The Dallas Stars were in Madison Square Garden Monday night to take on the New York Rangers. The Stars were able to get two big points as they won by a final score of 5-3, thanks to many individual contributions, including a two-goal performance by Joe Pavelski. However, all the attention post-game was around Stars defenceman Stephen Johns.
-
With 12:08 remaining in the second period, Johns scored on a rocket shot from the point to put his team up 3-2. It was a big goal to begin with, but what really made it significant was that it was the 27-year-old's first goal in nearly two calendar years.
Johns was forced to miss all last season and 47 games of this campaign due to ongoing concussion symptoms. It was an extremely emotional moment for Johns, who admitted he questioned whether he would ever be able to play hockey again. To add to the emotion, Johns' parents were also in the crowd and able to see their son score the massive goal.
-
“My parents were here tonight. Throughout this whole process it wasn't just me going through hell. As parents, they want to help. For them to be here and see that, I know my dad was for sure crying. I'm pretty excited to go see them and give them a big hug. You know as parents, they want to help but they couldn't. I know they were hurting the whole time I was too. That was the only thing going through my mind was coming through the line and finding them in the stands and pointing at them.”
Since finally being able to return to play, Johns has three points in four games, including both the goal and an assist from Monday's game. It is safe to say that Johns will have gained himself quite a few fans after going through the tough journey these past few years. Him returning is simply remarkable and it wouldn't be surprising to see him end up winning the Bill Masterton trophy at season's end.
