Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty often has a front-row seat to some of the best talent in the game, having to be tasked with shutting down opposing teams’ top players.
He’s had his hands full in recent seasons with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, two 2017-18 Hart Trophy candidates.
Doughty spoke on Saturday about just how difficult it is to contain the two speedsters on the rush.
“When they have that speed and you’re gapped out, to be honest it’s a little bit of a panic,” Doughty told Scott Oake and Louie DeBrusk on After Hours. “You try to get your feet moving. If you cross over you’re completely screwed.
“They’re two of the best players at it and I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little bit scared when I see them flying down on me.”
While Doughty has been victimized before by the skill of McDavid and MacKinnon, he was happy to know that the Oilers captain named him the best defenceman in the NHL.
“That’s really cool, I never expected him to say that,” said Doughty.
The 2015-16 Norris Trophy winner also talked about his (lack of) teeth, his on-ice chirps, his home in London, Ont., and his upcoming wedding.
You can watch the whole interview in the video at the top of this post.
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