: NHL rank among forwards in 2021-22 in puck carries in the offensive zone, defined as skating with the puck for six or more feet and then attempting an action .NHL rank among forwards in 2021-22 in entry carries into the offensive zone, defined as skating in a path six or more feet with the puck that begins in the neutral or defensive zone, into the offensive zone and then attempting an action .
Some of the players included may surprise. Brad Marchand, William Nylander and Troy Terry probably aren’t the physical prototypes of the Power Forward. But as discussed above, they are reliable puck transporters, they don’t give it up easily, and they get it to the net with regularity and consistency.
Some players were incredibly difficult to categorize because they were elite in many of the same statistical categories that might have defined a. Typically, they were elite in either carrying marks, in cycle opportunities created, or inner-slot shots. Some like Mikko Rantanen excelled in all three of those areas.
What stands out among this group is that Rantanen is one of three Colorado Avalanche players on the list. When you consider that Nazem Kadri recently departed for Calgary, Burakovsky fell just short, and they already have MacKinnon leading the way as one of the game’s true forces of nature, it’s easy to see their recipe for success in the Stanley Cup playoffs. They dominate opponents in these areas, overwhelming in both puck possession and control.