Rem Pitlick had just begun answering the question when the fire alarm sounded. For nearly a minute, the Wild winger paused at a podium inside Xcel Energy Center, as strobe lights flashed and sirens blared during Monday's post-practice media session.
When he learned it was only a test, Pitlick calmly picked up exactly where he had left off. The former Gopher has done the same thing on the ice. After a positive COVID-19 test put his season on hold for 10 days, Pitlick returned with focus and determination, scoring his first three NHL goals on Saturday to propel the Wild to a victory in Seattle.
That's impressed coach Dean Evason, whose team begins a two-game homestand Tuesday against San Jose. Pitlick had played only one game, at Vancouver on Oct. 26, before the positive test kept him out of the next four. Evason worried the winger would "stall out'' during the unexpected break, but Pitlick, 24, has kept moving forward.
"He played such a good game [in Vancouver] and didn't get the opportunity to roll into the next game,'' Evason said. "But since he's come back, he's done the exact same thing.
"What's exciting for us is that he's playing the game the right way. He's getting to the inside. He's playing hard. He's checking hard. He's being physical when he can. That's what we ask of every one of our guys.''
Evason said Pitlick's speed was a key reason the Wild scooped him up after Nashville waived him in October. His acceleration created breakaways that led to his second and third goals in the 4-2 victory at Seattle, and it's been integral to his defensive play. Pitlick can close in quickly on an opponent, Evason said, causing pressure and disruption.
Pitlick wants to provide dependable defense every minute he's on the ice, as well as scoring and making plays. After playing only 10 games in Nashville last season, he's learned how to stay prepared and make the most of every opportunity. He also feels ready to make more progress with the Wild.
"There's something about the guys and the connection here and the chemistry,'' Pitlick said. "Where I'm at now, I feel like I'm just a little more comfortable in myself and comfortable with my teammates.''