Colorado Avalanche defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar went viral earlier this week for a tremendous act of sportsmanship during his team’s game against the New York Islanders, declining a penalty against forward Matt Barzal.
And it certainly didn’t go unnoticed by Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, who has led his team to the best record in the National Hockey League so far this season.
“I thought it was remarkable that he did it,” Montgomery said of Makar.
“I thought it was really classy,” Montgomery continued. “I know we’re taught to take every advantage that you can but sometimes that happens, and the ref may be in a position where he doesn’t see what happens and it clearly looks like a trip, and I thought it was wonderful that he did it.”
Of course, the Bruins know all about great defensemen, having boasted the likes of Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque and Zdeno Chara throughout their history on their blue line. Does Montgomery think that Makar could eventually reach Orr’s status in NHL history?
“No, it’s not,” he replied when asked if it was an exaggeration. “Bobby Orr is in a stratosphere by himself but if there’s anyone that’s ever going to come into that stratosphere, it’s going to be him.”
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