See, you say this, but you’ve also spent a great deal of time and effort dismissing his play and work ethic. “…there was almost nothing about this play that I would credit Kyrou's work ethic on.” Lol what?
Frankly, it seems like you watched the game live, developed an opinion of Kyrou’s play, and are dealing with confirmation bias. It’s easy to miss details when watching a game live. Fast game, get focused on a part of the action and miss what’s going on in other areas - not a shot at you personally, happens to me and everyone else.
If you have the time, I would seriously suggest re-watching the game. From the opening faceoff, Kyrou came out flying and was very engaged on the forecheck. Given the circumstances with the team losing Thomas, the way Kyrou stepped up was eye opening IMO.
Ok let's go through a couple of things. Yes, I am dismissing him showing an "Incredible" work ethic
on this individual play. People were using that sequence as Kyrou busting his tail to make a play happen. I disagree. There is nothing spectacular about his work on this play. He does, as I've said before, what I would expect any competent NHLer to do. Is that our bar for him? I don't think it should be, if you do, then that's fine, that's your opinion. I think he actually shows a bit of floating, again,
on this individual play. He turns his back to the play, instead of engaging once Buch does. If you think that's "Excellent work ethic," then brother, you must have an awesome job that I'd love to apply for.
I have rewatched the game since I saw it live. All I can say is that there's a ton of stuff the cameras miss. I have never really bought into the floater narrative for Kyrou, until I watched him live. I was trying to point out that I can somewhat understand people's frustrations in a way that I didn't before, as again, the cameras miss a lot. I still DO NOT think he's a floater, I think if I were to try and explain it, it would be that he extends his shifts in an effort to sniff out extra offense, but that leaves him in positions, at times, where he's mostly out of gas and doesn't really apply pressure while forechecking. This is something most offensive players do. It's a form of cheating, and frankly, it's mostly fine. He's up the ice looking to make something happen, and once it doesn't, he sorta gives a meh effort towards the forecheck before heading to the bench. Again, this is totally fine.
Finally - the reason I'm pushing back on you so hard, is that I took the time and effort to go frame by frame to show what I think is pretty compelling evidence of Kyrou not really being that big a factor overall on that play. You have literally responded with no critical thinking or evidentiary proof to refute my claim. You've simply said, ur wrong, source - trust me bro. At least take the time to show me where you think I'm wrong