(Vancouver) The Vancouver Canucks achieved a first on Wednesday: they prevented Connor McDavid from getting a single shot on goal.
It was the first time in 55 playoff games that the star forward was unable to get at least one shot on goal.
This feat was accomplished during a game in which the Canucks staged a spectacular comeback to win 5-4 in the first game of their second round series.
Stopping McDavid takes a complete team effort, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said.
“We worked well as a unit of five and everyone followed the plan,” said the defender after the victory. When everyone is on the same page, it’s easier to counter a special player like him. We have watched a lot of video footage and we will continue to do so. »
McDavid assisted on Zach Hyman’s second-period goal Wednesday and has at least one point in each of the Oilers’ six games since the start of the playoffs. He leads the NHL during the spring tournament with 13 points – one goal and 12 assists.
In six playoff appearances, McDavid has 30 goals and 58 assists.
“He is one of the best players in the world. So you have to limit his space and his chances of scoring,” said defender Nikita Zadorov on Wednesday.
“We’ve been talking about our defensive structure for a few days, how we want to play against a guy like him. That’s what makes the difference,” he added.
The Oilers excel when they find open space and attack at full speed. The Canucks limited this type of situation during the first part, noted defenseman Carson Soucy, who faced McDavid a lot.
“I believe that our attackers managed to get back in front of the opponent when they tried to gain speed,” he explained on Thursday.
“And in the defensive zone, we reduced the space when we had the opportunity,” added Soucy.
The Canucks also had success against McDavid during the regular season. In three games against the Canucks, the Hart Trophy finalist was limited to one goal and two assists, with a differential of minus-4.
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, however, said that one should not rely too much on the numbers.
” He is the best. He will probably be the best of all time, he said Thursday. Remember that we faced the Oilers at the start of the season, when things were not going well for them.
“I wouldn’t say we have the magic thing to counter it. »
Tocchet also said that he did not expect to see his team limit the damage so much against McDavid throughout the series.
The Canucks’ effectiveness will be put to the test again on Friday, during the second game in Vancouver.
“It’s one game at a time,” Tocchet said after the first game. Both camps will make adjustments. We did well defensively during the season. It’s part of our identity. »