Washington Capitals veteran TJ Oshie couldn’t hold back his joy, as 19-year old Hendrix Lapierre scored his first NHL goal in his first career game.
Oshie set the moment up by pushing a 2-on-1 breakaway. He dished the puck with a sick backwards pass through his own legs to a waiting Lapierre, who went top shelf past New York Rangers goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
Oshie rushed over to Lapierre near the boards to embrace him for the special moment. It was hard to tell who was more excited, Lapierre or Oshie.
T.J. Oshie was so happy for Hendrix Lapierre. Such a cool moment.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) October 14, 2021
Lapierre has talked at length about learning from Oshie, following him around, hoping he wasn't being too annoying with all the questions to the veteran.
A first-round pick in 2020, Hendrix Lapierre unexpectedly made the Opening game roster. Playing alongside his mentor TJ Oshie, he was able to show exactly why he’s in the NHL.
THAT PASS @TJOshie77
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 14, 2021
Live right now #NHLonTNT pic.twitter.com/3c4Om6M44F
Lapierre’s goal extended Washington’s lead to 3-0 and came a mere 24 seconds after Justin Schultz’s power play goal in the second period. Oshie scored the game’s first goal in the first period.
Not too many skaters get the luxury of scoring a goal in their NHL debut. Plus, there’s not many better sequences for a player’s first score. Lapierre won’t forget the moment. Oshie’s setup and reaction afterwards made it that more special.
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