Yakemchuk makes immediate impact for Senators in NHL debut

Carter Yakemchuk scored and assisted in his NHL debut as the Ottawa Senators defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 and moved into the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Carter Yakemchuk was called up Monday night while at home in Belleville, Ontario and drove about five and a half hours to Detroit. He arrived at the hotel in the early morning with little sleep and did not take part in a morning skate. The 20-year-old defenseman made his NHL debut Tuesday and was named the game's First Star. His goal and assist helped the Ottawa Senators beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 and move into the second wild card position in the Eastern Conference. Key details: - Yakemchuk received the call Monday night in Belleville and drove roughly 5½ hours to join the team in Detroit. - He had little rest and did not participate in a morning skate before the game. - In his NHL debut the 20-year-old defenseman recorded a goal and an assist and was named First Star in a 3-2 win over Detroit. - His family attended the game after traveling from Calgary to Toronto to Detroit. - The Senators are on a 15-3-2 run, had been last in the Atlantic Division two months ago, and now hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. - Teammates commented on the occasion: Lars Eller praised how Yakemchuk handled the situation, and captain Brady Tkachuk likened the game to a playoff atmosphere. Summary: The win and Yakemchuk's contributions extended Ottawa's recent strong stretch and placed the team into the second wild card position in the East. Undetermined at this time.