Two weeks after obtaining a contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, goaltender Dustin Tokarski proved that he still had his place in the National Hockey League (NHL).
On Sunday, the 35-year-old veteran made 27 saves in a 4-1 victory for the Canes over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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It was his first start in the Bettman circuit since February 18, 2023, when the Saskatchewan native wore the colors of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I did it like any other game, that’s how you have to approach it,” Tokarski said after the game, whose comments were reported by the NHL website. I’m just doing the work that got me here. Luckily it worked, and the guys were incredible in front of me.”
The Hurricanes offered a two-way contract to the former Montreal Canadiens on December 2. A few weeks earlier, Tokarski had signed a tryout contract in the American Hockey League with the Chicago Wolves.
“I have been living day by day for 30 days and I will continue like this. But I’m grateful for the opportunity, grateful for the trust. I take full advantage of it. I have absolutely nothing to complain about.”
In five games with the Wolves, Tokarski has been dominant. He maintained a 4-1-0 record, a .933 save percentage and a 1.61 goals-against average.
His match in front of the Canes net was his 81e in the NHL. The goalie also defended the cage for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres.
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