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 indicated that he would likely continue with the playoffs, his first in his career.
Domingue, Pittsburgh’s 30-year-old, well-travelled, and experienced goaltender, suggested on ESPN’s The Point, that he expected to start Thursday night’s Game 2, when the Penguins face off against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. He said “I believe that,” when asked if it was possible to start.
Starter Casey DeSmithHe couldn’t make through five periods. In the middle of overtime, he was injured in his lower body and had to skate toward the exit. Instantly, the player who had wondered if his passion for the game would come back as his 30th anniversary approached, was thrust into the spotlight just blocks from Broadway, stuffed with 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 5:58 into third overtime.
Domingue hopes to repeat his Game 1 appearance. When he saw the referees skate over to him and said “Get loose!” he thought they were laughing. They weren’t. Domingue took a few steps back, then he tossed on his blocker as well as his catcher, before settling into the crease. It happened so fast, that there was no room for jitters.
“You can only dream of that all your life. You’re playing in overtime for the playoffs. Are you kidding me?” Domingue said. Domingue said, “You would think you’d be nervous about a situation like this. But it was just fun.”
It was this kind of fun that Domingue couldn’t find when the Penguins signed him to an one-year contract last September. He’d spent most 2020-21 season with the minors. Pittsburgh was the next destination, where he’d spend the majority of 2020-21 season in the minors. Tristan JarryDeSmith.
But Domingue put his all into his work. 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 that she wanted to get back in the NHL. “I feel like I made the effort to get back. I was fortunate to have had some opportunities. I’m very happy to be where he is today. I feel very lucky to be playing for Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s a great team.
The play of a goaltender who isn’t an NHL regular for almost a half-decade now means that a team’s playoff fate is tied. Domingue was an Arizona native who began his professional career in 2014 playing for bad teams that never reached 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. He also made one start 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. Eight months later, it was a huge success. It was at least for one night.
Mike Sullivan, Penguins coach said, “The depth at all the positions this time of the year is so crucial and we’re living that right now.” That’s why the No. Louis is a great choice for the position of 3 goalie.
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 bit more time to prepare.
Sullivan stated, “That’s not an easy task when your sitting down on the bench for 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.