Lucas Raymond has hit the big time in a different category: Now he’s giving post-game interviews to the Swedish media after his big moments:
Here’s a rough translation what Raymond had to say to Aftonbladet’s Per Bjurman after his overtime goal in the Red Wings’ 3-2 victory over Buffalo on Saturday:
Raymond’s new success–decided the OT goal
New York: The story only continues for Lucas Raymond. Last night, he became the game hero for Detroit–by scoring his 9th goal of the season in overtime.
With that, he pulls away at the top of the rookies’ points league–and in the Red Wings’ internal point leadership.
“It’s obviously fun, but I only see it as a bonus. It’s more important that the team plays well,” says the sensational 19-year-old to Sportbladet after the 3-2 victory.
The overtime between the Red Wings and Buffalo in Little Caesars Arena had just begun when the NHL’s hottest rookie by far had gotten the puck.
He was in his own zone then, but a few seconds later, he had banked in the decisive 3-2 goal behind Dustin Tokarski.
“I got a nice drop pass from Dylan Larkin and saw an opening, so I went. Once inside their zone, I could use their defenseman (none other than Rasmus Dahlin. Editor’s note) as a ‘screen’ and the puck went in,” says Lucas by phone from Motown.
“It was nice of course to see it go in. We played a good game and should have decided it earlier.”
“I only see it as a bonus”
The goal was the 9th of the season for the 19-year-old from Gothenburg. He also has 12 assists under his belt, and thus 21 points in 22 games. The youngster is thus almost scoring a point per game. HE not only leads the rookies in points with a powerful seven-point margin, but he’s also number one on the Red Wings in points as well.
“It’s obviously fun that I’m producing, but I only see it as a bonus. It’s important that the team plays well,” he says, continuing:
“I don’t think much about it, I just try to play as good hockey as possible and help the team in that way.”
The team, now surprisingly only one point out of the playoffs, is guaranteed to be grateful.
Raymond also addressed that topic while speaking with Expressen’s Gunnar Nordstrom:
Lucas answers the question if he feels that the Red Wings could secure a place in the playoffs?
“It feels like we have all the conditions necessary to get to the playoffs, and it’s up to us if we are to get there. I think we have good chances, and everyone on the team works extremely hard to get there every day,” says Lucas.
AWood40 posted a highlight clip from Saturday’s game as well:
