Bruce Cassidy has stated many occasions how a lot of a Bruins’ fan he was rising up in Ottawa. He would know as a lot as anybody how usually the Montreal Canadien nice Guy LaFleur crushed the hopes of his favourite group again within the late Seventies.
But as a hockey man, the Bruins coach couldn’t assist however respect not simply the immense expertise however the showmanship of the Le Demon Blond streaking down the correct wing. After LaFleur died on Friday from lung most cancers on the age of 70, Cassidy paid his respects.
“Terrific hockey player, seemed to have a great personality, great flair for that market,” stated Cassidy. “I see a guy like (David Pastrnak) and it reminds me a bit of what Guy LaFleur was. He kind of marches to the beat of his own drum, smile on his face every day, creative hockey player, big shot down the wing, a goal-scorer that comes through. I hate to do that, compare him to a Montreal Canadien as you know. But Guy Lafleur to me was a great hockey player. He just happened to be wearing a sweater of the team I didn’t like or support. But at the end of the day, I loved the way he played the game. That line with (Jacques) Lemaire was like (Patrice Bergeron‘s line), (Steve) Shutt could shoot the puck off the wing. That was hell of a line to watch.”
LaFleur was an ideal match for the bleu, blanc et rouge.
“He was a French Canadian guy that followed a tradition of others, Yvan Cournoyer. But he even had more, with the hair flowing, took the helmet off,” stated Cassidy. “You think of Ron Duguay of the Rangers and LaFleur with the Habs flying down the ice. Like I said, he was great for hockey. Mike Bossy and him in the same week, it’s a tough week for hockey fans. Obviously, condolences to both families. Hockey lost two really good right wingers and I guess the team above just got strengthened on the right side. But it’s too bad.”
In a pleasant contact, the Bruins held a short video tribute and second of silence previous to Saturday’s sport towards the Rangers for LaFleur. There was even an audible “Guuuy!” chant from the gang, very presumably emanating from the Ranger followers who made the trek north (LaFleur performed briefly for the Rangers when he got here out of a three-year retirement in 1988).
When the B’s play the Habs on Sunday, will probably be the primary Canadiens’ dwelling sport since LaFleur’s loss of life. They will little doubt have one thing particular deliberate, as nobody does ceremony just like the Habs.
Pastrnak hits milestone
Pastrnak’s finest abilities are displayed within the offensive zone, nevertheless it was a defensive play that put him in some fairly lofty firm. When he blocked an Adam Fox move within the defensive zone to start out the play that ended up with Taylor Hall scoring on a breakaway, he picked up a helper and his five hundredth level in his 508th NHL sport.
He is the third quickest Bruin who debuted with the group to succeed in 500 factors. The two forward of him? Bobby Orr (396 video games performed) and Ray Bourque (484 GP).
“That’s pretty good company for David,” stated Cassidy. “Not surprised. High offensive skill. For him it was growing into his body at a young age and he put the work in in the gym to be strong on pucks. He gets targeted every night. To be able to sustain it is a credit to what he’s done off the ice. On his way to 600.”
The milestone was not misplaced on Pastrnak.
“Obviously it’s nice. If you told me that as a kid, I wouldn’t believe it,” stated Pastrnak. “I’m very humble about it and happy. Something more that you look back to and enjoy with your family and friends. It’s nice. But at the same time, there’s other goals in my mind.”
Pastrnak missed eight video games with what was believed to be a core damage. Asked if he was 100%, he didn’t precisely reply within the affirmative.
“At this point, the end of the season, it’s long so everybody’s playing through some injuries. Obviously just battling through and I can’t wait for the playoffs and hopefully be better,” stated Pastrnak.
Cassidy stated earlier than the sport that Pastrnak and Hampus Lindholm wouldn’t journey with the group to Montreal in order to not tax the B’s returning gamers an excessive amount of instantly.
This and that
Charlie McAvoy and Fox have been buddies since rising up collectively on Long Island, however McAvoy buried Fox with a clear verify from behind, sparking somewhat little bit of nastiness with Dryden Hunt leaping McAvoy. Hunt and McAvoy each received roughing minors.
Meanwhile, McAvoy’s sister Kayla is interning with Rangers within the power in conditioning division and the siblings exchanged fist bumps throughout warmups…
Tomas Nosek had a robust day within the faceoff circle, profitable six of seven attracts….
Wiht Lindholm returning, Mike Reilly was the scratch on protection whereas Marc McLaughlin was scratched to make room for Pastrnak.
Source: www.bostonherald.com