Washington at Montreal: Why Brian Burke Will Love the Game

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Capitals met up with the struggling Canadiens in Montreal. The affair ended in a 3-0 victory in favor of the Capitals. The game, for numerous reasons, likely put a rare smile on the face of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke.  

The first reason, of course, is the fact that Montreal suffered a loss in the game. Toronto currently sits in ninth position in the Eastern Conference, just three points out of a playoff spot. While both Washington and Montreal are in similar situations, the odds that Washington will make the postseason are quite high, while Montreal's are arguably very low.  

The loss puts the Maple Leafs seven points ahead, with one game-in-hand, of the rival Montreal Canadiens.  

Another reason Burke likely enjoyed the game is the way it played out for Montreal's newly acquired forward, Rene Bourque.  

In a recent interview, Brian Burke had some strong words regarding the way the NHL was heading, stating:

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"You used to think if you were going to cheap shot a guy, you had to fight him, or fight someone else on the team who's tougher than he was."

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On Jan. 3, an example of Burke's concerns were displayed in a game between Calgary and Montreal, when Calgary forward Rene Bourque elbowed Washington star Nicklas Backstrom. The play, which has knocked Backstrom out of action for 16 days now, warranted a five-game suspension, yet no retribution was sought on the ice.  

That was not the case in last night's game between Montreal and Washington. Newly acquired Rene Bourque had to answer for his actions, dropping the gloves against Matt Hendricks in his first shift of the game.  

It's these shades of the "old game" that will put a smile on Burke's face.  

Possibly the best part of the situation, was Rene Bourque's pre-game comments regarding the target on his back. Bourque, understanding the consequences of a cheap hit, said:

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"I obviously don't feel good about what I did and I apologized for it, but I'm sure they'll be a few guys probably coming after me [Wednesday]."

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Nobody likes cheap shots in the NHL, but they do occur. And when that happens, it's great to see the guilty party own up to his actions and accept that retribution will be payed.

One thing that may return the foul expression to Burke's face is the fact that Rene Bourque isn't on his team.