The Anaheim Ducks snapped a dreadful 11-game losing streak in brilliant fashion by beating the Arizona Coyotes 5-0 on Friday night. Frustrated more than once lately, Trevor Zegras has allowed himself another stroke of brilliance of which only he has the secret.
In the first period, the first-year player succeeded for the second time this season the goal “Michigan”, at the expense of Josef Korenar. Behind the net, Zegras lifted the puck like he was playing lacrosse and dropped it near the post.
Sonny Milano doesn’t seem accustomed to the prowess of his young teammate yet, so he served as a screen well in spite of himself.
“I didn’t see anyone behind the goal so I lifted the puck. If anyone was going to get in my way, it was Sonny. I had to slip around Sonny to score, which was pretty funny. […] I don’t even know if he saw me. I don’t know what’s going on in his head on the ice,” Zegras said with a laugh after the first engagement.
“We will take all the goals. He certainly has the talent to do this kind of movement. There is a time to do it and I believe it was a good one. What is even more incredible about this goal is Sonny Milano’s ability to become ultra-thin,” explained head coach Dallas Eakins after the game, tongue-in-cheek.
This is the second time this season that Zegras has managed the goal “Michigan”. On January 28, he surprised Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault with this move.
Series of failures
For both the Ducks and Zegras, March wasn’t very good. The 21-year-old center player had not hit the target in his last 10 games, while his team had suffered 11 consecutive losses.
“For me, it was nice to score. It’s been a while,” said Zegras, who is third among rookies with 50 points.
Eakins was proud of his men after the game against the Coyotes. He credited goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who blocked 22 shots for his third shutout of the season.
“’Stoly’ was super solid in net. It was a very good team effort, especially in a second game in two nights, where it is sometimes difficult to activate,” he mentioned.
Due to their recent performances, the Ducks have been left out of playoff contention. There is progress in Anaheim after several lean years, but the team will need to find consistency, just like Zegras.