It's been a disappointing season to say the least for the Edmonton Oilers, but if there's been one positive for the team, it's the play of Connor McDavid who leads the league in scoring.
Sunday night, the 21-year-old recorded three points, but he never got a chance to make it a four-point night in overtime as the Ducks played keep away from the captain for over a minute before finally advancing the puck and eventually scoring.
The strategy was unique, brilliant and frustrating depending on the team you're cheering for and after seeing the Ducks execute the strategy to perfection, the hockey world had a number of different reactions to it.Whoa. NHL coaches are gonna pore over the tape of #Ducks OT win in Edmonton. Held the puck entire 1:23 to keep it away from McDavid. Scored on only shot on goal.
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) March 26, 2018
I asked #McDavid if he felt the #Ducks were purposely trying to lay low in OT until he got off the ice.
— Brenden Ullrich (@BrendenUllrich) March 26, 2018
“It was a little bit different. Maybe it just played out like that, I’m not sure if they were doing that on purpose but it kind of seemed that way.” #Oilers
I get some people thought that the OT was brutal to watch,but the Ducks weren't there to entertain anyone . They were there to win. Great strategy by them. You might have to get used to it. Other teams will probably use the same template
— Tony Chaves (@tonychaves64) March 26, 2018
That's exactly what they did. Circled four times in their own end trying to get McDavid off the ice. Then scored on first rush. Pretty smart.
— Brian Blessing (@BrianBlessing) March 26, 2018
great strategy. Thinking outside of the box.
— Christopher Ritz (@ritzcg10) March 26, 2018
Ducks just rag the puck in their own end till McGod’s shift in 3 on 3 OT is over. Well more than a minute. They suck. Then they score. They suck worse. #Oilers #ANAvsEDM #NHL
— murdoch davis (@murdochdavis) March 26, 2018
Man did Anaheim paly that OT perfectly...keep away while 97 is on the ice and bury your chance when it comed...give the Ducks credit.
— Rob Soria (@Oil_Drop) March 26, 2018
That might be the funniest OT I have ever seen. Big 2 points for the Ducks.
— Jake Rudolph (@ReindeerGames91) March 26, 2018
That was an interesting approach to OT for Ducks (or boring at first, depending on your perspective).
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) March 26, 2018
Worked.
Just watched it again. Ducks won opening faceoff of OT, brought puck back behind their net and refused to cross their own blue line for first 1:14, Lindholm finally skated it up, worked give and go with Rackell and scored.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) March 26, 2018
Worst 3 on 3 OT ever, and no surprise, the Anaheim Ducks are involved. I’m truly shocked.
— Rob (@whitewhale99) March 26, 2018
Interesting plan by the Ducks to open OT last night. Don't think I've ever seen that before.
— Avalanche Forever (@citchmook) March 26, 2018
Not at all surprised the Ducks rope-a-doped the Oilers in OT. I’m not happy about it, because it’s the exact type of garbage hockey I thought the NHL was trying to get rid of, but it’s the Ducks, so whatever I guess
— Corey (@corn_cwm) March 26, 2018
That was a genius OT from the Ducks. Kept the puck and frustrated McDavid. Loved how pissed off those Oiler fans got too 😂😂😂 #LetsGoDucks
— Ian 🏴 (@IanDavies84) March 26, 2018
Watching #ducks coaching staff strategy in OT #Oilers pic.twitter.com/aNP4ujivAF
— Special Agent Randy Beans (@BPowder15) March 26, 2018
Cheapest and most boring OT in human history... Damn you Ducks! #Oilers
— Stephen Vani (@SjVani92) March 26, 2018
#Ducks just showed how you beat McDavid in an overtime session (no need to reference Edmonton when McDavid plays all but six seconds of OT...and have irrelevant players). #Oilers
— Spencer Asch-Jones (@SpennyAJ4) March 26, 2018
Didn't think I could dislike the Ducks more than I did... But I do tonight. So damn lucky with that cowardly strategy in OT.
— Hunter's Moon (@sunnygigs1) March 26, 2018
Shitty ending but the Ducks generated some amazing heel heat with that OT strategy. #EverythingIsWrestling
— Ryan (@IAmByks) March 26, 2018
Oh my gawd....! I dont fricken believe it! #Duckswin. A little interesting strategy there in OT! I was not sure what they were up to, but you have to use your brains more than brawn with the 3 on 3.
— Monica (@LikeMyDucks) March 26, 2018
Will become the new norm in OT....get possession and then play keep away from 97....Ducks Suck!!
— Peter King (@PeteKing2013) March 26, 2018
What did you think of Anaheim's OT strategy against McDavid? Let us know by tweeting us @BarDown.
(H/T: Twitter)
