DETROIT - Here was Joe Hicketts, all 5-foot-8 of him, appearing in his second NHL game, in the starting lineup for the Detroit Red Wings, going up against a larger than life hockey figure in Sidney Crosby.
The 21-year-old defenseman was nervous. Then disaster struck, as Crosby scored 38 seconds into the game.
Long night ahead? Not quite. It turned out to be a special night for Hicketts. He recorded his first NHL points, a pair of assists, and the Red Wings defeated the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 at Little Caesars Arena.
Joe Hicketts records first points as a Red Wing
Hicketts, recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins Monday following news last week that Mike Green, needing neck surgery, is out for the remainder of the season, is hoping to show the Red Wings he is NHL-ready.