When You’re The Best Player In The NHL But Nobody Cares

#hockey #nhl #edmontonoilers
In this video, we take a deep dive into the current candidates for the NHL’s Hart Trophy. Analyzing the games of Nathan MacKinnon, Connor Hellebyuck & Leon Draisaitl.
Please check out these channels that helped us make this video possible.
Rob Gherson Goalie analysis: www.instagram....
Rob Gherson Hellebyuck breakdown: thehockeywrite...
Big thanks to Sport Contract as well: sportcontract.net

[@kylecarey4189]

Things were never the same after Kopitar told Draisaitl just how game breaking a player he was. That man's confidence from that day forward caught up to his skill

[@billymays7210]

High praise right there.

[@acousticmcbroomstick]

when did this happen

[@Sjishdkdjdksjjsisjsisbsudh]

Drai is top 3 player in league rn at least

[@hockeypsychology]

Kopitar - another man who no one seems to care just how good he is. 38 years old…still shutting down some of the best players in the world.

[@billymays7210]

@@hockeypsychology 💯

[@ericwilson9457]

Probably the best hockey channel on KZbin right now

[@RedboRF]

-Probably- definitely

[@toke7342]

Sportsnet highlights

[@hockeypsychology]

❤️

[@TSAPsup]

Name another lol

[@incith]

His hand-eye coordination (Draisaitl) is absolutely incredible. Every time he does it I am stunned. Would love to see a compilation of them

[@GuyDudeman]

Leon Draisaitl, with tonights game is leading the league in goals and points now.

[@hockeypsychology]

Clockwork

[@Venodize]

imo if quinn hughes drags the canucks into the playoffs and finishes the season with over 100 points he also has a good case to win the hart

[@Goalie254]

Ya true

[@Howdydooty742]

I don’t know if he will win the hart but he might claim the Ted Linsey or the Norris if that ever happens for Hughes

[@A_r78]

F Cannucks

[@Thomas_667]

Agree! I would really love to see a D-man or a goalie to win the Hart this season.

[@somethingisclearlywrong]

Lol yeah and their 3rd string goalie that came out of nowhere didn't help do that

[@OilersHD97]

Draisaitl leads the league in: Goals Points Even Strength Goals Even Strength Points Game Winning Goals Game tying or go ahead points He's 55% on faceoffs, +27 (next best Oiler forward is +15), he had 11 points in 6 games without McDavid this year (4-2 record) and he's playing easily the best two way hockey of his career. Oh and he only has 2 empty netters all season.

[@bluej3261]

Draisaitl would be the #1 guy on any other team, he just gets overshadowed by Mcjesus over there in edmonton

[@ethanparker7900]

agree i wish leon had more recognition

[@billymays7210]

@@ethanparker7900 LOL “wish he got more recognition” on a video saying he’s possibly the MVP of the entire league… 😂

[@JaknDax]

Just like Geno in Pittsburgh.

[@JazzCabbagE7]

To be fair, McDavid has given him all the praise, and considering McDavid could be widely considered best in the world, thats not nothing.

[@billymays7210]

@@JaknDax nice problem to have…

[@elliotwalton6159]

I love the smile Cole Caufield appears to flash Hellebyuck after gloving the loose puck (and Caufield's stick) in the crease and stealing the goal from Caufield.

[@beans6232]

as a former goalie your goalie analysis is so good. so many hockey youtubers have no idea what they’re talking about when it comes to goaltending

[@SenatorFeathers]

Position is very nuanced to be fair and guys can look incredible one night and give up softies the next

[@JamesFoster-ku9un]

As a former goalie I'm amazed at the square inches these monsters cover in their nets. Maybe a net size increase is warranted 😉 😂

[@BlackEcology]

Dominik Hasek would say none of you know what you're doing either

[@beans6232]

@@BlackEcology what😭

[@beneasler8868]

Those clips of Hellebyuck had me stunned! I'm so used to goalies flailing themselves across the crease to try and get in front of cross-ice passes and every time Hellebyuck is already perfectly set and ready. Great breakdown

[@hockeypsychology]

Rob Gherson was a big help. Check out his FULL breakdown in our description.

[@Swullmark]

Draisaitl is a McDavid level talent, but he doesn't get the love he deserves because of McDavid... insane to have those two guya on the same team

[@REAPER-1xxx]

One day later and Drai is the points leader also. He has been my favourite player since I seen him play in the 2022 BoA. Just can’t get the puck off him. And he doesn’t even try to get away. He wants to be in your space. No panic. Special talent.

[@tristincrowley8458]

Years ago, I saw drai dump a Colorado defenseman while protecting the puck along the Blueline. Drai is skating a wide circle along the inside of the blue line, and the defensemen shadowing him closes the gap to get physical, and drai just uses one arm to push him down while stick handling with the other. And in that moment I knew for a fact he was a monster lmao

[@invudvah]

I believe Draisaitls ability to slow the play down to a crawl at will is his biggest asset. Ive never seen a player control the play like that. And his hand eye coordination is next level but i thinkwr have to credit the size of his blade too. Its huge with little to no curve, insane

[@jimmyb4956]

Yes exactly he’s like the hockey version of Doncic they even look alike 😂

[@Uncle_Benny]

I am a Jets fan, so I know that I'm biased, but so far this year the Jets have played the Oilers & Avs 4 times. Hellebuyck's record head to head against the other Hart contenders is 4-0, with 3 shutouts. He did allow a goal to MacKinnon in one of those games, but the fact is, every time he's been on the same ice as another Hart contender this year, he's been the best player on the ice.

[@hateusernames2]

learning each day more about hockey

[@jeffML3926]

MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl are probably my two fave players in the league #29 this video is highly appreciated 🔥💯

[@eruston]

6:24 the $40 nachos shot. Priceless.

[@danielnam9026]

I don’t think people understand how insane Drai’s passes are. He was voted best passer by his peers on a NHLPA poll.

[@WillyBarrels]

I would also say that Hellebyuck does something I don't see many people talking about, which is that he plays the puck behind the net more than other goalies and holds the puck longer while the other teams' attackers can't touch him. This takes away a lot of other teams' offensive zone time (I'm an Avs fan and he did a lot of this in the last game they played against him). He specifically does this a lot, and when I watch him, it makes me wonder if they should have more rules regulating goalies playing the puck outside the crease - or deterring them from doing so at least.

[@joshuagagnon8387]

Price was doing this a lot too. Skillful!🔥

[@Guy-kn6jt]

@@joshuagagnon8387Marty Brodeur was the best at it he’s the reason for the trapezoid!

[@WillyBarrels]

Makes you wonder if they should let you hit the goalie if he’s out of the crease😬

[@YungDaddyJ]

Funny enough, last season he was BAD when the puck was on his stick, giving away turnovers left and right - now it's one of his best weapons!

[@gypsypunk333]

@@WillyBarrels Better update the equipment to handle hits instead of pucks, then!

[@jimmylee6135]

Watching in 2x speed before Bettman takes this down💀💀

[@Traumatree]

Can't wait to see if a line made of Mackinnon, McDavid and Crosby will be seen at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

[@wesjones1417]

I've been telling Leaf's fans for years before they start making the argument that Matthews is better than McDavid, they should first prove Matthews is better than Draistail. Leon is severely underrated by many. And to those who think he's the beneficiary of being on the line with McDavid, just remember that the Oilers don't play consistent lines, and half the time Leon isn't on the ice with McDavid, but on his own line. And when McDavid was out, Leon still put up consistent numbers. He's been the most clutch player on the team for years, and was hands down their MVP in the last two playoffs. His one timer across the slot may seem simple, but it's not. He's deliberately using his position to open up passing lanes, especially for McDavid, which pulls defence out of position. And he knows when and where to move during those offensive rushes to make that happen. He's also hands down one of the most gifted passers in the league's history.

[@drumkidstu]

Leon Draisaitl protects the puck, skates and plays along the boards just like Henrik Zetterberg used to do. And while maybe not as dominant defensively as Henrik was, he makes up for it with pure skill. It’s a wild combination and it really shows. Dude is incredible.

[@Gergentine]

I'd say he plays closer to Jagr or Geno. Especially Jagr. Zetterberg didn't have the size advantage of those 3. Nylander would be closer to a modern Zetterberg, again with less defensive prowess.

[@johart309]

I'd say Jagr flavoured play with a touch of the Magic Man

[@drumkidstu]

@@Gergentine yes and no. It’s more along the way he protects the puck around the boards in the offensive zone. Zetterberg approached the game the exact same way even though he was smaller. It’s also the how he would pace himself. You can pull up tons of videos here of Zetterberg slowing the game down and using his hand to defend against a defenders stick. Draisaitl is simply the next iteration of this.

[@ligitstrawberry]

Leon is the best player in the world this season even better than mcdavid

[@pfowler92]

Another crazy thing about Draisaitl is that you didn’t even mention his passing in this video, yet he is regularly labeled the best passer in the league by fans, media, and the players. We are so blessed with the high end superstar talent in the NHL right now.

[@23mylo60]

Honestly thank you. As a McDavid meat rider, it’s sad to see the talent of Draisaitl get bushed aside. I think he’s been better than Connor this year in every aspect. And people need to realize that. This guy is a tank a workhorse and a sniper all in one.

[@raider3164]

If he was Canadian he would be more celebrated. Canadians want to know they produced this phenomenon of player. One thing I see is he’s so closed off to media.

[@choons]

i can't believe this site is free. amazing content man

[@KendrickMan]

I like that your remembered Hellebyuck. Guy's been #1 in SV% for like 2 months straight, just killing it.

[@lukezacharias5341]

What an unreal video. Yes! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@MaxxxxEffort]

Love your videos, from Alberta, Canada

[@hockeypsychology]

Love you from the other side of Canada 🫡

[@MaxxxxEffort]

@@hockeypsychology you going to dive into four nations cup preview? Would be a shame not to bro 🫡

[@sokratesberg8297]

Props to hellebyuck, coming from a former pro finnish goalie, Swedish goalies started the "stay deeper in net" trend but it requires a tad faster reaction speed and you leave way more hole, this playing style only works when you're at peak confidence

[@Wealth.is.Health]

Amazing analysis. Great content man!

[@ubiquityy8260]

I was in Denver for the last oilers avs game and even though I was with my family in orange I can appreciate how amazing the comeback was but even more how that game will be looked at in the future

[@preslim84]

I dont think most people realize how good Quin Hughes actually is, its crazy

[@Claire-q9u]

drai can carry the oilers even without mcd honestly

[@garrettobrien5197]

Are you going to do a video analyzing the 4 nations teams?

[@jacksonsteed8060]

Would love a breakdown similar to this for the Calder race

[@BrockAusmus]

Wolf is winning trust

[@jacksonsteed8060]

@BrockAusmus that's the main reason I want to see it, would love the Wolf breakdown. GFG

[@BrockAusmus]

@jacksonsteed8060 🔥🔥

[@jurekmalinowski8781]

He is the best in the league right now

[@DudleyDoright-ru2ch]

As I slowly get used to present day NHL hockey one thing is becoming more obvious to me. Body contact has changed to point where there is very little in front of the net, in the corners and open ice. Dresaital is not quick but on every other aspect he is at the elite level. He is rock solid and hard to move, with the minimal levels of contact this gives him a decided advantage. He is smart and uses it well. He can rip it and pass equally well so all options are open for him. Playing with a player like McDavid gives him more room. My only worry, it is not a knock, is he has been injured at critical times.

[@nrXic]

Draisaitl is one of the more charismatic players in the NHL and I feel like the league is underpromoting a guy that skilled AND charismatic as the face of the sport. I personally think Helly's numbers as they affect team numbers should win him the Hart. The Jets are 1 goal away from having the fewest goals against in the entire league, and their goal differential is an insane +67 (part of the credit goes for the great offense, but the point is that factoring in GA, he's doing his part). I realize that playoff performance is a concern, but this is a regular season trophy after all.

[@ranjandattagupta5916]

Your analysis with stats and pure data based on individual players’ and teams’ game is unparallel to any podcast I’ve heard thus far… your rendition of your analysis is as good as it gets…. Keep going 👍👍

[@lothar877]

Notice how Hellebuyck's sv% says 2nd in the video... that's cause Anthony Stolarz has a .927 (in 17 games played). As for Draisaitl, there are 3 other oilers that have pretty much the exact same expected +/- per game played as he has... McDavid, Bouchard and Ekholm. So just going by stats it's not very convincing that Draisaitl is all that much better than the other 3 mentioned. As for the league leader in expected +/- (looking at this stat cause it effectively removes empty net situations from the equation) it's Nathan MacKinnon by a fair margin. While MacKinnon has Makar (and up until recently Rantanen) to help boost his stats, he's far enough ahead of those to make a case for himself to be clearly the driving force of his own success (unlike the Draisaitl case, where you have 3 other guys on the same team right there with him).

[@saschaganser9671]

How can everyone forget about Werenski? 58 pts as a defender for Columbus!!!! A min spender in the league is in playoff contention because they have a D that`s doing it all, playing 25+ mins every night. There are these players that everyone overlooks. Draisaitl is one of them, and it`s funny because EDMs PP is not working, he already got some goals / points called back and missed like the one or other empty net goal, where he simply didn`t risk it. Helle is the best goalie in the league, and he`s not getting too much recognition due to playing in Winnipeg.

[@englishmuffin5274]

**Me listening intently and nodding** "and his nachos" Ahhhh, ya got me, now I gotta rewind and try to focus again.

[@peterdolenc640]

Love this channel and love the analysis. I also think that all three players are worthy of the Hart. However, narrowing down the choice to 3 players with 40% of the season to go is a bit much, especially with players like Hughes, Kuch and McD playing as well as they are. And I do appreciate the shoutout to them at the end of the video. Sending the love to you, bro

[@SLAYJUCE]

There’s a lot of party dents in those plaques lol

[@slurpeguy]

haven’t seen the video but I already know Noah Juulsen is the greatest player of all time

[@hockeypsychology]

He’s up there

[@Watchdog99]

Great video. Insane insight into Draisaitls hockey sense. Anyone who dogs him needs to watch this video and realize what a stud he is

[@Dayland383]

you guys forgot to mention that he only played AA hockey till gr 9 then high school varsity and got serious as a goalie in grade 12 then went to a brand new junior b team in texas that just needed a goalie then went to NCAA then he went to NHL most insane path to sucsess

[@patty43]

I honestly think if pasta keeps up the way he’s been playing, he should be in the hart conversations.

[@Bubliosse]

you have to be connor hellebuyck, not only is he incredible he's the most consistent goalie not relying on flashier less consistent plays, the funniest part is watching him when it just misses or hits the crossbar because he knows it's never going in.

[@20jas]

If the Canucks make the playoffs and Q Hughes maintains this pace I think he should be considered

[@johanstinson]

If Drain wins the goal race, points race and wins the Selke like it looks like he will...... He's the MVP. Quinn is great but what Drai is doing this year is off the charts

[@shreksswamp1182]

@@johanstinson drai isnt close to a selke...

[@johanstinson]

@shreksswamp1182 yes he is. His defensive metrics are off the charts, he's crushing the league in plus minus while being the leading goal scorer and #2 in points. I can guarantee that you have done ZERO research on Drais defensive game or numbers this year. Zero

[@20jas]

@@johanstinson Drain is definitely front runner. I still like Q Hughes more that Drais and Drai though

[@thatstoomuchman88]

​@@johanstinsonthe SELKE???? Guy doesn't play a lick of defense 😂😂😂😂😂

[@maryrbwharton]

Fascinating and great breakdown. Easy to follow for newer fans like me. Your vids help me keep up with my hockey obsessed brothers. Thanks!

[@goavsgoooooooo]

Keep it up man love your content

[@SofaSecurity-e5e]

Thompson is up in almost every catagory if you account for the difference in games because of the tandem situation.

[@FredDan188]

great vid

[@richard5538]

With that title, you should have included Alexander Barkov in the mix...

[@wyldrice]

0:00 already know it's a banger

[@johart309]

banger?

[@wyldrice]

@johart309 oops

[@davepedersen1124]

The fact that Quinn Hughes is left off this is is laughable.

[@connorjacobs]

i wonder if skinner would do better playing deeper like hellebuyck

[@vlisto3712]

His reaction time isn't good enough.

[@howinyee5962]

He will always be in Connor's shadow no matter what

[@yadamsurensh4003]

KUCHEROV is really good and stable in very high standards

[@ravioli0121]

Also more p/pg…

[@billgiesbrecht59]

aren't you forgetting Quinn Hughes?

[@mackenzieklazinga6507]

Mackinnon is low key the best most complete player in the NHL, I’d take him over McDavid anyday

[@LukeHeppner-hq5sb]

No way. You're obviously not considering that 12 of Mackinnon's 19 goals are empty netters. What a loser.

[@vlisto3712]

McDavid is literally more complete than MacKinnon.

[@flutter180]

Should have named it ‘Just’ ‘How’ ‘Good’ ‘Are’ ‘The’ ‘NHLs’ ‘Best’ ‘Players’?

[@OWlsfordshire]

These regular season trophies really don't mean squat. Some teams go full force in the regular season and inflate their players' numbers. The president's trophy "curse" is proof of this often being a foolish choice. What matters is a team's system and how the GM has built the team. You could have 3 of the 5 best players in the league on your team and still miss the playoffs or go out early. Having the absolute best of the best is a gamble bc of the salary cap unless your GM has really done their work to make sure the gaps in the roster are filled. I would be really annoyed to be a fan of the Leafs or Oilers and having to keep hearing about McDavid or Matthews being praised.

[@KyleLeung-g4v]

I have a question. If Connor hellebuyck is so good teh way he plays how come other great goaltenders like Shesterkin,Bobrovsky and vasilevsky play like that

[@TN-hm4ne]

Where does the "nobody cares" part of the caption tie into the video?!

[@themorethemerrier281]

Same

[@jack6277]

I gotta quit drinking man

[@ianschneiberg109]

😔

[@Gagegehris]

Mackinnon isn’t as good as Leon, everyone just needs to accept it

[@zachgamingzone]

just wait until mackinnon and necas get used to eachother. those two are going to be a well-oiled machine, good luck EVER stopping that top line from a zone entry. all they need to work out is who shoots the puck and when..

[@johnsinglet575]

Quinn Hughes is a top 3 player in the league imo McDavid Mackinnon Hughes Kucherov Draisaitl Matthews Makar Hellebuyck Kaprizov

[@kesler171717]

Hughes should be the favorite, easy best player to his team which is the award.

[@danielnam9026]

His team might not even make the playoffs. While the other candidates are mostly locks for the playoffs.

[@mobailey6666]

Mitch Marner and Quinn Hughes should be up there

[@jeremyhewitt2637]

Could argue Quinn Hughes could win the hart but not the Norris. Great season, he might will the canucks in the playoffs.

[@TillTheThrill19]

Other than Mcdavid. It Doesn’t matter who you are. The NHL as an organization does not know how to promote and market its superstars

[@theodorebelmont7922]

Dristisal is this generations Evgeni Malkin

[@twerps1]

Best hockey channel there is!

[@martinyan472]

All the reason is McDavid is better than all the guys you mentioned in this video!

[@MandatoryFruit]

When MacKinnon is on his A-game, I really don't think there's a better player in the world than him. McDavid is the more consistent of the two, but when Nate's angry/motivated his numbers are genuinely INSANE.

[@nmnm33hd]

Do you not watch the playoffs

[@tddongtv]

@@nmnm33hd MacKinnon has one of the highest points per game avg in NHL playoff history.

[@NelsMask121]

@@tddongtvless than mcdavid and draisaitl

[@johanstinson]

And yet even when he's Big Mad....his numbers aren't better than McDavids.

[@TovoneMH]

mackinnon has a 9,2% shot accuracy, in what world is this guy a mvp? he can't even score goals ... he takes so many shots, he is dragging his team down with this accuracy

[@4b494d]

Being stealthy is best. Go drai go

[@AGuyWhoLikesHockey]

Wsg hockey psychology!

[@Overseer190]

Kucherov can easily catch up to Drai and Mac in the Art Ross and win it back to back. He plays a humble game that is usually ignored by the league. But Draisaitl is incredible playmaker in his own right. Kind of crazy how the Oilers have two superstars like that during the flat cap era. I wonder how Mac's game will change with Necas now on his line. Of course he'll be in the Hart conversation but there are definitely other players who should be discussed as well. Quinn Hughes might be one of them given the mess happening in Vancouver right now. Either way, we're only around the 50 game mark. I'd say the definitive choices will stand out by the trade deadline in mid March.

[@tankdiggs8974]

I already had to pause and say the Hellebyuk reason is dumb off the hop. The MVP is for the season not past or present play off performance that's what the Conn Smyth is so idgaf if Hellebuyk (god that's a tough name to type and I'm too lazy to look it up atm) hasn't had playoff success that shouldn't even be a factor in this convo. OK back to your video

[@booradley6832]

How about you signal boost Dowd for the Selke by putting a video out on your channel featuring PHG. Pinholes Graham deserves it.

[@bill-sr1vd]

Nobody is dominating games like Quinn Hughes this year.

[@JesusFriedChrist]

Nobody is dominating games and is more valuable to their team than Dustin Wolf this year.

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@JesusFriedChrist He's got a 914 save %. He's not even close to Hellybuck.Flames are barely holding on to a playoff spot. So no. sorry. Just straight out wrong.

[@playbookshowme484]

Helly Likes to shutout the Avs, hence lack of highlights

[@MontgomeryPaulon]

Canada should make their own league

[@jimmylee6135]

What about Quinn???????

[@unholy7324]

Who

[@JesusFriedChrist]

Dustin Wolf is far more valuable to his team this year, as a rookie. Far more impressive. If he was playing for the Leafs or Oilers it wouldn’t even be a QUESTION that he should get the Calder and Hart.

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@JesusFriedChrist nope. 914 save % isn't going to get it done.

[@vlisto3712]

​@@JesusFriedChristCalder yes. Hart absolutely not. He's not even close to contending for the Hart.

[@RT25_19]

It's very interesting that Hellebuyck and Thompson play such similar styles and have been the two best goalies in the league. Wonder if we'll see more of a shift towards it

[@Andrew-ok6dm]

Kuch has the highest points per game with a better goal ratio than Mack and 6 less empty net points, how is Mack ahead of him?

[@thebigleone1066]

I’m a St. Louis Blues fan. We don’t know about players like these guys. Sigh……..😮‍💨

[@mahockey3]

Nobody cares because he's not as fast and flashy as McDavid and MacKinnon, and he *used to* be defensively lackluster. It's that simple imo.

[@kaya.graceee]

Reinhart for the Hart 🏆

[@jakubkrobot1575]

Bro ever heard about RIGHT, LEFT, UP and DOWN ? Wtf north west ?? Crazy

[@76rlk]

Dbag drysaddle wouldn't smile even if he won the cup, which he won't.

[@Jack-lz9ft]

Draisaitl has the advantage because he is the leader in goals

[@REAPER-1xxx]

Also leader in points as of yesterday

[@Jack-lz9ft]

@@REAPER-1xxx ya I know i am an oilers fan and i jumped out of my pants when I saw it

[@maxyoutube0660]

Here me out… Draistil would put up 25% less without McDavid

[@brennanheeks]

I haven't looked this forward to a weekly show since The Simpsons. Could Hockey Psychology save network TV? @NBC @CBC @TSN @CBS @SNW @etc