Topi Niemela Scores First AHL Goal and it Was a Game-Changer
Every player remembers the big moments of their career. First game, first goal, or first win often hold a special place in a player's memory.
Last night, Leafs prospect Topi Niemela experienced one of those moments.
Topi Niemela Scored His First AHL Goal And it Was an Important One
Niemela joined the Marlies after his season in the Finnish Elite League came to an end. The 20-year-old defenseman tallied eight goals and ten assists, totaling 18 points in 18 games.
Yesterday, he played his second AHL game.
Even if the Marlies lost 2-1 against the Hartford Wolf Pack in a tight tilt, something good came out of the loss.
At 19:47 in the third period, Topi Niemela equalized the game and pushed it into overtime.
He proved his capability to perform in crucial moments, like scoring the equalizer late in the game.
With a point in two consecutive games, it's safe to say that Niemela's transition from European hockey to North American is going well.
We can't wait to see how he'll perform in the playoffs.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily -
Topi Niemela's first career AHL goal was a huge one for the Marlies to force OT
POLL |
Do you think the Marlies will win the Calder Cup? |
Yes | 144 | 68.6 % |
No | 66 | 31.4 % |
List of polls |
|
32 minutes ago | By Chris Gerics Unfortunate Update From Craig Berube Regarding Auston Matthews' Injury Status |
|
1 hour ago | By Chris Gerics Ryan Reaves' Scary Near-Miss With His Skate Blade Forces Leafs Star To Make Equipment Change |
|
3 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs Dodged a Bullet with Craig Berube's Questionable Decision in Overtime |
|
4 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs Choose New Path for Auston Matthews' Injury Recovery Ahead of Upcoming Schedule, per Darren Dreger |
|
4 hours ago | By Chris Gerics All Eyes on the Final Missing Piece of the Maple Leafs Defense: Craig Berube Has One More Trick Up His Sleeve |
|
6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Leafs GM Brad Treliving Missed A Big Opportunity This Offseason With Free Agent Forward |
|
7 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Announce Key Injury Update on Auston Matthews That Will Excite Fans |
|
17 hours ago | By Chris Gerics NHL Analyst Hints That the Maple Leafs Need to Trade for Penguins Forward Drew O'Connor |
Previously on HockeyPatrol