Ilya Solovyov Scores First Career NHL Goal Against Blue Jackets

Key Highlights

• Solovyov took the pass in stride, stepped into the offensive zone, and snapped a wrist shot past Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzļikins to open his NHL scoring account. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe emotion was immediate and unmistakable.
• Seconds after the puck hit the back of the net, Solovyov thrust his fist into the air, kicked his right skate upward, and let out a jubilant scream before leaping into Burns’ arms.
• Teammates quickly surrounded him, with Jack Drury, Cale Makar, and others joining the celebration to congratulate their teammate on the long-awaited moment. Solovyov Overcomes StrugglesSolovyov’s journey to his first NHL goal has been anything but easy.
• The 25-year-old defenseman was claimed off waivers by the Avalanche from the Calgary Flames on October 3, but initially struggled to carve out a consistent role in Colorado’s lineup.
• He appeared in nine games before enduring a stretch of 18 consecutive games as a healthy scratch, eventually earning a conditioning stint with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat stood out during that challenging stretch was Solovyov’s persistence.