Lightning's Drouin shows promise, but goes scoreless in NHL debut
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Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin was a surprise addition to the Lightning lineup when forward Alex Killorn was ruled out due to an injury sustained during a freak accident at the club's gameday skate on Monday.
After the game Drouin said he become more comfortable as the game wore on, but he would've preferred to debut in a game his club won:
Well you can't always get what you want, even if you're the best drafted prospect in hockey.
Here are some key facts you need to know about Drouin's NHL debut:
- Drouin spent most of his evening on a line with Valtteri Filppula and Tyler Johnson, and he played legitimate second line minutes. He also logged some time at five-on-four with Tampa Bay's second unit, and finished the night having played a healthy 16:10.
- The 20-year-old former Halifax Moosehead finished the night a -1, but it was the result of an unlucky bounce when a Justin Schultz back-hand hit the knob of Ben Bishop's stick and deflected into the net.
- Drouin's two-way game does look like it needs some polish, and he was last among Lightning forwards in even-strength shot attempt differential. Still he managed two takeaways and looked dynamic through the neutral zone all game long.
Here's a .gif of one of Drouins' most dynamic moments from his NHL debut, as he fights off a Mark Fayne check and sets up a chance at a chance:
(Courtesy: @myregularface)
With the Lightning beset by forward injuries to Alex Killorn and Ryan Callahan, expect Drouin be in the Tampa Bay lineup yet again on Tuesday night in Calgary.