Garret Sparks has historic debut with Maple Leafs

Garret Sparks certainly knows how to make a great first impression.

In his first career NHL start, the rookie delivered a shutout in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers Monday night at Air Canada Centre.

How historic was his performance?

Well, Sparks becamethe first goaltenderin team historyto debut with ashutout.

He also earned Toronto'sfirst shutout since Jonathan Bernier blanked the Dallas Stars on Dec. 23, 2014.

His best moment came in the second with about a minute remaining in the period. The fairy talealmost came to an end at that point,but the young goalie made an impressive stick save to keep the Leafs ahead 1-0.

With James Reimerinjured and Jonathan Bernier winless in his nine starts,Leafs coach Mike Babcock felt the time was right to startSparks.

His instincts were spot on as Sparks stopped all 24 of Edmonton's shots.

"Life's about opportunity and how you respond to that opportunity.Obviously he must have some swagger about him, some confidence. He played well, we got a win,"Babcocksaid about the rookie'sperformance, noting that ifReimer isn't ready to play in Wednesday'sgame atWinnipeg, Sparks will get the start.

When awarded the game's first star, Sparks was overcome with emotion, thankedthe crowd and skated away.

"That was a completely new experience andIenjoyed every minute of it," Sparks told reporters after the game. "I'm sure it'll hit me at some point. It just hasn't yet."

One year ago, the Leafs' draft pick was playing for the Orlando Solar Bears in the East Coast Hockey League.

The 22-year-old Illinoisnative was picked in the seventh round (190th overall) by Torontoin the 2011 NHL entry draft.