What's Been the Ducks Secret to Shutting Down McDavid?
Anaheim's relentless swarm strategy suffocates McDavid, forcing turnovers and disrupting the Oilers' attack. This game plan is proving a masterclass in neutralizing hockey's top talent.
Video Transcript
Yeah, I mean, I just kind of assume that Edmonton's gonna find a way in this first round.
Right.
but I think if you look at it from a glass half full perspective, the f- the fact that they're getting goals from guys like Kapanen, um- Yep is, is great because they're, they're gonna need that depth scoring if they wanna make another long run.
Right.
you know, glass half empty is Anaheim's giving them all they can handle, and Connor McDavid hasn't scored yet.
Yeah.
So, you know, do the Ducks have some kinda magic?
I mean, they, they are coached by Joel Quenneville.
They do have a ton of playoff experience with guys like Trouba and Cridar and, and, you know, obviously Radko Gudas being their captain.
He's got a ton of experience as well.
And they've got some great young players who are big and hard to handle.
And I would also say they have the advantage in net with Lukas Dostal.
so I think it's important for the Oilers to take command of this series before Anaheim gets more confidence.
Yeah.
Because this is a Ducks team that I would say they're playing with house money.
They're ahead of schedule.
Yeah.
I think a lot of us thought this year it'd be like, oh, you know, hopefully they're playing important games in March, and they're learning, and, you know- Yeah their young guys are getting good experience.
but for them, I mean, they were competing for first place in the division up until- Yeah basically the last week of the season.
for them to be in this playoff position and already having won a game, I, I would be worried if I was Edmonton about giving the Ducks too much life.
I think, I think the Oilers need to snuff out hope sooner than later.
Yeah, I kinda agree with you, Ryan.
Like, getting that split on the road, it's always important, to start a series.
But for Anaheim, for all the reasons you just mentioned, to go back home, you know, to Anaheim, you know- They're good with the series knotted 1-1- Yeah I, I think they're feeling real good about themselves.
Mm-hmm.
And you're right, they, they have a lot of players who this is their first playoffs, like, or at least, you know, they've never really experienced a long run, so- Yeah you know, the more experience you can give them, the more confidence you can give them.
It, it doesn't bode well for Edmonton.
At the same time, I'd be surprised if Edmonton loses this thing
