Former Battalion star Nick Paul, now playing for the Ottawa Senators, scored his first NHL goal tonight against the Edmonton Oilers on a nationally televised game.
The goal came at 12:50 of the first period on a goalmouth scramble and gave the Sens a 1-0 lead. It is Paul's fourth NHL game after being called up from the AHL.
See Nick's first goal here.
Former North Bay Centennial, and Senator linemate Chris Neil was also on the ice for the goal, but didn't get an assist.
"I just went to the net hard, he had a nice shot, I think it was (defenceman Chris) Wideman. The puck came right out on my stick and it was a nice easy tap-in," Paul told TSN's Brent Wallace during a first intermission interview.
Former Canadian Junior teammate Curtis Lazar got the second assist, and raced to the net to retrieve the souvenir puck, completely skating past Paul, who was waiting for a celebratory hug. Lazar says he was so focused on getting the puck he didn't notice.
"When guys score their first goal I rush in and get the puck every time as much as I can," explained the ever-smiling Senators forward. "Pauly's been working hard for it. We're good friends and spent time at the World Juniors together so I'm glad to be out there for him."
Paul came to the Senators as part of a trade between Ottawa and the Dallas Stars that featured Jason Spezza.
"Nick Paul should turn out to be the primary piece of the puzzle from the Spezza trade," said TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie.
The Sens went on to win 4-1 with Paul being named the game's third star.
Wearing #13, Paul now has a goal and an assist in four games.
