Dekanich Makes NHL Debut with Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Mark Dekanich, a former Colgate standout, made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut Saturday with Nashville, replacing starting goaltender Anders Lindback midway through the first period in the Predators' 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
Dekanich, who was recalled December 4 from the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL), replaced Lindback at 9 minutes, 59 seconds of the first period with Nashville trailing 3-1. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native stopped 22 of 25 shots in 49 minutes, 59 seconds of action.
"It's a privilege to play at this level," Dekanich said. "I didn't get very many bounces tonight. That's the way it goes. I'm sure I will remember it for the rest of my life. It's something that a lot of kids dream about but never get the chance to do."
Dekanich was called up December 3 after a lower-body injury knocked Rinne out for 10 days. He spent seven games backing up goaltender Lindback.
