Quote:
Originally Posted by Huntingwhale
My favorite part of the game...
In the first period the Habs jammed at a rebound in the crease, and Brodie & Gio, 2 players from last years rosters, got in the Habs' faces and started a skirmish. How many times did that happen the last 2 years? It was at that point where I thought to myself that the team really has come together and play for one another. I saw Backlund and Stempniak, 2 players who might be regarded as soft, get into it later on during the game.
Seeing stuff like that is awesome. Hartley's attitude and demeanor is really rubbing off everyone. Very proud of this team.
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One of my most prized possessions is a Backlund game-worn third jersey from the 11-12 year, which is hanging over my work desk in the middle of Canuck country (/coolstory). The last game it was worn was vs. the Canucks in February - Backlund was charged by Alberts and then stood up for himself and roughed it up with the dirty Canuck. Unfortunately he hurt his arm in the process and was gone for the rest of the year.
Last year he started to assert himself physically more often, which is really great to see. If I remember correctly I think he even got in a fight or too when sticking up for a teammate. He's never going to be a Bouma type of player but I wouldn't call him soft anymore, either.