TAMPA | Marian Hossa won the Stanley Cup three times. The three times with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. But before the joy, there was also tears.
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Hossa made the Finals for the first time in 2008 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The young band in Sidney Crosby had lost in six games against the Detroit Red Wings. The following year, the Slovak wore the colors of the Wings.
But in 2009, it was the opposite scenario. The Red Wings lost in seven games against the Penguins. A few months later, Hossa signed a 12-year, $63 million contract with the Blackhawks. In his first season with the Hawks, the winger broke his bad luck by putting his lips to the precious trophy.
Corey Perry has now followed in Hossa’s footsteps. He is also making his third straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals with a third different team. In 2020, he was with the Dallas Stars and last year he was at the big dance with the Montreal Canadiens. Both times, the Lightning destroyed his dream of getting a second ring.
“It’s a pretty weird road,” Perry admitted on the eve of Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche. This road started from the repurchase of my contract by the Ducks to my days with the Stars until my passage with the Canadian. And now I’m in the Finals with the Lightning.”
“It was quite windy as a path. But it was very pleasant. I now hope that the third attempt will be the right one. Hossa had been successful in her third final in three years. I already won in 2007 with the Ducks, but it’s been forever. I would like to relive this magical moment.”
A crucial resource
Perry did not sign for a gold bridge with the Lightning. Julien BriseBois convinced him to leave for Florida by offering him a two-year pact, which Marc Bergevin and the CH refused to agree to, at an annual salary of one million.
Despite his 37 years, the Ontarian still has this desire for victory. His impact is not only read on a score sheet, but also inside the locker room in a leading role.
“His effect is huge this year,” said BriseBois. I don’t know if we can quantify it. He has been a very important resource in the locker room for the other veterans and point guards, but for our young players as well. He was a mentor for young people.
“For our coaches, he was also a resource person to discuss strategies. He did the same with me. I enjoyed my discussions with him. He has a lot of experience and he is a winner. He knows the sacrifices that are necessary and he does not hesitate to remind us of it. We hope we can finish the job to allow him to win the cup again.