Alexei Melnichuk Makes First Career Start Against Arizona
4 years agoSan Jose Sharks goaltender Alexei Melnichuk will get to lead his team out on the ice for the very first time in his NHL career on Saturday. The 22-year-old Russian has logged just 9:11 of action in a relief effort prior to his first career start in a matchup against the Coyotes. His only previous experience in the league was a 5-2 loss to Los Angeles on Feb. 11. Melnichuk has posted a 7-7-4 record in the AHL this season with a 3.47 goals-against average and a .868 save percentage. It's a big step up for him here, but at least the Saint Petersburg-born goalie gets to face one of the lowest-scoring sides in the league.
Source: Sheng Peng
Source: Sheng Peng