Riley Barber made his NHL debut Friday night at Verizon Center. And although he was kept off the score sheet, as were many Caps in the 2-1 game, Barber took to social media claiming it was a night he will never forget.
CSN interviewed Barber during the second intermission of Friday’s game, where he was asked about the experience of playing in his first NHL game. Barber’s response was a classic rookie response.
“it’s definitely a lot faster out there”. -Riley Barber
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) February 25, 2017
Coach Trotz discussed Barber’s debut during his post game media session Friday night. Trotz said that Barber was originally called up “as an extra part and all of a sudden he was in the fray”. Coach Trotz on Barber’s NHL debut.
Many of Barber’s family were able to make the trip to Washington to see his debut. Barber thanked everyone on his Instagram account following the game. “Thanks to my family for making it to my first NHL game. It was a night I’ll never forget.”
The “Bambino”, as Barber is known amongst his colleagues, also received congratulations from his Hershey brethren following the game.
Congrats to the great bambino on his first game in the show! @rileybarber94#welldeservedbrother
— Liam O’Brien (@ob61) February 25, 2017
Congrats to my brother and roommie @rileybarber94 on making his NHL debut tonight with the @Capitals
— Madison Bowey (@m_bows4) February 25, 2017
Barber is likely to get another start on Saturday when the Caps visit the Predators in Nashville.
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVA_Caps