I don't post here a lot anymore, but I've been so impressed with Bear's play this year I had to say something.
Last night he separates his man from the puck, takes that puck and skates to space, avoids the check, then makes a sublime pass through a defender's feet that results in a goal where all 5 Oilers touch the puck. He doesn't get a hit, a takeaway or a point but that goal is 100% initiated by Bear. Points and +/- do not tell the entire story.
I've watched this clip over and over and I can't stop.
Thanks for posting that and welcome back, I remember you posting. I pointed out the same play. Just textbook beauty transition. Dispossessing the puck with a solid hit and then moving it effectively up ice. Culminating in Nurse jumping into the play and feeding Draisaitl with a beaty service and wonderful finish.
Love the video. That it slows down to hilite Bears confident little soccer chip pass up to McD that makes the whole breakout there. That confident decision, and ask how many D we've had lately have the confidence and savvy to do what Bear and Nurse did on the play. Look at it Bear spots the break opening, is like a QB there, and holds up with a shimmy shake till the exact right moment and then puts the pass to McD between the opponents skates. Beauty. Does Bear play Soccer? WOW! What a play.
That goal was just brilliant, can't stop talking about it. Just finished mentioning in another thread that opponent coaches will look at that goal and basically say "oh no".
It almost looks like "showtime" is back.
These are special days again.