Do Gimmick Skills Exist?

On Zegras' trick play & wider implications

A few days ago Anaheim Ducks forwards Trevor Zegras and Sonny Milano connected on an iconic behind-the-net play.

Hockey will never be the same again.

NHL GIFs @NHLGIFs

TREVOR ZEGRAS WHAT? @tzegras11

A surprising number of people in media (including former NHL coach John Tortorella) felt personally attacked by this goal, even though the play made perfect sense given that the Buffalo Sabres’ skaters were skillzoning ANA by refusing to pressure Zegras.

Jack Han @JhanHky

My opinion on the Zegras-Milano goal & ensuing online discussions: You don't need to ask permission when you want to try something extraordinary on the ice. Just go with it, for better or worse. It's why the game is great.

Jack Han @JhanHky

In real life we often need to ask for permission, but not in games. This is why Torts' comment feel so *wrong*. We don't ask for permission when hitting a drop shot in tennis, or buying real estate on Monopoly, or making checkmate in chess. Unless we're playing bad losers.

And then I got a Twitter DM from a college coach.

“Saw your tweet on the Zegras goal. To state my stance, I love the creativity and uniqueness it brings to the game.

“But something I see as it relates to the moment how Tortorella said: Our college team is struggling at fundamental things this first half of the season.

“Are they watching their shifts, or these highlights? Are they working on technique in those precious moments after formal practice? Or mimicking a move they can’t complete because there’s limited situations to even attempt it?

“Thats where I can see his point, although from a fan/NHL entertainment perspective, I’m okay with it.”

Watching Hockey Night in Canada just four days after Zegras’ incredible play, I saw a video montage of players of all levels trying, and occasionally pulling off, the behind-the-net scoop pass. There are two main implications to this trend, I think.