Rangers’ Noah Laba delivers game-winning goal in ‘special’ Michigan homecoming

Friday’s game was a big one for Noah Laba. 

With the Rangers visiting Detroit, it marked the rookie’s first time playing back in Michigan in his pro career.

Laba, who grew up going to Red Wings games, had 30+ family and friends on hand. 

It didn’t take long for him to give them something to cheer about. 

As has been the case throughout his first season in the NHL, the youngster provided a spark for the Rangers off the bat, creating a pair of early scoring opportunities. 

He had two shorthanded breakaways in the first period, but was stonewalled by Detroit's Cam Talbot each time. 

Finally in the second, though, Laba was able to get past Talbot. 

The 22-year-old planted himself in front of the net and eventually batted home a loose puck out of the air off a Alexis Lafreniere shot for what ended up being the game-winning goal in a 4-1 victory. 

It was the the third of Laba's career, and certainly one he will remember. 

“It’s hard to really explain [how it feels],” Laba said. “Obviously I’ve been to a lot of games at the Joe Louis and a lot of games here, so to be able to score in this building in the National Hockey League it’s definitely pretty special.”

Laba wouldn’t find the scorers’ sheet again, but his impact was felt all night. 

He finished with a total of three shots on goal and his line drew all three Detroit penalties. 

Early on in his career, the youngster continues to draw nothing but praise from head coach Mike Sullivan. 

“He was so great, I was thrilled for him,” Sullivan said. “He had a ton of energy out there, I’m not sure how many tickets he had to buy but I know he had a lot of people at the game, I’m sure it was exciting for them also.”