Photo: NHL.com
Washington Capitals‘ prospect Connor McMichael continued his magical homecoming after winning gold with Canada at the 2020 World Junior Championships earlier this month. On Sunday afternoon he recorded another hat-trick, his fifth of the season, in the OHL’s London Knights’ 6-2 win over the Erie Otters.
McMichael wristed one through the goalie’s wickets from the Alex Ovechkin-spot on the power-play in the first period.
#CapsProspect Connor McMichael with his 31st goal of the season, a power play marker in the first period. pic.twitter.com/CysFr0iarU
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) January 19, 2020
He tapped in a rebound with a defenseman laying down on the goalie after forward Jason Willms was robbed with the right pad.
#CapsProspect Connor McMichael with his second goal of the game, 32nd of the season. pic.twitter.com/gjoFj0e6TV
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) January 19, 2020
McMichael finished a nice tic-tac-toe passing play into a wide-open net to complete the hat trick.
#CapsProspect Connor McMichael with his third goal of the game, 33rd of the season, 5th hat trick in 32 games. pic.twitter.com/SAKau05gHX
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) January 19, 2020
He also assisted on the game-winning goal. McMichael now has 33 goals (which is one behind the league lead, even though he missed most of December for World Juniors), 71 points (which ranks third), and a +19 rating (tied for 21st) in 32 games this season.
McMichael, who was selected by the Capitals 25th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, has recorded a hat trick in 15.6% of his games so far this season. McMichael had a hat-trick and a two-goal game last weekend.
McMichael’s first hat trick of the season
McMichael’s second hat trick of the season
McMichael’s third hat trick of the season
McMichael’s fourth hat trick of the season
By Harrison Brown
This is insane, Harrison….I haven’t been this revved about a prospect coming to a team I was rooting for since Lew Alcindor was drafted by the Bucks…
Wow, Cliff you go back to Lew Alcinder days, too? We are old.
The value of the OHL for Connor McMichael expired around Thanksgiving. To send him back next year would be a dead year. Unfortunately he will not be old enough for the AHL more have enough Junior experience (years) to move to the AHL. It’s the Capitals or Europe in my book.
Regrettably (?), yes…although I suppose old age beats the alternative…
True, true.
AGREEEEEEEED!!!
Cliff
He might just make the Caps next year. Kuzy still has his head up his butt (did you see him Saturday?). BMac needs to trade Kuzy (get another center in the deal) and get McMichael in here ASAP!
I missed it, Anon…what did Kuznetzov do?
While the team had there ferocious 3rd period comeback, he was getting peeled off the boards, losing the puck, passing to no one, prematurely ending offensive zone opportunities etc…
I’ve seen Kuz do that sort of thing on and off for years–even at critical junctures of games. But then he’ll make a wunderkind pass or score a dipsy-doodle\highlight reel goal, and all is suddenly forgiven\forgotten. The coaches won’t sit him or reduce his minutes–even though other players have been benched–or even traded–for similar indiscretions with the puck over time…
Who do we have in the pipeline at center other than Garret Pilon?
Cliff
McMichael. But you see he is only 18 so not many options unless they do a hockey trade of some sort…
True. Maybe Europe? It’s either that or the Capitals. A bit of a rough call.