Just before the start of Tuesday night’s game at the New York Islanders, Panthers goalie coach Robb Tallas had a prophetic moment.
“I won my first NHL game against the Islanders,” Tallas told Panthers rookie goalie Harri Sateri. “Now it’s time you do the same.”
That’s exactly what happened. Sateri made 32 saves in a 4-1 win over the Islanders, which came a full decade after he was drafted in the fourth round by the San Jose Sharks.
Tuesday’s victory was a dream scenario for Sateri, who has battled his way through Russia’s Kontinental League and Finland’s Liiga as well as the American Hockey League.