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:
#tblightning @jodrouin27 excited to make debut, said was nervous early on but settled in. A good confidence boost. Just wished they won.
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) October 21, 2014
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.
(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.