Analysis: Johnny Gaudreau’s world-class pass
Another game, another casual two points for Johnny Gaudreau. He picked up two assists in The Calgary Flames’ 4-2 win Thursday night over the San Jose Sharks. But I want to rewind a day earlier to the previous night, another 4-2 Calgary win, this one over the Anaheim Ducks. The diminutive forward featured in that one, too.
Gaudreau assisted on goals by linemates Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk as the Flames took sole possession of second place in the NHL’s Western Conference.
Gaudreau was built for today’s NHL. He’s fast and skilled. He plays with incredible awareness. And Gaudreau’s confidence looks like it’s at an all-time high. The only thing he doesn’t have – size – really doesn’t matter any longer. The game has become so fast; players need their brains to work as fast as their feet.
That’s Gaudreau. He’s been so good this year that a two-assist night doesn’t even earn him a star of the game from the local media. It’s almost expected. ‘Johnny Hockey’ has 99 points in 71 games – a career year for the left winger from Salem, New Jersey.
The area behind the net has long been known at Gretzky’s Office. But if Gaudreau keeps it up, he might be paying rent in the same building. The Flames’ first goal on Wednesday night is a great example of his prowess behind the cage.
Johnny Gaudreau is cheat code. pic.twitter.com/9psCtkQLLQ
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 7, 2022It was a slick backhand pass from Gaudreau to Flames teammate Elias Lindholm, who deposited his 36th goal of the season on the play. But for me, it was what Gaudreau did before the pass that makes the sequence so noteworthy.
I went through the clip and counted nine instances of really smart, detailed hockey by Gaudreau. And all of them played an integral part in Calgary scoring the opening goal of the game at 12:33 of the first period.
Watch the clip below.
1: Awareness
As the puck is traveling around the boards from Gaudreau’s right, he takes a quick shoulder check to see where Anaheim’s players are. It’s subtle. But it leads directly into point No. 2.
2: Deception
Gaudreau goes to the wall in order to draw Anaheim defenseman Jamie Drysdale towards him. Then he intentionally lets the puck go up the boards to Lindholm. The fake by Gaudreau takes Drysdale deep into the corner and gives Lindholm plenty of room to operate.
3: Positioning
As soon as Gaudreau gets to the corner, he stops. It seems simple, but it’s a critical part of the play. With his feet set, Gaudreau is ready to move in either direction. Had he continued his momentum towards the net, Gaudreau would have limited his options.
4: Awareness
Once again, Gaudreau is diligent about checking his shoulder and surveying the entire offensive zone. Now he knows where Tkachuk and Lindholm are, as well as the Ducks’ defensive positioning.
5: Moving to a safe place
By going behind the net, Gaudreau is buying himself time. He knows Anaheim defenseman Cam Fowler is stationed just in front of the crease and that he’ll be forced to decide which side to attack from. The net provides cover.
6: Body positioning
If Fowler is going to strip Gaudreau of the puck, it won’t be easy. Gaudreau uses his body to shield his stick blade from the Anaheim defenseman.
7: Awareness
See a theme here? Once again, Gaudreau looks over his shoulder. He sees a direct route to Tkachuk, but the shot angle isn’t great. And Ducks center Isac Lundestrom is lurking, ready to pick off the pass. So what’s plan B? See point No. 8 just below.
8: Moving to create a better passing angle
Gaudreau knows that Tkachuk is going to draw attention from the Ducks – especially Lundestrom. So in the back of his head, Gaudreau is thinking he wants to get the puck to the exposed slot area, exactly where Lindholm is headed. But Gaudreau can’t make that pass from behind the net. So he sprints forward several feet in order to create a viable passing lane.
9: Execution
There’s are four Anaheim sticks within striking distance, yet Gaudreau somehow gets the puck to Lindholm. It’s a world-class pass, and a fantastic finish by the Flames forward.
Gaudreau capped off the evening by assisting on the fourth Flames goal with a laser cross-ice pass to Tkachuk, who potted his 33rd goal of the season on an empty Ducks net.
To say that Gaudreau is playing the best hockey of his career would be an understatement. He’s been one of the best players in the NHL this year. And Gaudreau is directly responsible for the Flames’ success.
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