The OT Winner
While we are a few weeks away from Thanksgiving in these United States, I have a few things to be thankful for on this random Friday afternoon.
First off, I am thankful for Brad Stuart. Why? His lack of hockey talent this past Tuesday was pretty special to watch. It compelled him to trip Aleksander Barkov and grant Florida a power play.
I am thankful for 4-on-3 hockey, which gives players ample space and time to showcase their talents.
I am thankful for Patrick Roy, who in his infinite “I’m a renegade” coaching wisdom decided to put 2 forwards on a 3-man PK unit.
Above all of this, what I am most thankful for is the goal that came as the result of the previously mentioned criteria. Every once in a while, a goal is scored that just makes you say “Damn…” and that is exactly what Brad Boyes’ game-winning goal against the Avalanche did to me. What possessed me to break down this goal was the sheer strategic brilliance of everyone involved. From the coaching staff, to the player execution, every variable played out to perfection to lift the Panthers to victory.
Here’s how it went down.
It’s an umbrella
As Brad Stuart watches from the box, the Panthers gain possession and establish their umbrella. Before we really get into this, it must be said that all of this is drawn up from the very beginning. Each move is deliberate and eventually leads to the goal.
Fancy, huh?
Right before the Panthers officially establish their set up, Huberdeau makes the initial pass and then crashes to the front of the net. Meanwhile, Jokinen actually goes around the net to the half-wall and Boyes establishes a pitch-and-catch with Campbell.
“WHAT IS HAPPENING?” – Colorado PK
Here is where things get really good. The Avalanche think they’re OK in their triangle, figuring the Panthers are just going to pass it around the umbrella until a shot presents itself. Wrong. So very, very wrong.
Boyes and Campbell play catch for less than 2 seconds before initiating the play.
Campbell passes to Jokinen and then enters the slot for the backdoor option. Jokinen immediately passes it down low to Huberdeau. At the same time, Boyes lurks around the top of the slot, ever so nonchalantly to the top of the circle.
They forgot how to hockey.
This is where it goes horribly wrong for the Avalanche.
Every member of the Avalanche thinks that Huberdeau is going to pass it to Campbell, so they act accordingly. To top it off, Jokinen sprints to the low slot as if to receive the pass as well.
Erik Johnson goes down to block the pass, but before he realizes it, he’s been duped and it’s too late.
Now, all of the attention is on Huberdeau down low.
This, of course, leaves Boyes more open than any retail store at 1 PM on a weekday.
That torque though…
We all know what happens next, Boyes moves into the slot and one-times the pass from Huberdeau for the win.
Oh and did I mention that all of this happened within a span of 11 seconds?
Whoop, there it is.
Mike Obrand can be reached for contact on Twitter or via email at mikeobrand@gmail.com.
