Easton Cowan's Impressive Postseason Highlights Potential in the NHL

Strategic Insights -

Easton Cowan, the 20-year-old London Knights winger, has been on a roll in the OHL postseason, scoring 39 points in just 17 games. His impressive play has caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, drawing comparisons to Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, and Eric Lindros. Cowan's ability to improvise and think on his feet was showcased in Game 3 of the OHL final against the Oshawa Generals, where he performed a 360-degree pirouette to avoid a hit and set up a goal for his linemate Kasper Halttunen.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cowan has become the London Knights' career playoff scoring leader with 96 points in 60 games and finished the OHL playoffs as the league's top scorer for the second year in a row, becoming the first player to do so since Taylor Hall 15 years ago.
  • He posted an otherworldly 65-point streak, which effectively eclipsed the OHL record of 55 set by former Leaf captain Doug Gilmour, but isn’t an official record as the run took place over two seasons.
  • Cowan was given a 6-foot, 180-pound listing in the same size and weight class as Mitch Marner and has been compared to him due to their shared skills and experiences playing for the London Knights.
  • He led all scorers with eight points in last year's Memorial Cup tournament and is looking to win the tournament this year after falling one game short last year with a 4-3 loss to host Saginaw Spirit.
  • Cowan has added sandpaper to his game, getting in as many fights this season – three – as he had in his first three seasons combined, under the influence of his coaches Dale Hunter and Craig Berube.
  • Cowan commented on his ability to apply the defensive-first and north-south hockey from Berube and Hunter, using it to his advantage on the ice.
  • He has received guidance from Craig Berube, who gave him advice that he keeps in his back pocket, including tips on success in the system.

Statistics:

  • Easton Cowan has scored 39 points in 17 OHL postseason games.
  • His average of almost 2.3 points per game approaches the scoring rate that Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, or Eric Lindros once displayed.
  • Cowan has 96 points in 60 OHL playoff games and 69 points in 54 regular season games.
  • He has posted a 65-point streak that would shatter the OHL record of 55 points, however, as it occurred over two seasons, it does not qualify as an official record.
  • Cowan was named the league's top scorer for the second year in a row.

Sources:

  • Globe and Mail: "Easton Cowan's Impressive Postseason Highlights Potential in the NHL"