Red Wings rookie has message for fans after NHL debut
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings Centennial Season marked a new beginning for one rookie, who has a heartfelt message for Hockeytown fans after his NHL debut.
The Detroit Red Wings began their Centennial Season under the bright lights of Little Caesars Arena against the Montreal Canadiens.
One storyline that shouldn't go unnoticed: the youth movement that's become prominent in Hockeytown.
During training camp, rookies Emmitt Finnie, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard earned a spot in the opening night lineup after impressing Todd McLellan and company.
One rookie who was featured prominently in the preseason was Brandsegg-Nygard, who scored 7 points in preseason play.
He'd be held off the scoresheet, unfortunately, but managed to get to shots on goal against the Canadiens, on the same line as Andrew Copp, and JT Compher.
"It's always my mindset to play as hard as I can," he said. "Every time I start a game, everything else comes with that - the chances always come when you play harder. I'm just trying to play hard."
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard Receives Warm Welcome from the Detroit Red Wings fanbase
During his regular season debut against their Original Six rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. He appreciated the fans' notable cheer during the introduction but focused on the task at hand.
"I mean, It means a lot," he said of the hearty reception from the sellout crowd. "But at that moment I couldn't really hear it because I was so focused on the game, and a little nervous."
"I appreciated it a lot."
"I appreciated it a lot."
Despite it being a disappointing performance that night with a frustrating 5-1 loss to the Canadiens, he wasn't fazed at all during his debut. He felt he had belonged in the lineup and felt up to the challenge.
"I felt pretty good, it feels like I belong here almost. It wasn't too hard to play, but at the same time, the whole team could have done a better job. We lost 5-1, and even though we had a couple good chances, we gave up more."
He's looking to bolster his reputation on the ice as a hard worker who wants to be known for his physical play style and wants to continue to be a problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Nygard is a third line right wing for the Red Wings and has played 2 games, with a -2 rating on the ice.
The Norwegian-born forward was selected 15th overall, making him the first Norwegian to be selected in the 1st-round in the NHL draft. Can he continue to set records with the Red Wings?
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