Alex Steeves finally put the puck in the net with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It took 12 games, spanning over four seasons, for him the score his first goal at the NHL level. He's filled the net in the AHL for several years, scoring 98 times in 228 games with the Toronto Marlies.
But when he beat Carolina Hurricanes netminder Pyotr Kochatkov, Steeves felt a different emotion: relief.
"I think anytime anyone gets called up, you just want to make an impact. Goals are nice, and it's my first," Steeves said following Toronto's 6-3 win Saturday.
"I am a goal scorer and I know that. And I know I can be a goal scorer at this level. So just proving that with a nice finish."
Steeves has broken just about every record with the Marlies. He owns the franchise points record and the team's goal record, both of which he broke this season. Though scoring on Saturday was a new feat.
And a fresh accomplishment comes with new traditions. As for where the puck goes remains a question.
"I don’t really know. I’m not really one to display all that stuff. I don’t even have a house. I live in my parents' house in the basement in the summers," Steeves laughed.
"I’m sure my mom maybe will have a little shrine in my room or something. Right now it’s just going to go in a cupboard until the season’s over."
Toronto's fourth line of Steeves, David Kampf, and Steven Lorentz combined for two of the team's six goals and four points (two of which came from Steeves). "The line was good," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said.
"Did a lot of good things for us tonight. And I'm very happy for (Steeves) to get his first NHL goal."
What stood out most, though, about Steeves' goal is where he scored it from. In the AHL, a surplus of his goals were scored in the same spot as Saturday's goal. And there are likely many more to come from that location in the future.
"I score a lot of goals not handling the puck and just one-timing it and trying to get myself available. So, yeah, it felt good and again, I’ve got belief that I can do that so it’s nice to get the results."
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