Tomas Tatar‘s game-winning goal against the Los Angeles Kings was as special as it gets.
The Detroit Red Wings forward lost his father to illness Friday but decided to take the ice Saturday night before returning home to Slovakia. Playing with a heavy heart, Tatar made it clear he wanted to suit up to honor his father.
The 23-year-old succeeded in his mission, assisting on Riley Sheahan’s first NHL goal in the first period and netting what would be the game-winning goal during the third period.
“That game and that goal was for him,” Tatar said, via the Detroit News. “I felt he was with us the whole game. It wasn’t easy, but the guys helped me a lot. They helped me think about stuff other than my dad.”
After scoring his goal, Tatar kissed his finger and pointed to the sky.
Check out Tatar’s game-winner in the video below.
