Hofer made 23 saves on 26 shots in the win, which had a rocky start. Pavel Buchnevich (boarding) and Vladimir Tarasenko (unsportsmanlike conduct) each took penalties just 5:46 into the first period, and less than one minute later, Ivan Barbashev received a double-minor for high-sticking. Brent Burns scored a power-play goal for the Sharks, but Brandon Saad answered back with a shorthanded goal and the Blues found their legs after that.
"Everybody was coming up to me, saying good job, stuff like that," Hofer said. "It helps a lot, knowing (the team) has my back and I've got theirs. There was lots of support from the guys."
Hofer became the first goalie to record an assist in his NHL debut since Jason Bachashihua did it for the Blues on Dec. 16, 2005 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Hofer is also the youngest goaltender (21 years, 97 days) to win his NHL debut with the Blues, besting the previous record set by Michel Plasse on March 30, 1971 (22 years, 302 days).
Only four goalies in NHL history had won and recorded a point in their NHL debut (Alex Auld, David Goverde, Ron Tugnutt and Bob Froese). Hofer is now the fifth.
"Everyday I just try to go out there and do my best, focus on the things I can control," Hofer added. "I'm super thankful I was given the opportunity to be up here and play games."
