Watching the San Jose Sharks play on the powerplay during their 2-1 overtime win over the Washington Capitals was a great example of how Macklin Celebrini uses the same tactics as Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid does to create offense.
Celebrini has often played the right flank on the man advantage, but he isn’t afraid to go to his strong side on the left, regardless of whether the Sharks are on the powerplay. When he does that, he often circles out high in the offensive zone, sometimes just outside the blue line, to create a downhill rush facing the net.
His secondary assist on William Eklund’s overtime-winning goal was a perfect example of how he can use his deceptive stickhandling and downhill speed to push defenders back. By doing this, he opens passing lanes across the ice or to the point. When he passes to the point, he allows Mikael Granlund to creep further into the slot, giving Eklund a better shot angle.
Similarly to Celebrini, McDavid used the high swing on an overtime powerplay to create the game-winning goal. McDavid was working the point, and despite receiving a pass in the center of the ice, the centerman backed up to the blue line and to his right before rushing back toward the net and passing to his left for the eventual goal.
Both Celebrini and McDavid use this strategy during 5-on-5 play. In this next clip, McDavid circles behind the net, passes the puck, then rounds up the far boards to create a downhill opportunity for himself. The only difference is that McDavid took a slap-shot and scored rather than passing.
Celebrini is also creating opportunities with his shot at even strength. When Cody Ceci scored against the Seattle Kraken on Nov. 30, Celebrini went up the boards and took a pass at the left point before rushing downhill and shooting. The rebound went off the backboards right to Ceci in front.
By doing this, Celebrini and McDavid are also making themselves available to cover a defenseman should they have space to rush in. With constant movement in the offensive zone, goalies will always be moving. Celebrini and McDavid make themselves the most dangerous players on the ice with their unpredictable movement with and without the puck.
Celebrini is still only 18 years old and will learn other attack methods. His skating and strength will continue to improve, and his stickhandling deceptiveness will keep defenders frozen as he rushes downhill. Watch for Celebrini’s swing to the point and downhill rush when the San Jose Sharks…