Hendrix Lapierre achieved an incredible feat on Friday—he scored a goal in an NHL game, breaking a goalless streak that had lasted 90 games.
After a puck landed at his feet, Lapierre took a shot from the side of the net that slipped past Flames goaltender Devin Cooley. “SCORE!! HENDRIX! LAPIERRE! And he gets King Kong off his back!” exclaimed Joe Beninati of Monumental Sports Network, capturing the excitement perfectly.
His teammates celebrated like they had just clinched the Stanley Cup, joining him along the boards for an enthusiastic high-five. The energy was electric on the bench too.
When asked by Al Koken during the second intermission about his goal, Lapierre said, “I think my teammates are more pumped.” He explained that while they try not to focus on individual stats, this moment felt special. “It feels really good. Now we can just play hockey and aim for a big win.”
His last goal before this one was on March 18, 2024, against Calgary. He didn’t score in the final 15 games of the 2023-24 season, nor in 27 games the following year. This long stretch without a goal was the longest active streak in the NHL. “I’ve been trying to get in the right areas all season,” Lapierre said. “It’s obviously fun to score, but to score a big one in a big game makes it even better.”
Interestingly, Lapierre has now scored two goals in just two games against the Flames. Perhaps facing them every night wouldn’t be a bad idea!
Way to go, Hendrix!
In the larger context of the NHL, breaking a slump like Lapierre’s can be a major psychological boost. According to recent studies, players often experience improved performance after ending long periods without scoring. This highlights how crucial mental resilience is in sports—something experts like sports psychologist Dr. Sarah McKenzie emphasize regularly. She suggests that players need steadfast support from their teammates to shake off slumps like Lapierre did.
Fans on social media have also reacted positively. Many have taken to Twitter to celebrate his comeback, with hashtags like #LapierreGoal trending the night of his score. It just goes to show how much a moment like this resonates beyond the ice.
For more insights into the mental aspects of sports performance, check out recent articles from sources like [ESPN](https://www.espn.com). They delve deeper into how players can overcome challenges and find success.
Hendrix’s journey underscores not just personal achievement but also the emotional connections in sports—both for players and fans alike.
