Jackson LaCombe: The Unlikely Wall Stopping Connor McDavid in the NHL Playoffs

In any postseason series involving the Edmonton Oilers, the conversation always begins and ends with Connor McDavid. He is the engine, the superstar, and usually, the inevitable force. However, in the current clash against the Anaheim Ducks, a new name has emerged as the protagonist of the defensive narrative: Jackson LaCombe.

While McDavid is widely considered the best player in the world, LaCombe is proving that even the most unstoppable force can meet an immovable object. As the Ducks push toward the second round, LaCombe has become the primary reason Edmonton’s offensive juggernaut is stalling.

The ‘LaCombe Effect’: Breaking Down the Numbers

To understand why Jackson LaCombe is turning heads, we have to look at the advanced analytics. Traditionally, McDavid dominates the ice, maintaining an expected goals (xG) rate often hovering around 60% during the playoffs. In this series, that trend holds—unless he is facing LaCombe.

n
• Without LaCombe: McDavid continues to tilt the ice, with an xG rate of approximately 65%.
• Against LaCombe: The Oilers’ offensive production plummets. The xG rate drops to a dismal 44%, and the goals-per-60 rate is nearly halved.

This isn’t just a flash in the pan. Throughout the regular season, LaCombe consistently got the better of McDavid, maintaining that same 44% xG rate. It suggests a tactical compatibility that favors the young defenseman, making him a legitimate No. 1 presence on the blue line.

A Franchise in the Making: Beyond the Defense

LaCombe’s rise is part of a larger, inspiring trend within the Anaheim Ducks rebuild. Alongside LaCombe, Leo Carlsson is flashing franchise-level potential. With a 57% xG rate and a significant increase in shots-per-60, Carlsson is proving to be the offensive counterpart to LaCombe’s defensive stability.

This duo represents the future of Anaheim: a powerhouse forward and a shutdown defenseman capable of neutralizing the league’s elite.

NHL Playoff Pulse: Around the League

While the LaCombe-McDavid battle steals the spotlight, other critical narratives are unfolding across the NHL playoffs:

The Goaltending Gap

Goaltending remains the ultimate x-factor. While the Vegas Golden Knights have dominated possession, their struggles in net have kept the series tighter than expected. Conversely, Frederik Andersen has been a wall for Carolina, posting a .955 save percentage and saving 7.7 goals above expected, proving that an “A-game” from a goalie can override almost any offensive strategy.

The Power Play Struggle

Both the Avalanche and Sabres have entered the postseason with a glaring weakness: the power play. While their five-on-five play has been sufficient against weaker opponents, the inability to convert on the man advantage could be their undoing as they face tougher competition.

Regular Season vs. Playoffs: The Intensity Shift

The transition from the regular season to the playoffs changes the physics of the game. According to data from Evolving Hockey, we see a clear shift in how the game is played:

The surge in hits and penalties confirms that the playoffs are a war of attrition, where players like Jackson LaCombe—who can handle the toughest minutes without breaking—become the most valuable assets on the ice.

Final Thoughts

Whether this is a temporary slump for McDavid or a permanent solution found by the Ducks, one thing is clear: Jackson LaCombe has arrived. By shutting down the best player in the world, he has not only boosted his own stock but has given the Anaheim Ducks a blueprint for postseason success.