The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round, and the atmosphere is electric. Corey Perry, a former Montreal forward, is embracing his role as the villain for the Lightning, and he's not alone. The team's rambunctious style, which led to them leading the NHL in penalties during the regular season, has earned them the wrath of opposing supporters.
Perry, known for his mischievous smirk and ability to goad opponents, is a favorite among Lightning fans. He's not afraid to embrace the boos and jeers from the crowd, using them as fuel to perform at his best. In fact, he believes that being booed is a sign that he's doing something right.
The Lightning players, including Perry, Sabourin, Hagel, and Kucherov, are all happy to play the role of the bad boys. They understand that their aggressive style and willingness to push the boundaries can be a source of motivation for their team. Sabourin, for example, relishes the boos and jeers from the Canadiens supporters, using them as a sign that he's doing his job effectively.
Hagel, meanwhile, has been a key figure in the series, with four points and nine penalty minutes in the first two games. He's not afraid to mock opponents or drop the gloves, and he's relishing the opportunity to play the role of the enemy on Friday.
Kucherov, meanwhile, has earned the wrath of Montreal fans with his past comments and actions. He's not afraid to speak his mind, and he's not concerned about the boos and jeers that will come his way on Friday. In fact, he believes that the loathing he receives from opponents can be a motivating factor for him.
The Lightning players are confident that their so-called villains will be able to handle the boos and jeers from the Montreal crowd. They understand that their role as the bad boys is an important part of their team's identity, and they're happy to embrace it. As Perry said, 'It's playoff time. You do anything to help your team win.'
The Lightning players are ready to face the Canadiens and prove that their so-called villains are worth the hate. They're confident that their aggressive style and willingness to push the boundaries will be enough to help them win the series. And who knows, maybe the boos and jeers will be enough to make Perry grin, at least in the beginning.
