Colorado Avalanche forward Logan O’Connor already has three shorthanded goals this season. Even more impressive, he managed to score shorthanded in three consecutive games! You might as well rename it a “power kill” while he’s on the ice.
So, what’s his secret to scoring more goals while shorthanded? By playing in the future and sprinting the ice sheet! O’Connor does this on each of his shorthanded goals.
Related Reading: Playing in the future vs Playing in the present
Goal 1 (vs Seattle Kraken, Oct 17)
O’Connor (#25 in all videos) notices Cale Makar gains clear possession of the puck and is likely to rim the puck around the wall. He moves up ice to the likely location where the puck is about to be sent. A bouncing puck results in a foot race to the loose puck that he skates onto for a breakaway.
Goal 2 (vs Chicago Blackhawks, Oct 19)
O’Connor starts by settling back into his weakside forward PK position within the slot when he notices a puck battle. Anticipating a possible win, he moves up ice into close support and turns on the jets when it seems like his team will gain possession. That results in another breakaway.
Goal 3 (vs Carolina Hurricanes, Oct 21)
Again, O’Connor immediately sprints north upon seeing the opponent cough up a loose puck. He is at top speed once his teammate picks up the puck and is able to split the two defenders.
Generating Your Own “Luck”
What often looks like “luck” is simply players putting in hard work and sprinting the ice sheet to give themselves a chance. At worst, those players are now in a great position. O’Connor is rewarded for his efforts.
Related Reading: Sean Kuraly’s Keys to Great Forechecking
Further Reading