When Andrew Ladd scored what would turn out to be the Arizona Coyotes' only goal of Saturday afternoon in Buffalo, it was a lamp-lighting that was a long time in coming.
Ladd's goal was the 17-year forward's first since March 10, 2020, scored for the New York Islanders against the Vancouver Canucks two days before the NHL paused the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
No one then could have foreseen how long there would be no hockey. For Ladd — who'd worked his way back from two knee surgeries — it ended his season at four games played in the NHL and 34 with the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate.