MORNING SKATE NOTES
600 for Sergy
It’s a significant milestone night as Sergachev will play his 600th career NHL game. The defenseman started his career in Montreal (4 GP) before joining the Tampa Bay Lightning where he won two Stanley Cup Championships and played 471 regular season games. Tonight will be Sergachev’s 125th game with Utah. Following morning skate, Sergachev reflected on his favorite games in the first 600 regular season contests he’s played.
“My first two goals in the NHL,” Sergachev said of his favorite memories. “We won two-nothing, I scored two. It was nice. Probably one of the biggest moments in the regular season. (Steven Stamkos) first assisted on that goal and the second goal was (Nikita Kucherov). I remember that and we won 2-0, a big game, so I’ll say that (as my favorite regular season game).”
Sergachev also shared who in his life has helped him get to the NHL and this moment.
“My wife, my parents, they were huge. Obviously my parents growing up, they would take me to all the tournaments. Instead of taking days off, they would bring me anywhere to play hockey. Obviously, I appreciate that a lot.”
It’s one thing to make the NHL, it’s another to reach a significant milestone like 600 games played.
“The difference in the NHL is your skill level, your talent, and stuff like that, yes, but the NHL is a daily league,” Tourigny explained. “You need to be able to do it every day and do it with consistency.”
Sergachev has been consistent and brought a lot to the Mammoth both on and off the ice.
“He’s a good pro,” Tourigny said. “Obviously a really talented player but (Sergachev) is one of those guys who has the offensive talent but has a lot of pride in his defensive side of the puck. I think he’s in great shape, he’s a good athlete … he won Stanley Cups, been on Championship teams, been a veteran on the team, so (he) brings that veteran presence.”