Breaking down McDavid's mind-boggling spin-o-rama assist
Connor McDavid's highlight-reel assist was ridiculous, but it needs to be broken down frame by frame to be fully appreciated.
The reigning Hart Trophy winner pulled off a jaw-dropping, spinning pass to Patrick Maroon for an easy tap-in goal late in the first period of the Edmonton Oilers' overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night, and he embarrassed a couple of respectable defensemen in the process.
Duncan Keith was the primary victim of McDavid's mastery, and Brent Seabrook also had a primo seat for the spectacle, making the play all the more impressive.
Let's take a look at exactly how he did it.
It begins with Oilers forward Kailer Yamamoto controlling the puck along the boards and eyeing McDavid up the middle.
Yamamoto feeds McDavid, who carries the puck out of the Oilers' defensive zone.
As McDavid enters the offensive zone, he's met by Keith, with Seabrook backing him up while also monitoring Maroon.
Let's switch to the aerial view now, because this is where the fun really begins.
McDavid has a step on Keith, so Seabrook comes over to provide help.
The Oilers superstar turns his back to Keith and protects the puck.
McDavid continues pivoting with Keith squaring him up, while Maroon quietly sneaks down low with his defender preoccupied.
Suddenly, McDavid swings the puck out behind both his body and Keith's imposing frame.
Then, in the blink of an eye, he flings the puck across the crease to Maroon, who has a virtually wide-open cage.
Maroon taps in one of the easiest goals he'll ever score.
Let's zoom in for another look, because we can.
It's hard to believe McDavid found his way out of this.
Keith and Seabrook look like they have him boxed in.
But that's when McDavid's body control and uncanny hands separate him, literally, from the competition.
There's no way Keith saw this coming.
Maroon is barely even in the picture, but somehow, McDavid knows he'll be there.
And he is.
Too easy.
There was nothing simple about McDavid's tremendous effort to set up the goal, though.
The MVP made something out of nothing and single-handedly created what will certainly be remembered as one of the plays of the season.
(Images courtesy: NHL.com)
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