How to Analyze Connor McDavid's Game Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey Oilers fans! Ever watch a game, see Connor McDavid do something unbelievable, and think, "How does he do that?" You’re not alone. While we can’t all skate at 40 km/h with the puck on a string, we can all learn to watch his game with a more analytical eye. Whether you're debating his Hart Trophy case, breaking down the Oilers power play, or just wanting to appreciate the artistry of number 97, this guide is for you.

By the end of this checklist, you’ll know exactly what to look for beyond the basic stats. You’ll be able to identify the subtle plays that make McDavid the most dominant player in the National Hockey League and understand how he drives the entire Edmonton Oilers engine. Let’s get started.

What You'll Need Before You Start

You don’t need a scouting degree, just a few simple tools and a bit of focus.

Access to Games: Live broadcasts (with DVR/pause functionality is ideal) or full game replays. Watching highlights alone won’t cut it for true analysis.
A Notetaking Method: A notes app on your phone, a spreadsheet, or good old-fashioned pen and paper.
Key Resources: Bookmark a reliable stats site (like Natural Stat Trick or the NHL’s official site) and, of course, our own deep-dive resource right here for Connor McDavid stats analysis.
Focus on Shift, Not Just Play: We’re tracking his impact over his 20-25 minutes of ice time, not just the scoring chances.

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Your Step-by-Step Process for Game Analysis

Follow these steps during or after watching an Oilers game to build a complete picture of McDavid’s performance.

Step 1: Track the "Non-Event" Possessions

Everyone notes the goals and assists. The pros note what happens between them. On your notepad, create two simple columns: "Shift Start" (time/score) and "Zone Entries/Exits."

Watch For: How does McDavid gain the offensive zone? Does he carry the puck in with control (the most dangerous method), or does he dump it in? His controlled entries are a huge driver of offense. Similarly, watch how he helps the Oilers exit their own zone under pressure. A clean exit he engineers might not make the highlight reel, but it prevents a scoring chance against.

Step 2: Analyze His Power Play Quarterbacking

The Oilers power play is a weapon, and McDavid is its conductor. Don’t just watch for shots. Isolate your view on him during the man advantage.

Watch For: His positioning at the half-wall. How does he draw penalty killers toward him to create space for Leon Draisaitl or the shooter in the slot? Watch his puck distribution. Is he forcing one-timers to Draisaitl, or is he using the threat of that pass to open up a seam for his own shot or a pass cross-ice? His decision-making here is a masterclass in high-pressure execution.

Step 3: Evaluate Defensive Engagement & Backchecking

This is the most common critique from casual observers and the area where his game has grown immensely. Don’t just check if he’s hitting people.

Watch For: His stick positioning in the defensive zone. Is he active, disrupting passing lanes? Watch his effort level on the backcheck. When the puck turns over, does he use his speed to negate a rush against? A furious backcheck that breaks up a 2-on-1 is as valuable as a primary assist. His partnership with a defensive-minded winger like Connor Brown has been key here.

Step 4: Assess Line Chemistry and Impact on Teammates

McDavid doesn’t play in a vacuum. His presence elevates everyone. Pick a linemate for a shift—say, Zach Hyman—and watch that player instead of McDavid for a few shifts.

Watch For: How does the linemate’s role change? Are they getting to the net front because defenders are glued to 97? Are they finding more open ice? Does McDavid find them with passes in stride they don’t normally get? This shows his "gravity" on the ice, similar to a superstar in basketball.

Step 5: Contextualize with Game State & Opponent

A play in a 1-1 game in the second period is different from a play in a 5-1 game. The opponent's strategy against him also matters.

Watch For: How does the opposing coach match up against him? Are they using their top defensive pair and shutdown line every time he hops over the boards? This is a huge sign of respect and can open up opportunities for other lines. Also, note his usage by head coach Kris Knoblauch. Is he double-shifting in the third period of a close game? Is he out for key defensive zone faceoffs? This tells you about trust and his all-situations role.

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Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip: Watch the Camera Angle. When McDavid has the puck, the TV camera will often zoom in. Force yourself to look at the wider frame. What’s happening away from the puck? Who is he pulling out of position?
Pro Tip: Use Pause & Rewind. Spot something interesting? Rewind it. Watch it from the overhead "High Press" camera view if available on the broadcast. It’s the best way to see spacing and systems.
Pro Tip: Compare to Historical Data. After the game, check his stats from our Connor McDavid stats analysis page. Did his controlled entries match his season average? How did his scoring chance generation compare?
Common Mistake: Overvaluing Points on a "Quiet" Night. Some of McDavid’s most impactful games might only feature one assist. If he commanded constant attention, drew penalties, and tilted the ice for 22 minutes, he dominated—even if the scoresheet is light.
Common Mistake: Undervaluing the "Simple" Play. The easy, short pass to maintain possession under pressure is a hallmark of his elite hockey IQ. Not every play needs to be a 100-foot rush.
Common Mistake: Ignoring the Goalie Factor. Sometimes, a goalie like Stuart Skinner steals the show. McDavid could have generated 10 high-danger chances, but a hot goalie can skew the narrative. Focus on the process, not just the result.

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Your Quick-Fire Game Analysis Checklist

Before your next Oilers game, copy this bullet list. Use it as your roadmap to a deeper understanding of Captain Connor’s performance.

• Track Zone Entries/Exits: Note how many times McDavid carries the puck into the offensive zone with control vs. dumping it in.


• Break Down Power Play Decisions: Focus on his role as QB for one full PP. Chart his passes and what they create.


• Grade Defensive Effort: Actively watch for backchecks, stick lifts, and positioning in the D-zone for a full period.


• Study a Linemate: Pick one player on his line and watch their game for 3-4 shifts to see McDavid’s indirect impact.


• Note the Matchup: Identify which opposing defenders and forwards are on the ice against him most often.


• Contextualize with Game State: Was he deployed differently when the Oilers were protecting a lead vs. chasing?


• Review the Advanced Stats Post-Game: Compare your eye-test notes with Corsi, Expected Goals, and high-danger chance numbers from a trusted site.

By following this process, you’ll move beyond just watching the game to truly analyzing* it. You’ll gain a massive appreciation for the nuances that make Connor McDavid a perennial candidate for the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy, and you’ll be able to articulate exactly why he’s the heartbeat of the Edmonton Oilers and their Stanley Cup Playoffs aspirations. Now, grab your notepad, fire up the next game from Rogers Place, and see the game through a new lens