LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Kings have been struggling on offense recently, but on Wednesday, they got a spark from an unlikely source: rookie forward Samuel Helenius.
The 2021 second-round pick has never been known for offense and had just two assists heading into Wednesday's contest against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. After another 40 minutes without finding the net, the Kings' fourth line got them a crucial goal.
A Jordan Spence point shot landed in front of Spencer Knight and a second effort from Tanner Jeannot left Helenius with an open net to poke the puck into.
Samuel Helenius ties it up for Los Angeles with his FIRST NHL GOAL!#GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/1Z1uCUaFNd
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) January 23, 2025
It was a massive goal for Helenius and the team, tying the game with 13 minutes left in the third period, a game they went on to win 2-1.
First career goals are always special, but they're maybe a little more special for a player like Helenius. We all knew the Connor Bedard's and Connor McDavid's of the world would find that first goal and more. But for someone like Helenius, it was far less guaranteed.
You could see it in his teammate's reactions too, all four players on the ice celebrated as if they had scored the goal when they saw Helenius put the puck in.
"I don't think anyone expected Sammy to score his first NHL goal this season," said head coach Jim Hiller. "So it's kind of extra special that way, he had a great summer, finished the season strong in Ontario last season, a great playoffs. But no expectations to help us this season, so all of those things combined, you're really happy for him."
It's been a long road to the NHL for Helenius, who plays a heavy, physical game to match his 6-foot-6 frame, and he was rewarded for the work he's put in on Wednesday.
He'll never be a big-time goal scorer in the NHL, but he has the tools and makeup of a solid 4C who can play in the NHL for a long time.
