado have a distinct advantage where they can match Mackinnon against McDavid and have a fighting chance at stopping him, solely because Nate can keep pace with him. In order to stop Mackinnon in the neutral zone (aka the ‘speed zone’) you have to re-route him and/or chip him, but he’s so big and strong that this is very hard to do for a series (or even 3 periods)! Mackinnon’s goal in this game – Draisaitl doesn’t touch 29 coming through the neutral zone. As a strong side D on this play (the RD, I think it’s Bouchard), you almost have to give up the winger on the boards and mitigate the risk by shading to the middle so Mackinnon can’t get between you. If he gets between you, the weak side D has to pivot and catch one of the fastest players on earth on his stick side (harder to pivot side – Nurse pivots the other way because he knows he can’t catch Mackinnon if he pivots to his stick side). Curtains!
Until Next Time
(Go Bolts)
AP