"We Don't Win Without Him": Louis Domingue Stands Tall With The Garden Faithful Behind Him
The Rangers third-string goalie made 25 saves, helping the team defeat the Minnesota Wild.
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports - "We Don't Win Without Him": Louis Domingue Stands Tall With The Garden Faithful Behind HimNew York City, NY: The New York Rangers defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-1, backstopped by third-string goaltender Louis Domingue.
Suiting up in response to team injuries, the 31-year-old NHL veteran and AHL starter put on a Broadway show. It was Domingue's 5th regular season appearance at MSG and 11th game in the building overall (including the 2022 ECQF).
Louis Domingue heard the Garden faithful chant "Louis" all night in a rocking Madison Square Garden for his debut with the club. He said, "I guess I have an easy name to chant."
This morning he looked forward to the New York fan's energy, "It'll be nice to have the crowd behind me this time." They were not just behind him, they came to see him play. And play he did.
When the Wild surged with 15 shots on goal in the second period, he made 14 saves. Alexis Lafreniere stated, "He was really good in the second period. Wasn't our best period but he made some big saves."
He would finish with 25 saves and a victory. Following the game Domingue said,"It felt amazing to get the support of the crowd like that. The team played really well in the third to get the win."
He acknowledged the adjustments he had to make to start the game, "I just tried to get by the first five minutes [that] was one of my keys. From my experience, when you haven't played in the NHL in a while you need to adapt to the pace of play, the traffic, how heavy the guys are in front of the net..."
He missed having his children there as he previously stated they would not be in attendance, "I wish my kids were here to see that. I know that they were watching at home and hopefully, I get to share one with them soon enough."
Veteran Blake Wheeler, who scored his first goal as a Ranger, was ecstatic for his teammate, "It's awesome for guys like that to be able to stay with...and put yourself in a position to get an opportunity like that. Not only get an opportunity but [to] come out here and play the way he did is incredibly impressive. We don't win tonight without him."
Louis Domingue helped the New York Rangers improve to 10-2-1 on the season. They continue their campaign on Sunday, November 12th against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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