Historic Scoring Performance
Jackson LaCombe leads the entire NHL in playoff scoring with eight points through five games in the first round against Edmonton. His seven assists and one goal represent a franchise-level performance. Among all players in the playoffs, he has one more point than Leon Draisaitl and twice as many as Connor McDavid's four points. He has recorded at least two points in each of Anaheim's three wins in the series.
Shutting Down McDavid
LaCombe's most significant impact has been his defensive work against Connor McDavid. Against LaCombe specifically, the Oilers are generating only 1.62 expected goals per 60 minutes with McDavid—roughly half of McDavid's normal output. The Oilers have a dismal 44 percent expected goals rate when LaCombe is on the ice against McDavid, a dramatic drop from McDavid's season average of 56 percent. This pattern held during regular-season matchups as well, suggesting LaCombe has found a formula to contain the league's best player.
Physical Workload
LaCombe has shouldered heavy defensive responsibility, averaging 26 minutes and 42 seconds of ice time per game. In Anaheim's overtime victory, he logged 29 minutes and 54 seconds. Despite the demanding minutes in difficult matchups, he has maintained a plus-5 rating and demonstrated excellence at both ends of the ice.
Career Trajectory
LaCombe's playoff performance represents the culmination of a remarkable rise. After a difficult rookie season, he broke out in 2024-25 with 43 points while playing difficult minutes, earning an eight-year, $72 million contract extension last summer. This season he posted 58 points in 82 games while improving his five-on-five metrics. He received an invitation to Team USA for the Olympics in Milan, and is now proving himself at a franchise level in the playoffs. 
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