Photo: @washcaps
Usually it’s some guy on the other team who scores his first NHL goal during Caps games. On Saturday afternoon it was Paul Carey, Hershey Bears call-up and veteran of 24 NHL games. Carey’s goal tied the game with six minutes remaining and wasn’t exactly what you’d call a “pure skill” goal from the guy in the Washington #28 jersey.
It’s basically a tip-in. Niskanen put the puck toward the net, but Carey, camped out in the slot, got a little touch on it. That little touch was enough to beat Cory Schneider, tie the game, and record a major milestone in the 27 year old’s hockey career.
During his postgame interview, Carey was all smiles. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. “It took me a while to get that first one, but I couldn’t have asked to do it with a better group of guys.”
Later on in the interview, the second cousin of Jim Carey admitted it’s an adjustment when he is called down to D.C., but has gotten used to it. “We’re all professionals. You know, you show up, and whatever the coach asks for you to do, you just go out there and do it.”
Look how happy Laich is for Carey's first goal @ianoland pic.twitter.com/Avz8LHHNbG
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“It’s a surreal feeling,” Carey said of his goal. “I’ve envisioned that for so long, and for it to finally come true is the greatest feeling.”
And speaking of the puck, what exactly is Carey’s plan for the milestone biscuit? “I’ll probably give it to my old man. He’ll put it on the mantel somewhere.”
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