Nils Hoglander has done it again.
The Vancouver Canucks 40th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft scored a ridiculous lacrosse-style goal in the SHL today. Höglander won a puck battle behind the net before deking out the defender, placing the puck on his stick blade and tucking it upstairs.
This move is known as “The Michigan”, which was made famous by Wolverines forward Mike Legg in a 1996 NCAA Tournament. Höglander’s goal on Tuesday might be the best version of the goal we’ve ever seen. The Canucks prospect is able to pull off the move at a ridiculously high speed while facing pressure from the defendeer.
Believe it or not, this isn’t even the first time Hoglander has pulled off the Michigan move. He scored a similar goal in 2018 that was deemed “SHL Goal of the Year”.
Many scouts believe the Canucks stole Hoglander in the early second round of the 2019 NHL Draft. It’s certainly looking that way given his awesome creativity and elite puck skills.
It’s hard for most hockey fans to watch Hoglander right now considering the games are played in Sweden, but he’ll be on TV screens soon. The 18-year-old is expected to play a key role for Team Sweden at the 2020 World Juniors, beginning on Boxing Day in the Czech Republic.
