One day later, I felt a tremendous relief. Pittsburgh’sWild Game 1 win in their Stanley Cup playoffs first-round series New York, Penguins backup goaltender Louis DomingueHe said that he is likely to follow up with his first playoff appearance in his career.
Domingue is Pittsburgh’s experienced 30-year-old goaltender. He hinted on ESPN’s The Point about his hopes of starting in the Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. He said “I believe that,” when asked if it was possible to start.
Starter Casey DeSmithHe didn’t make it to the end of five periods. In the middle of overtime, he was injured in his lower body and had to skate toward the exit. The player, who was wondering if his love for the game would return with his 30th birthday approaching, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, just blocks away from Broadway, his belly full of spicy pork and all.
No matter what happens in their series with the Rangers, the Penguins will always remember what happened next.
Domingue ignored all 17 shots from New York and gave his teammates enough time for victory. Evgeni Malkin‘s deflection 5 minutes into the third overtime.
Domingue only hopes to recreate his Game 1 moment. When he saw the referees skate over to him and said “Get loose!” he thought they were laughing. They weren’t. Domingue stretched, then threw on his blocker and catcher and settled down into the crease. It happened so fast, that there was no room for jitteriness.
“You can only dream of that all your life. You’re playing in overtime for the playoffs. Are you kidding me?” Domingue said. Domingue stated, “You might think that you would be nervous in such a situation, but it was just a fun experience for me.”
The Penguins signed Domingue to a one year contract on the eve before training camp in September. He had spent the majority 2020-21 season with the minors. Pittsburgh, where All-Stars were the leader, was expecting more of the same. Tristan JarryDeSmith.
Yet, Domingue was a hard worker. Domingue posted a solid.924 saving percentage while playing for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate. He also performed well in two NHL spot starts, one being a 39-save performance against Philadelphia two weeks back.
Domingue stated, “I wanted to return in the NHL this season.” “I believe I put in the effort to get it back. There were a few chances. I am very happy to be where he is today. It’s a great privilege to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s a great team.”
A team now finds its playoff fate tied, at least for the short-term, to the play by a goaltender that hasn’t been a regular NHL player for nearly half a decade. Domingue was an Arizona native who began his professional career in 2014. He played on a number of poor teams that never made the playoffs. He was a No. 2 in Tampa – including a 21-5 score in 2018-19. He then moved on to New Jersey, Vancouver, and Calgary. Only one game was for the Canucks. One for the Flames.
Pittsburgh’s front offices liked Domingue’s experience, and with no minors NHL ready to go, they took a shot on him. It paid off eight months later. It was at least for one night.
Mike Sullivan, Penguins coach said that the depth of all positions is crucial this time and that it is being lived right now. “That’s what the importance is of that No. Louis ticks all the boxes.
The Penguins called up Alex D’Orio from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Wednesday, a serious hint that Domingue will get the nod in Game 2. Sullivan only hopes things will go smoothly for Domingue, and he has a little more than a second to prepare.
Sullivan stated that it was not easy to do when you are sat on the bench so long. He was there for quite a while. He made several key saves for us right away. He did an amazing job in really difficult circumstances.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.