NY Islanders defenseman Marshall Warren reacts to emotional multi-point debut

Marshall Warren’s NHL debut doubled as both a personal milestone and a continuation of the New York Islanders’ point streak, even in defeat. The 24-year-old defenseman recorded two assists in his first NHL game — a 4-3 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers — as New York extended its run to five straight games with at least one point.

“It was pretty emotional,” Warren said postgame. “A lot of hard work. Would have loved to get the win, but it was a really cool experience and one I’ll remember for a lifetime.”

Warren had a sizeable group of supporters in the building. “That’s what it’s all about — friends and family,” he said. “It takes a village to get here.” He added that his father stayed back to be with his grandfather, who is hospitalized. “Hopefully he gets to watch soon,” he said.

The Long Island native said the pace did not overwhelm him. “You’re just playing hockey… you’ve been doing it for 20 years,” Warren said. “Everything slowed down a little bit.”

His first assist came on Anthony Duclair’s second-period goal, when Warren slid a pass through the slot. His second came when Maxim Tsyplakov redirected his point shot in the third to give New York a short-lived 3-2 lead. Asked what he will do with the puck from his first point, Warren said he will “probably give it to my mom.”

Per NHL PR,Warren became the fourth defenseman since 2010-11 to collect a point in NHL debut. Also: Matthew Schaefer (0-1—1 on Oct. 9), Noah Dobson (0-1—1 on Oct. 8, 2019) and Mark Katic (0-1—1 on Feb. 24, 2011).

The Islanders, who had won four straight entering the night, led three separate times before Philadelphia forced overtime and won in the shootout behind Trevor Zegras, who scored twice in regulation and again in the skills competition. Despite the result, Warren called the night affirming. “It was cool learning from everyone,” he said. “Really emotional — really cool.”