The Wait Is Over For Brayden Schenn
CITIZENS BANK PARK – It took 18 career games, a myriad of injuries to push through and a hockey stage never before seen in Philadelphia.
But in story tale fashion, in the second period of Monday’s Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park, Brayden Schenn earned his much anticipated and highly memorable first NHL goal.
“When it went in I kind of blacked out,” said Schenn, whose efforts were thwarted by a third-period Flyers collapse and eventual 3-2 Rangers win. “I got so excited. It’s good to get it out of the way and it was especially nice with my family in town and I’m sure my brother [Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn] was watching, too.”
At 12:26 of a Flyers-heavy middle stanza, Matt Carle gathered the puck at the blue line and tossed an innocent shot on Henrik Lundqvist. The puck bounced heavily off the pads of the typically stout netminder and directly to the well-placed stick of Schenn, who pounded it home for the 1-0 Flyers lead.
“It’s a positive step, definitely,” said Schenn, who finished with 12:07 of ice time and three hits. “It seemed that every time I’d get a break, it wouldn’t go in. This one landed right on my stick and I was fortunate to get it in. I think I can use it as a positive step.
“It’s nice to get your first goal, but it’s only one and I have a long way to go. It’s good to get the monkey off your back and hopefully they will continue to keep going in.”
The 20-year-old rookie, who was brought in as the gemstone of the trade that sent Mike Richards to Los Angeles, pumped his arm in celebration, sending the crowd of 46,967 to its feet while also shedding weight off his shoulders.
“Playing last year and being hurt this year, there was a little bit or pressure,” said Schenn. “You want to get that first one and now that it’s over with, I can move on.”
“It’s pretty cool to get your first NHL goal at the Winter Classic,” said teammate Claude Giroux. “He deserves it.He’s been working hard. He’s had injuries here and there and for him to get this goal coming back from a head injury, I’m happy for him.”
Missing 28 of 37 games to three different injuries this season and going scoreless in nine games with the Kings, Schenn played his best game as a Flyer, not only notching a goal but by going 12-of-15 at the faceoff circle and flashing vigor on the backcheck.
“It’s just confidence,” said Schenn. “Faceoffs are all about confidence and you have to be strong. I’ve been working on them lately and want to continue to get better.”
Working well next to Jakub Voracek and Max Talbot, Schenn, coming off a concussion, broken foot and shoulder injury, is now at full health and ready to start contributing. For the Flyers, watching their star pupil take that step forward is a refreshing and needed sight.
“I feel good right now,” Schenn said, “and I hope it stays that way.”
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