Collecting Game-used: Capturing a game-used puck in action

Game-used hockey pucks aren't all that flashy of an item compared to baseballs which are prepped for game use and then collect dirt and damage through their life of play -- it's just one way hockey's just a little different than other sports.

Sure, damage can and is done but you won't necessarily see it on every puck. But when it comes to those glorious goal-loving (and smelly) rubber rocks, there is some oldschool charm in how they are taped and marked after use. It's something that's been done for years -- and that can make a gamer more interesting along with, of course, elusive action photos of them in use.

The example you see here? It's a top-notch photo but the puck just isn't in the original frame -- but you can tell where it is by the direction Los Angeles Kings defenseman Derek Forbort and goalie Jonathan Quick are looking. Spoiler: It's a top-shelf goal by Florida Panthers star Evgenii Dadonov.

You can keep reading to see the details ... and the puck in action.

THE BASICS ...
Game-used puck (Fanatics/L.A. Kings authenticated): Florida Panthers vs. Los Angeles Kings, March 16, 2019
Watch it in action: Right here from 1:00 to 1:25 (a good view thanks to two slow-motion replays)

The matchup: Florida Panthers RW Evgenii Dadonov vs. Kings G Jonathan Quick
The result: Dadonov goal (assists by Aleksander Barkov and Mike Matheson)

What's Buzz-worthy: Evgenii Dadonov celebrated his 200th NHL game with a pair of goals as part of a 4-3 victory over the Kings and this puck was the exact one used first of those goals (and the second of the game for the Panthers, hence the tape's notation). I actually had a shot at both of his pucks for $49.95 apiece, but I gambled thinking the second one might be available at a later time. (I failed on that one but Fanatics has a number of Dadonov goal pucks at that same price, which is far cheaper than a lot of other players' scores -- some as high as $699.) Why did I pick it up? That photograph says it all, though it's not a perfect image as the puck is hidden in the top of the net and not visible in the Getty Images photo by Adam Pantozzi. This was the 61st goal of Dadonov's career and 23rd of the season, and this seems like a decent direction to go for a casual collector (I can't call myself just a "collector" for hockey -- probably not even a beginner) as he has a very low volume of cardboard and has had solid stats the last two seasons. Dadonov has fewer than 200 cards, just 20 autos, and even fewer mem cards since his cardboard debut back in 2010-11 hockey releases. I do wish I had ponied up for both goals just to have a set that could have more appeal to somebody later -- potentially a money-making pairing. Why do I think that? Fanatics has a hat trick set for one New Jersey Devils player priced at close to $1,000. You'd think a pair could command more than $100 to the right person, especially if he continues playing well.

>> See all past Collecting Game-used stories from Buzz here

--

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy baseball cards on BlowoutCards.com