Lambert’s first NHL goal lifts confidence

For Brad Lambert, it turns out reality was even better than the countless dreams.

The Winnipeg Jets rookie forward recorded his first NHL goal in Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“It exceeded them,” said Lambert. “I’ve been dreaming of that moment. When you’re playing road hockey as a kid or whatever, you’re kind of envisioning those moments, so it’s pretty special.”

Playing in his ninth NHL game, Lambert got himself to the back post and banged home a pass from Parker Ford, who went around the net on the backhand.

There was an element of relief for Lambert, who had a glorious chance to achieve this feat last season on Dec. 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks but had his shot from the slot sail wide.

Ford has been a frequent linemate of Lambert’s with the Manitoba Moose, so it was fitting the two connected for this marker.

“Yeah, it’s awesome. You couldn’t write it up any better,” said Lambert. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. He made a great play on that goal.”

For Ford, it was the first assist of his NHL career to go along with his first NHL goal, which came against the Boston Bruins in his Jets debut.

There was no question who was going to be in possession of that memorable memento.

“I think he’ll let me have it,” said Lambert. “He’s obviously got his goal (puck).”

The timing for Lambert couldn’t have been better, as he’s been involved in a three-way battle for playing time with Ford and Nikita Chibrikov.

With captain Adam Lowry (hip) expected to return to the lineup as early as Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings when the Jets open a six-game road trip, a roster move is expected to make room for the captain.

Goal aside, Lambert had his most effective outing of the campaign, using his speed effectively to create some offensive zone time for the line that also includes Cole Koepke.

The ability to generate while on the fourth line rather than playing in the middle-six forward group is also important for Lambert, since those opportunities could be even more limited once Cole Perfetti returns to action later this month.

By gaining the trust of the coaching staff, Lambert is showing he might be able to supply some complementary scoring no matter where you play him.

Most importantly, by finding the back of the net, Lambert won’t be spending any time worrying when that first goal might come — further unlocking his potential.

“Yeah, regardless of whether they’re going in or not, you try to play your game. But 100 per cent, it gives you more confidence,” said Lambert. “To see the puck going in the net and whenever you have success, it will boost your game a bit.”

Saturday also marked Lambert’s first NHL game against Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, which was special in its own way.

“I think every kid that comes in the league now has followed him ever since they were three or four years old. As have I,” said Lambert. “He’s been a big idol of mine growing up. I’ve loved watching him play. I love his mentality. As someone I’ve looked up to from a young age and being able to play against him was obviously special.”

Seeing Lambert soak in his special moment was something that gave his Jets teammates a boost.

“Those guys have needed to step up with the injuries we’ve had,” said Jets left-winger Kyle Connor, who scored a pair of goals, including one on a penalty shot. “They’ve done a great job, all three of those guys. No questions asked, whatever you ask them to do they come in there and do the job. Each one of them brings a different element. It’s fun, you need that, you need everybody top to bottom to contribute in the lineup. Hopefully we’re healthy the rest of the year, but teams go through this. We need everybody to step up.”

After Saturday’s game, Connor was also asked if he remembered his first NHL goal, which came on Oct. 16 of 2016 against the Dallas Stars.

“I sure do,” said Connor, who is up to eight goals and 18 points in 12 games. “Nikky Ehlers made a pass to me on a two-on-one, I scored my first goal. It’s a huge milestone. You get to the NHL, you think about everybody that’s helped you out to get there. There’s so (many) people that affect our lives — family, coaches, teammates. And then once you’re there, it’s about trying to make that next step, trying to contribute, make a difference, score a goal.

“Definitely awesome for Lambo. He’s looked great. He was skating really well tonight. For him to go to the net and score the way he did, it was great. We were happy for him.”

Jets head coach Scott Arniel has spoken frequently about how he’s been encouraged by the play of Lambert, Ford and Chibrikov, even with limited offensive production.

But Arniel conceded that it was nice to see Lambert rewarded with a moment he won’t soon forget.

“Everybody’s pretty appreciative and excited for him to get that, to get it out of the way,” said Arniel. “I know he had some chances. He’s played in games before, last year, this year. You love to see it. Nice play. You maybe expect more of a flashy, down the wing, beat somebody type of goal because he has that skill set, but it’s great to see that he goes to the net. Parker makes a good play there. And obviously, that was big getting that second goal.”

Now that this first is out of the way, Lambert will go back to work in the chase to try and solidify his spot on the NHL roster.

And before he began the process of responding to the many text messages congratulating him on the achievement, Lambert had something else to take care of first — presumably thanks to a prank his teammates had pulled off.

“I was actually looking for my clothes, I don’t know where they went,” said Lambert. “I have yet to find out what’s going on. They were over there at my stall when I went to play the game, and I came back and they were gone. We’ll see if I can find them here.”

FINE LEVIED: Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin received a US$5,000 fine — the maximum allowable under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement — for his slash to the hand of Jets defenceman Logan Stanley. Malkin was assessed a slashing minor on the play at 15:37 of the first period.

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld