With upper-body injuries sidelining Trevor Lewis and Marian Gaborik, rookie Andy Andreoff is likely to make his NHL debut tonight. At line rushes earlier today, he centered wingers Kyle Clifford and Jordan Nolan.
On the feelings ahead of his first NHL game:
Obviously I’m going to be a little nervous for my first NHL game. It helps a lot with the guys on the team. They keep me pretty close and everyone has gone through it. You just have to get the jitters out first shift with a big hit or a simple play. I’m looking forward to it.
On centering a line with Kyle Clifford and Jordan Nolan:
I played with them in Vegas there. So we had a little chemistry going. They’re really good. They work hard in the corners. I’m looking forward to playing with them.
On whether his family is in town for the game:
My family has been down for about a week so far. So it’s definitely nice for them to be here for my first NHL game. I’m not even surprised that they’re here. They’ve always been supporting me my whole life. I’m excited to celebrate the first game with them. [Reporter: How many family members?] It’s my mom, sister, brother-in-law and my little niece are here.
On what he imagined his first NHL game would be like when he was a kid:
It’s a little bit like this. You’ve been dreaming about it your whole life. Playing in the drive way, a little road hockey with your buddies at home. It’s great to be in such a great organization for your first NHL team. Just practicing with them in the playoffs and watching them and learning all the little details that they do to win a Stanley Cup. So I’m excited to be a part of that team now this year.
On whether any significance to the number 15:
I was number 15 in the OHL with the Generals. I kind of used to like the number and it helped me out in Junior. So why not wear it in the NHL? [Reporter: Did you take it as a sign that you’re a more established player, having a lower number?] Yeah, I guess so. As soon as after training camp they gave me a heads up saying congratulations, do you want to change your number and stuff? I was lucky that 15 was open. I was happy about that.
On family and friends following the game in Canada:
I’m sure my family and friends will all be watching the game. They’ve been supporting me through my whole career. [Reporter: They won’t mind staying up late?] No not them, I’m really close with all of them. I’m sure I’ll be getting a lot of messages after the game.
On whether he has received advice from his teammates:
Yeah because they’ve all been through it, especially the older guys that are giving me a heads up and putting me under their wing. That’s why I guess they’re such a good team, they’re really close.
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