Every now and then something new will appear in the NHL. Something that makes you think, “huh, never seen that one before.” Some will marvel at the ingenuity and creativity, others may scoff at the immaturity and utter disrespect for the game.
Before we get to the new gimmick, let’s take a look at some of hockey’s great anomalies over the years.
Example #1 – The Avery Rule
One that immediately comes to mind is Sean Avery’s net front antics against the New Jersey Devils in the 2008 playoffs. Avery paid no mind to the play going on behind him and directed all of his energy and rage towards antagonizing Martin Brodeur. Hilarious if you’re on one side of the Hudson River, infuriating if you’re on the other.
It was tremendous, in my humble opinion. He totally threw a Hall of Fame goaltender off his rhythm (without taking a penalty) and then scored seconds later. Not often can you phase Broduer, but he was put in a mental pretzel that fateful spring.
Of course, “The Avery Rule” was swiftly implemented to curb the madness. The rule forbade a player to stand directly in front of a goalkeeper and take any other steps that might restrict their field of view. Party’s over.
Example #2 – In-Between The Legs Goals
People forget that Mario Lemiuex walked so Marek Malik could fly. While “Super Mario” may have been the first to pull off the in-between the legs move, it was Malik that shocked the world in the 14th round of a random shootout in November 2005.
Such an iconic moment from a guy who ended up with 17 goals in nearly 700 games. The water bottle sent flying, the “are you kidding” call, his nonchalant reaction and MSG going berserk to conclude the 14th round combined for one of the most memorable goals in shootout history.
The move has become way more common nowadays, evident by 18-year-old Zach Benson successfully executing it for his first ever NHL goal (!!!) a few weeks back.
Example #3 – Baseball Assist
This one may be the most absurd play of the bunch and I’m still at a loss for how Zegas had the presence of mind to attempt this in live action. Judging by his reaction, he was even more bewildered than me.
Credit to Sonny Milano too! I’m guessing they discussed it previously or maybe even practiced it, because Milano was fully engaged and waiting for it. If he didn’t have the eye-hand coordination to bat the puck in, Zegras more than likely gets an earful of expletives from the coaching staff and maybe benched for his next shift.
Example #4 – The Michigan
John Buccigross alluded to it shortly after calling the Zegras/Milano goal, where he thought Zegras may attempt the more common move from behind the net, called “The Michigan”.
The now famous lacrosse style goal was first performed by Wolverines player Mike Legg in 1996, hence the “Michigan” name. If only social media existed back then.
Over the years, it’s caused equal outrage as it’s caused delight. Some claim it ruins the integrity of the game, others are enthralled by the sheer sorcery.
Zegras himself has pulled it off, along with Andrei Svechnikov, Filip Forsberg, Kent Johnson and several others have given it a valiant attempt.
Example #5 – Puck Juggling
T.J. Oshie’s juggling theatrics last month didn’t amount to anything, but I thought it was so unique and impressive that it had to make the list.
I wish I could find a better clip but that’s Oshie moving through the neutral zone with the puck flat on his stick and then flipping it over Dougie Hamilton before nearly sending his teammate in on a partial breakaway. Absolutely nuts.
It feels like that’s a sure fire to get lit up with a monstrous open-ice check, but unbelievable nevertheless. Imagine someone attempting that move in the 1970’s or 80’s?
The Game Is Evolving
It’s fascinating to track how much hockey has changed over the years in so many different ways. From nobody wearing helmets to everyone wearing helmets, from booze in the locker room after the game to energy drinks, from teams full of intimidating enforcers to teams full of glorified figure skaters with the puck on their sticks like a yo-yo.
Generally speaking, the game is in a good place today and has grown substantially over the years. There’s always room for improvement, but most of the new trends are for the better. World class talent is consistently on display and the modern era of hockey is manifesting itself. John Tortorella may not like it, but creativity on the ice is here to stay.
That being said, some of these new trends are worth pushing back on.
The New Gimmick
Well, the next sweeping sensation is here and it’s more towards the “gimmick” end of the spectrum when compared to the elite level skill showcased above. It’s sneaky, it’s conniving and I’m not sure I’m a fan.
I was watching the Rangers/Red Wings game a few weeks back, it was a tight game in the 3rd and Will Cuylle took a devastating 4 minute penalty. Or so I thought.
Upon review, it was confirmed that Lucas Raymond actually grabbed Cuylle’s stick and threw it into his face to get the call. It was a bang-bang play that was easy to miss watching it live. Cuylle was rightly incensed, they reviewed the play and ended up getting the call correct.
It’s safe to say he inspired a movement, because Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang followed the same playbook and executed it to perfection. In a 3-3 game against Minnesota in the 3rd period, Letang grabbed an errant stick and jammed it into his face. A penalty was called, Penguins scored on the man advantage and went on to win the game 4-3. Hypocrisy!
Let’s hope these shenanigans don’t catch on. Nobody wants games decided by phantom penalties, or even worse, every single high sticking call turned into a video review to confirm the legitimacy.
I would’ve thought guys would have more respect for the game than to try something that cheesy in a tight game. Then again, it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins we’re talking about.
Maybe some embellishment calls are in order to discourage it. Truthfully not totally sure what the solution could be. I feel for the referees, because it’s very difficult to identify in real-time and you’d need the perfect angle to see it.
I’m all about creativity, experimenting, trying new things but let’s draw a line in the sand here. More Michigans, more Michigan variations, more puck juggling, less cheating.
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