Eric Nystrom makes trip back home to LI w/ Wild

With a rare visit back to Long Island during a hectic NHL season, Wild winger Eric Nystrom received a nice home-cooked meal at his parents' house in Syosset on Tuesday night.

Returning to the building where his father, Islanders legend Bobby Nystrom, had so much success is a little bit easier the second time around. He played his first NHL game at Nassau Coliseum last March while playing for Calgary.

"I'm not quite as nervous as I was the first time," Nystrom said before the game. "Last time there was just so much buildup. It was my first time there after waiting for three years."

Nerves aside, Nystrom had a terrific game in his Coliseum debut last season. Although the Flames lost, 3-2, and squandered a crucial two points in the Western Conference playoff race, Nystrom tallied a goal and an assist. 

Both parents were in attendance for that memorable game and could not have been happier to see him thrive back on Long Island.

"My dad was just so proud," Nystrom said. "It didn't matter whether I played well or not, he was just so proud. My mom was jumping up and down like we had just won the gold medal."

Nystrom hopes this time he can help secure the two points for his new team as well.

"It's gonna be a lot of fun," he said. "The Western Conference race is so tight right now. We need a win big time."