It was the third period of Sunday’s matinee game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center and there were less than seven minutes to play. Detroit was already up 3-0 when Nick Jensen pinched at the offensive blueline, keeping the puck in. He passed it to Martin Frk at the hash marks along the boards, who passed it back to Jensen for a one-timer shot on net. Chicago goaltender Jeff Glass made a pad save and the rebound was flirting at the top of the crease. That’s when magic struck for Tyler Bertuzzi, who was playing the net-front role. The 22-year-old scored his first career NHL goal.

The goal came in the young winger’s 17th NHL game. Through seven games last season, he recorded zero points. After an unfortunate injury during training camp, Lil’ Bert had a slow start to this season, having to start in Grand Rapids once his wrist was fully healed. He eventually got the call-up, though, and played well enough to earn a spot on the Wings’ top unit with Henrik Zetterberg and Gustav Nyquist. He had four assists going into Sunday’s game and had proven himself worthy of powerplay and penalty kill time as one of the team’s better forecheckers.

This goal is the first of what’s sure to be many. Bertuzzi has made quite the impression in his rookie campaign, earning the trust of teammates, fans, and the coaching staff.

Congrats Lil’ Bert! Here’s to many more!