WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Adam Werner was short on breath but long on smiles.
The Avalanche’s third-string goalie had just removed his pads in the Jets’ visiting locker room Tuesday night following a 4-0 victory in his NHL debut that proved equal parts inspiring and unlikely.
Werner was called upon in net 31 seconds into the game when Pavel Francouz appeared temporarily knocked unconscious. Forty saves later, and it was time for the 22-year-old Swede to celebrate with teammates.
“You need to have a dream,” Werner said. “Work for it and be prepared if something happens.