Hannikainen Scores Slick Between-The-Legs Goal
Coyotes' deadline acquisition nets highlight-reel tally in Tucson's 3-2 win Sunday night
by Alex Kinkopf @AEKinkopf / Arizona Coyotes
Markus Hannikainen has had an immediate impact with the Tucson Roadrunners.
And with some style, too.
The 26-year-old forward pulled off a crafty between-the-legs maneuver on Sunday night to score the Roadrunners' second goal in the team's 3-2 win over the Bakersfield Condors.
Hannikainen possessed in prime real estate before freezing the Condors' goaltender with a move few players have successfully pulled off in a professional hockey game.
Did Markus Hannikainen have to go between the legs? No.
- Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) March 2, 2020
Did Markus Hannikainen go between the legs? Yes. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WBjRYxQqAx
Between-the-legs, bar down.
Acquired at the NHL trade deadline last Tuesday from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Hannikainen has produced well thus far, registering three points (2G, 1A) in three games with the Roadrunners.
Though his quick hands, intuition, and finish were showcased Sunday night, the 6'1", 200 lbs sized forward features a balanced on-ice presence that incorporates many attributes.
"Hannikainen is a guy that's gonna work his butt off," said Jeff Svoboda, the Blue Jackets' official team reporter, following the trade. "He's an energy player with good speed and some ability to score, but at the end of the day, his identity is in his skating and hard-nosed approach to the game."
He had 18 points (7G, 11A) in 44 games this season with Columbus' AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, prior to the trade. Hannikainen has appeared in 91 NHL games over the course of his career, all with the Blue Jackets.
The Roadrunners currently own first-place in the Pacific Division with a 33-18-1-2 record.
Lead Photo Credit: Bakersfield Condors // Footer Photo Credit: Bakersfield Condors