What is not to like about Hal Gill? He is one of the biggest players in the National Hockey League, plays a sound defensive game, kills penalties with the best of them, and occasionally turns in a performance like last night...one that makes you realize how valuable he really is to the Penguins.
Gill logged 21:25 of ice time over 25 shifts, had 1 shot on goal that resulted in his second goal of the season, 3 hits, 2 take aways and a +1 rating. He was very noticeable during all 25 of his shifts as he used his large frame to get great defensive position on the Calgary forwards. Though he has been playing some great hockey since Dan Bylsma arrived in Pittsburgh, last night was probably his finest game of the season.
What was different? Hockey players are superstitious...did he change something during his game day routine? Maybe he devoured a different pre-game meal? Changed his tape routine or how he puts on his skates? Nope...none of the above.
Apparently, Hal Gill was seen around the facility on Tuesday wearing a Snuggie! Yes, that Snuggie. The same one that keeps you warm, while at the same time allows your arms to be free enough to grab a remote control or answer the telephone.
Here is a clip of an interview that he did with Dan Potash for FSN Pittsburgh after last night's game.
(compliments of the 96.1 Kiss FM morning show's Big Bob)
This Snuggie moment could become the stuff of legend if it continues to produce results like last night. Heck, it even got another goal out of Gill, who told me after his first earlier this season that he was pretty certain it would be his last. It wasn't a shabby one either. Gill took a nice backhand feed from Evgeni Malkin and unleashed a one timer in stride that picked the far corner over Kiprusoff's left shoulder...nothing wrong with that!
I am excited for Hal Gill, as he is one of my favorite Penguins. He is always very cordial, has a great personality, sense of humor and anyone who answers "I call it beer" when asked "soda or pop?" is ok in my book.
Here are a few more no Snuggie related thoughts from Hal Gill last night...
On the goal and the play Malkin made to get him the puck...
"When you're with Geno you never know when you're going to get the puck or where you're going to get it. I just tried to support him as best as I could and when it came to me tried to get it on net."
On the fact that his goal celebration was cut short because of some fisticuffs between Jokinen and Bill Guerin...
"Yeah, I really don't know what I am doing anyways...I don't know what happened there..."
On his excitement about scoring the goal...since he doesn't get to score many...
"Yeah, it's fun to score goals...these guys...Geno does it all the time. But for me it doesn't happen very often."
Gill was then asked if he was picking a spot with his shot...
"Yeah...hit the net!"
He was a great sport in answering a ton of questions about something that he doesn't get to do a whole lot of and it seems he has Snuggie to thank for it all. What a night...
Stay tuned for more thoughts on last night's game and a bunch more later today...
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