ANALYTICS

The Secret to McDavid's Scoring Chances Despite Faceoff Struggles

Shaun Earl Photo
Shaun Earl

Connor McDavid's performance in faceoffs is not his strongest suit as he competes against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals. His success rate stands at 30% when positioned to the right of Stuart Skinner. However, even when he doesn't win the faceoff, McDavid and his linemates use their quickness and awareness on the ice to allow them to generate opportunities, even without possession of the puck. During this past season, McDavid had a faceoff win percentage of 47.7%, which has declined from an average of 51.9% in the 2022-2023 season.

As you watch this clip you can see how McDavid and his linemates are almost being fired out of a gate while lining up for their faceoffs. The Oiler's relentless effort enables them to turn faceoff losses into chances to gain an advantage. Their readiness and agility are key factors, allowing them to quickly adjust regardless of the faceoff outcome.

As shown in the faceoff breakdown with Hudl Instant, McDavid continues to struggle on the right side of the ice. 

Quick starts can set the tone for the team's overall performance. Applying consistent pressure on the opposing team makes them more prone to mistakes. The Oiler's role in these rapid transitions and relentless drive to initiate plays highlight the significance of quick starts in creating offense and more scoring chances. 

Quick Sprint To Faceoff Dot Drill

This drill is straightforward yet highly effective for achieving maximum speed in just 3-5 strides. You can easily modify it by incorporating progressions, such as racing against another player while using two cones as gates. Adding an element of competition where players fight for body position will enhance both the enjoyment and competitive spirit of the drill.

 






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