How Cale Makar Dominated The NHL Playoffs | (Full Breakdown)

The most dominant season for an NHL D man in recent memory. In this video, we look at the subtle details that allowed Cale Makar to dominate the 2021 - 2022 NHL Playoffs

[@defenestrate7544]

I'm an Avs fan and there's another "small thing" that never gets talked about in relation to Makar, and that's how good of a defender Nate MacKinnon is. Makar is encouraged to break out the puck and start the attack and MacKinnon is usually the one to take his defensive spot temporarily. Nate's defensive game has grown immensely and I'd love to see someone put a spotlight on it with a vid. Great content here!

[@hockeypsychology]

Great point. Nate is great in that sense but I also think thats a testament to the Avalanche as a whole also. They execute their system so well & most times it doesn't matter who is on the ice because they are usually in the right spot. Thanks for watching!

[@VivecsTDawg]

It isn't just MacKinnon. It is the strategy of Colorado and I think that's why Colorado was able to overwhelm the opposition as the Defender was able to jump in the play, pinch, and keep offense going while the forward that is being covered rotates to D and breaks up the defensive pairing. This allows for pressure where they need it immediately without sacrificing defense as they had that forward cover every time. Byram was also very good at pinching, I don't know how many times I saw a defenseman from Colorado behind the goal line battling on the boards lol.

[@laurentco]

He literally showed Cale defending against a McDavid rush about 4 times, but yes, I watched the 3rd and 4th rounds, and I can only recall one time where the Avs D lost their assignments, and it ended up as a goal.

[@Jaageful]

Advanced stats show that Rantanen is one of the best forwards in defending. He can go beast mode when trying to get the puck. Somehow this is overlooked.

[@defenestrate7544]

@@Jaageful indeed, Mikko's stalwart defense also doesn't get enough credit. The other comments are right too, almost all of the Avs are great two way players. Bednars system seems to be that all 5 skaters are expected to play a 200' game. Letting Andre Burakovsky walk and resigning Lehkonen and Nichuskin also highlights this importance.

[@mike8066]

Cale is the most gifted player in the nhl and we haven't seen his full potential yet which is crazy to think about how much better is going to be when he hits his prime.

[@hockeypsychology]

Exactly, we’re just scratching the surface

[@JasonSmith-pe5py]

What's just as crazy-Toewes is top 7 or 8 dman-worst case-solid defensively,& on bout 70 pt pace,had he played 82 games. 10th in Norris last yr,I think,& 7th this yr. But gets totally overlooked-understandably-cuz of Makar. Girard is 1 of the better #3 dmen in nhl,Byram has as high of ceiling,as almost any young dman in nhl & EJ is as solid as it gets at #6 dman-when everybody was healthy. Manson was pretty damn great as #5ish(again-when everybody is healthy)-granted decent chance he leaves in FA. J Johnson,& Murray aren't great,& have their flaws. But no other team had guys as decent,& experienced as them as #7,& #8! JJ probably retiring,& Murray might be gone-big trouble staying healthy. Avs will not be as deep or talented next yr. Could still be most talented team,but not gonna be quite as good-probably ever. The gap will narrow somewhat-just how much? MIGHT have been the best single season champ in cap era. Beat the team that definitely had the best 3 yr,cap era run. And I don't think it's debatable we had deepest,& most talented blue line-in cap era. And with those 5 we KNOW are back next season-still should have best blueline-though not quite as much insane depth-especially if Manson leaves. Everybody knows the greatness of Makar,& I think most know him,& Toewes are the best pair. But A LOT of opposing fans had no clue what kind of depth we had. Hell-even Mcdermott-isnt very good-but did make a lot of improvement in 58 reg season games he played,due to COVID/injuries.(granted,he had a LOT of improvement to make,& still needs to make a bunch more)Teammates love him,&-why hes in the nhl,& just got his name on the Cup-can basically kick anybodys ass in the nhl-lol.

[@robertrubey6594]

Even though mcdavid got more points, mcdavid looked very average against cale.

[@Ram26chasin]

@@robertrubey6594 ya he never made it that far carrying that team on his back much respect to Cale but Mcdavid still number 1

[@robertrubey6594]

@@Ram26chasin mcdavid is number one without a cup

[@fananon1039]

In the first series, McDavid had 2 points per game. In the second he had 2.4 points per game. In the Colorado series he was up against Makar A LOT and he only had 1.75 points per game. That’s still a ridiculous number, but it’s also a lot less than the other two series’. Interestingly, Makar’s ppg in that series was 2.25. So not only did Makar keep McDavid to less ppg than other defensemen, but he also scored more than McDavid did in two of those series played. I think that says loads about how skilled he is both defensively AND offensively.

[@hockeypsychology]

That’s a fantastic point that I didn’t even know. I thought throughout that entire series, Makar was playing his very best hockey. Thanks for sharing!

[@guymajor7103]

You have to keep in mind mcdavid had most of his points in that series came in the first game after that almost nothing!

[@theogreenaway7401]

Um no just no no sports reason no

[@paulprutzman6529]

McDavid was also - for the whole series. IOW, he was a liability ON THE ICE.

[@357mag5]

00110

[@angelinaliu1816]

His hockey IQ is honestly incredible. You know what’s insane? When he started playing college hockey at UMass, coach carvel had to sit him way more than he wanted to because Makar physically couldn’t play huge minutes. He worked so insanely hard and now look at him, leading the playoffs in TOI (discounting letang and dumoulin cause they had that 3OT game)

[@hockeypsychology]

I didn’t know this, thanks for sharing!

[@chrisz3]

Cale Makar is the king of NHL right now and he is only 23. Wow.... Happy he is an Av.

[@fellspoint9364]

Makar just has that vision that’s so difficult to master and with that he can play a more wide open , creative game like Paul Coffey or he can lock it down into a specific system . The kid is truly extraordinary.

[@matambale]

I actually think Joe Sakic is the king of the NHL --- but if it's strictly active players, then it's Makar for all the reasons you stated. That poke check on McDavid was a real stunner.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Lol I always said prime Forsberg was the best player I’ve ever seen, but Makar has changed all of that this year. Something must be in the water out in Colorado...

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@DanoFSmith-yc9tg Forsberg is still the most talented ever, but Makar is currently the most talented and best hockey player in the world.

[@Creeestopher]

Sakic is the NHL's daddy. Slight difference ;)

[@JimLongCO]

You couldn't beat Joe's snapshot in the clutch

[@mcsheaman]

Great breakdown, very insightful. Better than what you get on ESPN or CBC. Having watched every Avalanche game ever, I was already starting to wonder if Cale was the best player on the team last year. This year, he ascended to another level and while it's very plausible he's the best overall in the NHL right now, I really expect him to end up on the Mount Rushmore with Gretzky, Howe, Orr, etc., when his career is done. We're watching a very special talent just starting to hit his stride and the sky's the limit.

[@zapzeus988]

I lived in Massachusetts in the late 60's early 70's and got to watch Bobby Orr in his young prime and thought I would never see another defenseman as good as Orr or even close, Makar reminds me so much of him and I am honored to have witnessed what he has done so far. He will be a player that you will tell your grandchildren about and speak of with a hockey reverence. So Cale is the best in the league in my opinion.

[@misstruly5482]

Makar=king. For sure.

[@laurentco]

I haven’t been so completely blown away by a player since Mario. He’s definitely the class of the league in terms of defencemen. He and McDavid are in a class by themselves.

[@hockeypsychology]

Agreed. The way they dominate in their own respective way is amazing

[@justinsalas1885]

Makar is KING

[@hockeypsychology]

Facts

[@brajorie]

What came out of the Oilers series with Col may have more of an impact than we think. Watching Makar defend McDavid was awesome and I remember seeing that poke check and how Makar stayed with him all the way. Other teams are going to be watching tapes of that series all summer long and I bet McDavid doesn't have as a strong season this year as teams will begin doing a better job of defending him...we'll see.

[@hockeypsychology]

That would be crazy. I could see that happen if other teams adapt a team effort to slowing down McDavid. However, if he finds a way to break through like he has shown throughout his career, it may be yet another year of domination lol.

[@lunarbunny3021]

It really was something to see Colorado just muzzle McDavid’s ability to completely dominant…That’s something I’ve seen no other team be able to do at the level Colorado did it.

[@gchance6102]

@@lunarbunny3021 they muzzled mcjeses to 1.75ppg....thays not muzzling 2ppg in the playoffs against the best defense an in the leage who happens to be on the best team in the leugue give your head a shke

[@BUZZNIGHTYEAR99]

This didnt seem to age too well haha

[@franklulatowskijr.6974]

I’ve been saying Makar is the best player on the league since last season. As great as McDavid is, I don’t think his career will be nearly as successful, whether you’re talking Cups, records, or individual awards. Granted, Makar is on the far better team, but there’s something more special about a defenseman that can play to this level.

[@hockeypsychology]

People have been sing this about McDavid for years. With every year that goes by it gets more true. He’s a once in a lifetime player, but in hockey, they will always judge you by championships

[@franklulatowskijr.6974]

@@hockeypsychology His point totals are definitely making numbers by Sid look pedestrian by comparison. He’s definitely better than Crosby, but his team is weak. Crosby was lucky enough to not have that problem. Of course, Ovetchkin had a weak team not built for the playoffs for years, but he eventually won a cup and a Conn Smythe, which were the only things missing from his already gaudy awards collection. We shall see what the future holds for McJesus.

[@ErinGnarkill]

On the TNT broadcasts before the finals Wayne Gretzky said Makar is the best player in the world, who am I to argue with that?

[@hockeypsychology]

How can ya argue with the great one

[@danielw1419]

Thanks for the video, Maker is the best, hands down, smooth defender that can turn to the offensive side in a split second. In the SCF, there’s a play that in half a second, he stole the puck, evaded a hit, spun and got away. And he’s only 23. While McDavid, is a offensive genius, the best overall player is Makar.

[@hockeypsychology]

Thanks for watching & commenting! His ability to jumpstart a breakout & turn into a rush with his speed is something I’ve never seen before. I can’t wait to see what he does next year.

[@nickdiaz4961]

McDavid is like the kyrie Irving of the nhl. Pure artist, fun to watch extraordinary offensive talent. But I def agree Makar is the best. I think MacKinnon might be better than him too if u go full package game. It’s not only about points

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@jackmacdonald3497 McDavid sucks.

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@jackmacdonald3497 MacKinnon > McDavid all day.

[@ili-samiam-ili3515]

McDavid is the most talented player offensively. Mackinnon is a better PLAYER though. McDavid isn't a leader like that.

[@ryanjacob3338]

Wow best Makar vid out there. It is his hockey IQ, his physical ability has just been catching up lately. It is the way he handles the forecheck, every bit as much as it is his creation of transition offence. It is his defending of speed and skill on the transition as much as it is his play on the line once set up offensively. However once you explained why you didn't bother showing the goals, fairly well, you should have then gone ahead and showed those sweet sweet goals Hahaha. He is absolutely only getting better, you can see him slowly cleaning up the little puck bobbles, learning when to be more sure handed. You can see him stumbling less often as he forces himself to skate like humans can't because he sees some ice he absolutely has to will himself to get too. His brain sees even more for him out there, and he's still developing physically to get that all done, still becoming more consistent. This guy takes everything out there personally, demands greatness out of himself. I doubt one cup and a great season satisfies him at all. Every time he messes up he goes even harder. Best. Player. In. The. League. No question, sure McDavid can hang especially physically, Matthews and MacKinnon too. He's still gotta catch up to them there really, and catch up to his hockey IQ. None see the whole game like that kid. Who even ever did? Maybe Gretzky? Anyway you guys will see what I mean. Watch that compete level and watch him get a lot better. See a superstar who fully buys into the right play. How much would you have to love the people around you, and the game, to continue to want to do better like he does once you've reached his level? I'm convinced the guy is a top human being in general.

[@ryanjacob3338]

I mean we didn't even get our backs against the wall this year. But we'll have less pieces this year, hockey always gets better. He's got lots of work to do. But this is the kind of guy that won't let his team lose. I don't doubt if Gabe ends up demanding he takes his C in the next 14 months. When his team is ever in tough again as he grows physically we're going to see even more from him. As avs fans we've seen enough, but Gabe has seen even more, he knew damn well what he was saying there. Makar already changes everything.

[@hockeypsychology]

Perfectly said. Thanks for watching!

[@alexbyoung]

I’m late to the party, but I loved the breakdown, bud. Cale’s special special.

[@MDK2_Radio]

It’s important to show plays like this because defense is, first and foremost, keeping the other team from scoring. We love our scoring defensemen but what really makes the Norris Trophy winners are their ability to do the job that’s in their job description and Makar is masterful at that. Who else can take on McDavid and completely neutralize him when he’s on the attack like that? Not many. (BTW he won his Calder Memorial Trophy two years ago, not last year.)

[@hockeypsychology]

Exactly. That was something I wanted to show. The ability for Makar to use his skating within a system that maximizes his abilities

[@briangilson1582]

What a fantastic channel. Thank you

[@hockeypsychology]

Thank you!

[@chrisschick6054]

I liked the vid and agree on a lot of points. I was pulling for Edmonton and you're right, that rush where Makar got the little poke on McDavid WAS an extremely deflating moment. However, in the finals, Tampa did a better job than any other team at inhibiting Makar. They must have had a team plan because his rushes were cut off in the neutral zone several times. He STILL got on the score sheet and played a big series but I wouldn't say that he "dominated". That being said, the practice time that Tampa must have devoted to attacking his effectiveness is another way that he can disrupt a team. Perhaps this would explain Tampa's awful special teams in the finals? It is unlikely that any team will be able to muster the same effort during the regular season and I hope to see some more videos like this in the future.

[@hockeypsychology]

Thanks for watching! As next season rolls on, I’m planning on doing ore videos just like this

[@garybass4029]

All.Hail.Cale 🔥 💪 🔥

[@hockeypsychology]

🥬

[@JWC924]

Great breakdown. McDavid and his line also accounted for majority of their scoring. Outside of that line their wasn't much production from the oilers. Makar as a defenseman, being on a stacked team that rolled 4 lines in the playoffs makes it more impressive that he had 29 points in 20 games.

[@hockeypsychology]

Agreed. 29 in 20 is impressive. What still blows my mind is that McDavid still lead in playoff scoring… just an absolute monster

[@JWC924]

@@hockeypsychology Him and Draisatl are disgusting as a duo. But then again that's pretty much the team lol.

[@AliceJiang-r4n]

Cale Makar is a million times better! He is the best hockey player ever!!!

[@domlovallo8959]

Thank you for your excellent analysis. Cale is the best D in today's game.

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

I don't understand what McDavid thought he was gonna do there. Like, what? Dude, it's Cale Makar you're up against. You cannot simply drive the net when you're 1 v 1 against him, you have to create space by passing the puck, otherwise Makar will just eat you alive.

[@vincenttong4705]

Godlike skating beyond next level. I can only dream of skating like that. !00% inspirational.

[@texaskid4444]

Great video! Really like this style of NHL content

[@hockeypsychology]

Love hearing that. Thanks for watching!

[@JerBuster77]

Not bad for the 4th overall pick of the 2017 draft.

[@ryanpatsky2802]

So glad Colorado lost the lottery that year

[@JimLongCO]

You could tell he was special in his very first NHL game

[@evanbrown2594]

Makar and Crosby, and Matthews are probably the best overall players in the NHL. McDavid is the leagues offensive powerhouse. For the life of me I can't understand why he hasn't adjusted his game to tighten up defensively. He has all the talent and skill to be able to so. That said if Crosby Makar, Mack and McDavid every play on a Canada team together I don't see how they are stopped.

[@350oven4]

thats exactly what i was saying to the boys lmao mcdavid is fantastic with speed and the puck, but other than that hes nothing else. but speed is just so good in hockey that it creates lot of scoring chances. we seen crosby defensively stop mcdavid numerous times when they played which made the pens go 6-0 record against the oilers, only like a year ago oilers finally beat the pens. that goes with makar aswell just a better defensive awareness player. with better hockey iq hes basically just not a complete player. but it works with stats cause of speed. if he wants to win a cup he has to start thinking defensively.

[@rt-rd5of]

Matthews is getting better with assists so he might could be the best overall player next season if he keeps improving.

[@alexanderstark5192]

You all need to actually look at stats. McDavid is well above average defensively

[@alexanderstark5192]

​@350oven4 mcdavid outplayed Crosby in every one of their matchups what are you talking about. The head to head stats mcdavid destroys Crosby.

[@Gergentine]

People really forgot how good Erik Karlsson was before his tendon was sliced.

[@hockeypsychology]

Karlsson was an offensive juggernaut. I wish he remained healthy to see what kind of numbers he could have put up. That being said, I think Makar is still better defensively than Karlsson ever was. Was that cause of injuries? Team systems? Or just style of play? Either way we got robbed of Prime Karlsson

[@PetterHughes]

Karlsson was still good after his tendon got sliced in 2013. He won the Norris in 2015, and had a great playoff run in 2017.

[@Gergentine]

@@PetterHughes forgot about that, tis true. Either way after getting to sjs he really started to decline. Especially defensively. In Ottawa his zone exits from his end were second to none. I think it was in big part to the system but for two him and Methot worked together really well. Methot was solid on the board play and puck retrieval and Karlsson would get it out of the zone like 99% of the time. Was alot of fun to watch, even as a leafs fan 😄

[@Cynthesis21]

He was good but his offensive abilities were never as good as Makar is already. On the defense side you can't even compare the two.

[@darrenklemin7959]

I'm an Av's fan so take this with a grain of salt. A very good argument could be made that the top three players are McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar. Two of those players are on the same team. Add in Sakic's ability to draft and develop players and we could see great things to come.

[@dannypike3189]

Matthews is better than MacKinnon. Accomplishing more than Mack did at the same age, and Mack has never broken 100 points. Matthews just scored 60 goals and 106 points in 73 games.

[@boston7704]

I was stunned watching him keep pace with McDavid. Backward. And then casually swat the puck away. Again and again.

[@investbo]

I wouldn't say he's the best PLAYER in the NHL; hard to measure against Forward and Goalie positions. Cale Makar is amazing though, BEST D-man in the league. NOT because of his skills and abilities (there are many that are better), but because of his 1) Gretzky-like, Hockey IQ, 2) his "D man" Top-Shelf defensive effort AND Top-Shelf offensive effort, 3) He optimizes BEST, vs. Better, Good, or even Bad decisions, 4) He keeps the game simple, yet unselfish, 5) Makar puts maximum EFFORT (Motor) which translates to DOMINANCE in his team's Defensive Zone, the Neutral Zone, and the Offensive Zone, 6) His awareness and "head on a swivel" are bar-none. 7) very confident and sure of himself, his game, and his teammates, 8) probably a number of other factors that haven't reached the top of my mind. My Conclusion: Cale Makar is NOT the best skilled player on the ice, although his skills are very NHL strong. However, Makar maximizes every moment he touches the ice in his Effort, Awareness, IQ, and decision-making, as unselfish as possible, to win as a TOP Impact Player / team guy. That's it! A D-man version of a Gretzky type; so exciting to watch this guy play!

[@Kink3380]

Cale by a mile. You win by defense Colorado proved that. Edmonton had a ton of fire power but no defense and got smoked. Tampa was much more balanced and gave us a series. Makar still by far was the best player on the ice period. McDavid got clowned by him because he can skate with him! Toews ain’t far behind either! Easily in the top 5 in the league as well. That pair is nasty!

[@robertshetsen8691]

Love your video I wish I could skate like any of them but I still trying

[@hockeypsychology]

Thanks for watching! The whole point is to learn from it & try and take bits & pieces and add it to your game

[@DustinMikkelsen]

He's widely regarded as the best all-around defender since Paul Coffey, or Bobby Orr, and he's just entering his prime years.

[@spankypersinger1955]

Cale is a bad ass.

[@rt-rd5of]

Bobby Orr went from 78 point pace in his 3rd season to 130 point pace in his 4th season. Last season Makar in his 3rd season had 91 point pace. If he does a similar jump he might be in the running for the Art Ross or maybe even win it.

[@FrenchToast_28]

Jonas brodin(criminally underrated speed and defensive ability) is the only other defender I’ve seen be able to handle mcdavid about as well as Makar did. Makar is absolutely insane easily the best defenseman we’ve seen in some time

[@hockeypsychology]

Brodin is never talked about but yes, probably one of the best backwards skaters in the NHL

[@AragornTrueKing]

This will be fun to watch him and Seider battle it out for the Norris every season. 🤣🤣 also one tiny thing, there is no "n" in Lidstrom! Other than that great vid!

[@evertandersson9499]

I am more intetested to see how teams play tactically & how they(coaches, teams & players) adapt during games. How do you set up a game, and how do you spot changes?

[@hockeypsychology]

Interesting point. Will do a video on this

[@fingerboardlife2442]

Why does Makar look smoother and more composed on the ice than any other player I've seen before? Mcdavid and Makar is such a tough comparison, they are both the most skilled in their positions by a landslide.

[@hockeypsychology]

I think it starts with being comfortable in a system that is generally catered toward you and your play style. For McDavid & Makar, their team structures are executed to maximize their skill set. Their systems allow & create opportunities to be smooth and lean on that skill

[@davidlyons6235]

Mental maturity. High IQ. Confidence. Watch his interviews when he was drafted. So mature and composed and poised. He was a boy with the mind of a well adjusted mature adult man. The game is never too big for people like him. People like him are bigger than the game.

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@davidlyons6235 It's honestly amazing because of how "soft" his parents seem on him considering whenever I see them on camera, they're always beaming with pride at their son's accomplishments. I dunno what kind of upbringing he had, but it's almost as if Makar raised himself (not to take away any credit from Laura and Gary Makar).

[@awwwshucks443]

Barkov is still my favorite to watch from a skill perspective, but it's hard to argue against just how damn good Makar is right now.

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

Interesting to note that a lot of these plays also spring from a teammate throwing the casual pick against his marker. Colorado seems especially good at springing skaters this way, using the way the rules are called these days to their advantage instead of suffering as much (elite skating still absolutely necessary).

[@hockeypsychology]

Great point. I could make a video for how underrated Devon Toews is as well. Behind every great Dman is a steady partner to help bail them out or iron some of their flaws.

[@Cynthesis21]

You are not required to get out of the way of other skaters. If you are gliding in a direction and someone else runs in to you, it's not interference. Defenseman do this all the time to puck carriers that dump the puck into the zone. Casual fans often see the contact and immediately think interference. 'Claiming' ice by skating there before an attacking player gets there is a tactic. When the attacking player then runs into you and even if they fall down, it's not interference even though it may look just like a check. It has nothing to do with "the way the rules are called these days". It's how the rules are written.

[@westonlewis379]

He looks even faster in slo-mo

[@hypershock408]

What’s great about Cale is that he also trains with some of the best in the nhl as well. He trains with Mackinnon (who has comparable speeds to McDavid) day after day

[@martinward154]

He was asked in an interview before the EDM series if he was doing anything different to prepare for McDavid and he responded with "No need when I train with Nate everyday"

[@theogreenaway7401]

People are ingorning how dominant avs were in that series makar didn't need to be great mcdavid did

[@hockeypsychology]

True as well

[@samkay6348]

No matched for Cale. He is that good.

[@fluntimes]

Rerun that draft - no chance Makar goes 4th. We stole that draft, and Byram at 4 was also somewhat of a steal.

[@hockeypsychology]

Just robbery everywhere lol

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

Somewhat? There's no way Dach, Kakko, and Hughes would go before Byram in a redraft.

[@stuartrubenstein6624]

Byrum is going to be a big superstar very soon. Tremendous talent

[@TomAllnatt]

Makar can take down McDavid and score nearly as much as him. McDavid can only score points and can't produce the same defensive plays as Makar. Makar is better. Using points as a comparison we forget McDavid is a goal scoring forward Makar is a defenseman.

[@hockeypsychology]

It’s true to an extent. McDavid is still something we haven’t seen before. But Makar & the Avs got the best of him & the oilers this time. Looking forward to many battles between the 2

[@alexanderstark5192]

McDavid is well above average defensively you need go update your stats.

[@QuinnHockey412]

Cale won the Calder two years ago. Last year he was a finalist for the Norris

[@DD-sr9xm]

The scary thing is the Avs have TWO of these guys. Bo Byram was fantastic for the Avs in the playoffs at 21 years old. That’s the same age as when Makar first came into the league. Compare this Byram to that Makar!

[@metalheadcol]

#AllHailCale I been saying since he arrived in the NHL he was just gonna dominate like no ones business, that 1 on 1 play against McDavid is my favourite of the playoffs, I cheered harder for that play than any of the goals in that game knowing full well no-one had ever seen that done before against McDavid in full flight, Cale Makar is a highlight reel even if he has a quiet night #GoAvsGo

[@DavidWoelkechannel]

Mcavid needs to apply for a visitor visa every time he enters the oiler defensive zone

[@hockeypsychology]

ahahahahhaha, that's amazing

[@xyjoshxy]

Aren't the Avs happy no one picked him earlier in the draft

[@hockeypsychology]

Best thing for them

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

Players selected before Cale Makar: 1. Nico Hischier, a good player, but not great. His ceiling is barely superstar level. 2. Nolan Patrick. No comment. 3. Miro Heiskanen. This is the only player of these three that is comparable to Makar and should've been Top 2, and even he's nowhere near Makar's level.

[@streaminggamingstuff8011]

For me Cale Makar is king of the NHL right now.

[@alejandromasias9774]

All hail Cale!!!

[@williamsnyder6514]

I called him #cheatcode 10 points in 4 games against the Preds was amazing! I witnessed his shorty in game 2 live at the game and he followed it up with another to put the nail in the coffin against the Bolts in the cup finals. I was able to follow the Conn Smythe trophy for a few blocks in the parade and was very honored to be part of such an epic achievement.

[@hockeypsychology]

That is incredible. Soak it all in! Avs & Makar are the kings of the NHL right now.

[@day1avsfan907]

Sooo lucky!!

[@williamsnyder6514]

@@day1avsfan907 Honestly the best skater I have ever seen in my life. The way he poked the puck away from McJesus made chills run down my spine this Avs team made good teams look average!

[@marie2274]

Amazing analysis on Makar. I can't really say if Makar is the best player in the NHL. He is close to McDavid in being the best. The play against McDavid is also my favorite play. Who on earth could match speed with McDavid- Makar. I wondered in the playoffs this year how coaches addressed stopping Makar. I haven't seen Taylor Makar skate yet but he is in Avs camp, he is pretty good too.

[@hockeypsychology]

Very interesting. I didn’t know he had a brother…

[@milieu675]

And backwards

[@marie2274]

@@hockeypsychology Yup, he was drafted by the Avs last year in the draft. Taylor plays at UMASS, his coach is Greg Carvel..

[@patrickedgington5827]

I don't think they have a cup without him the Oil still don't and while it's not about one guy, it is about winning. Also they didn't just win they crushed the teams they played. Props where they are dew. Cale is the king, not because he's personaly better, but because from his position he is having a bigger impact.

[@liquid9059]

All HAIL CALE!

[@zanemeek9042]

If I'm an opposing player, Makar must be the most terrifying player to see coming at you - he just freezes you with his skating and stickhandling which gives him time and space to make good decisions. He isn't quite as fast as McDavid or MacKinnon but he can put you on your heels from literally anywhere on the ice. Just ask Kirby Dach what he thinks.

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

I say he's just as fast as McDavid, although his acceleration might be just a hair behind. MacKinnon, on the other hand, has 99 acceleration on the NHL video game scale since he is a Ferrari with no gears.

[@tylergruen9948]

I’ve been an aves fan since 96, yes I truly believe Makar is the best player on the planet but If you say McDavid is….can’t argue that.

[@hockeypsychology]

Agreed. Like I said, If McDavid got past the 3rd round, I don’t think there is a debate but the way the Avs handled Edmonton & how dominate Makar was, it has put him on top for me

[@gatesgates7788]

@@hockeypsychology I have no problem with people putting Cale over Connor right now but that’s just a stupid reason to do that. If you switched the two of them the Oilers still get swept

[@redred222]

did anyone see the times the aves top line was out, and the coach had makar and byrum out as a pairing it was insane ask tampa, the both had a couple points, tampa couldnt keep up with the speed

[@johnhanover2229]

Cale Makar opens up the ice McDavid opens the scoring.

[@rt-rd5of]

As good as he is there is a chance Byram might pass him as 1D in a few years right?

[@haroldbeaton4243]

I wish I could skate like that. Paul Coffey said that you can't teach that.

[@hockeypsychology]

You really can’t

[@mrsentinel6815]

A yeat later, none of them. Mark Stone is right now in my opinion the king, was an absolute beast in the playoffs especially against florida

[@sonofjesus185]

The most powerful thing that Cal Makar did in the playoffs he had 5 to 6 to 7 les games to play in. McDavid had 5 to 7 more games because the lightning series went into six and seven games also win the avalanche GuessWhat teams off the ice two sweeps and only four losses

[@caldindaeverex4837]

Its very easy to see why. It is literally told to every kid at some point when they start sports. Hard work beats talent.

[@Jackson-zu5ny]

Do a Kaprizov breakdown

[@hockeypsychology]

I’ll start working on it

[@Jackson-zu5ny]

@@hockeypsychology Kaprizov

[@Nick-tx2fl]

McDavid is, without question, the superior skater, puck handler, and scorer. However, Makar is a more complete package, and I think he is a more valuable all around asset, especially for a team like Colorado who has player who is 90% as good as McDavid in Nathan MacKinnon

[@hockeypsychology]

Agreed. I think as a Dman, you’re naturally going to have a bigger footprint on the outcome of the game. (Touches of the puck, ice time,etc)

[@wnsbug]

He’s the greatest player of all time by far, ofc he will dominate scrubs like mcjesus.

[@mrpurple33]

He is actually jumping by the defender at 2:16

[@johnhanover2229]

Imagine if Orr had skated like that.

[@hockeypsychology]

The craziest part is people looked at Orr & his skating the same way we now look at Makar.

[@johnhanover2229]

@@hockeypsychology Orr was heading towards anyone and it cost him his knees. Much like Plante, stopping the puck and passing it shocked people, but for a defenseman to carry the puck and attack the net was even more shocking.

[@DROSHOW01]

“Not since Bobby Orr or Lidstrom…” are you not aware of Ray Bourque or?

[@Maria_Banks]

It’s insane how people actually believe the Cup was handed to the Avalanche.

[@dannythornton8165]

100% Makar

[@Javier-ox8ui]

You should add Karlsson to that list tbh

[@IvanMalison]

Its close between McDavid and Makar as players, but if you consider contracts, Cale Makar at 9M >>> McDavid at 12

[@hockeypsychology]

All day. Agreed

[@nigelgladwyn7431]

They are both incredibly talented at their positions so I look at their character and cale wins that contest hands down all day long! At 24 cale is far more mature then I imagine Conner McDavid will ever be! All the talent in the world can't hide McDavid's childish attitude!

[@FCMC123]

You left out references of coffey, letang, karelson , and that guy leetch. Might as well throw in josi too …

[@alfredoduran3360]

hmmm just wondering out loud seeing some of the great stuff he does on ice i wonder could he perhaps be a great basketball player? he is big, strong, has great foot movement, great handles and plays both great D and better than average O. but back to planet earth the kid (and i mean kid) has a better than great chance to have his face up on that mountain with the other greats.

[@Shawshank_Sr]

Doug Harvey would like a word.

[@tommygoode9644]

I think Makar is well on his way to be the best player in the NHL but right now it's still Mcdavid for me. I mean Mcdavid led the playoffs in scoring and didn't even play in all four rounds. But the oilers did get swept by Colorado. It's hard to tell who's better. If I was starting up an expansion team and I was able to draft whoever I wanted I would pick Makar. He's on his way to being another Bobby Orr and he's still very young. So I think that there's more upside there. He'll probably break some of Orr's records in the coming years if not all of them. Except the 8 Norris trophies in a row. That's not gonna happen I don't care how good you are.

[@hockeypsychology]

Ya I agree. 8 Norris trophies in a row is insane. But if there is anyone that can challenge, it could potentially be Makar.

[@tommygoode9644]

@@hockeypsychology I really can't believe how good Makar is and how young he is. This kid could win multiple cups with Colorado because Mckinnon is young and so is Rantanen and Kadri. Several others too. But this kid Makar is off the charts good. He's dominating in just his 3rd season, I think. Maybe 2nd. But he isn't just doing in the regular season, he's doing it all the way through the playoffs. I know he's the reason Colorado won the cup. He's that good and he can barely shave. I've never seen anyone else do that except Bobby Orr. I can't believe how big this kid is gonna be too. Household name in another year for sure. The sky is the limit with him. He's only going to get better too. It's scary to think about how he's going to just embarrass teams and make other super stars look like pee wee players. I hope that he keeps his head on straight and doesn't fuck this up. He's still a kid so I hope he doesn't make any big mistakes. Money will change him as he matures. And women could mess things up for him if he runs into the wrong one. I sincerely hope that he doesn't. Because that would be a travesty on an epic level. Can't wait until next year.🥞🌮🍟🍩

[@DanglesforDays]

if im building a team i'd take makar over mcdavid. having a defender that does everything to perfection is more valueable imo.

[@polardyy]

as a oilers fan i hate makar.. as a hockey fan i love makar😂 we both from alberta too

[@lkkjhg45]

ROSY CHEEKS BOY GOOD

[@southmoreconlin3757]

Flames fan 😿

[@parkerjones6603]

As an avs fan,I still think mcdavid takes the crown for best player but makar is right there with him. Better than Matthews, crosby, etc.

[@milieu675]

Nah. Makar is better, his two way game is on point.

[@parkerjones6603]

@@milieu675 Mcdavid is acutally a solid two way player. His defence is really underrated. I one of the biggest makar fans but I can't give him that title yet. IMO mcdavid has been the best player for years now

[@scootsmcdoots80]

I think it’s king Connor without a doubt. I think people are just sick of how good he is. Just like what happened to Gretzky, people expect the best from him and he delivers. If he wasn’t an oiler he would have some cups already. He needs to move south of the border.

[@hockeypsychology]

Good point. We will see what type of season both have this year

[@arleyanderson4706]

0 cups. I’d bet he doesn’t get one in his career either. Not a team guy.

[@robsonlineplayatbetonline3819]

completely agree with whhat you are saying but if you watched the STl series he did not dominate anything he had what 2 assists in 6 games? We let him skate too the outside and didnt bite. All of your video of him vs STL is him on the outside! We let him out there. Not dangerous out there! He did dominate other series tho. If they dont run Binner I think Blues win cup! But that happens and Avs win! They did not dominate the Blues! But thhey did dominate 3/4 series for sure!

[@hockeypsychology]

Good point. It’s hard to find clips where there’s no goals so the few that I did find, highlighted his ability to break the puck out with his skating. From a statistical standpoint, no he didn’t dominate in that series, but I think he did a lot of great things on both sides of the puck that allowed him to control the game!

[@stockey]

Well Makar is more complete, he can do it all, not McDavid, McDavid defensively is not very good, and doesn't play on PK.

[@hockeypsychology]

I just believe that the impact a D can have is more than a Centre. As a D, your responsible for helping your team transition & exit out of their end. With the way teams forechek systematically in todays game, having a D that can beat an F1, F2 & maybe even an F3 with their legs makes them the most impactful player on the ice. McDavid is special, but his disadvantage is that someone must give him the puck first. He isn’t responsible for breaking the puck out & starting the play.

[@ostarakonrad9907]

@@hockeypsychology i wonder if teams will stop forechecking Makar.. kinda felt like the TBL and blues didnt want to forecheck him as much because he's just going to leave you on the wrong side of the ice

[@mato-brawlstars7108]

Well he plays defense, he should be better than mcdavid defensively and should be much more complete, that defensive point isn’t really valid

[@stockey]

@@mato-brawlstars7108 Crosby is good offensively and defensively.

[@brettbarber4593]

Dude stop.. Cale isn't even close to McDavid lol.. what a dumb comparison.. but then again your only comparing last year.. wait 5 years..

[@richardgroom8391]

Calgary fans 🙄

[@hockeypsychology]

Flames fans have gone through the ringer this off-season lol

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

Delusional Oilers fans that think McDavid is the best 🙄

[@jessepizzajarvi2247]

@@lelouchvibritannia4028 Flames fans in shambles

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@jessepizzajarvi2247 I'm an Avs fan lol. Nice try lil boi.

[@jessepizzajarvi2247]

@@lelouchvibritannia4028 You guys got worse this off season lmao

[@verdanburnstick-abraham8038]

Mcdavid is The Cool