Los Angeles Kings Goalie Troy Grosenick Won His First NHL Game In Six Years On Wednesday Night

Every once in a while, a sports story comes along that makes people feel upbeat. Tonight, L.A. Kings goalie Troy Grosenick gave us that story.

Grosenick was unexpectedly called upon for the Kings tonight when Cal Peterson was placed on the COVID-19 list just hours before the game. Due to the fact that Jonathan Quick was already sidelined because of an upper-body injury, it was Grosenick’s time to shine. He hadn’t appeared an an NHL game since 2014, when he played in just two games for the San Jose Sharks.

No problem.

Troy Grosenick was phenomenal tonight, stopping 33 of the 34 shots he saw en route to a 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. While we all marveled at the storyline that comes with Grosenick’s achievement, he was quick to downplay the whole performance.

“Finding out late, honestly, I don’t think it really matters too much for me,” said Grosenick via ESPN. “It’s the same thing. Take the next shot as it comes. If you’re prepared for anything, things don’t take you by surprise as much.”

After appearing in the NHL, Grosenick has spent the past seven seasons bouncing around in the AHL. He was on the Kings’ opening night roster, but was placed on waivers, claimed by the Predators, and then re-claimed by the Kings. Through his whirlwind run in professional hockey, Troy Grosenick never gave up. On Wednesday night, he was rewarded for his perseverance.

With his six years and 112 days between NHL wins, Troy Grosenick had the seventh longest stretch of time between wins in league history.

Kings coach Todd McLellan spoke on how the team viewed this opportunity for their goaltender.

“The guys played hard for him,” he said. “I think it was a motivating factor to get off to a good start. It was good to see, and certainly not easy circumstances with as little as he’s played this year. Good for him.”

Good for him, indeed.

Mark Troy Grosenick down as an early candidate for NHL feel-good story of the year.

Welcome to the game outside the game! Follow us on our Sideaction Twitter handle, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest on sports and pop culture news across the web!