Paille earns praise from Bruins teammates
By Tim Wharnsby, CBCSports
Daniel Paille remains a reluctant hero after all these years.
He has always been about the team. Ask anyone who knew him back in Welland, Ont., when he was in the local Tigers minor system or later with the Welland Jr. B Cougars or the Guelph Storm or the Canadian junior team.
The 29-year-old Boston Bruins left wing isn’t about to change now that he has scored the game-winning goals in Games 2 and 3 of the Stanley Cup final against the Chicago Blackhawks to push his club to a 2-1 series lead.
His Boston teammates and head coach could not be happier that some recognition has come Paille’s way.
“He’s been great for us all year, probably one of the most consistent guys,” Boston veteran Shawn Thornton said. “I can’t remember exactly how many goals he had [10 in 46 games], but he played a big role this year and all through the playoffs he’s been very consistent.
“So for him to get some recognition because he’s gotten a couple goals has been great. I think he probably could have deserved it before he was scoring goals. He plays big minutes on the penalty kill. He lays out bodies. He does a lot of things right out there. I’m happy for him.”
Like Thornton mentioned, Paille is one of the Bruins’ stellar penalty killers, who have snuffed out 27 man-short situations in a row. This incredible run dates back to the Bruins’ second-round finale against Paille’s childhood friend and Guelph Storm teammate Dan Girardi and the New York Rangers. Paille and Girardi were the best man at each other’s wedding.
