Savard/By S. Bradley
A player’s day with the Stanley Cup is usually a day for unbridled joy and celebration.
Obviously, Marc Savard’s day today was mixed with a twinge of disappointment because of the Bruins center’s current health situation.
After flaunting the Cup at a golf course in Peterborough, Ontario, Savard spoke with TSN.
“It’s obviously been a long road for me; I’m still suffering with a lot of daily issues, right now, it’s been a tough go. I’m just trying to get through and not worry about hockey right now, just worry about my health because I have three young kids and they’re important to me.”
“Mornings have been tough. When I get up in the morning I’m a little foggy sometimes. But as the day wears on I’m pretty good. Hot sun is tough; I try to stay in the shade and stuff like that and pop the odd Advil and it seems to be okay.”
It is not known yet whether Savard will have his name engraved on the Cup. But at least the NHL allows for players in his position, having skated in just 25 games last season, to enjoy a day with the Cup.
This latest concussion suffered in January obviously has put his future with the Bruins in doubt. But you can easily point back to July 1, 2006 — the day the Bruins signed Zdeno Chara and Savard as free agents — as the start of the team’s build toward to the 2011 Cup championship. That Savard was willing to be more than just as a scorer and round out his game was another key move toward legitimacy for the Bruins, as he set an example for younger players and legitimized what head coach Claude Julien was trying to do for all his players.
That’s why even though Savard was out of action and unable to travel much after his injury last season, the Bruins did all they could to keep him in the loop. They can take solace in knowing they provided him with some enjoyment.
“The boys battled hard, and it’s tough to watch at times, that’s for sure, but I’m excited and I’m glad because the guys still made me feel part of it,” Savard told TSN about the Cup win.
Regardless of whether he ever plays again, Savard will always be a key figure in the franchise’s turnaround.
Karl,
You have no idea what Savard’s condition is or what his relationship is with his teamates. Why would you comment on that?
Anyways…we’ve argued about concussions before and you basically gave away your lack of knowledge on the subject with this gem:
“don’t give me the ‘he was still suffering cocussions symptoms’ line.”
Did it make you feel better to write that?
Dealing with cabin pressure and post concussion syndrome is probably torture. I’ve heard of people complaining about flying with a sinus infection or ear infections. How about you stick your head in a vice for 6-7 hours and let us know how you feel?
Savard, and possibly Bergeron and Horton down the line may easily have their career cut short by head shots. These guys live for hockey. If he could have, I’m sure he would have been in Vancouver.
Karl
I need to clarify that he was at games in Boston. None of us knows how much pain/discomfort he is in as well. There are different levels of concussions.
Karl
Marc was there watching games, he was shown with Patrice Bergeron on television. If there was any question regarding his desire/team commitment it should be answered by the fact he came back too early in last year’s playoffs, in order to help the club. I think Marc’s locker room issues were over before he came to Boston.
I think SanDogBrewin is right regarding the signing of Marc Savard and the turnaround of the franchise. He, along with other moves were instrumental in Boston becoming a contender. Hopefully, he gets his name on the Cup.
Matt, excellent point on regards to Savard “buying into” Julien’s system. You are correct that he was a huge part in Claude’s success with the Bruins. When young players see the veteran playmaker putting in the effort in the defensive zone that goes a long way
i read and heard multiple media outlets say Savard was not cleared to fly during the finals.
Karl,
I think the change in pressure that one experiences on an airline flight is too much for him right now. Remember, for the games in Boston, he drove from Ontario, he didn’t fly. If you watch his interview on TSN, he isn’t nearly as lively as he used to be when he was interviewed with the Bruins after a tough loss or a good win. To me, He looks done, he sounds done. I think the organization knows it, and I think he and the team know it and that’s what’s really going on.
i like savvy, but i didn’t like how he avoided the team during the playoffs. and don’t give me the ‘he was still suffering cocussions symptoms’ line.
why didn’t he flyout to vancouver for game 7? your team is on the verge of clinching the cup and you’re sitting at home? savvy can play golf but not get on a plane?
was savvy such a bad locker room influence that the team told him to stay away? amazing how different the team reacted to the cooke and rome hits. bruins get swept or lose the series 4-1 if horton didn’t go down.
MattK,
I think you mean his health situation, unless “healthy situation” is supposed to be sarcastic.
“Regardless of whether he ever plays again, Savard will always be a key figure in the franchise’s turnaround.”
Yep!
probably only because Savard has always had his share of detractors. he’s a polarizing player that rubs many folks the wrong way, his teammates included. what happened to him I wouldn’t wish on anybody. I suspect others saying that in the past would substitute “my worst enemy” or “Marc Savard” where I typed “anybody.” the reality is that this dude is done and he is still on the cup-winning team that he “sacrificed” his health for, so his name goes on the cup.
Again, I have to ask. Why on earth should it take this long for a decision regarding Savvy’s name on the Cup??