(Michael Tureski/Icon SMI)
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has been on a tear to start the 2013 season, potting four goals in his first four games. While that kind of production is impressive in its own right, the manner in which the Markham, Ontario native has scored is even more intriguing.
Four of Skinner’s tallies thus far have come via backhand shots. While the 20-year-old may be modest—saying that his backhand is just “alright”—he won’t deny that it’s been working wonders for him this year.
“I guess I should keep shooting like that if it goes in,” he said jokingly on Thursday. “Maybe I’ll try to get one on the forehand soon.”
How exactly has the former Calder Trophy winner been so successful with the backhand? He credits his stick, which has a smaller curve than most NHL forwards use.
With a somewhat straight curve, Skinner is able to get more elevation on his backhands—something he’s done in all of his four of the aforementioned goals, three of which can be viewed here:
