McCotter’s forechecking and ability to control play in the low offensive zone were the main themes in my viewing. He was consistently motoring to apply pressure, won countless pucks off the forecheck and was a pest for the Admirals defence. With the puck, he was smart and tactical, controlling play, managing the puck well, and helped sustain offensive zone time for the Lakers. He worked well down low, finding ways to create space for himself and then thread passes from the wall to the interior for quality looks. This forechecking effort and work rate has been what’s always stuck out with Declan and that was once again the theme in this game.

Playing with purpose, Declan McCotter is a dynamic offensive threat every time he goes over the boards. He was constantly controlling the puck and play, fighting through contact with possession across all three zones. He is a smart player, picking great lanes to attack in this game, picking up speed as he breaks through the offensive blueline. From there, he was able to get off shots along the wing or get pucks into scoring areas for teammates. He did not register a point but he looked dangerous time and time again.

There is not much that Declan McCotter cannot do. He was able to brush off opposing players and break through contact with strong puck control. He also forechecked hard, battling and winning pucks for his team. In many cases he was carrying the puck inside by himself, using his quick accelerator and agile feet to weave around opposing players. He also possesses a lethal dual-threat combo setting up players and creating offence as well as taking advantage of his own chances.

Although the offence was not in abundance this game, he is amongst the league leaders in points. His dual-threat ability was on full display and he was a dangerous player nearly every time he touched the ice even with only one goal (and point) on the game. His elite skating makes him a great puck carrier, especially in transition as he can blow past opponents wide or cut into the middle and fight through traffic. He was shaking off players and fighting contact all over the offensive end, allowing him to find lanes to make a dish to an open teammate or a clear shot on goal.