The Detroit Red Wings’ 3-0 victory Sunday over the New Jersey Devils was a feel-good win.
They felt good to bounce back after a pair of losses at home (0-1-1), to win their first game without injured captain Dylan Larkin, to see newly acquired defenseman Justin Faulk make a seamless transition, to know that goaltender John Gibson is fine despite leaving after the second period due to an injury.
They also felt good seeing Dominik Shine score his first NHL goal.
“Everyone had smiles on their faces when he scored, and I think that says a lot, not only about this team, but also what he brings to our team,” Moritz Seider told media in New Jersey.
Shine’s goal at 10:24 of the third period provided added insurance at 3-0. He went to the net and buried a nice backhand pass through the crease from James van Riemsdyk.
“It’s just a great play by JVR and good forecheck by (Michael Rasmussen) and (Seider) there, but man, it felt good,” Shine told media.
“It means the world. There’s a ton of guys like me who work their (rears) off in the American League, do whatever it takes, fight, grind, and just feels really good.”
Shine, at 32 years and 342 days, became the oldest Red Wings player at the time of his first NHL goal since Vaclav Nedomansky (33 years, 269 days on Dec. 8, 1977).
It came during his 14th NHL game, all with the Red Wings over the past two seasons.
The native of Pinckney, Mich., and Northern Michigan University product has played in 521 AHL games, all with the Grand Rapids Griffins over the past 10 seasons.
“At the end of the day, I just want to work hard wherever I am,” Shine said. “If it’s here or it’s Grand Rapids or whatever it is, I just want to leave my mark on be a hard-working guy and someone people respect.”
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said everyone on the bench was excited for Shine.
“He’s done a lot for the organization, not just with our team, but in Grand Rapids over the years,” McLellan said in his postgame address. “He’s hit, he’s fought, he’s blocked shots. Now he’s got a puck to put on his wall, and we’re all happy for him.”
Said Shine: “I get a little emotional thinking about it. I got a 2-year-old, almost 3-year-old and one on the way. So, my wife’s at home taking care of our kid and two dogs. I’m just really, really happy right now.”