Hampus Lindholm Gushes About Bruins Teammates, Fans After Debut

BOSTON — Hampus Lindholm didn’t wait long to get involved with the Bruins.

The new defenseman, who was a trade-deadline pickup from the Anaheim Ducks, was credited with the secondary assist on David Pastrnak’s second-period goal Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Boston acquired Lindholm at the trade deadline from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore and a package of draft picks.

During an interview with NESN’s Jack Edwards at the first intermission, Lindholm did not get into specifics about the emotions behind his debut — though he did make a hilarious quip that his girlfriend thought he looked great in Bruins colors.

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Following the 3-2 victory, he spoke at length about his emotions upon joining his new team.

“I felt good. I love that feeling,” Lindholm said. “A little butterflies, a little nervous getting out there. That’s why you play the game. The fans here are unbelievable. I have to say thank you to them for supporting the whole game. It was so loud out there. It makes it more fun to play. It was good to get the first game under your belt there and get a win. That was huge for us.”

Lindholm did admit there were some things regarding Boston’s style of play that may take some getting used to after playing his entire career — nine seasons — in Anaheim.

“There’s a few things in the d-zone that were a little new,” he said. “I think I like this way of playing a little bit more. I like to be in front of the net. and be the one battling and boxing out. That kind of plays to my strengths. It’s better for me in a way, but obviously it’s going to take a little bit of adjusting.”

Of course, the way he was getting after it Thursday, you wouldn’t have known that.

“It feels great to be out there,” Lindholm said. “We have a great group of guys. There’s players on this team that make plays that normal guys don’t just make. It feels great to be a part of that and I just want to keep improving here.”