Edmonton Oilers goalie Devon Levi didn’t just snag his first career NHL shutout in a tight 1-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, he did it with a pre-game ritual so epic it caught the eye of Maximus himself, Russell Crowe.
A Ritual Straight Out of Rome
You gotta love a player who brings that kind of fire! Turns out, Levi told Sportsnet that he actually touches the ice with his bare hand before battle, a move directly inspired by watching Russell Crowe’s character in the 2000 film *Gladiator*. Seriously, how cool is that? And the best part? Crowe himself gave it his personal seal of approval! Imagine getting a shout-out from a legend for your pre-game mojo. That’s next-level.
Off to a Career-High Start
This isn’t just a one-off Hollywood moment, either. Levi’s 2026-27 NHL season is kicking off with some serious heat. His .906 save percentage and 2.48 goals-against average aren’t just solid numbers; they’re actually on pace to be career highs for the young netminder. That first career shutout against the Leafs is a massive highlight, showing he’s dialed in and ready to make a statement.
With a start like this, and a personal endorsement from a Roman general, you gotta wonder what else Levi has in store for us. He’s already setting personal bests and just grabbed that elusive first shutout. The energy he’s bringing, both on and off the ice, is something special. We’re definitely watching to see how far this Gladiator spirit takes him this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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