Last night was a spectacular NHL debut for Garret Sparks. With James Reimer injured in the middle of what may be his career year, and Jonathan Bernier benched for poor performance, Sparks, who only months ago was playing in Orlando with the Solar Bears, got the call up and go ahead for his NHL debut.
His performance was amazing; stopping 24 shots on goal and earning a shutout against the high octane Edmonton Oilers.
It was an incredible moment for Sparks, who struggled through the minor leagues for several years. Indeed, when informed he was the first ever Leafs goalie to earn a shutout in his NHL debut he was visibly overcome with emotion.