New from Florida, Noah Goulsen made his debut Friday night at the Panthers with a 2–1 victory over the Nashville Predators at the Sunrise. For the former Habs defender, it was the first game in the NHL since December 2018.
“I felt good,” Goulsen said in an interview published on the official Panthers website. Long ago. I didn’t even know if I would get this chance this year. I’m just grateful Florida chose me and gave me this opportunity tonight (Friday). “
Choosing the Canadians in the first round in 2015 (26th overall), Goulsen has not escaped injury in recent years. The Montreal team finally threw out the towel with the exemptions at the start of the year. The Panthers took the 23-year-old back on January 11.
Limited to 44 NHL matches, Juulsen hopes to be able to really start his career with Panthers. This first game in over two years on the Bettman Tour definitely benefited him.
The British Colombian said: “Playing NHL matches is what everyone wants, and that’s what I missed the most.” I am grateful to be here. “
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Even if the Habs had a great start to the season, Juulsen didn’t lose because the Panthers are also one of the watch teams currently in the NHL.
The win over the Predators extended their streak by at least one point to eight, the second longest in the organization’s history to start a season. In 1996-1997, Florida gathered points in its first 12 games.
“I think the whole team pecking. If one of them doesn’t go, so do the others. It’s cool,” summary Carter Verhagy, author of the winning goal. The Ontario striker, who signed a two-year contract with Panthers in the off-season, also helped with the equalizer from Alexander Barkov.
“There is good chemistry between me and Barki.” Verhagi, who has already scored six goals and three assists this season, added:
“Everyone says it, it’s a new start here. There are a lot of new players and everyone is contributing. Things are going well so far, but we’ve only played eight matches. There is more to come. We still have a lot of work to do.”
The Panthers (6-0-2) are looking to extend their streak on Sunday when they face Red Wings in Detroit, Florida.