Zach Benson thanks Mike Matheson for protecting him from flying skate in Game 2
Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: Screenshot
Zach Benson had a memorable response when he was asked what he thought about Mike Matheson’s gesture of protecting his head from a flying skate in Game 2.
Journalist Priyanta Emrith has now reported Benson’s response:
“Zach Benson when asked about Mike Matheson shielding his head in Game 2:
‘It’s a war out there but when skates are flying around, obviously super good on him to protect my head.'”
A Buffalo forward thanking a Canadiens defenseman for a sportsmanship gesture in a tight playoff series. That’s rare enough to be worth highlighting.
Benson is 20 years old and has been the offensive engine for the Sabres in this series, showing a level of maturity well beyond his age.
Matheson, meanwhile, remains vital to the Canadiens, especially in the playoffs, where his defensive stability and veteran presence become even more important.
Canadiens and Sabres continue building a hard-fought, respectful playoff rivalry
What Benson’s quote indirectly says is that the two teams respect each other despite the intensity. And that is often the sign of a series that goes the distance.
The Canadiens now lead the series 2-1 after responding emphatically to Buffalo’s 4-2 win in Game 1, taking Game 2 by a 5-1 score before adding a 6-2 victory in Game 3 in Montreal.
Game 4 will be played tomorrow night in Montreal, with the Sabres desperate to tie the series before heading back to Buffalo.
Benson can thank Matheson for the gesture in Game 2. But the Canadiens defenseman certainly will not make life easier for him Tuesday night.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
11 HOURS AGO|217 ANSWERS
Zach Benson thanks Mike Matheson for protecting him from flying skate in Game 2
Is Zach Benson the most dangerous Sabres player in this series against the Canadiens?