Carolina Hurricanes send playful chirp to Toronto Maple Leafs

David Ayres will forever be known in hockey history as the first emergency goaltender to win a game in the National Hockey League. 

For those of you who may not remember, he was thrust into the role of Carolina Hurricanes goaltender during a February 22, 2020 game at Scotiabank Arena after Petr Mrazek and James Reimer were both injured. Ayres, who would occasionally practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Marlies when an extra goaltender was needed during practices, subsequently allowed two goals on the first two shots he faced before rebounding to make eight saves. 

He was credited with the victory, and was named the game's first star. There was quite the locker room celebration with the Hurricanes afterwards, with the Hockey Hall of Fame receiving his game-used stick. He also received several souvenirs from the Hurricanes, including his game-worn jersey, an autographed stick and autographed bottle of wine. Not only that, but he was made an honorary citizen of North Carolina by governor Roy Cooper, and was honored by the city of Raleigh on February 25, 2020 with "David Ayres Day". 

He'll even be getting his story told on the big screen in the form of a Walt Disney movie, which is said to have comedian James Corden involved. Not bad. 

Earlier today, the Carolina Hurricanes social media team decided to spread around some good cheer to their fellow playoff teams, with a few clever well wishes being sent out. However, their message to the Maple Leafs couldn't help but make reference to the Ayres game. 

Take a look below for yourself: 

Naturally, there were more than a few responses, including this one: 

Hey, we're all in favor of a few good-natured jabs once in a while! Props to the Hurricanes social media team for keeping things light and loose before the annual war that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs gets underway this weekend!