Ducks content to let Zegras learn lessons while on job
The pass was flawless, sent across the ice to a hardcharging teammate on the opposite wing.
Trevor Zegras’ wizardry with the puck was on display again Monday. His pass slipped past retreating Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, setting up Adam Henrique for the winning goal and completing an electric 2-on-1 rush that gave the Ducks a 6-5 overtime victory.
Through his first seven games in the NHL, Zegras has recorded two points, both assists. He also scored a memorable shootout goal in a Feb. 24 loss to the Coyotes, his second game after the Ducks recalled him from San Diego of the AHL.
Zegras, a 19-year-old left wing, has averaged a modest 14:23 of ice time. He’s also averaged nearly two shots per game. But how is he really doing?
“It’s been good for the most part,” Zegras said of his early days in the NHL. “I wouldn’t say it’s been productive. It could obviously get better. I feel confident out there. I feel like I can make a lot of plays and help the team in any way I can.”
But, seriously, how is he really doing?
“These guys have special skills and most of it is up in their heads,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “You get used to playing at a certain level. You’re at World Juniors, that’s a certain level. You get to the American League, that’s a little quicker. Now you get to the NHL.
“It just takes time to get
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your game into the pace and to be able to up your pace.”
Eakins likened the transition to his daily commute to Honda Center.
“I go along these little streets and everything is fine and dandy and then suddenly on I’m on the 5 (Freeway), and things are moving really fast,” he said. “The first few minutes on the 5 aren’t very much fun, but then after I’ve been on it for a while, I’m like, ‘OK, I’ve settled in.’
“It’s younger players figuring out their games with much stronger and quicker opponents.”
Eakins described Monday’s game against the Kings as a “great test” for Zegras because his ice time was limited during a penalty-filled opening two periods. Zegras isn’t on their penalty-killing units, so he sat on the bench for extended stretches while the Ducks were shorthanded.
“He had played very few minutes, but he’s able to get himself going and make a great play in overtime to win the game,” Eakins said. “His progress is just fine. This is a different beast for these guys. … He’s been surprisingly good along the walls. ... We’re pleased with his progress.
“I expect his offensive output to keep moving forward as he gets more experience.”
Rakell heats up
Left wing Rickard Rakell has recorded at least one point in six consecutive games, matching the longest scoring streak of his career. He has three points in each of his past two games, including two goals and one assist Monday, and has five goals and seven assists in the past six games.
Hutton fires back
Defenseman Ben Hutton’s first goal for the Ducks came against the Kings, his former team, which had him smiling when asked Tuesday about it and also the verbal and physical back-and-forth that was evident throughout Monday’s game.
“We were yipping quite a bit,” Hutton said. “(Adrian) Kempe got me with an early hit and then I got (Dustin) Brown back, and the boys were yipping back and forth a little bit. It was fun. They’re still my friends over there, but on the ice we’re enemies.”
Injury updates
Eakins said he wasn’t sure whether defenseman Josh Manson or right wing Troy Terry would be fit to play today against the Kings. Manson was forced from Monday’s game because of an unspecified lower-body injury and Terry exited because of an upperbody injury.
Defenseman Josh Mahura could replace Manson in the lineup if Manson is unable to play. Terry’s possible replacement was less certain.