On May 9, Daniel Walcott, Gemel Smith and Mathieu Joseph created a new milestone in NHL. They formed the very first all-Black forwards line to begin the match. Dave Randorf first reported about this, and it soon made headlines.
Once the game was over, an enthusiastic Joseph spoke about the significance of the historic moment. Joseph called the move “pretty awesome.” He also mentioned that Anthony Duclair was great.
Moving on, he spoke about the right steps taken to create the moment. He also expressed gratitude towards the coaching team for their success so far in the league.
Joseph was a part all 56 Tampa Bay games this season. Thus, he has seen the team get 19 points and 12 goals.
Walcott and Smith were not regulars in the big-league roster but were called when Lightning members like Pat Maroon faced injuries and one other faced suspension.
Smith has been a part of five games this season and played as an assist thrice. The most exciting part about this game was Walcott’s debut. Although Tampa Bay lost to Florida Panthers, the game’s impact was much more than the box score.
Insights on the game that marked history all the all-Black forwards
The two top-positioned teams square off after such twiddle one’s thumbs. The championship occurred in front of 7000 enthusiastic hockey followers in Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Gemel Smith, Daniel Walcott, and Joseph were unaware that they would be setting off together just minutes previous to recess time.
The starting rounds were much more physically handled by both teams. Florida had performed 24.46 hits per minute, and Lightning scored 23.84.
Dave Randorf stated that all-Black forwards comprises a forward line, rarely seen in NHL history. Jon Cooper stated with great excitement that they are all in that game for a valid reason. They proved their credibility, and they had the greatest moments.
Lightning finished off this year’s Stanley Cup with three defeats with a combined scoreboard of 9-1. Lightning has received 77 points with a regulation win and ties with Panther. With a score of 4-0, Tamba Bay was defeated.
Daniel Walcott’s message for young Black aspirants
The score box will always be irrelevant as long as the game’s influence leaves a mark on the NHL admirers. Approximately, Black players in the National Hockey League is 3%. The efforts of those players are commendable in present years through the feeder programme, to put in some divergence in this game. The league has arranged a funding programme for some players also.
Daniel Walcott kicked off his journey on May 9, stating that young Black aspirants should take inspiration from the move they made. They should take an interest in this game and believe in themselves. He was unaware of who the linemates would be. He stated that Cooper did something rare for the young hockey aspirants.
