Devils' Kalinin on Gordie Howe hat trick: 'I'm from Siberia, but we have the internet'
New Jersey Devils rookie forward Sergey Kalinin completed a Gordie Howe hat trick by scoring on a breakaway to seal Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers.
For those who don't know, a Gordie Howe hat trick is achieved after a player records a goal and an assist and participates in a fight in the same game. Kalinin, who set up Tyler Kennedy's goal in the first period, also tangled with New York's J.T. Miller late in the second for his first career NHL bout.
What a game for Sergey Kalinin! Wins his 3rd Hard Hat and gets the famous Gordie Howe hat trick. 1G, 1A, 1st fight. pic.twitter.com/2lZMSIpSYU
— NJDSk8Guy (@NJDSk8Guy) February 24, 2016
When asked if Kalinin knew who Gordie Howe was or what he accomplished, the 24-year-old Russian was quick with a joke. Via NorthJersey.com:
"I'm from Siberia, but we have the internet. So, of course, I heard about it and sometimes I thought about it, but it was just a dream. Now, it's a dream come true."
Kalinin was actually cut during his fight with Miller, leading to the latter's ejection after officials discovered that the Rangers forward had tape wrapped around his right hand.
Some quick repairs were needed for Kalinin, who has scored six goals and set up five others this season for the Devils (30-24-7).
