On Monday, Lias Andersson made his NHL debut for the New York Rangers. His first NHL game was already set to be a memorable one, especially as his family were in attendance to watch him reach the milestone. However, it was made all the more unforgettable by an opposing player on the Capitals.
When Andersson took to the ice for his first shift, fellow Swede Nicklas Backstrom approached him and told him, “Great to see you here.”
“He tapped my leg to say welcome [to the NHL],” Andersson said to Sportbladet, as translated by Marcus Cadelin. “It was really cool, he was my idol growing up.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Andersson also became the youngest player in Rangers franchise history to score during his debut game.
👀 it here!
1st @NHL 🚨 for #NYR @liasandersson in his debut!! pic.twitter.com/z9mf4wAd56— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 27, 2018
Andersson’s goal alone was great, but what might be even better is the reaction of his family.
What a moment for @liasandersson’s family! #NYR pic.twitter.com/Ulborohl2x
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 27, 2018
That is one proud mom right there.
Headline photo: @NYRangers
