Miikka Salomaki got his first NHL call up as the Preds were getting ready to head out for a two-game California road trip. He didn’t get any ice time, but got a nice tour of the Staples and Honda Centers press boxes, and we’re sure got a nice sampling of their food. Before the Preds could get back home, he was sent back down.
Fast forward a few days later, the Preds put James Neal and Eric Nystrom on injured reserve, which leads to Salomaki’s second call up in a week. This time he was able to suit up for his first taste of action against the Dallas Stars.
He didn’t disappoint.
16 minutes and 47 seconds into the second period, Salomaki found himself bearing down on goalie Kari Lehtonen. His Finnish countryman was able to stop his first shot, but not the second. Salomaki slammed the rebound home and notched his first NHL goal in his first NHL game.
Check it out in these multiple, gorgeous angles:
Congrats, Miikka!