It took a while for Harvey to get going in this one, but once he did, he became one of the more effective off-puck players in the game. His speed jumps out at you almost immediately, as he possesses a very efficient first couple of steps which allow him to get to top speed quickly. He was using his speed to apply great pressure on the forecheck in the F1 role, while also showing a relentless pursuit of the puck wherever it went. He was equally effective on the backcheck as well, as he was consistently chasing down puck carriers and hustling back to prevent odd man advantages.

Harvey had one of the better first periods in this game. He set the tone early with the way he was ferociously forechecking and turning those opportunities into scoring chances in and around the crease area. For the entirety of the game however, he was his normal self. Impacting play all over the ice, and winning draws like a mad man. Starting a plethora of offensive zone starts with possession was crucial to the Pens getting the result they did.

Caden may not make the flashiest plays, but he does the little things to facilitate quick zone exits, and prolonged offensive zone shifts. Caden’s a methodical playmaker who will cut to middle ice if he’s given space. He seems to always have a good read as to the best play available to him, and that’s what I love most. When dishing the puck, he has such quick hands that he can wait the extra half-second when a defender is closing on him, and still get pass off accurately. This allows more of the play to unfold around him and give him the best options. Caden dominated the faceoff circle today as well. Got lots of defensive zone starts, and almost always started his side with possession and an opportunity to swiftly break the puck out.