There is no moustache quite like the one currently on Antoine Roussel’s face.
In fact, it could be said that it’s one of a kind — a lip sweater carefully raised one bristle at a time throughout Movember. However, despite its uniqueness, it was in grave danger heading into the Vancouver Canucks’ clash with the Ottawa Senators at Rogers Arena on Tuesday night.
Roussel — playing in his first NHL game of the season after recovering from a torn ACL that ended his season last March — told reporters before the puck dropped that he would keep his moustache if he scored, according to Jeff Paterson of TSN 1040 and Scott Rintoul of Sportsnet 650.
Less than two minutes into the opening period, he did just that.
Two minutes into his first game back and @Rous_ant is on the scoreboard! 🐔 pic.twitter.com/13ZbxeFE0x
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) December 4, 2019
With that gorgeous pass from Adam Gaudette and a sweet backhand finish, Roussel’s whiskers shall live to see many more days. (However, a sponsorship with Just For Men might be required if the 30-year-old from France hopes to darken things up a bit and make his mo très magnifique).
Roussel — who is coming off his first season with the Canucks in which he scored a career-high 31 points in 65 games — likely didn’t celebrate as passionately as he did just because he saved the ‘stache, though.
Before Tuesday night’s game got underway, Alexandre Burrows was in the building to officially be added to the Canucks Ring of Honour. A mainstay in Vancouver for over a decade, Burrows has been a key mentor for Roussel throughout his professional hockey career. In fact, Roussel has said Burrows — who he used to train with in the summer —is like an older brother to him.
With that in mind, Roussel’s point to the rafters after the puck hit the twine was likely for the man that taught him so much and helped him get to where he is today.
However, you have to think at least some of the love Roussel was sending out had to be for the majestic muzzy that he rescued from the brink of extinction, right?
Roussel’s tally was the first of four unanswered goals for the Canucks in the first period on their way to a 5-2 victory.
More NHL coverage on Yahoo Sports
