Stefen Rosner sat down with New York Islanders rookie Isaiah George about playing his first game in his hometown and scoring his first NHL goal in front of friends and families.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- On Saturday night in Toronto, New York Islanders rookie Isaiah George had an experience like no other.

Growing up 30 minutes away from the Scotiabank Center, the 20-year-old often visited the rink in Toronto to cheer on his Maple Leafs, dreaming that one day, he could skate on the same ice his idols did.

Not only did he get to live out that dream, but at 5:23 of the third period, his dream was magnified as he lit the lamp for the first time in his NHL career:

After Monday's morning skate, the Hockey News caught up with George to get his thoughts on a magical night in Toronto. 

First, what was going through George's mind as he hit the ice for warmups?

Yeah, I was just super happy to be playing in the hometown game," George said.

"I was just super excited, really, and was just trying to take it all in."

When George found himself inside the Maple Leafs' blue line, he was ready and waiting for a pass. So, when Anthony Duclair found him at the left point from inside the right circle, he didn't think twice about shooting.

However, he didn't know that it was his goal right off the bat. 

"I wasn't too sure," George said with a smile, "because I saw it hit something. I wasn't sure if it was our guy or their guy."

George's teammates let him know immediately that it was his.

"But, when I turned around, all the boys were coming at me, so I knew I got it," George said. 

After the game, the 20-year-old spoke about Hockey Night in Canada, a dream for every kid growing up in the nation up north, before talking with MSG Networks and the reporters on the ground in the locker room.

But after that, he saw his family and friends, the people who had a vital role in giving him the chance to live out his NHL dream.

"It was super cool to see them after," George said. "All those family and friends...those are the people that helped me get to this point. It's super cool to be just playing here in front of them, but also to get my first goal in front of them. I think this was super special and a great memory for all of us."

When THN spoke with George after his NHL debut, he discussed riding a wave. 

 Was the wave even higher now?

"Oh yeah, super exciting," George said. "You love to get that first one. I'm just looking forward to tonight and having another good game, and keeping it going."

George is becoming known for his shutdown ability on the defensive side of the puck but he felt the offense coming along.

"I felt like I had a couple of good opportunities and just haven't got the chance to bury," George said. "So, it's nice to get that first one out of the way, and then, hopefully, more will come."

THN caught up with Duclair to ask about his recovery and also about his pass to George for the milestone tally.

"It's just always nice to see a guy score his first NHL goal," Duclair said. "We all remember our first one, and that feeling is incredible. And just to help him do that is great. To see the joy on his face is even more awesome. 

"I think you saw the whole bench just being really happy for him. It was great, especially in his hometown."