On their respective paths to winning their conference championships, Connor McDavid and Aleksander Barkov each delivered defining moments.
As the Edmonton Oilers held a 3-2 lead against the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Final, McDavid ignited his speed, reaching a top velocity of 22.1 m.p.h. on his pivotal breakaway goal.
Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse commented afterward, “That was a classic example of a major player stepping up with a significant play in a big situation.”
The night before, Barkov displayed his offensive prowess below the goal line, skillfully maneuvering around Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov before threading a backhand pass through a tight space to Carter Verhaeghe for the series-clinching goal.
As Florida celebrated their third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, Panthers forward Sam Reinhart told reporters, “Top players make critical plays during the most important times when you need them, and he is certainly our team`s leader.”
