Just hours away from making NHL history, Patrick Marleau was shown a special video by coach Bob Boughner before the Sharks played the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday at T-Mobile Arena.
Usually, Boughner shows his team clips of things to watch out for during the game, little reminders of what they need to do to be successful. Instead, Boughner came up with the idea of watching some of Marleau’s highlights throughout a 23-season NHL career.
“I said to our staff, instead of reminding these guys the way we need to play against Vegas, let’s spend the whole night talking about Patty,” Boughner said. “Some of these guys maybe don’t know certain things about his career. We had some funny things in there and we had some messages from past players. We built a sort of a highlight tape of his 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th and 500th goal.
“It was just a really cool moment. For everybody, it was perfect for the day.”
Marleau appreciated the gesture and the totality of the day inspired the Sharks, who came up with their best performance in over two weeks in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who moved into first place in the West Division.
Here’s a sampling of what was said after Monday’s game in which Marleau played his 1,768th career NHL game, moving past Gordie Howe to become the league’s career leader in games played.
PATRICK MARLEAU
What did it mean to him to see the Sharks go to great lengths to make it a special day?
“I didn’t know what they had planned or anything like that. But it was super special to see all of the things that they did. I know that there was a lot of work throughout the organizations, by the trainers to make this happen. You saw all the patches, you saw all the sweaters, the T-shirts, the nameplates. They didn’t miss a thing. I’ve got to thank the Golden Knights’ organization for giving my family a suite tonight. Their fans for all of the cheering and support they showed tonight, and there were a lot of Sharks fans out there too.”
Were the last 24 hours or so even more emotional than maybe you expected?
“Yeah, definitely. So many emotions going through your head. You start talking to people that you’ve played with in the past, tons of stories that come up. The emotional roller coaster, it was definitely a long ride and I’m very, very grateful for and blessed that I was able to do this and with all the support I’ve had over my career, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
How meaningful is this for you to break this record in a Sharks uniform?
“It’s very meaningful. It’s huge. Having played the majority of my games here in San Jose, being drafted by them, it’s been a great organization over the years for me and my family, growing up and being part of it. It’s the right thing that happened was being in a Sharks uniform.
Did any of your teammates’ gestures surprise you?
“Not one in particular, but they all kind of floored me. I’m pretty sure (equipment manager) Mikey Aldridge and his training stuff had a little extra work to do to make this all happen and I can’t thank them enough for all those patches, the stickers, you name it, they, they did it, made it extra special.”
Even though you guys didn’t get the two points, are you proud of how everybody played tonight?
“I am. I was able to talk after the game. I was floored or pleased, I don’t what the right word is, but I was genuinely thankful that they put in the effort they did tonight. It was super special. I know everybody was trying to give it their all and get those two points tonight. You can go home and look yourself in the mirror, knowing that everybody did that and be OK with the outcome. Obviously you’d like the two points and the win, but there was no shortage of effort or compete out there.”
What was it like right after the game when you come in the locker room and you see everybody’s still in their gear and give you a standing ovation like that?
“Special super. It’s humbling for them to show that respect, and I’m so grateful that they were part of it tonight. It was a really special night. You don’t have these nights without teammates, without great organizations. Definitely have those covered for sure. Great teammates, great organization.”
Are you physically spent right now?
“We’ll see. I don’t think I’ll have too much trouble falling asleep tonight. Maybe I will. I don’t know but it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, not knowing what to expect and how things were going to all play out. There’s a game that needs to be played as well. I’ll never forget it.”
How many jersey changes were made?
“I think there was a total of six, I want to say. (Vinny Ferraiuolo), our trainer, he made up a bunch of sticks today for me to use. So we could pass those out to the right people at the Hall of Fame, and the Sharks. So he was working his tail off today, making them all up.”
What were your emotions during the stoppage in play?
“It was very special to have all of that. It was a great speech by Gary (Bettman), and I want to thank him and the league. Without a league, you can’t play. It was a very well thought out speech, kind words in that speech for sure. We’re very thankful for him to take the time to do that.”
LOGAN COUTURE
On the special night
“We didn’t know that they were going to stop play after the first whistle there, and that video and the response by both teams and the crowd, I was tearing up. It’s cool to be a part of, and something every player in this game will remember for the rest of their life.”
BOB BOUGHNER
Were you pleased with the team’s effort tonight?
“Extremely pleased. This is the hottest team in the league and there was a lot of emotion in this game and there was a lot on the line. We wanted to make sure that we honored Patty the best way we could by playing hard as a team and I think we did that. (The Golden Knights) came and they pushed us for a bit, we responded, we had chances to win this hockey game, especially in overtime, both teams are chances.
So it was a hard-fought game and we found a way to get a point. I think we’re starting to get things back on track. There’s some work to do but all in all, the game was something bigger than just about the point or the win, it was just a great night to be a part of.”
The loss aside, what are you going to take away from the last 24 hours for next five, 10 or 20 years?
“I’ve had some personal conversations with him throughout the day. We made a little presentation before the game and recapped his career and had some pretty cool moments. Just now as we came into the dressing room after Patty had done some media, everybody stayed in their hockey gear and give him a standing ovation. Patty was in tears and emotional and talking about how much his teammates have meant to him over the years, and that he could not get to that point without a lot of great people surrounding him. It was a really touching moment. We’re all just obviously honored to be a part of it.”
Thoughts on the atmosphere?
“It was probably the most fun rink to be in all year. It’s always exciting coming in this building. There was a lot of adrenaline pumping for our guys and they were inspired. I thought they played inspired and that was the message, is that it should be easy to be inspired tonight. Just take a page out of Patty’s book from the last couple of decades-plus what he’s given. Let’s come together.
Even though you didn’t get the two points, just one of those once-in-a-lifetime type of nights?
“Absolutely. I’ve mentioned this earlier that the game, there was something bigger on the line than the two points. Pat had some jump. He had a breakaway, had that shootout, had some overtime, it would have been nice to see him put one in and it would have been the perfect story.
Are you spent after this?
“A little bit drained. It was fun. I will say this was the most fun game to be part of and I enjoyed every second of it. It’s a big deal, just to be a part of it, and I find myself getting a little teary-eyed choked up when Patty started crying on the ice. I played against this guy, I’ve known him for a lot of years, now coaching him. It’s really, really cool to be a part of it’s an honor that some of the young guys that are the future of this organization got to be part of it.”
MARK STONE, VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
On the night
“It was special. I think in the moment, you don’t really understand the magnitude of it. When I get home tonight and really reflect on what just happened, I think I’m going to have a big thing of emotion going through me, to be a part of a huge night for (Marleau). No matter the outcome, I think we showed a ton of respect for our opponents, even if it’s a crazy rivalry.”
PETE DeBOER
“It was a great night for Patrick Marleau and his family. Happy I had a front-row seat for it, happy we won. I liked the tribute our players gave him and the respect for the accomplishment, both during the tribute and after the game. So, good night all around. We won a game and got to be a part of history.”
Cool was it to see the fans give an opposing player the kind of ovation that they did?
“Yeah, not too many ovations in this building for Sharks over my years there. So again, it tells you the gravity of the accomplishment that you would get that.”
MAX PACIORETTY
“It was a really special night all around, for not just Patrick but all of us to be a part of. It was nice to have that kind of reception in front of at least some fans.”