"Any kind of time in the net was definitely good," Appleby said. "I think it helped me tonight, to calm myself early on and get some saves early."
Appleby made 10 saves in the opening period against the Nashville Predators, and did not allow his first NHL goal until 9:48 into the second period. A long slap shot by P.K. Subban got past him, and after 94:24 of action, Appleby's record was no longer spotless.
There are worse ways to give up your first NHL goal than getting beat by a three-time All-Star, but it always stings. It was that much tougher for Appleby that Subban's goal was all Nashville needed on a night when the Devils were shut out for the second time in three games.
"He's got a great shot," Appleby said. "I learned that really fast. But I feel like that's one I'd like to have, for sure."
It wound up as a 3-0 loss for Appleby and the Devils, with the other goals against the rookie netminder coming in the third period on a deflection and on a shorthanded 2-on-1. Appleby made 24 saves, and kept New Jersey in the game as best as anyone could.
"He played fantastic," Devils captain Andy Greene said. "He's played well in all three of his appearances. It's good that he gave us a shot, all game. We let him down. We didn't give him any support. But he played extremely well, extremely confident. It was good to see him play that well again, and actually get a warmup this time, instead of going into the last couple of situations that he's been in."
Actually knowing that he was going to make that first NHL start, Appleby was able to get loved ones to come to the game and see him play. Both of Appleby's parents came to Newark, as did his sister and her boyfriend, plus Appleby's billet parents and billet brother from his time playing in juniors with the Oshawa Generals.
Knowing that you're going to make your first NHL start, though, also comes with a level of nerves that a couple of relief appearances do not necessarily cure. The 22-year-old, had, after all, been waiting for this day his entire life.
"It seemed like the longest day, really," Appleby said. "I didn't really sleep much. I'm just glad I got it out of the way. I wish we could've gotten a win, but I'm just glad that one's over with, and hopefully next time, we get a win.
