New York. Lundkvist was king in the NHL again tonight.
But this time it wasn’t about a goalkeeper, but about young guard Niles – who for the first time decided a game in overtime when Dallas beat Detroit at home at the American Airlines Center.
– The highlight yet? Well, almost like that, he told Sportbladet after a 3-2 win.
It happened four and a half minutes into overtime in one of those rare Texas parties.
Detroit captain Dylan Larkin hit the puck wide in the midfield, allowing Mason Marshman to counterattack down the left wing — and on the other side, Nils Lundqvist caught it.
In the set position, when he was clean against Phil Hosso, the rookie Swede got the puck and ruthlessly shot to make it 3-2.
“In a three-on-three there are mistakes sometimes and Marchmann took advantage of that and gave me the perfect pass,” says the 22-year-old Betio-born when we speak to him afterwards.
– Of course it was fun. It’s always fun to score and especially when it happens in such crucial situations.
Drafted by the Rangers
Yes, this has to be the biggest highlight yet, right?
– Well, almost like that.
Niles was originally drafted by the New York Rangers and spent last season with the Manhattan club, but he didn’t get a real chance in Gerard Gallant’s lineup and demanded a three-year deal this summer.
He didn’t have to regret it, because he soon ended up in Dallas enjoying it there.
– Yes really. It’s been going well, I’ve had the opportunity and I feel I have great opportunities to develop here,” says the hero of Saturday’s game.
“played really well”
The feelings are mutual, according to trainer Pete DeBoer.
– Niels developed in this match, stepped forward and played really well in the second and third halves. That’s why he was out on the ice while making the decision, he says.
After beating the Wings — their second in a row — Dallas shares first place in the Central Division with the Winnipeg Jets and a full nine-point margin to defending champions Colorado.