The Best Defensive Forward in the NHL
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- čas přidán 23. 06. 2024
- It's Nic Dowd.
CHAPTERS
00:00 What Zone Start % Means
02:09 The Most Defensive Line Ever
04:19 How They Do It
07:00 Why Other Lines Are Less Impressive
09:22 Nic Dowd is the Best
11:27 Yes, "THE Best"
13:27 Nic Dowd's Place In History
PATREON: patreon.com/PinholesGrahamHockey
DISCORD: discord.gg/kEveSVAwCu
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#stanleycupplayoffs #washingtoncapitals #nhl #defensiveplayeroftheyear - Sport
3:14 Of the 20 most-used forward lines this season, Mal/Dowd/NAK had the 6th-lowest expected Goals Against per 60 minutes (2.24)...
*despite starting in the D-zone 90% OF THE TIME*
That means all but FIVE offensive, elite scoring lines were giving up chances-against more often than a line who almost never started in the O-zone.
Nic Dowd? More like, I need some Dic Nowd!
Wellen Dowd
Bro is on to nothing
DIC NOWD
Crazy word play, are u eminem?
bars
Fuck yes this hockey stat nerd shit is right up my alley!
Also it is interesting how easy it is to explain why a player or line is good offensively(Lots of goals, good passer/playmaker, Shooting% etc.) but way more complicated and difficult to explain why a player or line is good defensively. Tbh might be why we don't have a defensive defenseman of the year award even though those guys deserve absolutely deserve recognition.
Wholeheartedly agree. Even the dZS% stat only *implies* defensive skill, and can't be 100% tied directly to it, unlike goals/points/etc. can to offensive skill. Before I started making the video, I polled Caps fans to ask if they had any non-goal, defense-oriented highlights or at least memories of Dowd that I could dig up. I only got one, which goes to show how poorly-documented good defensive plays are.
Thank you for watching!
@@PinholesGraham disagree i think offensive ability can be deceptive in terms of stats too. getting your team in good positions or being in good positions may not lead to tangible points
“really remarkable for a guy who’s more likely to get killed by a vending machine than take an offensive zone draw” god-tier writing, 10/10
like in all sports. DEFENCE is the most underrated aspect of the game. As a caps fan I remember the amazing defensive plays of guys like Jay Beagle during our cup run.
Sutherby, Steckel, Beagle, Dowd...the Caps have had an embarrassment of riches at 4C for a while.
God I miss Beagle
Nic Dowd is as much responsible for the caps miracle playoff push as ovi, lindgren, or strome.
You just sung a song directly to the hearts of Caps fans. We love love love Nic Dowd, and watching his line was one of the highlights we would always look forward to throughout the season. And the utter dominance of the Beck-Dowd-NAK line was probably the strongest storyline of the year. I would always get a smile on my face watching them hop out onto the ice. My friend and I refer to ourselves as captains of the fourth line fan club, we loved the Dowd Line 1.0 with Hagelin and Hathaway, and the Dowd Line 2.0 with Beck and NAK was simply a delight, even though they got terrible assignments every single time. And Carbs put SO much trust in them. Obviously we know Dowd is the best at his job, but I was really impressed with way Beck blossomed into the role especially since this was his first year as a full-time NHLer. [Beck is absolutely Carbs’ favorite, btw. He’s played the most games under Carbs out of everyone he’s ever coached, took on that tough 4th line role, was always the first one thrown out there on the PK, and there were even games this year when he played like 20+ minutes and led the forwards in ice time lol it was comical.] I’ve screamed about all the things you said in this video so much throughout the year, Dowd deserves so so so much credit for what he does. A part of this is he’s so good at specifically shutting down star players on the other team, he’s really good at doing this against Crosby, MacKinnon, and McDavid especially. There’s no way he doesn’t annoy the shit out of Crosby given how good he is at winning faceoffs against him and shutting him down. I went on a bit of a rant here but I just love Dowd and the fourth line so so much and I want to sing their praises always, and I’m so glad you did so in this video. And given the Judge Judy reference in your credits you’re clearly In The Know 😉, so you know how important and incredibly valuable Nic Dowd is
This means so much coming from another Caps fan, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it so much :)
this was such an interesting look into something that can get glossed over so eaaily, like with how fast hockey players can cross the ice from one end to the other I haven't really thought abt how often someone has to start a shift on the d-zone, but then there's the times when a team just struggles to cross the blue line and the importance of an o-zone faceoff gets amplified
THANK YOU for posting this. We caps fan have been so proud of dowders for a while and felt he didn't get enough credit. Also only the 3rd Alabama born player in NHL.
As a Alabama resident, it's nice to see a good player in the NHL born here.
You are one of the best hockey CZcamsrs out there. Your stats analysis is very good.
THE best
I am now a Nic Dowd fan, what a beauty
Spread the word of Nic dowd dude he’s electric
This is the type of analysis I aspire to.
One thing to mention real quick is that Dowd has been putting up these stats while playing under 70 games a season. Last season, he played 64 games, but his toi has been a career high at 15:12. Not bad for a guy who got only 1 4th place votes in the Selkie voting.
DUDE! You are meant to be a hockey youtuber, this video is absolutely fantastic. You are a true capitols fan and are doing them so much justice with this vid, I love to see it.
Radek Faksa acknowledgement, video is good.
I gotta say these are the some of the most enjoyable and thoroughest sports mini-documentaries I’ve seen on YT. Very @jonbois reminiscent.
Thanks for the amazing content.
The flow of these videos keeps getting better and better. Great watch
NIC DOWD RECOGNITION LETS FUCKING GO
will always appreciate any video with bob miller making a call. thanks for the content PHG
Nic Dowd is the most underrated player in the NHL
Absolutely fantastic analysis and very interesting video. As someone who likes to look for more unsung players in the NHL, I really appreciate this type of content on top of your in depth series rewinds. There's a lot of mediocre and bad hockey youtubers, but you are definitely not one of them. Keep up the great work!
anytime the caps are ever mentioned i perk up because we might as well be irrelevant in the news discussions without ovi lol. seeing this video is amazing, uncovering the truths behind our team to the public, and i very much appreciate that Pine. Amazing video
It’s gonna be tragic if he retires cupless. Missed out on the Caps cup run by one season. That 2019 team looked so good, too. I feel like if they had survived Carolina they had a real good chance at repeating (maybe not now that I remember Oshie went down for the rest of the playoffs). Or if they HADN’T FIRED TROTZ for Reirden who double shifted Ovi and Backstrom into the dirt like it was 2008. Regardless, Dowd has been awesome to watch every year since the Caps acquired him, and while he’s one of my favorites on the team right now a huge part of me wanted to see him traded to a true contender because he is awesome. He doesn’t deserve to be stuck on the sinking ship in Washington while he’s still this good.
Fantastic video and I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into this. I would love to see a similar video about defensive defensemen but you clearly know your stuff so make whatever the heck you want.
This video is super well done tbh
you should cover Patrik Elias, he had the offensive production of a bull and the defensive work of an elite D-man
This is what the Islanders Identity Line has been for us over the course of the last decade. Players like this deserve more recognition.
I started watching this when it came out, and i can't remember why i didn't finish it, but I'm so glad i remembered it existed, cause this video was great
Nic Dowd: Hockey Guy
PG in his happy place, watching victorious Caps highlights... I'm here for it.
Something that fascinates me is just how underrated Dowd is, and how Edmonton ALMOST got Malenstyn as well this trade deadline. Seriously, this 4th line is one of the best in hockey. I remember when it was the MC2 line with Martin-Clutterbuck-Cizikas 😅
I see this as propaganda for Nic Dowd to win the Selke. I respect it
HOLDUP, I am just noticing the Ryan Reaves bit here 7:09 😂😂😂
Canucks legend Nic Dowd!
How does this man not have more subs
What an awesome video! I had never thought about the defensive zone starts statistic before!
That's a masterpiece video. I'm impressed. Now going back to watch your library of previous ones.
Man this is a great video - I’d love to see more that delve into the unsung nuances of various different player archetypes in the league
Amazing video again, Graham. Keep up the good work!
13:21 i was at this game! i knew how good dowd was as a kings fan before he found his home in washington
i just checked who the kings traded him for in 2017 and the answer is jordan subban. 1 for 1. i'm going to pretend i didn't see that.
tbf the Kings have far worse trades in more recent memory and we do have a great 4c in Lizzote.
Dowder getting the recognition he deserves... thank you sir
This is one of the most well done video I’ve watched this yr. I noticed Dowd, Aube-Kubel, & Malenstyn kick the flyers ass in that last game, I knew it was more than just luck. Great Video
Nic Dowd has been our unsung hero for so long now. That 4th line wouldn’t be possible without hin
Great video, impressive research!
Fantastic video as always!
I wish my channel was this good... love the new video!
It sounds cliche, but time and effort really do make all the difference! Keep at it :)
unreal stuff as always. would you ever consider doing a video about the CBJ sweep of the Lightning? The drama of that season for CBJ with all the stars leaving on top of years of being ~not excellent~ vs. the Lightning being greeted at the beginning of a great career - sounds like a good time to me
I genuinely think this is your best video yet. Amazing work
Glad you think so! Thanks for watching :)
Incredible video. Dowd is the unsung hero of the Caps
Well done.👍 Great video.
A Video about defensive forwards? Be still, my beating heart (my fav player is and will ever be Bergeron, I *live* for this aspect of hockey!)
So glad someone is showing nic dowd’s stats for this year. It’s truly impressive and the reason they made the playoffs is solely due to the fourth line being responsible.
More content bud
Love this channel
We want a series retro on the 2002 1st round Habs/Bruins with José Théodore and Saku Koivu still bald from radiations.
LOL the press box pic for Reaves
My boi nic dowd is an absolute beauty!!!!!!
people really criminally underate and underapreciate nic dowd. its crazy to me.
This is the kind of analysis people should aspire to and demand in a sport where the "good defence" debate has been dominated by "who blocks the most shots" for eons.
I've been saying he's an underrated player ever since he got to Washington! That goal vs NJ was when everyone first saw some of the talent this guy has. He just doesn't do it a lot because his role is to be a reliable defensive presence
literally gave me chills
very good video !!
Back in 2018, I wasn't happy with the Caps parting way with Beagle and bringing in Dowd, who I've never heard of. But somehow, he turns into a Beagle++, and it might be one of the better deal we made in the past decade, maybe even on the level of that trade to bring in TJ, and leaps and bounds better than trading Kuemper for PLD.
I love hot defensive hockey takes. It sometimes feels like we can only ever have like three defensive guy in the league lmao
I see Teddy Blueger mentioned. Automatic top 5 video of all time.
Best hockey account on CZcams.
as a caps fan this video delights me
Awesome video
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Still blows my mind that he's from Alabama.
0:00 Adam Oates
It would be awesome to get more footage breakdowns with an analysis of what he's actually doing on the ice to warrant the d zone starts and success
I agree! Unfortunately, as mentioned elsewhere, those are the kinds of plays that are a) easy to miss, and b) not made available in highlights or in general. I went through all of my gameday open thread comments on Capitals blogs and forums, looking for times when I noticed great defensive plays by Dowd. Unfortunately, almost no footage of them exists anywhere I could find.
Most all of the time, the plays could be chalked up to one of winning a faceoff smooth as butter back to the D-man who initiated a breakout, lightning-quick reflexes to break up a pass or interfere with possession, or something along the lines of a skill play (batting the puck, no-look pass, etc.) to maintain possession under pressure. It's hard to accurately describe them in aggregate though because good defensive plays are so diverse in nature.
The easiest place to find defensive plays by Dowd (while not 5v5) is on the penalty kill. But even that isn't a great substitute since the context is so different.
I remember when Gaustad was with the Sabres. My grandfather couldn't believe that Nashville gave up a 1st round pick to get him for their playoff runs.
Pride of Alabama!
@pinholesGraham really liked the video and kind of off topic but what do you use to animate around 3:40 and does it only work for sports related content was just looking to do a documentary on my uncle and liked that style for a part, thanks
I used Google Earth! I followed this instructional video: czcams.com/video/MfM7cqOlgds/video.html
Have fun making your doc! Let me know when it's finished!
Judge Judy getting the credit he deserves!
It's guys like Dowd and Noah Cates that should be in the Selke conversation
Dude, your analysis needs to be on Sportsnet or some major broadcaster. I'm so tired of the same surface-level data points and hot takes that this seems like actual solid gold in comparison. Which it is, by the way. Excellent work.
I love Nic Dowd and I love you.
Awesome video! Light-years better than anything else on NHL stuff... Can't wait till you get bought out by the capitals too 😅
show this video to everyone who said dowd isn't worth a first round pick. he's the best at what he does and on a great contract.
The photo for Reaves💀
Brandon Carlo mentioned hell yeah
giving foolish baseball vibes but with hockey which is cool
I’ve always been intrigued by the defensive zone starts stat. Wouldn’t it be more of an indication of what the coach thinks of a player’s defence (and face off skills) relative to his teammates than actual defensive ability? It would also tend to favour players whose coach’s philosophy prefers going back to the same players for defensive zone starts. Dowd is a very good defender, but do we truly believe that three of the NHL’s bets defensive forwards are on the same team? And that that team is the Washington Capitals?
common pinholes graham masterclass, keep em coming, drop ur venmo under this u deserve compensation
Lmaoo I like the sound of "common pinholes graham masterclass" thank you!
If you're serious about the financial support, shoot me an email at pinholesgrahamyt@gmail.com and I'll get back to you :) Thanks for watching!
Well shit, now I want Nic Dowd on my team
Same
Someone send this to Nic Dowd’s agent asap 😂
Holy I was right it was on Nic Dowd
Remember how good the Hahelin-Dowd-Hathaway line was a few years back. Hagelin getting hurt really sucked.
Guys it Stanley cup final DAY!!!!!
can confirm
Jon bois vibes about my caps? Sign me tf up
MY HERO MY GOAT MY ROMAN EMPIRE
Nino Neiderreiter mentioned 10/10
Can you tell me if Ovechkin hurt the capitals this playoffs?
Zach Aston-Reese heads are seething
Is nino Niederreiter considered a 2 way forward? In the video games hes a sniper.
This guy knows puck!
Nick Dowdzky
Refreshing considering how many teams go tank mode late in the season
DOWD FOR SELKE
I owe you an apology Nic, I was not familiar with your game