The match may not be a dream start for Johansson. But the Swede saved 18 of 21 shots in a match that led to both an extension and a penalty, where Johansson scored two goals, deciding the match to Detroit's advantage. The final figures were written 4–3.
The 24-year-old, who previously played in Brynäs and Almtuna, has played more than two seasons in the farmer league before he was recently called up to Buffalo, where he made a run in the loss game against Colorado earlier this week.
The NHL start was started in the worst possible way, where Johansson was forced to drop the very first shot. But then he saved the following 13.
- It's been like a roller coaster, ever since I was drafted. This has always been the goal. It's nice to be rewarded and to be here. Just take it in and enjoy every moment, the Swede said after the first call to Buffalo News.
Buffalo is in a heavy period of losing five of the last six matches. The team is burdened by injuries to several key players, many of whom are Swedish. Goalkeeper Linus Ullmark, sack Rasmus Dahlin and striker Victor Olofsson were missing.
However, Johan Larsson was back on the ice again.