Frank Nazar reacted immediately to being hit in the face by a puck, throwing his gloves down and heading straight to the locker room, indicating serious concern about his injury.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.
"He brings a lot to the table, is carefree, has a playful wit. I'm always of the opinion that it should be based on performance - no matter if someone's 17, 18 or 25. It should also be based on character: Does he fit into the team? In that case, age doesn't matter."
It was pretty hard a year for me and for the team, of course. But I think just this year, it's been such a different experience, and I've really enjoyed it so far. The way we are with each other, it's so positive and so much joy in our room. I think it shows on the ice, and we've been able to have some success, but now it's time to keep it going and make that push.
Describing himself as a "private person" Kortuem said Heated Rivalry had "sparked" something in him and inspired him to come out publicly. "I realised it is finally time to share a journey I have kept close to the vest for a long time," he said. He continued: "I felt I had to hide parts of myself for far too long," as he shared his experience growing up as the youngest of four boys in Minnesota where sports were a big part of life.
Winnipeg is coming off a big win, and they're a tough team at home. They're playing a lot better, and they're a big, heavy team. The top line is dangerous, for sure, and obviously, their goalie is elite. We have to do a good job against that top line, and we're going to have to out-compete that goalie tonight. He is good, so we need second and third opportunities around the net.
"I can play as much as I want," Kuznetsov said, as translated via Google Translate. "The main thing is to have fewer idiots around."
