Alexander Holtz struck with first NHL goal: "I was really happy"

The goal came in a powerplay attack in the first period, where compatriot Jesper Bratt saw that Holtz had a lot of space on the left wing.

Holtz quickly shot the puck, which found its way between the glove and shin guard of Philadelphia's Carter Hart.

- I was really happy, I have put in so much work to get here.

But unfortunately it wasn't enough for victory, he says in an interview with the club after the match.

20-year-old Alexander Holtz, who played youth ice hockey in Nacka and Djurgården before moving across the Atlantic, made his NHL debut and played nine games last season, thus scoring his and the club's first goal of the season, and also the first goal of his NHL career.

Short-lived joy

Now perhaps the joy of the goal did not last too long.

23 seconds later, Philadelphia had equalized, and scored three more goals in subsequent periods.

Bratt was credited with a tie on Damon Severson's layup goal, but New Jersey never got any closer, losing the game 2–5.

But by using the players' speed better, and having more focus, it can be difficult for the opponents to catch up with the Devils, Holtz believes.

- I want to help build a winning team.

I think we have something going on, and we have to continue to build on it, he says.