Bruins salute Milan Lucic with tribute in return to Boston (Video)
Los Angeles Kings forward Milan Lucic recently gave thanks to the city of Boston for eight years of his career. On Tuesday, the Boston Bruins and their fans thanked Lucic for his service to the organization and his embracing the city.
During a first period stoppage of the Kings 9-2 win at TD Garden, the Bruins paid tribute to Lucic with a stirring video.
The Bruins fans then showered he big winger with screams of “Loooooooooch” while giving him a standing ovation before the puck dropped and play resumed.
"It was pretty cool that I got to experience that. Like I talked about this morning, a lot of special things happened to me here in Boston," said Lucic after the game. "From the management to the coaches to all the teammates I had here over the last eight years, especially the fans, they really helped me become the player and the person that I have become today. To have that moment in that second TV timeout was really special and was definitely a pretty cool feeling."
The video had several of Lucic’s big moments, including a 2011 Stanley Cup Final goal, and a 2008 hit on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Van Ryn that shattered the TD Garden glass.
Lucic scored one goal and added an assist in the game. He was one of nine different Kings who scored goals. It was the first time nine different Kings had scored a goal in one game since Jan. 21, 1987.
Boston allowed 57 shots on goal. It was the highest total they had allowed since March 18, 1965 against the Detroit Red Wings.
Following the game, Lucic had a personal victory lap around TD Garden, acknowledging the Boston fans who were still in the building.
Said Lucic about the victory lap, "I didn’t have it planned. A couple teammates told me to go out and do it. I just remember being back in Calgary when Iggy [Jarome Iginila] did it, so I felt like doing it. As much as I was looking forward to this game I am glad it is finally over, so I can stop thinking about it and just focus on the rest of the road trip."
Lucic was one of the most beloved players in recent Bruins history. He had 342 points in 566 games with the Bruins from 2007-08 through 2014-15. Boston selected Lucic in the second round (50th overall) in the 2006 NHL Draft. He was a key component of the Bruins’ 2011 Cup run with 12 points in 25 games.
s/t LA Kings Insider for the Lucic transcript
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