Connor McMichael has frustrated at times with his finishing ability at the NHL level, but Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, The Best Connor Mc was feeling it.
The 23-year-old center brought out the skills stick after the Capitals killed off a TJ Oshie tripping penalty in the second period.
After gathering in a loose puck at the offensive blue line, McMike curl-and-dragged the puck around Devils forward Tomas Nosek and then did it again to defenseman Simon Nemec before putting the puck back on his forehand and beating goaltender Nico Daws to the near post.
In the words of Monumental Sports Network’s Craig Laughlin, that’s a Jockstrapper2.
“I saw the goalie a little far out of his crease so I kind of faked the shot and went around him and it just barely got over the line,” McMichael said. “It was good to see that one go in.”
McMichael encouraged fans to praise him (like we should) before pumping his fist in celebration.
“I’d probably say that’s the nicest goal I’ve scored in the NHL,” McMichael said.
McMichael also kicked off the night’s scoring, potting a rebound goal 39 seconds into the game off of what appeared to be a set play.
“It was huge,” McMichael said. “Right before the game, Carbs touched on that. We needed to have a good start and that’s what we did. I’ve been saying this for a while now, every time you chase the game early in the game, it’s a lot harder to win in this league so it’s nice to pot a few early in the last couple games and take control of the game.”
Inside the locker room, McMichael’s teammates were impressed by his performance – most notably the team’s captain.
“I think Mikey today was unbelievable,” Alex Ovechkin said. “Scored two huge goals, played solid all over the place. It’s good for us, so we’re just thankful as well.”
We see you, 2️⃣-4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/6Sht3m8OGV
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 21, 2024
The two-goal night marked McMichael’s first multi-goal game of his NHL career and gave him 10 goals on the season – a new career high. He also set a new career high in points with 20. His previous best season was in 2021-22 when put up the following stat line 9g-9a–18p in 68 games played.
“It’s big year for him,” Capitals assistant coach Kirk Muller said to Al Koken during the telecast of the second period. “It’s his skating ability. It’s a big asset and he’s starting to use it more and more. Because of that, he opens up the space not only for him but his linemates. He’s getting to the net a little bit more. He’s capitalizing. Obviously, he’s had a good night here tonight.”
McMichael, after the Capitals’ secured the 6-2 win, was named First Star of the Game for his efforts, edging out goaltender Charle Lindgren and Ovechkin, who also scored twice.
“He’s playing great for us right now,” Beck Malenstyn said. “He’s had a great stretch of hockey recently and he’s showing it tonight. A ton of skill obviously and when he can make those plays he can really help our team win.”
