Alexandre Fortin checked one career first off his list on October 11 when he skated in his first NHL game. He hopes another comes soon in the form of his first goal.
While pointless through two games, Fortin has flashed enough speed and reliability that the Blackhawks bumped him up the lineup after the first game. They now have him on the second line with Nick Schmaltz and Patrick Kane, a combination that continued in practice on Monday. It shows trust and opportunity from the coaching staff.
"It means a lot to have the chance to play with those two guys," Fortin said. "It gives me some momentum to my game and I think I just have to play my game. Those two can manage the puck a lot. I have to just keep things simple, use my speed, go to the net and things will happen when I play with two good players like that. It's a lot of fun to be able to play with guys like them."
Fortin had four shots in Sunday night's win over St. Louis and was in the dirty areas in front of the net on several occasions. The lack of a goal was not a disappointment for him as he knows it will come with more performances like that.
"I think if you keep doing it night after night, it will just happen," he said. "I'm going to keep doing it. I think with a little more chances it will go in the net at one point. I think as long as I do my work and do what I'm doing right now, and use my speed, I think good things will happen and it will be a lot of fun."
BLOG: Fortin continues pursuit of first NHL goal
Two games into his NHL career, Alexandre Fortin is believes his first goal will come soon if he continues playing as he has
