Three recent callups scored within 24 hours of joining the lineup, the first time in NHL history that three recalled players scored in their first game back.
New Jersey recalled forwards Lenni Hameenaho and Stefan Noesen alongside defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok ahead of the team’s matchup against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, according to uticacomets.com.
The Devils trailed the Capitals 2-1 halfway through the second period when Hameenaho deflected a shot from Brenden Dillon past goaltender Logan Thompson at the 9:51 mark.
The goal tied the game at two in what was Hameenaho’s season debut with New Jersey. The Finland native had registered six goals and nine points with Utica prior to the promotion.
The score remained deadlocked at two heading into the third period until Kolyachonok broke the tie at 6:27. The defenseman beat Thompson from the point with a wrist shot that stood as the game-winner, earning him the third star of the game in his club debut. The Belarus native had contributed three assists across 12 games with the Comets before receiving the call.
Stefan Noesen added a late insurance goal to secure the win in the final frame. The forward won a race to a loose puck in the Washington zone at 17:07, converting a partial breakaway with a backhand finish over Thompson’s right shoulder to make it 4-2.
The Texas native had recorded two goals and six points in seven games with Utica before rejoining New Jersey.
“While Comets fans will miss seeing these guys in Utica, it’s inspiring to see them making a strong impact in the NHL,” uticacomets.com reported. Both teams head into their upcoming fixtures maintaining strong momentum on the season.
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