Unthinkable
01-04-2004, 04:37 PM
http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1073198988100870.xml
Devils notes: McKenzie tips hat to Burns
Sunday, January 04, 203
BY RICH CHERE
Star-Ledger Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Devils left winger Jim McKenzie, who signed with the Predators in the off-season, said coach Pat Burns may have been the difference in winning the Stanley Cup last spring.
"I don't know if Burns got enough credit," McKenzie said. "That little friction he had with the media. He kept on us. He would come into the room all annoyed after answering questions and get on us. He was a big factor. Right from the moment he walked in, it was possible (to win it all). That's the one thing that sticks with me."
McKenzie brought his ex-road roommate, Martin Brodeur, a cup of Starbucks coffee before the game, as well as one for himself. It was almost a ritual for the two friends last season and during the playoffs.
Of leaving the Devils, McKenzie said: "Toughest decision I ever made, easily. I'll be friends with guys on that team long after hockey is done. There was no one reason (for leaving). A few little ones added up. Money was never an issue. As far as ice time, I'm playing eight minutes a game, which is what I played on a team that went to the Finals twice. Here it was more of a challenge. They were five years of not making the playoffs. This is a young team." .
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Devils notes: McKenzie tips hat to Burns
Sunday, January 04, 203
BY RICH CHERE
Star-Ledger Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Devils left winger Jim McKenzie, who signed with the Predators in the off-season, said coach Pat Burns may have been the difference in winning the Stanley Cup last spring.
"I don't know if Burns got enough credit," McKenzie said. "That little friction he had with the media. He kept on us. He would come into the room all annoyed after answering questions and get on us. He was a big factor. Right from the moment he walked in, it was possible (to win it all). That's the one thing that sticks with me."
McKenzie brought his ex-road roommate, Martin Brodeur, a cup of Starbucks coffee before the game, as well as one for himself. It was almost a ritual for the two friends last season and during the playoffs.
Of leaving the Devils, McKenzie said: "Toughest decision I ever made, easily. I'll be friends with guys on that team long after hockey is done. There was no one reason (for leaving). A few little ones added up. Money was never an issue. As far as ice time, I'm playing eight minutes a game, which is what I played on a team that went to the Finals twice. Here it was more of a challenge. They were five years of not making the playoffs. This is a young team." .
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