Cutter Gauthier Is Not Crying About His Goallessness

Practice has officially ended 20 minutes ago, yet Cutter Gauthier remains on the ice taking passes from assistant coach Tim Army and scoring goals against Tim Army’s net. Gauthier curses loudly after missing high on one, only to restart playing once Army ran out of pucks. So far in Anaheim’s 12 games so far this season he has taken part in every shot attempt and 31 shots on goal through these 12 matches alone; that speaks volumes about him! Gauthier has seen action in each and every one of them and that speaks volumes too; his stats speak for themselves! He certainly takes plenty of shots. Gauthier made history last season when he earned Hobey Baker finalist consideration as an outstanding college hockey player; but, even so, goals remain his Achilles heel this year and have fallen off drastically from their mark that earned him Hobey Baker finalist status in previous seasons. It’s not like Gauthier hasn’t had sufficient chances for scoring either; just that they haven’t translated to goals yet. He’s hit the post numerous times, been stopped on some breakaways, and missed several chances altogether. “When they had an open net in New Jersey on power play he hit it straight off,” according to head coach Greg Cronin. “We had no chance in winning that game, yet with three and half minutes remaining and the score at 5-3 with him scoring that shot (if) we scored it would make it 5-3 with him missing it once more and scoring against Pittsburgh too he may not have much against either team; against Islanders it may have gone in his favour as goalie was down and out and shot went off his stick instead”. Cronin told Gauthier to continue doing what he’s already doing, scoring goals while infusing himself with confidence to score more and be responsible player, such as doing what’s right structurally and becoming responsible. Cronin expressed this message directly in front of Gauthier during their discussions together. “‘Just Keep Doing What You Are Doing’ was Cronin’s advice as she focused more on him doing the necessary structural adjustments while becoming responsible.” “He needs to focus on getting into more conversations and finishing more checks more frequently – something which was easier in college – while becoming more active physically. (I am) working on getting him more accountable with regard to defensive zone faceoff assignments.” He gets the puck into his offensive zone, yet throws it too frequently (presently). No obvious target can be identified for these throws of the puck which gives me reason to believe this person may still be finding themselves and trying to discover who or what their target(s) should be. That behavior reveals a person trying to navigate life. Cutter Gauthier (61) of the Anaheim Ducks handles the puck during the second period against Chicago Blackhawks at Honda Center in Anaheim, California on November 3, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Gathier began the season by skating on a line with Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn – his debut partners from 2023-24 season’s final game. Given their offensive struggles through 12 games, Gauthier now finds himself skating alongside Killorn and Trevor Zegras – “There seems to be some chemistry there”, Cronin noted, adding “it was great seeing Gauthier get that breakaway goal against Pittsburgh!” “He just flew right past Letang like an elite skater on the ice – that should give him confidence that he can drive wide without hitting Letang’s skates! Zegras can skate too; his skating approach may differ somewhat.” Killorn is also an intelligent player, so this pair should have no trouble creating offense. Gauthier believes their partnership has been excellent since their first game together on a line together. “I think it has been phenomenal from day one!” Gauthier noted. “(We) created plenty of opportunities in New York, then had an excellent game against Pittsburgh before finishing strong against Chicago.” “The more we play together, the stronger our chemistry becomes and our understanding of where each other are on the ice; eventually chances will open up for us,” Zegras noted. “He hasn’t had great puck luck so far, but with five shots per night it should start falling for him soon enough,” Killorn noted. “I know how difficult that situation can be; sometimes scoring seems nearly impossible in these circumstances. There will be times when scoring comes easy and I tell him: ‘Don’t worry; once it happens it will only become easier; just get that first goal and it will all come easy to you.” Killorn has been working closely with Gauthier since training camp began to perfect his board play and protect the puck more effectively. Killorn added, “All I wanted was for him to work harder at protecting it.” College defensemen play very differently from NHL defensemen; any time that we can extend possession for even just an additional couple seconds it helps our line significantly.” Gauthier conceded it has taken him some time to adjust since she hadn’t played winger before this year. Even so, 12 games is more than enough opportunity to adjust.” Your opponent and defensemen know your tendencies as they’ve played for so long in this league; therefore, getting used to different rims, whether hard, soft or pressure can take some getting used to; although (Killorn has been very helpful with providing pick up tips coming off of walls.). “November 3, 2024 in Anaheim, California USA; Anaheim Ducks left-wing Cutter Gauthier (61) handles the puck during the opening period against Chicago Blackhawks at Honda Center.” Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesGauthier has experienced a slow start this year compared to what the team expects of him as far as scoring depth is concerned. He understands this has led him down an uncertain path but remains hopeful. Even without scoring goals yet, he has shown signs of progress since being benched during Anaheim’s home opener last month. “Over the past four or five games I think my play has drastically improved.” he stated. “(I) am becoming much more consistent, adapting well with my linemates, and creating many quality chances on net. Unfortunately none have gone in yet but you need to keep an open mind and short memory, while pushing forward through any small hurdles or setbacks.” Zegras, Mason McTavish and Frank Vatrano all remain goalless after playing five on five. Gauthier may not be alone when it comes to finding his goal in 5-on-5 play.” Three goals by this trio – with two being empty netters. On November 5, 2024 in Anaheim, California USA; Linesmen Justin Johnson (57) and Travis Toomey (91) separate players during third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images “Creating offense has been challenging as a team,” stated Cam Fowler, defenseman and alternate captain. Since we’re currently not producing much offensively it can be hard for individual success to flourish. McTavish must feel relieved now that one went in (vs. Chicago), knowing the weight is lifted off his back. Cutter, for his part, continues doing many good things with an elite shot; so goals will surely follow.” “It is tough,” said McTavish with frustration, adding: “it really hard.” “The key is staying positive and understanding what’s to come; Gauthier is an outstanding player. Unfortunately, confidence can ebb away quickly in this league – I know this from experience – not great and not fun at all! So I think the key is staying positive and making whatever choices are within your power (such as staying out late for practice, or getting up earlier), in order to maintain control. “It is easy when not experiencing difficulties, while when going through them it becomes challenging”, according to Frank Vatrano. “What I like best about Cutter is its consistency. Even though you might play well and get opportunities, some just aren’t falling your way.” As long as chances continue to come your way, that should be seen as a good thing and for him it would just need one goal to fall in. On October 31, 2024 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Frank Vatrano takes to the ice in preparation of a matchup against Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in order to warm-up. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images”I remember being at his age; scoring my first NHL goal and not being able to find another goal for 15+ games after that.” To maintain success and identify what works, stay with your process while knowing which methods may prove successful. After my 15-game goalless streak ended with three goals scored consecutively in six consecutive NHL games, he finally broke through. All it takes to score goals again is seeing one go in and then having confidence that more will follow suit; that was it for Vatrano (Fact check: He did score his first NHL goal 6 games later.) Vatrano described him as possessing incredible skill: “He loves shooting the puck; however, I believe he is still learning about how best to use his shots at this level of play. As a goalscorer at previous levels, you need to identify spots on the ice where you can score from. Pockets close quickly when playing as an offensive guy who scores goals – find places on the ice where you can quickly open up for shots by finding places quickly where there will be gaps that allow for shots off quickly and get your shot away quickly! He’s got an extremely quick release and incredible shot; all it takes to unleash him is getting him the puck and giving him time. As time progresses, his skillset only gets stronger with practice – becoming better each game! “You become frustrated and upset when opportunities don’t appear for you, yet nothing’s coming your way,” Gauthier stated. In contrast, when opportunities do present themselves but nothing materialized on that particular night. One can still feel good about themselves while sleeping well knowing the puck may just not drop. “I am just thankful that there have been so many opportunities opening up for us–good ones too–sooner or later, they will pay off. Now is just the time for us to keep pushing.” “All that remains now is for us to keep chipping away at things slowly but steadily until finally they all fall in our favour. ” Cliche or not, just keep chipping away every game – whether the shots come through dirty or cleanly; eventually they’re going in somehow and we can build upon this success going forward.” Gauthier joked about shooting lower to avoid missing the net as much.” Gauthier believes his slow start offensively should not deter them; once one comes, goals will follow like Teemu Selanne’s famous ketchup bottle analogy. As expected, much of Gauthier’s former fans in Philadelphia Flyers fanbase are cheering him on to improve his play and contribute goals again. Gauthier was originally selected by the Flyers in 2022 but requested a trade after excelling at World Juniors tournament in December 2023. Within one month he was traded to Ducks in exchange for Jamie Drysdale; having never previously donned Flyer colours himself. Shortly after his trade was made public, Cutter Gauthier recounted all of the online abuse and animus directed toward him on social media. Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) highlighted this dynamic moment last night with Cutter Gauthier turning over on Sidney Crosby’s overtime winner https://t.co/VAGJt4AxBC- Kevin Kurz November 1, 2024 “They are still there,” Gauthier replied. “There will still be people saying bad things.” “This is something that happens every day; I can never seem to escape it. Every game, after every win or loss, after every victory and defeat is followed by news about sexual misconduct or assault cases; just try not focusing on it too often so as not to allow it to ruin your day!” People will say what they need, but all wish that they were playing in the NHL like me, so it shouldn’t affect me.” Carlsson commented. He just needs to keep shooting. “I saw on Twitter a stat which indicated he was the unluckiest shooter in the league or something similar, so all he has to do is keep shooting the puck; even if one hits, his luck should pick back up again; it’s that simple!” Olen Zellweger was impressed with Zegras and Killorn in recent games and saw their skill and ability on display, including their effective shooting. “They probably say he has an awesome shot and that is true – but more recently I think they’ve used theirs more efficiently in finding open spaces,” Zellweger observed. “He is looking to score his inaugural goal and has come close, creating many chances. My advice would be for him to remain positive and persevere if they want success.” As a team, our scoring hasn’t been high or offensively aggressive enough, which we are working towards improving with skill and speed players. “Ducks Coach and Leaders Believe Key to Turnaround Will Come With Further Commitment to Play StyleAlex Killorn’s Hockey Fight Against Cancer Is PersonalAnaheim Ducks’ Prospect Spotlight: Tarin Smith Makes CHL Team of the Month