Blankenburg makes immediate impact in Maple Leafs debut
After five games as a healthy scratch, the defenceman scored on his first shift and drew praise from his new teammates.
Nick Blankenburg turned his first shift as a Toronto Maple Leaf into a goal in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. The defenceman had watched Toronto's first five games as a healthy scratch before getting his opportunity against his former club.
His goal prompted a warm response from teammates. Auston Matthews praised Blankenburg's daily work and attitude, while William Nylander, who assisted on the goal, celebrated his finishing touch in postgame comments reported by Sportsnet.
Blankenburg told the outlet that the nerves before his first appearance were mixed with excitement, and that scoring immediately made the experience especially rewarding. He said previous stretches out of the lineup had helped him keep confidence while waiting for another chance.
The performance gave Toronto an early return from a defenceman who earned his roster place through a training-camp tryout.
