> And Drury's goal was a terrific one...Jim
> Mullin commented how he had made the save and tried to contain the rebound,
> and nearly did but in a flash, Drury had moved it to his forehand and put
> it past him.  Jim did not even know who it was - it had happened so fast.
> But it was a great goal scorer's move and that's what it took to beat him
> that night.
 
The amazing thing is, Mullin still didn't know who it was until after he was
showered and dressed (about an hour later), and someone told him.  He seemed
almost relieved that it was Drury, as if he was now more understanding how this
guy made such a great move.
 
> Parker talked about Bates in the postgame...he noted how Bates seems to
> come up big in big games (HE championship too).  Bates has not had as good
> of a year as he probably thought he would have...Parker mentioned how he
> had had breakfast with Bates recently and told him that the reason he was
> so valuable to the team was all of the little things he did.  I.e. not
> necessarily whether he got the points or not.  Against DU he did all those
> little things well and the points followed.  A perfect example of where
> hard work can get you.  Along the lines of the discussion about coaches, I
> have to wonder if the things that Parker said to Bates did play a role in
> the way he stepped up.  It certainly sounded like it.
 
I personally noted the obvious affection that Bates seemed to have for Parker.
For all the talk there always is about, this coach doesn't get his team
motivated, that coach is bad in big games, etc, etc... I believe it is not for
us to decide, but for the players.  They are the ones that know if a coach is
right for them, and because of that, my favorite thing to watch for is how the
players and coaches interact during emotional moments.  Normally, you hear that
wry humor and see the stern demeanor from Parker, but he can be quite emotional
and the players seem to like him.  That's enough for me.
 
AW
 
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