Cossa Has Red Wings Debut to Remember

BUFFALO — Sebastian Cossa was more than ready for his debut after spending a week watching from the bench.

He got the call after Ville Husso struggled in the first period Monday night, learning during the intermission that he was going into the game.

“I had a bit of time to get ready, and kind of went for it at that point,” he said after picking up the win in Detroit’s 6-5 shootout victory.

Cossa gave up a goal on the second shot he faced, then allowed only one goal the rest of the night.

As for nerves, “they never really settled down,” he said, “but I was really focused on the first shot.”

Cossa Leads Wings to Rare Win in Buffalo

Coach Derek Lalonde praised Cossa’s poise in his debut.

“We’ve had trouble in this building (the KeyBank Center), so great on Cossa,” he said. “(Buffalo) is a high-skill team, and he battled through it and found a way to get the full two points.”

Dylan Larkin scored the winning goal in the shootout.

“I feel really, really good for him,” Larkin said. “He’s a great guy, and he’s come in and been a great teammate. He’s just put his head down and worked.”

When Cossa found out he was going to start the second period, the first player who congratulated him was the one he replaced.

“He wished me luck,” Cossa said of Ville Husso. “Before the shootout, we talked a little bit about their players.

“I love shootouts,” he continued. “I like being in that spot. Have a lot of confidence in myself and my game. It was cool to be able to do it at this level.”

How long he stays at the NHL level is still up in the air. Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon, whose upper-body injuries led to Cossa’s promotion. are getting closer to activation.

Cossa began the season in Grand Rapids, and it’s likely he will end the season there.

But. for at least one night, he gave fans reason to hope he can indeed be the Red Wings’ future in goal.