Predators' Cole O'Hara describes 'surreal' NHL debut, first point with Steven Stamkos

It took Cole O'Hara just 10 minutes to record his first NHL point. Midway through the first period in the Nashville Predators' season finale on April 16, O'Hara forced a turnover in the Anaheim Ducks zone, then passed to Steven Stamkos in the left circle. Stamkos fired a quick wrist shot by Ville Husso to tie the game, giving O'Hara his first NHL assist.

"A really cool experience, something I'll remember for a long time," O'Hara told reporters at Bridgestone Arena after the 5-4 loss . "It was nice to have Stamkos put that one in. " For Stamkos, it was business as usual − his 632rd goal and his 1,253rd NHL point.

But he recognized the moment, celebrating with O'Hara on the ice. "It was really cool to experience that and be part of the history of his career," Stamkos said. O'Hara, who scored 19 goals and 25 assists in 65 games with the AHL's Admirals this season, was recalled from Milwaukee earlier in the day.

With the Predators dealing with several injuries at forward, O'Hara found out after morning skate he'd be making his NHL debut. He also learned he'd be playing on the top line with Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly. "Kind of a surreal moment, I just wanted to make the most of it," O'Hara said.