Bruins’ Michael Callahan Describes ‘Dream’ Come True Moment

Franklin, Mass. native Michael Callahan scored his first NHL goal Tuesday night in the Boston Bruins 7-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.

His first-period goal with just 36 seconds remaining in the frame gave the Bruins an early 2-0 lead over the Devils. Callahan was all smiles as he described the play that led to his first tally.

“I think we just had good possession in the O-zone,” Callahan said. “We got a couple looks, and we just kept possession down low. That was kind of one of our keys to the games today. And then (Parker Wotherspoon) got it and zipped it over, and I just tried to get it off my stick as quick as I could.

“Once I shot it, I kind of saw the goalie was maybe screened a bit and didn’t really see it coming, and it snuck in. It felt good.”

By the time he met with reporters in the visitors’ locker room, he had already spoken to members of his squad.

“I texted my mom and my family and my girlfriend already. So, yeah, they’re pretty happy,” Callahan said. “It’s just a dream. The past couple of months have been so awesome for me to get a shot at the big club. I just try to keep coming in every day and work as hard as I can to help the team in any way. The win toghit and contribute to the win, too: it feels good.”

Callahan notched his first professional goal on the same night that several other milestones were reached. David Pastrnak reached 100 points for his third straight season with a goal and two assists. Morgan Geekie lit the lamp for the 30th time this season — for the first time in his career. Fraser Minten scored his first goal in a Bruins sweater, and Fabian Lysell recorded his first NHL point with the primary assist on Casey Mittelstadt’s 15th goal of the campaign.

“That’s awesome,” Callahan said of sharing the night with his teammates. “I mean, you know, things haven’t been going great recently, and to have that kind of good feeling again, it’s awesome. A lot of guys really stepped up tonight … it feels good.”

The 6-foot-2, 199-pound defenseman has averaged 14:04 ice time in the 16 games he’s played for Boston. He has earned a little more playing time with key defenseman Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm sidelined with injuries. Callahan recorded one goal and five assists in 35 games with Providence before being called up to the NHL club.