Wings Blog

Category: Red Wings

McCollum, Larsson make shutout debut

Give goalie Thomas McCollum, the Red Wings' first-round draft pick in June, credit for being ready at all times.

He responded nicely to an unexpected call to duty Saturday night in a 4-0 victory over the New York Rangers' youngsters in the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.

McCollum wasn't scheduled to play until Sunday's game, but he received a big surprise midway through the second period in the tournament opener.

Daniel Larsson, a third-round pick two years ago, had been impressive in making 15 saves when he suddenly came to the bench and announced he was cramping up and couldn't play anymore.

McCollum entered the net with no warm-up period and was almost immediately challenged when one of the Rangers broke in on the wing and fired a high slap shot. McCollum deflected it with his blocker, one of his 15 saves.

Both young goalies were making their debuts with the Wings' organization.

"He was supposed to play the whole game," McCollum said of Larsson. "He got cramps in his legs and his one hand. I thought he was just coming to the bench because they (the Rangers) were getting a penalty. He looked over and said 'I can't play anymore. I have a cramp.'

"I just kind of hopped over the boards and went to the other end of the bench to get my helmet and gloves because I figured they'd help, and just popped right out. I tried to get the blood flowing a little bit, I look up and I got a guy bearing down the wing. A shot usually helps, but I don't know about a point-blank slap shot. I stopped it so I can't complain."

It was only a Prospects Tournament game, but for an 18-year-old to handle that type of situation, something he certainly hasn't prepared for when he's used to being the No. 1 goalie, actually could bode well for McCollum.

Goalie coach Jim Bedard said earlier in the day that McCollum's "composure is really great."

The youngster showed it by coming to the rescue and finishing off the shutout.