It took six-and-a-half years, two different trades, and until the fourth game of the 2020-21 NHL season, but Kasperi Kapanen finally made his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.
He absolutely made the most of it in a 5-4 overtime win against the Washington Capitals.
Kapanen was not only the Penguins’ best player in the game, he was the one consistent bright spot on a night where the team seemed to be sleep walking through the first half of the game. It was an encouraging debut not only because he helped spark a come-from-behind win, but for the potential he showed for the remainder of the season and the impact he might be able to make.