Chicago's coach, 'Iron' Mike Keenan, had a savage reputation as a tough disciplinarian. He was crafty, highly successful and extremely volatile. Keenan knew the importance of this game and he was clearly looking for a competitive edge. What better way, he must have thought, then to test our young rookie and see if he could rent space in his head. Right from the opening faceoff, 'Iron' Mike chirped Pavel Bure at every opportunity. He kept up a steady verbal assault while skirting the limits of what might draw a penalty.
For his part, Pavel Bure had a humble disposition. On the outside he seemed a bit shy, but on the inside he was a fierce competitor. Pavel would take it and take it, until eventually he'd snap and give as good as he got... In the dying moments, with the game out of reach, Pavel skated over to the Chicago bench and challenged Keenan to his face.
'Iron' Mike lost it. He tried to get over the boards so he could get at Pavel, but his players held him back. Still irate that a rookie would dare challenge him, Keenan rushed the divider between the benches and started pounding on the glass. From our perspective, it looked like a guy with a bruised ego having a temper tantrum. Keenan tried all night to get Pavel off his game and he failed miserably.
VIDEO: Bure with a Sweet Tap in!
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Week: 8