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
Today: Kings at Ducks, 6:30 p.m., Prime, NBCSN
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.”
Blake Coleman scored 2:17 into overtime, giving Tampa Bay the win at Detroit. Coleman’s goal was set up by Tyler Johnson, who also scored, on a 2-on-1 rush to extend the defending Stanley Cup champions season-high point streak to nine games.
Jordan Staal scored his second goal of the game with 34.9 seconds left in overtime to give Carolina a home win over Nashville and extend the Hurricanes’ winning streak to six games.
PENGUINS 4, RANGERS 2 »
Kasperi Kapanen got his fourth goal in his last five games and surging Pittsburgh beat New York. Teddy Blueger and Jake Guentzel also scored for the Penguins, who went 4-1 on their homestand to gain ground in the hyper-competitive East Division. Sidney Crosby’s empty-net goal with 32 seconds to go helped Pittsburgh escape with the win.
STARS 6, BLACKHAWKS 1 »
Joel Kiviranta scored 100 seconds in and added an assist, rookie Jason Robertson had four assists and the Dallas dominated Chicago.