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Rogers Place explodes after Connor Brown finally scores

It's been a long time coming!

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It was a long time coming, but Edmonton Oilers forward Connor Brown finally found the back of the net. 

Appearing in his 55th game of the season, Brown scored his first goal in an Edmonton Oilers uniform, as he redirected a pass from teammate Evander Kane in the third period past Washington Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper. His teammates were clearly elated, and he even earned a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance at Rogers Place. 

It was the first time that he'd scored a goal since he was a member of the Ottawa Senators in March of 2022. He was limited to only four games last season with the Washington Capitals after unfortunately suffering a torn ACL. 

He joined the Oilers this offseason after general manager Ken Holland gave him a contract that worth $775,000 that also included a $3.225 million bonus for playing in 10 games. He's now 45 games past that mark, and had registered only five assists. 

“It’s nice to have it in the past. It’s nice to get on the board and just go out and play,” said Brown. “I believed in myself. I know that I was just focused on feeling better, getting faster, stronger, playing better. I know that I’m around the net enough that one is going to pop in.”

The fans also began chanting his name in appreciation after he finally registered his first tally. 

“It meant a lot,” Brown said. “You play in a big market like this, they’re aware of the storylines.

“It’s been a struggle this year offensively. I haven’t been able to get one to go (in). So, for their support to shine through there, they’re rooting for me. It’s a good feeling.”

“I’ve scored 20 (goals) multiple times in my career, so I would say it is a big part of my game,” Brown continued. “I never was just OK with not scoring. I wasn’t sufficient with just letting these big boys take the load, and not trying to contribute.

“I’m trying to score every night, and it will be that way moving forward and into the playoffs.”

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Source: The Athletic