What Is Michigan Goal In The NHL? Explained

Bill Armstrong, a minor-league hockey player for the Albany River Rats, is credited for coining the phrase “Michigan goal” in the sport.

A lacrosse-style goal scored by a player behind the net is known as a Michigan goal in hockey.

A skater will scoop the puck onto their stick’s blade, whip the stick around the net, and attempt to tuck the puck over the shoulder of the goalie in a top corner.

The most recent illustration was provided by youngster Kent Johnson of the Blue Jackets. On the 27th anniversary of the first Michigan goal being scored, the No. 5 selection in the 2021 draft scored his first goal for the Wolverines.

Johnson has already executed this deft maneuver. The 20-year-old, a University of Michigan alum, accomplished it with Team Canada in the 2022 World Juniors last summer. Additionally, it’s quite likely that this remarkable NHL move won’t be the only one.

What Is Michigan Goals In The NHL? Explained

Armstrong asked his coach, Robbie Ftorek, for permission to try out a lacrosse-style shot during a game. With the help of the coach, Armstrong scored four goals using a move called a “high wrap.”

Mike Legg, a Michigan Wolverines player, picked up this move from Armstrong. In pregame practice, Legg questioned the referees because he wasn’t sure if the action was permitted. Even after receiving their approval, Legg was still apprehensive to attempt it in an actual game versus Minnesota.

The Michigan move, as recently as five years ago, was a novelty act, a trick shot fit for street hockey players in middle school. It was unheard of in the NHL and would appear in college or major junior maybe once a decade.

A new generation of stars is now staring at the vertical space above the ice and wondering why it hasn’t been explored for so long, having grown up with more than a century of two-dimensional thinking.

Legg attempted the play and was successful. As his team advanced in the competition, his goal earned him the prestigious title of “Goal of the Year” from Inside Hockey magazine.

The several names associated with this goal demonstrate its widespread recognition. Because of the stick movement’s resemblance to the famous Z shape associated with the fictitious figure, it is known as “The Zorro” throughout Europe.

 

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