Elmont, N.Y. — The coincidence was incredible, and Red Wings forward Chase Pearson knew it right away.
His dad Scott Pearson played 292 games over a 12-year NHL career that ended with two games played with the New York Islanders during the 1999-2000 season.
On Thursday, at the Islanders' new home at UBS Arena, Chase Pearson was to make his NHL debut with the Wings.
"It's pretty cool," Chase Pearson said after the morning skate. "To play my first game against the team he played for, that's pretty neat."
Scott Pearson, Chase's stepmom, and several friends were scheduled to fly in for the NHL debut, which has been a long time coming for Chase.