Even though he wasn't part of the Ottawa Senators organization for long, Donovan Sebrango became a fan favorite among Sens fans. Sebrango was born in Ottawa to make the fans love him more.
Sebrango played in 80 career AHL games with the Belleville Senators, but only four career NHL games in Ottawa. On Oct. 15, Sebrango was claimed off waivers by the Florida Panthers.
Seeing Sebrango leave the Senators for the Panthers did hurt some Sens fans. However, Sens fans will still be rooting for the 23-year-old. Tonight, Sebrango made a big step in his NHL career.
Sebrango records first NHL point, has best game of his young career
Tonight, the Panthers took on the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. It was in Sin City where Sebrango finally made a big step in his career.
The game was buzzing early when Sebrango got into a fight just 2:16 into the game against Jeremy Lauzon. Sebrango's impact got bigger later in the first period.
Sebrango recorded his first career NHL point when he recorded the primary assist on Jesper Boqvist's goal to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead 14:47 into the game. At the first intermission, Sebrango gave credit to his mother, Kim.
"She's the reason I'm here, so that's for her," Sebrango said.
Nearly 11 minutes into the second period, Sebrango recorded the secondary assist on Brad Marchand's goal to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
The Panthers defeated the Golden Knights by a final score of 3-2, and Sebrango was a major factor. Sebrango finished the game with two assists, one fight and a +2 rating in over 12 minutes of ice time. Sebrango was a goal shy of recording a Gordie Howe hat trick.
Since he's been picked up by Florida, Sebrango has fit in well. Sebrango now has his first NHL point under his belt and has played five games with the team. Sebrango has a +4 rating with the Panthers as well.