Empty Netters Podcast - 57. Human Hockey Encyclopedia w/ Milan Lucic

Episode Date: October 11, 2023

The Jets shock the NHL world days before the season and re-sign Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck! The boys are joined by Milan Lucic. He breaks down the 2011 Cup winning season and what it was like playing with some of the best players in NHL history. Looch gets into what it means to be back in Boston and what the expectations are for the Bruins this season.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the Empty Netters podcast. We're coming live from Boston right now. So happy to be here. Unbelievable stuff. We have a huge, huge guest on the podcast, Milan Lu Cheech, joins the boys here in Boston. One of the most ridiculous encyclopedic minds for hockey I've ever seen. He's a beautiful mind. He's Russell Crow.

It's true. I'm going to start calling him Russell Crow. This guy was breaking down plays like it was yesterday from 2011. I've never seen. anything like it. We're not going to waste too much time. We want to get right into this interview. However, we have to do the fastest Howie's hockey tape hot ice in the history of the world.

Because as we were recording, some scorching hot ice melted through the ceiling. Insane Howie's Hockey tape, hot ice, the Winnipeg Jets from the clouds. Extend Connor Hellebuck and Mark Shifley both at seven years, both on team-friendly deals. Yeah. I can't believe this. Those two were two of the top eight or shorter names for possible huge, huge acquisitions at the deadline. Both are locked up. We talked about last episode thinking that Hellebuck was going to be one of the goalies moved, Shifley with the whole captaincy thing going on in Winnipeg.

We didn't think he was going to come back, and now both are coming back to Winnipeg. I don't know, like, does this make you think that Winnipeg is trying to lock in here? Yes. I mean, seven years for both of them. One of your goalies is already fricked. Yeah. That's brutal. So not six anymore.

Thank God your picks were so dumb that we're going to be fine. The thing I had said to you, and someone checked my division predictions, I said there's a chance those guys do sign long term. Yep. But I said it if Winnipeg was having a good year. Yeah, they were being like, hey, look, we're good, stay. The fact that they got them now is mind-blowing to me. Winnipeg has a good team.

That's what's crazy. Winnipeg has a good team. No doubt. And the guys they brought over from. The Kings, Filardi, AI. Like, those could be huge boost. Kyle Conner's the man, as you know. As you know, I feel.

Josh Morrissey's unbelievable. I mean, like, they have a very strong team. If you have a goal like Hellibuck, you can compete at all times. I'm just shocked. It happened now. But to answer your question, yes, they are in. Like, they're like, we're a playoff team and we are reloading on the fly here and we're in it.

I am sad about free agency. Like, I'm just sad. It's only because it's just chaotic. I like the chaos. I think we said on the IG, it's like, I am very psyched that, two very good players, star players, are back in a great hockey town. I am bummed for just us in the chaos of free agency. Because I want to be the one scene next year.

It's just like, no, no, not even the Bruins thing. I'm bummed for free agency. Free agency is fun and also deadline deals are fun. It doesn't happen as much anymore, dude. Like the drill, but, you know, it's about it. But those guys are both back in Winnipeg. You love to see it for Jeffs fans. Hell of a deal. Hell of a contract.

For everyone, everyone's happy there. Now, that was truly the main hot ice. Guys, hockey season is here. There's no more waiting. Puck has dropped on the NHL season, which means that your leagues have started as well if they're not already going. And if you play mites,

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So we're not getting into it into this episode, because we're going to talk a ton about it. That'll be the next week. But for now, guys, we're going to kick it right to this Milan-Lucci-Cheach interview. He's unbelievable. We're going to be heading on Wednesday to opening night. This episode will come out that same day, so you guys can get a double dose of Luchech.

Can't wait for you to hear it. It was unbelievable. Let's get it. All right. Today, we are joined by a Memcup champion, a Memcup MVP, a Super Series champion, a world championship gold medalist, the 50th overall pick of the Boston Bruins,

and a 2011 Stanley Cup champion. Elon Luchich, welcome to the engineers podcast. Thanks for having me, guys. It's good to be on. It's a pleasure to have you. I do want to give a quick shout out to Toff for not being here. I know he's upset to not join us. So we're going to have to...

We were supposed to do one together. I know, exactly. The good news... Honorable mention to everybody, Tom. And the good news is just this coming summer, we'll do it all over again and get him in there. It'll be fantastic. Speaking of, how was winning gold with him?

That was unbelievable. You know what? It was awesome. It was a lot of fun. I had never played a world's tournament or I never got to represent Canada in any of those tournaments. So to be able to do that was pretty cool. No doubt.

You know, I've said the story all summer that I actually reached out to Team Canada. No way. Yeah, you know, I still had juice left from the season. So I was like, you know what? And then actually toff in weeks in the dress room during our year-end meetings and wrap up and all that type of stuff. They're like, oh, yeah, hockey Canada called. We're thinking of going. And I was like, you know what?

If you guys are going, I'm calling. I'm in too, yeah. I'm coming. And then I found out that training camp, five-day camp was going to be in Budapest. And I heard a lot of great things about Budapest and, you know, wanted to just check that out and then, you know, we were in Riga in that division, which was awesome. Hell yeah. And then obviously when you win it all, it ends up being, you know, a great experience.

And that's what it was. It was cool to do. You know, it was fun to do, obviously getting to represent your country on a world stage. You know, just getting to see, you know, how the different countries cheer and, you know, different styles of play and all that type of stuff because it actually is different. Yeah. And it is really cool. I had a lot of friends and family that came out to experience it as well.

You know what? Rigo was actually an awesome city, really great restaurants where we stayed and how everything was set up was great. So all in all, it was an awesome experience. And I'm real happy that I got to do it with Toff in Weeks and that whole group. It had been a minute since you had the Canada sweater on, right? I mean, I know you've won World Junior stuff like that. So was it kind of a cool moment to be like, shit, I haven't represented Canada in a while?

Yeah, well, actually, the only thing I did was, was the 2007 Super Series. Yeah. And I missed the World Juniors because I made the Bruins as a 19-year-old, so I didn't get to play World Juniors. I went to Olympic camp in 2009, but then I got hurt that year, so I didn't really even have a chance to make the 2010 Olympic team. And then again, I went to Olympic camp in 2013, but I was one of the last guys, you know, left off to Rosco on that one.

So that was one, uh, that was one, uh, Buccas. bucket list thing that I'm unfortunately going to not be able to do. But yeah, like you said, I hadn't, I had it represented Canada in 15, 16 years. So, you know, it was something I wanted to do. And, and also I hadn't won anything since 2011. So I was like, you know what, man, I'm sick and not winning something. Like, I'm going to go. Anytime you're on Team Canada, you're always obviously have a chance to win. So, yeah, I just wanted to win something. And to be able to share that with my kids, you know, they came over. You know, they weren't around when I won in 2011.

So to share that moment with them was also something that was really special. Such a flex to make the phone call to be like this. Yeah, yeah. Let me get a gold medal real quick. I'm going to jump on this team and get that done. That's huge. What was, that was such a funny blend of, you know, great, amazing vets who have, you know, Stanley Cups under the belt, like you and Toff,

and then you got like Fantilli, who hasn't even played a game in the NHL yet. What was that vibe like? Because I know you're used to it with, you know, rookies coming into the different NHL teams. Did you hear him tell him this? Because he came on our pod and said he was super excited to meet you. Yeah. And he assisted his goal and all that stuff.

So, yeah, what was that like? Yeah, it was cool. You know, especially, you know, he's born in 2005. So, which is like pretty crazy to wrap your head around. I mean, so if you just do it, do the math. Like, so I was a rookie in 2007. Yeah. So he was two years old.

So he wouldn't have remembered anything from me or any of the guys that I played with as, you know, in my rookie. years. So that's, and then I would tell him and like neighbors and a couple of the other guys, I'm like, you guys know you're closer in age with my oldest daughter and you guys are with me. So that was something that was pretty funny as well. But yeah, there was a good mix of guys. Yeah, other than Toffin' Weeks, I didn't know any of the guys in the team. So it was cool to go, you know, just meeting you guys, new faces, be around guys like that. One of my favorite stories was so we get there, you know, everyone's unpacking their gear going over.

their sticks and hanging their stuff's up and talk about fans. Scott Lawton first thing comes out into the dress. He goes, Luke, you got to see this. I'm like, what's going on? He's like, no, just come with me, you got to see this. So we run out. He grabs like me and Toff. And first guy on the table getting worked on, getting massage by Ken Cabelca is Adirfan Tilly.

And we're just like, holy come on, man. And you know what? obviously you want guys to take care of themselves, but as an old guy to a young guy who's been through it, you got to bust their balls. You got to give that to him for days. He's bottom of the line. He gave it to him for, you know, a good,

good 10, 11 days after that. We're like, you good fans, you good, you need something. Need a quick rub down? You need to get you something? You know, it's just all good fun and all that type of stuff. But yeah, it was a great group to be a part of, and we had a lot of fun. You know that you traumatized him.

He's not going to get on the table for fucking 10 years after. that was the thing you know i i think i started finally getting massages and stuff from the trainers like two years ago so i so i waited like year 14 until i actually started to get work done by the trainer so that's why we give him a hard time yeah yeah he grew up with it yeah he knew he knew the whole time man and luci we got to say i mean obviously well the uh listeners know we're big bees fans you know we're bees fans so this we've had macavoy on which is amazing but swayman And Swayman, yeah, but you are from, like, the era that we were watching when winning a cup. So I feel very starstruck, to be honest with you.

But I had to ask, man, when you showed up here last time, it's like, Pat's go undefeated, Sox win the World Series, Celtics win a title. You guys are super competitive winning titles. We need a little luch magic back in the city right now, dude. I hope you turn things around. The socks suck. The Pats are getting killed. We need some help, man.

Yeah, and it hasn't been a good start with the Pats. So, yeah. Really tough time. I came here to a 16 in old season my first year to we'll see how many games they actually win. God. But no, you know what? That like it was it was pretty cool to come into because to be honest, I didn't know much about Boston. Yeah. I didn't know about much about Boston about the city. I didn't know much about the history of the Bruins or the or the Red Sox or the Celtics or the Patriots and and all that type of stuff. So to kind of come in here blind and, and,

Like you said, right off the bat, boom, you know, it was fall ball. Everything, yeah. And Red Sox, boom, they go, they win the World Series. Like you said, Patriots, I think it was the first year they got Randy Moss. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he had that incredible. Billion touchdown. 23, yeah. Touchdowns, and Brady had the first 50 touchdown season.

So it was, yeah, and they went 16 and 0, and that was crazy. And then they, and then they acquire KG and Ray Allen to make the big three with Paul Pierce so like that was like the peak of yeah truly you were in the thick of it yeah you guys were like we got a win one dude and then we were kind of in a transition you know it was like you know we'd always get the questions oh the other three teams are doing great what's going on with you guys and we're like we're all like oh okay I guess I guess we'll figure it up dude those questions are so funny because you want to be like what do you think we're not fucking trying here yeah Jesus it's like what do you think we're we're trying not to make the playoffs yeah exactly like what I'm

talking about no but you know what I And I think it was good too because we kind of felt pressure from the other teams. You know, we kind of wanted to be where they were as far as obviously that championship, you know, caliber. You know, playing to win every single night and expecting to win every single night. So to be a part of a group that like literally wasn't in transition and a rebuild. And, you know, we were projected to finish, I think, like, 14. or 13th in the Eastern Conference that year. And we were able to make the playoffs that year in my first year

with not a lot of expectations. And then you had, you know, me as a rookie, Krathe was a rookie. Kestel was only a second year player. And we had a bunch of other young guys. And we lost Bergey that year to the concussion. You know, he missed 72 games. So, so there was really a lot going on here.

And it was Claude Julian's first year. You know, it was Peter Shrelli's second year. So, yeah, there was a lot of transition. but we had a lot of right pieces, I guess, fall in the right spots. You know, we got Sean Thornton in from Anaheim. It was his first year. You know, yeah, I came in as a rookie. Like I said, Krati was a rookie.

You know, Mark Savard, they got in Free Agency and Zedano Chara, and then, you know, making the Tuka Rass trade. Huge. And then Tim Thomas turning into an elite goalie that he turned into. Seriously. You know, in that five-year span, I would say he was the best goalie. definitely you know is the lead so like everything kind of just fell into place you know and then you know they made a trade for boys for widenman and widened up being good and and turning

into a great player that we eventually flipped for Nathan Horton yeah he's our same chubby eh yeah like and Horty was a guy that you know he kind of became our X factor because the two years prior to that you know we got to the second round but we we just couldn't you know get over that hump to take that next step but when we made it that trade for Horty, you know, he, he scored those big goals for us to kind of get us over the hump. And, and then it probably went a lot quicker than people would have thought. But if you really look at it, it really took four years for things to turn out the way that it did. And, you know, we ended up, you know, becoming champions like the other three teams. And that, that was,

that was kind of like the most satisfying thing was the other teams were winning and we weren't even close. And then, you know, we got there. So to be a part of that, that group of the four teams, the group of champions. Yeah, yeah. That's something that's pretty cool and pretty great to be a part of, you know? It's pretty awesome that it didn't happen overnight. Like that's such a cool story that it's like it was those four years of the building and the new pieces that came in and the pressure that you guys felt and answering the bell to get there. That makes it so much more incredible, you know, and it's cool that you got to do that. Yeah, for sure.

And, and yeah, and even, you know, Brad Marchon coming in and doing what he did that year. Like, who would have said, like that cup run, he ended up scoring 11 goals. goals. You know? Insane. Yeah. Like, nobody would have said that at the start of the season.

Dude, I remember us watching. Yeah. Who the fuck is this guy? Like what's driving everyone nuts? He's flipping the sedeons on a little bit too, you know? Yes. He was one of those guys that when he was going, other guys would get going.

He'd bring us in the fight. So he was that, uh, whatever little ball of hate that everyone, uh, would call him. So like I said, all those pieces fell together, uh, at the right time. So, and I've said this before, man, like being a champion is obviously great and special, but like being a champion in Boston, that's like, to me, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's,

that's something you can't really describe. And especially as a Bruin, I mean, you know, well, only won one cup in the last 52 years. Yeah. So, yeah, to be one of those guys that, that could say they're a Stanley Cup champion as a Boston Bruin, it's a pretty special and cool thing. So we keep circling around it. Yeah. The 2011 season.

I mean, like you guys win the cup. Everyone goes nuts. It's amazing. Talk to us about that season, specifically that playoff run, because it was so iconic, man. Like it just has a fan.

It's you go down 02 to the habs. And then you have the, you know, getting it back on the flyers after the season before. Then the unbelievable Tampa series. And then obviously one of the craziest Stanley Cup final series of all times. and certainly in the last 20 years.

Like, what does it feel like being back here? And then what can you tell us about that season, winning that Stanley Cup and that whole playoff run? Yeah, I mean, I think just everything you said, I think that's what makes it so special for me to be back here. And, you know, this is a place where I started. And I started here as a 19-year-old, you know? Yeah.

And being from Vancouver, you know, West Coast, until you come here, you don't realize how far away you are, you know. Good point. how long of a travel day it is. So when I came here as a 19-year-old, I was literally, you know, moved away as a kid all by myself. Yeah.

You know, and I, like I said before, I didn't know much about the city. I didn't really didn't even know anyone on the team or in the organization at the time. So, you know, I was learning new people, learning a new city, learning a new culture, you know, because it is different here than most places.

For sure. And all that type of stuff. So to come back here is, it's special because, You know, the point of what I was saying is coming here as a 19 year old and spending eight years here, you know, I feel like this is where I grew up. I grew up into an adult here. You know, I grew up kind of learning the streets and the ways of this city, you know, as a 19 year old into my 20s. So when you spend most of your 20s somewhere, you know, that place kind of always sticks with you and makes you feel like home. I guess it's like when guys go to college, right? You know? Yep, dude. It's kind of like for me, you know, this is where I. went to college, I guess you could say, without actually having to go to class. Yeah.

Thank God. But no, no. So, yeah, so for me to come back here, especially, you know, with my kids and family, you know, it feels like I am coming home. So, so, yeah, to have that feeling and that opportunity to do that again is really, really special. And to do it with the centennial season coming up too. That's, you know, pretty, you know, pretty cherry on top of the cake, I guess. you can, you can say. It felt written in the stars, too.

And, you know, 17th season, and I were always worn 17. Oh, true. Yeah. It's like, there's so many pieces. It all kind of lined up perfectly. It brings back some sick memories. But then, yeah, and then going to talking about that 2010-11 season. And obviously you remember that season more than anything, you know,

just because of how it went, you know, went in the Stanley Cup. And a lot of, I think a lot of, I, when I think about that season, a big, reason why, you know, we hit it off, like, uh, right off the get-go was we actually started that season in Europe. That's right. Yeah. We played a preseason game in Belfast, Ireland. And then we, we went to Prague, Czech Republic where we played the Phoenix Hios for two regular season games. So I think we were in, we were in Belfast for four days. And then we were in, in Prague for five or six days. So just to kind of get away. Yep. And kind of kind of like I was just talking about the world championship. championships just to like you know get away and and and go to different places and when it's just the

boys you know you know this was before iPhones so everyone just had their Blackberry nobody's phone would work so we would just hang out together you know what I'm saying so you know we became a really tight group right off the get go just because you know we had those 11 days just us you know to start the season and I think that was a really you know a really big part of us coming together and being a close group and you know I met you know I met with you know I'm mentioned the, you know, the Horton and Campbell trade, you know, just adding new pieces to our team so they could feel comfortable with us and all that type of stuff. So, you know, that was a, you know, that was a big part of us getting the season going, you know, in the right direction.

For sure. And then there were certain moments in the season that I remember. I remember when I got hit high against Atlanta here at home and Farron's jumped in and ended up being a line ball. And then we had that one game. It was eight six. It was an, it was an eight-six game that we played home against Montreal. And that was, I know you guys, I think we had like two line brawls in that game. Tim Thomas and Kerry Price squared off, the goalie square off.

And then another one was the Dallas game that we had where there was three fights off the opening draw. Yes. So. What did that happen? So, because there's no way that was random. So the first fight wasn't random. Gray Campbell, when he was playing in Florida,

got hit, you know, dirty by St. Devot. Yeah. And he wanted to get him back for that. So that's why they fought off the opening draw. Yeah. And then because they fought, you know, a barch and authority lined out.

Yeah. So they were like, okay, should we go to? And so they were going. We might as well go. And then, you know, McQuaid being the, the psycho that he was when he put the skates on. He looked at, I think it was Sutherby. And, you know, they kind of like, okay, should we go? Everyone else is doing it.

Yeah. else is doing it. Should we go too? And then they went as well. So, and then I think I scored like literally 30 seconds into the game after all that. And then Bergey scored 30 seconds right after me. So, so yeah, just. But yeah, that wasn't pre-planned other than the Ack Campbell one.

But, uh, but, uh, but yeah, anyways. That game was a circus, dude. Like, I remember the fights and then the two goals. And it was like, what is going on in this game? So it's just moments like that in the season, like that just, you know, you just know, the guy has your back. Yeah, totally. And you know that, you know, okay, I'm going to stick up and do whatever for these guys

because, you know, they show to me that they're going to do the same. Yeah, yeah. And then we did actually, in February of that year, we did play in Vancouver. And that's when Vancouver was, you know, running away with the president's trophy. And we played him on a hockey night in Canada on a Saturday night in Vancouver. And we actually beat him in Vancouver. I think it was like they're only like their second or third. home loss on a Saturday night or something like that.

Yeah. And like I said, they were running away with the president's trophy that year. And so yeah, those are the kind of the things that happened in season that I remember that really, really, I think gave us confidence that we were ready to take that next step and be, you know, be contending, you know, be contending for a cup. And then. And then, you know, we're all excited. We're all, you know, we're all revved up, ready to go. playoffs are starting.

It's finally fucking here. You know, we're all foaming from the mouth. Then all of a sudden, boom. We're down to nothing in the series. Going into Montreal, where I think we lost like seven out of the last eight times. And we're like, holy fuck. Like, we had this such this great season.

We're not just going to let it, like, how is this? It's not supposed to end like this. Yeah. Can you remember like what, you know, I know there's no quit. And certainly in that team and he was an athlete. What were you guys thinking when you went, you go into the Bell Center down O.2?

when you're vibe in so hard. Like what was going, what was being talked about in the locker room? I think all our focus just went into winning one game. Yeah. You know, it was just like, okay,

we can't, we can't win the series unless, until we win one game. So let's just focus and put all our effort into winning one game. So what are we got to do just to win one game? And then, you know, we went into Montreal and we won the first one.

I think we were up like three nothing in the first period. So that one was, you know, that one was one where we really got ourselves back into it. And then one thing that Claude did is he, we had two days between game because of TV scheduling. And then, um, Claude didn't want us in Montreal because of, you know, the hatred and the rivalry and all that type of stuff.

So he made us go to Lake Placid for like two days. So we went to Lake Placid and we practiced it, had our practice days there, you know, which was, which ended up being a good thing. Yeah, yeah. You know, as much as, as much as, as much as, It is being fun in Montreal, and we would have loved this thing in Montreal.

You know, because it's got, you know, some of the best restaurants and things to do. But, um, Clote thought we needed to get it out of the distraction of being in Montreal. So we went to Lake Placid and obviously, you know, ski town and all that type of stuff, not much going on. So we just did that and kind of did the same kind of things that we did in Europe like I talked about. For sure. But then, you know, we didn't have a great start to, um, to game four. Yeah. And, you know, they got up on us pretty.

early. I think it was 3-1 at one point. And that's when, you know, Ferrence comes down the pipe, rips one high glove. And he gets his glove stuck, like he said. Yeah,

yeah, he got his glove stuck. And you know what? We were a team that was, you know, we were a team that played its best when we kind of had like that fuck you attitude.

Yeah, definitely. And we would talk about that is playing with a fuck you attitude. And I guess that kind of like, you know, turned it around in that sense that like, you know what, fuck you, we're going to get, we're coming back into this. And, and, yeah, and then, you know, we made it 3-3. And then I remember P.K., he scored, I think, a P.P. goal right at the start.

And then, you know, Kells tied it up. And then once Michael Ryder scored that OT goal, you know, we're like, oh, thank God. Yeah. Oh, that's huge, dude. And he had the glove saving game three, right? Game five. It's five. Yeah.

Yeah. That was a start of, yeah. So we get ourselves back into it. And then in game five, yeah, that happened. Dude, right. He's didn't pay for anything all the trip. And then, and then actually in that game, too, Timmy had a big two-on-one save in overtime.

Oh, my God. That's right. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Yeah. And then, and then Horty scored right after that. So, yeah, so we had those two big saves and those are two big moments. And then, like I said, a guy that turned into a big X factor for us was Nathan.

Thornton who scored the OT winner in game five and game seven and then we got our revenge. Yeah. For us like, especially for the, and most of the guys were back from 2010. And for us, you know, we know that we messed up. We know that we let it get away. There were more factors to the flyers coming back than people remember. Like, you know, they got Simone Gagne back to the lineup. Crachie broke his arm.

Creachie broke his wrist. And then, you know, just kind of. And remember Mark Savard, he was basically playing through, you know, some head stuff from the Matt Cook hit. So there was a lot of things that kind of, you know, went into the factor of us losing that series. But for us, you know, we obviously wanted to kick their ass. Like, you know, we're like, okay, we let you guys back in it last year. Now we're okay, we're going to drop the hammer this year. And you know what?

We did. And then we did just that. We beat him in four games. And it wasn't even close. I was going to say that was a four game shit pumping too. That was not close at any point. Other than game two where they got up to nothing on us really early, it was not even close that series.

And we got our revenge on that. And then we move on to a surprise team. Yeah. You know, and they were the first team that started playing this with Guy, Guy Bouchard. They were the first team playing this one three one system. And nobody knew how to play them.

And you know what? And, you know, you go back and look at their office. They had a lot of really good players on that team with, you know, with Stammer and Headman and Le Cavae and obviously St. Louis and Teddy Purcell was a really good player. He scored five goals against us. A monster year. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He scored five goals against us in that series. And, you know, they were just one of those teams that would just never go away. Yeah. You know, even in game four, I remember, we had them down three nothing after the first period. And same sort of thing. They just would never go away. And same sort of, and they had Simone Gagne that year too. I remember. And he almost killed us again that year.

But yeah, and then it ended up being a really, really great series. There was also the frustration of like Roli the goalies, like this older guy. He was all of a sudden coming into crazy form in the playoffs. It felt like, are we going to seriously run into this buzzsaw? Like, that was a series of a lot of like, oh shit. Yeah, there were a lot of storylines in that series that happened. And, and yeah, it was. And then like, and then Sagan came in because Burr.

Ricky got hurt. Yeah. And then Sags came in and he had that great game and great in game two where he scored two goals. And that's what he did. We needed someone to kind of change the tide in that series and help us win a game. And I know Sags was only an 18 year old, his rookie year that year, but, you know, he helped us win a game. Yeah. And that's all you need sometimes from guys when you go on a run is you need someone kind of unexpected to help you win a game.

And that was SEGS, you know, in that series. He helped us win a game. And then we kind of had that, you know, that perfect game seven. You know, there were no penalties. The most electric game. Oh, my God. And that goal was so clean. Oh, my God.

Yeah, the way, you know, the way we built it up and, you know, just crutch making one of his. Vintage, crutch passes. Ice in his veins. He plays. So, yeah, it was, that ended up being an unbelievable series. And, and you know what, I got to say, I would say that series. really got us ready for a team like Vancouver because Vancouver was the powerhouse that year. Definitely.

They ran away with the president's trophy. I think they, I think they're, they won the Jennings. So, you know, they had the least amount of goals against and they scored the most goals. I think they were like a plus 120.

Yeah. Gold differential that year. So they were, they were well, you know, they were the favorites by far. Yeah. And,

you know, one of the things that we did too was we had all their newspaper clippings of all the newspaper clippings. It's not on what they said, but what of all the media people were saying, oh, this is over, this is going to last four or five games max, blah, blah, even people in Boston, media writers in Boston were saying, yeah, we're cheering for the Bruins, but, you know, we don't expect them to, you know, to win this one. And then.

And you had that up in the locker room at the practice. Yeah, people were picking them to win in five. Yeah. They had us counted out before the puck even dropped. And again, you know, Same sort of thing. It was, you know, two really close games in Vancouver that, you know, we lost both of them. Yeah.

And then, you know, Burroughs had the biting incident with Bergey. And, you know what? Looking back at the series, especially those first two games, I think the Canucks put a little bit too much focus on, you know, proving that we weren't going to come in there and bully that. Yeah, played your game. Yeah, they got too focused on like that. game if they want if what they could have done and should have done if you asked me is they could they should have kept it a skill game they should have skated away after every whistle they should have never

started a scrum because you know the like I talked about the the fuck you attitude that we had we were the type of team that you kind of wanted just to let the bear sleep you know don't wake the bear up just like you know it just be nice to them and yeah you know and all that type of stuff and that's actually kind of what Chicago did to us in 2013 they didn't want to engage with us. Yeah. You know, they,

they just kept it straight, in between the whistles, you know, let's just keep it like that. Where the Canox, especially in the first two games, I felt like they were,

they were trying to prove it. Yeah. You know? Yeah, they got involved when they shouldn't have. Yeah. Like, you know,

like I said, Burroughs biting, uh, Berge. Uh, I remember La Pier going right at, uh, Big Z and stirring that shit up all the time.

And then how amused hit me, you know, flipping me, you know, with the hip check and all that type of stuff. and just doing like little, you know, little antics and stuff like that. I think they should have just been focused. Marshie got in with the Siddins really well too.

And then it kind of worked against them, you know, even though they were up in the series. And then the hit on Horton happened. Yeah. Obviously, you know, it affected us as well too because, you know, we all loved Horty. You know, it was one of our best players, one of our teammates. And, you know, we were really concerned that we weren't going to have. have him back. And, but then, you know, start of the second period, you know, Ferrence scores that goal.

And it's just like, here we go. We never look back, you know, we win that, you know, just. And then our momentum and everything started, you know, it started turning our way and everything started going our way. And, and yeah, it just seemed like, especially here in the garden. Well, I was going to ask, it must have felt good being like, definitely. Losing these dog fights in Vancouver. Yeah.

Just coming back home and burying them every time. I'm sure you guys were using that, right? Yeah, and then, you know, like you said, we went 8-1 in game three, four-nothing, game four, then another dog fight in Van where for some reason we weren't able to score in Van. Right, yeah. And then, boom, we come here for game six. And one of the most motivating things that happened that day was Ferrence took one of the dry race markers and was like, you know, nobody raises the cup in our rink.

Yeah, sick. We were all just like, yeah, fuck, yeah, you know. And then that actually, you know, that first 10 minutes of that game six was one of the most electric, craziest fan player experience that I had ever experienced because, you know, came out there. It's already electric because, you know, it's June. Gardens buzzing, yeah. Yeah, you know, it's an elimination game. You know, we want to keep this thing going.

The Bruins fans, the Canucks fans that flew in. The cups in the building. Yeah, yeah. So there's all the rules, dynamics. And then boom, you know, Marcy scores, I score, Ferrens score, rider scores. So we score four goals,

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So, yeah, then the fans and all that type of stuff, and like everyone knowing that now, okay, we're going to a game seven. Yeah. So yeah, that was, that was one of the best games, best atmospheres and best everything that I've been a part of. And obviously for us, you know, going into Vancouver, you know, we kind of changed it up, you know, because the first three games, like you guys said, it was like a dog fight. We couldn't really get anything going in Vancouver. So we kind of changed it up.

I remember that morning waking up a couple of us went because we were staying at the West and Bayshore. A couple of us went for a walk down the sea wall and back. And actually one thing that we did switch up was when we flew in the night before because we would have to play the games at 8 Eastern Time, which is five. So we couldn't pregame skate. So we wanted to change it up.

So we flew in to Vann and we said, okay, we can't do pregame skate the day of the game. It's a 5 o'clock game. There's not going to be enough time. We're going to screw guys up, all that type of stuff. So we just did a quick little, we flew in and we went straight from the airport to the arena and we did a quick little 10 minute like whatever pregame skate but we did it the night

before oh and then we set up a team dinner just just at the hotel just us and so yeah just to kind of change it up and do all that type of stuff that's awesome and yeah it just and to be honest for myself knowing uh you know i know how i felt it was actually the most confident i felt the group felt uh out of any of the games that we played in that whole series wow really yeah and then you know we had a water bottle that we filled up. That was an awesome moment. You know, put it out there. And then, you know, once we were able to get that first goal, you know, we really,

you know, we really took, took things over in that game. So, dude, I was curious to ask, I feel like everyone, when we're playing street hockey out front, you're always doing the game seven. O.T. Someone gets the winner. Was it kind of awesome just running up on them in a game seven being like, oh, yeah, we got it. It's over.

Yeah, it was a lot more. more relaxing. Right? Yeah. I remember like when Bergey scored the goal where he gets taken down. I remember looking at him

and being like, we did. We're going to win that. Yeah. I remember being on the bench too in the second period. I was like, like kind of like,

yeah, okay, we're actually gonna win this now. Could you guys feel that they were like, just watching? I was like, they're dead. The Canucks are dead. It was just a foregone conclusion

in the second period that the game was over. Yeah, it kind of looked like we like deflated them. Yeah. Exactly. And I feel like it felt like that before, I feel like it felt like that here in that game six.

Sure. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It felt like they didn't have much left in the tank after that. And yeah, it just felt like I know they had more guys that were more banged up than we did. They had more guys playing through injuries than we did.

And every championship team will tell you health is a big thing. Oh my God. And we were relatively healthy. You know, that was one reason why I think that year was our year. because we were as healthy as we were. And yeah, just, you know, going back to what you were saying, just when he scored that goal to make it 3-0,

it was, you know, I guess you could just sit back and relax and enjoy it. Enjoy the last, whatever, 25 minutes of the game. Kind of like looking around, right? Holy fuck, we did it. Yeah, yeah, we're going to actually do it. But one of the good things about that was, you know, the year before, we were up 3-0 in game 7,

against Philly. Yeah. So that was one of the things we kept saying, too, is like, hey, guys, like, we learned this lesson. We learned this lesson last year against Philly, you know, let's make sure, like, let's just go out there, get the pucks out, get the pucks in, you know, take care of business, and, you know, we get to celebrate after. And, yeah, it was, I mean, it's just like you talk about that playing street hockey. It's, it's the best feeling in the world.

Yeah, the dream. You know, and for me, being a Vancouver guy, like, I got to do it in my hometown. So sick, man. Yeah, like, did you have a ton of family and friends there? I just had eight people. I had my grandparents, my parents, my two brothers, my uncle, and my, my girlfriend, who's my wife now. So, yeah.

Unbelievable. Yeah, those were the eight people that were there. Yeah. So it was great. Yeah. And then, so we obviously had them all on the ice after and in the room and all. And I was laughing. I was like, yeah, saved me a little bit of money that, you know, I didn't have to pay for a flight or get.

a hotel everywhere. You were pretty young still too, yeah. Yeah, they could take the sky train down to the game. That's so funny. So, yeah. And another cool part, too, was a lot of the Vancouver fans, they waited for when it was my turn to raise the cup. Oh, hell, yeah.

And then when I got to raise the cup, they cheered. You know, it was a loudest cheer out of all the guys. So I'm always very thankful and grateful and appreciated of that. So, you know, they really made it. They made that moment special. for a hometown boy. For sure. And it really,

you know, like I said, I'm really grateful for that and all those people that did that for me because obviously it's one of the biggest moments of your life.

So I thank you all. Yeah, that's a beautiful thing. I had heard that. I was going to, I mean, it feels kind of pointless to ask now after hearing that,

but I was going to ask if you had a favorite of the four series that led you to there. And obviously it's hard not to pick the one where you win the cup in, but it's cool hearing that

breakdown of all the series, man. Like it's crazy. I don't think sometimes, even as a dedicated fan, you don't realize how much hockey it is. It's like you guys play a half a season, essentially, and it's all back to back to back to back to back. So it must be hard to kind of not look at some of those series.

Like, holy shit, that one was insane. That one was even better, you know? Yeah, especially, especially we were the first team ever to win three game sevens in a playoff, in a playoff run. Yep. And then, you know, the Kings did it in 2014. But, yeah, we were the first team to ever do that. And we were the first, we were the team that played, I think, the most games to win a Stanley Cup.

So, like, we played 25 that year. So, yeah, so to do, you talk about playing a lot of extra hockey. There was a lot of extra hockey. And I was saying this because we only played, what, six preseason games this year. I think that year we played eight or nine. Yeah. And Clod actually made me play. I only missed one.

So I played like 7 out of 8 or 8 out of 9 And I only missed three games in that season from a shoulder injury And then I played all 25 So I played like 100 in Yeah, that's ridiculous Eight games that year It was a lot of hockey

It was a lot of hockey Good thing I was 22, 22 years old that year Now it'd have to be a little tough Yeah, it was a lot of hockey So the moment The buzzer went off game 7 To you stepping on the duck boat How much did you sleep?

Not a lot No, not a lot a lot at all. There's got to be, what's, if you can tell, what's some good shenanigans that the boys got into between those. Well, obviously a shitty thing is, and actually they got a 30 for 30 coming out about the riots. Yeah, oh yes, right.

Yeah. They actually, so when midnight hit, they made us leave the dress room because they were making us fly out of town because, you know, it was so out of control. Already. Yeah, with the riots and all that type of stuff. But, you know, we had, you know, we were part of the time.

parting in the room. Yeah. You know, we weren't, you know, we weren't like these new generation. There was no goggles or, yeah.

We were just taking it out of the face. Taking it right in the face. You're turning to drink the cup and it's just a mixture of beer and champagne. I don't even want to know. Yeah. And all that type of stuff. So,

yeah, that was obviously a lot of fun. And actually one of the, one of the coolest parts was, was the flight home. You know, it was a six hour flight home. And it was just us,

right? It was just the people. It was the best. It was just us. And, well, for obviously, three reasons. We drank the booze

the plane out of booze. We told them we're like just fill it up. Win or lose we're going to want to drink. So just fill it up. We're a six hour flight here. We're either going to be drinking because we're miserable or we're going to be drinking because we're celebrating. And we made it fill it up with just like simple food, like

hamburgers and pizza and all that type of stuff. But yeah, we had the tunes going and everyone's drinking and everyone's getting their turn with the seat on the cup. I think the last two guys stand in where we're We're me and Matt Barkowski. Wow, Matt Bart.

Wow, Maddie, okay. So Bart, and guys who know me and Bart, me and Bart are really good friends that we like to run together. Bart was a black ace, but we always said, Bart party like he was a cons fight with Wisconsin Swite Twitter. Hey, good for him. Yeah, but yeah, so we were the last two guys standing. We didn't sleep the whole flight home.

And I remember landing and they had all the firemen doing all this type of stuff, feeding us in, like they do all the teams. when they went on the road or whatever. And yeah, that was really cool. And from there, so I went to my buddy Rob, and he has a barbershop right here in the North End, and Boston Barber and Tattoo.

And I got him to shave me right before game one. And I said, okay, the next time I'm coming in for a shave is right after we win. Yeah. So I went home and changed, and me and Johnny Boychuk, we walked over. I called Rob up.

We walked over to a shop. And, you know, and we go down there. It's whatever. It's like 10, 3, 11 in the morning. I'm just like this. Sitting in the chair. But anyways, yeah, so he shaved me and Johnny up, and our buddies from Monica's there.

They brought over some beers and some food for us. So it was pretty crazy because the people were all going nuts that we were walking down the streets. So then we had to like kind of lock the doors and everything because people were going a little too. to crazy. And then, and then from there,

we went to, uh, to Tia's. Okay. Oh, fuck. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And they kind of had like a nice area for us with the, with, with police and all that type of stuff. It was pretty crazy when they caught wind that we were there and hanging out

with the cup. The news helicopters started started following us around. Yeah. So yeah. So this is, so that happened the Thursday. And then from there, where did we go from there?

Then we had a dinner. And a couple of guys went out. Yeah, the iconic bar night. Yeah, which like that was the greatest bar tab in the history of celebration. So if you can imagine, so the Thursday night, a bunch of us got a little tired. So that was, so the cup goes, the cup has a curfew, right? It goes away at midnight. So when the cup went away at midnight, we're like, okay, we, we, let's get a good night's sleep.

And then the Friday happened. We, everyone was kind of sporadic, but then we all met up. We had it, we had a nice dinner. And then a bunch of us went to, I think it was alibi. Oh, yeah, nice. Yeah, which was really was, was really happening spot. back then. Yeah.

But yeah, I mean, there's not a lot of pictures and videos of stuff because it's not like it is now, you know? There was no Instagram. Even better, yeah. Jesus. It was the one Marci and Sags are up dancing on the bar. See, I wasn't with them. I wasn't with them in any of those.

Is their tattoo spelled wrong? Is that real? Only Marys. Oh, okay. Yeah. So we all got like, there was like six or seven of us that I got the same one. Yeah. And Marci went first and they, they spelled the champions.

Yeah. champions. But anyways, did you get it fixed? I think you got it fixed. I might want to leave that. It's kind of iconic. It's a little badge bonner.

Yeah. And then the big bar night, so we have the parade Saturday morning. Obviously into Saturday afternoon. And from there, you know, we take the bus down to Foxwoods and they took really good care of us.

Yeah. And yeah, and that's where we had the big bar tab down at Shrine. They had an ace of spade bottle that was the same size as the Stanley Cup. Wow.

Yeah. That's ridiculous. And I kind of, See, this is where, like, I wish that they kind of did have, like, Instagram and stuff back then. Because there is, like, a picture floating around of, I'm, it's me and Shane Knighty, and I'm holding this bottle, Ace of Spades. Yeah. And this thing is, like, like, full of champagne. And I'm, like, sweating, holding it up.

And he's got the cup in front of me. Oh, shit. So that was a cool pick that I kind of wish that I had. Someone's got it. Yeah. Yeah. That'll be, uh, for the fans. Someone find that pick and send it to us.

And then, so that ended up being that night, the big bar night. Obviously, I mean, the legendary bar tab and whatnot. Unbelievable. But the only shitty part is is in Foxwood's last call is at 1 a.m. Yeah, right. So, yeah, so after 1 a.m., there's not much going on. Then we came back and we did the Red Sox game and threw out the first pitch for that. And yeah, and the guys that wanted to keep it going, kept her going.

And the guys that wanted to take it easy started to take it easy. Which camp were you in? I was I was I was in and out I was I was in a oh yeah yeah so it was it was pretty cool to to experience that all did I take it all in I think I did yeah good

would I have including all the beers yeah yeah that too obviously but yeah it was a cool experience and it's something that I'm still chasing to experience for sure yeah and but yeah it's it's it's cool to reminisce about all that type of stuff.

We were there, dude. We were at the parade. You know what? Because especially just talking about that group, that group was such a great group and it's such a close group. Totally. And we actually have a night that they're doing for us this year because of the centennial year. I think it's March 7th.

Awesome. So they're doing the, um, the 2011 team. So that'll kind of be the first time. We're all kind of around each other in a long, long time. Yeah.

So it'll be really, really great to see everyone. I bet. I mean, when you guys did the video conference, yeah, that was like a blast. Yeah.

Because you missed a 10 year anniversary, right? Yeah, because of COVID and all that type of stuff. But yeah, you know, just to chirp in and like it's still there. It's still going at each other

for the same stuff. Yeah. It's beautiful. You know what? Everyone still looks good. All the guys that I've seen. They all kept themselves in good shape. It's pretty crazy to think now

that there's only three of us that are still playing. I know. It's wild. Yeah. It's really wild. There's only three of us still going. So it just shows you how quick time goes.

And to have gratitude and appreciation that you get to play such a special game and be a part of such a special group. So yeah, it was. And like I said, just to talk about that group and that whole season is, you know, I just, your hair raises up on your arms. It's happening to me too, man. Just as a fan. It's crazy.

And you know what? That's the reason why, you know, having the opportunity to come back. back here and be a brewing again, you know, it's, it's special, right? Like, it means a lot to me, uh, just because of all those things that I experienced here. And now, you know, like, and I tell people like, you know, my kids, my kids now are 10, 8, and 5, you know, they don't, they don't remember me as a Boston Bruin. They, they remember me mainly as a Calgary Flan claim because, you know, that's what they remember. So to be able to play in front of them now, where they're going to be remember me as a Boston Bruin, that's something that just adds to it as well.

That's really, really special. Yeah. I, you know, you hate to go from that iconic moment to 2013. Yeah. But there were some unreal moments in that that we'd love to hear about. It's like, you know, that game seven against Toronto is one of the greatest games of all time. And then, you know, I'd love to hear the contrast of Vancouver and then to Chicago, you know, like what were some of the things that went on? Because there was one moment, not to cut in, but I remember an interview you had after the game seven went against Toronto.

where you said before that game there were a ton of thoughts running through your head of, you know, if we lose this, a lot of guys aren't coming back. You know, things might have to change here. And like hearing those stories, like that's so nuts and that must be so motivating. Well, yeah, that's true because I think

if we would have lost that game to Toronto, they would have blew it up right then and there, you know? So, and then you don't know what the last 10 years of the Bruins would have been like, you know? But, but yeah, obviously, you know, that series was, That series was cool too because it was the first time Toronto made the playoffs post lockout. Yeah.

You know, so they're back in it. And I think, you know, as an athlete who, you know, who loves the game and everything about the game, you know, you're getting to play, you know, the Leafs. You know, you get to play, you know, like the mecca of hockey, you know. It's an original six match. The original six, original six matchup, you know, you're playing against Toronto, the biggest. media market, you know, all that type of stuff. Their first time back since 2004. So, you know, there was a lot,

a lot to look forward to, a lot going on there. And, you know, we got up, we got a pretty quick 3-1 in the series. And then, you know, they got themselves back in it. And then obviously, you know, that game seven was just a complete whirlwind of a day. And the fact that they, the fact that they would even put a game six and seven back to back,

it's crazy. And what happened after that game six was our plane broke down. So we had to stay the night in Toronto. We stayed the night in Toronto. That's ridiculous. And then we flew the morning of game seven to Boston. While the Leafs were already here. Yeah.

So we flew in. We come in to our meetings. They had us staying actually at the battery war because they wanted us staying at a hotel. Yeah. You know, just no distractions, especially with guys with families and kids and stuff like that. So, yeah, it was just like a whirlwind of a day. You know, you're still kind of buzzing because, okay, you know, of everything that happened the night before. And then, yes.

And then, you know, we went from, we completely owned them in the series. And then we couldn't score a goal in the series. You know, in game six and seven or five and six, I think we only scored one goal. And then, you know, game seven comes around. And it's, you know, like I said, there's those thoughts that go through your head that like, okay, if we want this group to stay together. Yeah. You know, we better win this fucking game. It's going to all blow up.

And then, you know, we score the first goal, you know, so, you know, we're feeling really good about ourselves. And then Cody Francis scores on a P.P. In the first period, then he scores another one in the second period. And then it's like, okay, it's just a one goal game. You know, we'll get ourselves back in it. And then, boom, they score two. You know, it's four one with, what was it, like 13, 14 minutes left.

And in my head, I'm going, oh, shit. Yep. but but uh one of the things that that i actually said was like all right boys we just got to get one before the 10 minute mark let's just get one before 10 minute mark because if we do that then you know we got 10 minutes to get two and you know we make a play come out of the neutral zone you know I go around the net I find hearty boom he scores and I'm like okay and I come to the match I'm like fucking rice boys we got that one yeah for 10 minute 10 minute mark let's let's go now and you know our game starts getting better and

better. The game starts getting a little bit better, better, all that type of stuff. And then it's actually, I think it was Matt Fratt. And he has a breakaway. Yeah, I was going to say, Tewks, yeah. He has a breakaway. And Tewks makes the save on the breakaway. And then it was just like, you know, then the Tukes stay, you know, chance are going.

And then, you know, that, that, and, and Claude, he completely shortened the bench. She was only playing like six, seven forwards at that time. And in our line with me, Crutch and Horty, he was putting us out every other ship. Yeah. And like, you know, every other. shift at that point, you're just like, oh my God. Like, you know, you're just, you're just playing more off of adrenaline than you are, you know, off of anything.

And when Tukes made that save, it was just like another shot, like an energy shot. And then, you know, we were able to get one, you know, I was able to get one six on five right after that. Dude, that goal, by the way, very, very underrated. Like, I remember watching that play and you kind of get tied up and your ability to get back down and get your stick on the ice and elevated. I was like, are you fucking kidding? It was the strongest goal I've ever seen

and that was huge. Those are the ones where you're not even thinking. I'm just going to get this thing and fire this part. And so that goes in and I think we still got over a minute left. And then we call a time out, you know, we're like, okay, let's win the face. I'm get it in. You know, get it up top

and get a shot on net. And then because on that goal, I was in the net front guy and Z shot it from up top. They're like, okay, now we're going to switch it to to okay z we want you to go in front yeah and i kind of like i kind of like i just did this you know because i just scored in z he's like he's like no luch i got it i got it and i was like all right z you got it so then i remember so we get it in uh win the battle down low get it up to burghie or to yager yager over to burgey to crutch back to back to burghie and he just snaps one and and and i've just seen

the replay a million times the way you Z was in front of the net, I'm glad that he called me off because it didn't matter who was in goal. His big ass was in front of the goalie and he did not see a thing. And when that hit the net and you can even see my reaction beside the net, I just had my hand

and I sound like, oh fuck thank God. Because all the effort and emotion that we put in to getting back into that game, just to give ourselves a chance in overtime. You know, it just was one of the, to me it's the greatest game that I've ever been a part of. Oh, yeah.

And then I feel like that I've played as an individual. Yeah. So, yeah, it was, it was, to me, it was, it was the greatest game that I've ever been a part of. So, yeah. Yeah, it was all the effort and everything went into it. And just to see us actually win it in overtime. Unreal. It was, was unreal.

Every Bruins fan on earth knows exactly where we were. Yeah. Underrated part of that game was when Peverley almost ended it with like two seconds. At the buzzer, dude. I was already like, I was like drunk on a high. I'm watching that game get tied. And then Pebs was like, I was like,

oh, are you guys fucking too? I think the entire city of Toronto would have imploded if he's scored at that moment. That was unbelievable, dude. And then, yeah, lastly, it's like, what was the, you know, the contrast of,

you get through it with Vancouver, right? And then you're playing Chicago, unbelievable team. Yeah. Did it feel like against them? Do you ever look back at that and that game six and just kind of feel frustrated

of like fucking two bounces and we're back in a game? Game 7 or was it a little bit of like, you know, that team was unbelievable. Who knows what would happen? Like what kind of goes through your head? You were talking about how? Like you guys were banged up that year. You know what?

There is a lot of things that I think about in that series that are frustrating. Yeah. And it's easy to just look at game six. And what a lot of people forget is you got to look at game one. Game one, dude. So we're up to nothing in game one. Yep. And then sod scored to make it 2-1.

And then we had a power play in the third and Bergey scores to make it 3-1. I think it was like nine minutes left in the third. So when you're that far and you're not good of a team and you've got a two-go-lead, the other team should not be coming back in it. Then we had a turnover or, well, I forget which one came first. I'm pretty sure.

Okay, so Ferrence is boxing out. And he's like six feet wide. And he's boxing out. And Johnny Adia shot it wide on purpose because the guy was in his lane. And he just shot it on wide to get it down and hits Ferrence and leg. Yep. And goes in. Yeah.

Next shift with turnover up the middle. Back to 1. Boom. They score right away. It's just like, all right. We just went from 3.1 with eight minutes left. Yep. To now, holy shit.

It's 3.3. Yeah. And then and then we go into triple overtime. And, you know, we were. a bigger team than them, a heavier team. So then, you know, like our big minute guys, like, I think Big Z played like 52 minutes that first game. Played three overtime.

And then Nathan Horan, I think in the second or first overtime, dislocated his shoulder. So like if, and I think I played 40 minutes, Kretsch played 40 minutes. Bergey was at like 38 minutes. So like my point is, is we take care of business in game one. You know, none of us have to play that much. Horty probably doesn't dislocate a shoulder. Fuck, dude. Big Z and sides didn't, wouldn't have had to play 48, 50 minutes.

Yeah. And not only that, they, and then they score on a double tip. Yeah, but. And then obviously, you know, and then, but then we go up in the series. Yeah, game four, dude. Also, which was a killer. And then obviously what happened in game six. So, you know, there's a lot of things that, you know,

I look back at that's frustrating. Definitely. And I think about a lot. Like, you know, it's haunted me in my dreams. I'm not even kidding. I believe it. Like, this shit comes to me. my dreams of how we lost that series.

But that just shows you the group that Chicago was and why they won three Stanley Cups. And you got to give them all their credit in the world because every time you thought you had them down and out, you didn't. And they always found their way back and they always scored a big goal. And their biggest guys always showed up in their biggest games. And that's why that core and that group won three Stanley Cups. And, you know, I could bitch and be frustrated and tell you everything that went wrong for us. But, you know, they did it.

And they did it. They did it over and over again. And, you know, that's why, you know, especially those eight guys that won those three cups. Yeah. You know, those guys are our legendary core of their generation. And that was just another, more evidence of it just by how they beat us in 2013. No doubt. Absolutely.

Okay, now we're going to slide into the next question brought to you by I Slide USA. We actually got a sick pair of slides. Oh, right. You're going to love them. Yeah, their custom jobs, you're going to love them. And actually, you kind of just touched on this a little bit. I was reading about your free agency and obviously everyone was pumped to here. You get back here.

And I saw you say, too, that Worlds was really helpful because, you know, you went to Worlds. You're playing. Everyone's like, damn, he's moving great out there. You know, you got a lot of options, including Chicago, which would have been cool, play with Bedsie and everything. But we know how much this city means to you and all that. You grew up here. it feels like home, everything.

But I had read or heard a cool Tiger Woods quote when he won that Masters in 2019 or whatever. He said something like, to my kids, I'm just a YouTube golfer. Like they know I'm sick on YouTube, but they never actually see me do something. And it made me think, like, to your kids, you're kind of a YouTube ruin, right?

Like, you've never actually seen you play. So talk about, you know, it's so meaning for you to come back here, but what it means for you, for your kids to be able to see you in this jersey. Yeah, it's, to me, it's really cool. It just adds to it all, and it's very special.

And yeah, my two older kids were both born here in Boston. So, you know, I called them my little Bostonians. Yeah. Yeah, so to bring them back here is pretty awesome. And actually last season with Calgary when we played here, you know, I obviously didn't know what my hockey future was going to be like. So my wife flew out with the two girls just so that they could watch me play a game in the garden. Yeah.

Oh, wow. And, you know, because we didn't know if, you know, where I was going to be going into this season or where I was going to play and all that type of stuff. So, so we wanted them to experience that. And they thought it was the coolest thing in the world. And my wife had these, like, jackets made up for the 1,000 game. And, you know, they say Loochich, and they had that 1,000 on them. And they got a patch of all the teams that I played for and Stanley Cup patches and all that type of stuff. And they were wearing them that game.

And, you know, when they found out they were my. My kids, like the fans were like, oh, awesome. Your dad was our favorite, all this type of stuff. So, you know, they were old enough to, you know, to feel that. See the impact you had. Yeah. To feel that. And they thought it was like the coolest thing in the world that, you know, I was who I was in a city in Boston.

Yeah, even though, you know, they weren't watching me as a Bruin. You know, they came here as a Calgary Flame. So to get to share this all with them is pretty cool. I think it'll be really, really cool when they introduced me, you know, for the first time back, you know, in the home opener. So, you know, having my kids here for that is going to be, it's just going to add all to it. So again, like I said, I'm just really grateful and appreciative that, you know, I get this chance. Because how many guys get to actually go back to, you know, where they started? It rarely happens.

And a place, man, it's, it's, it's, like. It's not like, you know, it feels like no time has passed, truly. It's like, you know, I go in the pro shop earlier today and see your jersey in there again. And it's obviously, it's an awesome moment, but it genuinely feels like you have played for multiple other teams since, but you never left. Like you have been. It feels like that for me too. Yeah. And you love to hear that, dude.

So guys, taking a quick break to tell you about eye slide. These are the slides we had at the Chicklets Cup, the elbow room ringers, they were fire. They have an empty netters line that is even more sexy. They've got NHL teams. They've got other pro sports teams. They've got college teams. Everything you need. I don't care what level of hockey you play.

Do you like being comfortable? I do. Put on eye slides. Go to IslideUSA.com and use promo code netters. That's N-E-T-T-E-R-S for 20% off the best sandals you have ever owned. In that, obviously, there's so many factors at play with having a family, with all the things going on with your career. When Sweeney called, obviously I'm sure you thought about it,

but were you like, oh, fuck, yeah, I'm in. Yeah. And I still had his number saved in my phone. That's funny. Don Sweeney, I was like, I was like, oh, I was actually at the Hermosa Pier. No way. I was at the Homoosa Pier. I was dropping off my oldest daughter to her junior lifeguards.

Hell yeah. So I was right by the surfer there in Hermosa Pier. Yeah. And phone rings, sure enough, Don Sweeney. And I'm like, oh, I wonder what he's calling about. And we had a great 25-minute conversation about, you know, whether I was in. interested and and how I'm feeling and all that type of stuff. And so, so yeah, it was obviously, and I explained to him as well that I wanted to

wail out all my options. Sure. You know, and, you know, I obviously wanted to pick what I thought was going to fit best for me. And, you know, after talking to all the teams and, you know, I had some really good conversation with Monty and all that type of stuff. But after talking with everyone and going over everything, I felt like, you know, this opportunity was one that I couldn't pass up.

And we talked about everything that lined up with me coming back. So, so yeah, it was, it was, the closer I got to making my final decision, it became more of a no-brainer. Hell yeah. Can you talk about a little bit, because it's been, what, eight years since you were back here, which is crazy. You've had such a unique career. We were actually talking about this the other day in that you,

it feels like your role has shifted so many different times and you've done it so seamlessly. And it's pretty amazing to see how, you know, you came into this league, on the Bruins and you kind of knew you had to be an energy guy. I think you went with Winchester, your first Bruins game, I think, something like that. Yeah. And then you play a few years. We get to that Stanley Cup season and you're one of the elite wingers in the league. You're scoring 30 plus goals a season.

And you're a top forward playing with guys like Crutch and Horty. And then you bounce around and you start being more of a fighter, more of an energy guy and other teams. And like now here we are in Boston with a different role than when you left Boston. how has it been mentally for you every time, every new team, every new season being like, okay, I got to prepare for a new role and to do it so well. And I'd be curious too to hear kind of, because I remember reading stories about Kobe as he got older and it's like, oh, I can't just beat everyone off the dribble.

I got to add a pump fake or what, like you change your game, I imagine. Like you adapt your game to stuff like that. It's been an adjustment. Yeah. It's been frustrating. It's hard at times. It's frustrating at times because, you know, especially when you're used to playing, at a high level. And I think the biggest adjustment, and I know a lot of guys will tell you this,

when you go from a top line guy to, okay, now you're getting limited, you know, when you're playing those top minutes, you're in a groove, you know, you don't, you don't miss shifts. You never really get skipped over, you know, by the coach and all that type of stuff here. So you're used to getting into a groove, into a routine, into the flow of the game. And then, you're, you know, And then, you know, when you start getting limited in your ice time, you got to learn how, okay, you know, maybe we took a penalty with four minutes left in the period. And then he decided, okay, so, or we had a power play. So he went with the power play or the penalty kill. Neither of it scored.

And then he went through two or three, or he went with two other lines, the period ended. Comes out, you know, two lines go. Everyone's fresh. another power play. Then the power play goes again. Yeah. And then, so you're looking at maybe,

I'm not even kidding. Sometimes there were times where it's like 15 minutes an hour of real time where you actually didn't even get a shift. Yeah. Like that's fucking nuts. So like mentally you got to keep yourself in it.

So that, that's, that to me, that's the biggest adjustment that I've had to learn how to play in a sense that, okay, you know,

you're not going to get that right in that regular groove of playing to 16, 17 minutes a night. So you got to, And it's on you. It's on you as a professional and as an athlete to make sure that you're ready to go when your number is called upon. Yeah, yeah. So to be to be into the game and keep your mentally into it. And then obviously when you get out there so that you're ready to go physically, that's kind of the biggest adjustment.

And, you know, and then when you do get that chance, you want to have a positive effect to the game. Because if you do have a shitty shift or if you do get scored on, then you know, then you do you do get that chance. then you don't know when you're going to get back out there. You know? God, it's brutal. Like mentally, it can wear on you. So, so yeah. So just, just learning how to do that.

And then there are times where, you know, the guys above you aren't pulling their weight or maybe someone will get hurt, you know. And then all of a sudden, you're like, okay, now you're up. Yep. So we need 15 minutes out of you tonight when you were playing only eight or nine the last couple.

You're like, dude, I just untied my stuff. skates. What you're talking about? So then you got to get, you know, mentally back into what it is to be out there on a regular move on a regular shift. So there's all those adjustments that you got to make on a game to game basis. But at the end of the day, like I said, you got to do whatever you got to do to bring your best anytime you get called upon.

And for me, like you said, it's now I've kind of transitioned back into, like you said, like an energy guy, but also leadership guy and all that type of stuff. So for me, it's just like. like I said, having a positive impact every time I'm out there, you know, and get a chance to be on the ice. And that's the mentality of what it's like for me every time I get to play. Yeah, I love hearing some of your comments. It's fun, man.

I still have fun. No matter what my role is, I love it. I still have fun. I love being a part of the team. Yeah. I love getting ready with the team. I love going in with a game plan and trying to execute it and, you know, being competitive and trying to, you know, beat the opposition, you know,

having that, you know, let's fucking go at it. Let's fucking step on their throats. You know, all that type of shit. You can see that from the fan perspective. Yeah, so, you know, I still love that. And that's the reason why I continue to play. And, you know, whatever my role is, to be able to continue to do that is, you know,

I'm willing to do. Yeah, incredible, man. And I loved some of your comments about when you came in, you were looking to the veteran leaders to show you the ropes and now you're the veteran leader. And you can do that for some of the young guys on the team. And I really wanted to ask, I mean, these boys are coming off,

literally the greatest regular season of all time, buried in the playoffs in the first round, disaster. Is the culture of this team of this locker room is obviously really strong, really high? It's still cup or bust in that room, I'm sure. But is it like, we go to avenge last year? Or is it like, don't even talk about it onto the next? It doesn't matter.

Like, how do you approach this coming season based on the collapse last year? Well, I think it's a different group. Yeah. Yeah. And obviously, when you lose Burroughs, Virginon and Creachie that are two big, big parts of it. You know, it's, it makes, that's what, that's, you know, that's what makes it a different

group, but, but also there's still a lot of returning guys from that group last year. So there should be a confidence, you know, like a lot of guys went through it. A lot of guys understand that, you know, you can't take anything for granted, you know. And, you know, even some guys were talking about last year, almost everything went right for them in the season. Yeah. You know, they were winning games that they probably shouldn't have even won. Yeah.

You know, and I remember last year, we actually kicked their ass in Calgary. Yeah. O-Mark had to make like 50 saves and they'd be this in overtime. Yeah. And a lot of them were saying they were getting away with that last year. So I think they learned a lot from last year. And to avenge last year, I don't feel that. Yeah.

Yeah. I think there obviously is outside pressure from last year because media and fans talk about it a lot. are all over right now. They're going to have you guys all over the place. And that's natural. They're going to talk about it, right? Yeah. But for us internally, we got to, we got to worry about the guys that are here.

We got to worry about this group because even when you win a Stanley Cup, the group that's there next year isn't the same group that was there the year before. And everyone starts at zero and everyone starts all over again. So for us, it's like, okay, we have an opportunity to, to, you know, build off of, you know, what we didn't learn last year. And, yeah, there's some new faces jumping into new roles. There's guys that are going to have different opportunities and all that type of stuff. So it's just about, you know, guys embracing that and making the most of it.

And, you know, we're going to be a team that relies on everyone. So everyone's going to have to bring their best on a night-to-night basis because if you look at the Atlantic Division, there's no fucking easy games. It's a shit show, dude. It's a shit show. And that's everywhere, even being in the Pacific. Yeah, you know, maybe, you know, San Jose wasn't great last year,

but, you know, you catch San Jose when Carlson was going last year. Or, you know, you play Anaheim when those young guys are feeling it that night. Yeah. There's no easy games anymore. No, there's not. And people ask me, what's the biggest difference? And you know what? Like, when I first came to a league and you were playing a bottom third team,

you know, that was almost a guaranteed win. Yeah. Now, like, on a night-to-night basis, the, the teams, are so good, even the bad teams are good. It's really good. And like, to your point, it's like, even if you're playing last season in Anaheim, like they're still, they have gibber in net. And it's still like, I mean, you can't just

expect to ring up that type of a goalie, you know, so it's, you're right. Exactly. So yeah, so you got to be ready to go every single night. And I love what you said. I don't think enough people think about this. Like, the team is so different. And it is, it does feel like a new era and a new regime with this Bruins team. So

that's got to be such a great positive. You know, fuck what happened last. year. It's a new group of guys. You got to focus on yourselves. I think that's a great point. You kind of just mentioned, you know, all the guys like with Bergey and Kretsch leaving. One thing I really wanted to hear from you is you have such an interesting perspective, I think, of, you know, you come in, you're playing with guys like those two, playing with guys like Marci. Then you move on. You're playing with guys like Kopitar and Dowdy in L.A. and then you've played with McDavid. For you personally, who are some of or one of the guys that

you're like, that's the best person I've ever played with. Well, for me personally, just because I had the most success with him was David Creachie. Yeah. Yeah, you know, just being a left winger with the right-handed shot center. And the way we, and the chemistry that we had, you know, he always knew where I was and I always knew where he was. And we were really good at playing give and go. So, yeah. And so for me, and like I always said this about him too.

He was always one of those guys that had like ice in his veins. Yeah, I agree. Just look at his playoff numbers, you know. I think him and Bergey might be tied for second all-time playoff scores. Yeah, it's insane. Yeah. And so whenever you needed a big play from him, he, you know, he was always making it. Yeah.

So, yeah, for me personally, he was, you know, my favorite guy that I got to play with. But, you know, I've played for four teams now and, you know, gotten to play with some really great players. Yeah, I've been fortunate enough to play with. with a lot of great guys. Obviously, I think, like for me, a defender, like, Drew Dowdy is the best. Yeah, one of the best that I think of his generation, of our generation.

Yeah, definitely. There's a reason why he's won two gold medals and two Stanley Cups. Yeah. You know, he was... Got a Norris under his belt. Yeah, Norris. He's a big-time player as far as all that type of stuff goes.

Obviously, getting to play was Adano here. Yeah. In his prime. you know, when I was a rookie, he was only 30 years old. First time I met him, he was 29 years old. That's so crazy. I think there's a lot of guys that know Zedano that are still in the league from when he was in his 20s.

Yeah. He's out here still ripping like 150 pull-ups like it's no problem. Yeah, and then, yeah, obviously, Berge being Bergey. I mean, you know, these are all like Hall of Fame guys that I'm talking about. And obviously, in every. You got Connor and Leon. Yeah.

Those, they're generational talents. To me, Connor, like, I've never, so usually the really good players, you know, they, you know, hands, hands, feet, and brain, you know, and usually the really good players have at least two out of three or maybe like one and a half. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? But he's, out of all the guys that I've ever seen and played with and against, I've never seen a play, uh, played with and against, I've never seen a person. I've never seen a player have all three

where his hockey IQ is that elite his hands and his feet are faster than anyone's. He can beat you anyway. You know, he can like, I mean, you even saw it this year. The separation between him and then number two, it was like what? It's 30 points.

Yeah, I was ridiculous. Yeah, honestly, it's insane. And honestly, I think, obviously, games evolved, you know, yeah. Humans. evolved. But I honestly think he's probably the best hockey

player to ever play. It's crazy, man. Just because of what he's able to do the speed that he's able to do it. And what people don't know is he's sneaky strong. He wins fitness testing. I was there with him. He won fitness testing all three years that I was there. Fuck, that's crazy. Yeah.

The power in his legs, he's explosive. He's so strong on his feet. His grip strength test was one of the best, if not the best when I was there. Yeah. So He is sneaky big. Like I remember seeing in Vegas and I was like, what the fuck? Yeah.

Yeah. I know he looks lean. Yeah. But he's bigger than you think he is. Yeah. No doubt. So, yeah. So, yeah.

Yeah, a lot of guys I've had a great opportunity to play with. And those are just some of the generational talents that I've gotten to play with. Pretty good resume. Yeah. All right. Want to hit him with the final show? Yeah. Let's do it.

All right. So we're going to close you out here with a game that we play with all of our. our guests. A little bit of personal stuff here. Perfect. So it's called pass shoot score. Basically a ranking system. Pass the puck's great. We like getting pucks on net. Shooting's better. And then scoring ultimate goal. So you're going to rank things, these three things that we give you. I'm going to start you with one that's my personal favorite because it's something I do as well. You've got pretty great Halloween costumes under your belt. Okay. So I want you to give me your pass shoot score of your Joker costume, Game of Thrones. Okay. And your night at the Roxbury

costume. I would say Joker is score and then I would go night at the Roxbury shoot and then the Game of Thrones one to pass. Okay. Yeah. Because I didn't go full out on Game of the Thrones. I didn't do like the full... Yeah. And you did go at the end of the end of the going to do that. Yeah. I'm sorry. I've been having Monge

with me. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Being a little Italian. Yeah. Us being Doug and Steve. I'm surprised that's not score. I thought that one was iconic. That's so solid. Yeah,

I guess that's how it ranked my team. Yeah, yeah, that's good. Do you have a plan for this year? Yeah, what's on deck? I haven't even thought about it yet, to be honest. It'll come to you. With that resume. How could it not?

How could it not? Good one will come. Okay. Next one, next category is Bruins jerseys. Okay. The 2010 Winter Classic jersey. The walking profile bear that was your guys alt alt for most of your tenure.

or the new Centennial one this season. I got pictures of you and all of them if you want to check them out. No extra scrolling, though, Babcock. All right. I would have to... It's that one? Yeah. Am I going right here, Chris? Yeah, yeah.

Or other way. Other way. That one. And that one. I would say the Centennial is score. It's pretty fine. It is pretty fine. I love it.

And then hear me out on this one because I was injured for the... I was injured for that Winter Classic. Yeah. I didn't get to play it. it, so I'm going to say that pass because it still bothers me that I didn't play it. And then I would say shoot for the old old alternates. Yeah. Okay, nice.

Okay. That's a good way. I love a loop. I don't know if I love the shoulder patch on the new one. I love the jersey. Yeah. But it's like, I don't know. I'm not there yet.

I'll show I'll come around to it. You think you're an idiot. They're so good. All right. Here's a family time one. Okay. Pass shoot score. Truffle hunting in Tuscany.

riding the mountain coaster in Switzerland or doing the Star Wars ride at Disneyland I would say the Chuffle Hunt is a score Star Wars is a shoot and then the Switzerland one was pass Okay Yeah why give me more details

That Switzerland What are those things Those mountain coaster things They're not that fun Yeah They're cool for like 10 seconds. You're like, okay,

this is, give me off of this thing. Yeah. And then I actually kind of hurt myself on it. I ran myself over on it. But, but yeah, and then actually the Star Wars stuff

is pretty cool. Dude, isn't that insane. I couldn't believe the production value there. And then to be able to get to act, like, to be able to actually get to do a trouble hunt

is pretty awesome. That's what I want to talk about. And I love truffles. Me too. And what's great is, is even the, so the guide that we did the trouble hunt with. Yeah.

He said that was the most truffles that he had ever gotten in a, on one tour. Wow. So I think we got like 14. What do you do? So what they do is, is then they cook a meal for you

with the truffles after and then they just shave them on there for a second. What do you do on the hunt? So you have a dog. Okay. And then the dog sniffs them out. You just go with him. And then you just sniff them out

and all that type of stuff. Yeah. Yeah, you just. So you really just had a great dog. Yeah. Yeah. Do you remember what you ate?

What they put the travels on? They had a, they had a poached egg. dish. Nice. They had a pasta dish as a second course and then they had a chuffle on a steak as the main course. Oh, hell. Yeah. And they did some kind of funky dessert that they shave some truffles on as well. Oh yeah. Yeah. They kind of do that. I've had that before. There's like a, I had like a vanilla ice cream with like an olive oil. Yeah, it was like that. Yeah, it was definitely like that. Yeah. That's solid. Yeah. Italy is the go. Yeah. Yeah. So money. Okay. Here's the last one. I'm calling this

category like, I don't know what I don't know if I should call it like Zen or happy place, but just where are you, where do you, where do you feel very at ease? Okay, I think I know what you're going to say, but here are your three. Past shoot score, enjoying your favorite meal at 10 foot Henry, or sitting on your couch at home, watching an episode of Yellowstone,

or getting a fresh shave at Boston Barber. I would say... It's even better knowing that great back story of Boston Barber. I would say, so I love going for dinners, so I would put that as my score. Okay. Yeah.

What's your order there? Me too. I would usually go with the chicken dish there. Okay. Yeah, they had a good chicken dish that I liked. And then, you know what? Even though I love going to Boston Barber just to hang out, but nobody clean shaves anymore.

I know. Oh, really? So, yeah, I got to put that as my pass, and then I'll throw that me on the couch, watching Yellowstone a score. Yeah. Are you watching the Yellowstone spinoffs? I haven't been.

And honestly, I'm so far behind right now. Just with three kids and they're both in two different sports. When I'm not at the rink, I'm basically an Uber driver just taking them to all there. Which is fun. And, you know, I was lucky enough to have parents that took me to all my sports and stuff. And I wouldn't be a hockey player right now. But if they didn't do that for me. So I just, I guess, paint it forward.

Pay it forward. Yeah. I love it. I love it. Okay. Where's the meal of choice in boxing? Austin. Where are you going out to dinner? The first spot I always go to is Monica.

So I always go to Chetria de Monica. Yeah, so that's always my first spot that I go to. Nice. All right, Luch, we've taken up enough of your time. This has been absolutely unbelievable. Before we let you go, is there anything you want to shout out, give a what's up to, or plug anything? It's almost Friday, so let's get the beers ready.

Let's go. All right, well, my man, thank you. Thank you for us, dude. Beautiful stuff. Good stuff, buddy. Thank you. Milan Luchich, back in the Spokeby. You love to see it. I told you I was starstruck, dude. Like, he won me a cup. He personally won me a cup. My name is on the cup because of him. I believe it. I mean, I feel the same way. But I mean, honestly, can't thank him enough. One of the greatest guys of all time. Looking lean. Oh, my God. Looking lean, looking jacked. Looking limber. It's unbelievable, but I cannot wait to see him this season playing for the Bruins. That was unreal.

Just can't say enough good things about him. Yeah. That was so fun. It was awesome. So fun. But that's it for us this week at the afternoon's podcast. Hope you guys enjoyed that interview as much as we did. And until next week, opening night tonight, boys. Hope for the bees. Skate hard.