Caps defenseman Mike Green was asked after practice Tuesday about the notion that the Rangers have targeted him with some questionable hits early in this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Bruce Boudreau, of course, has already made his feelings known about a hit by New York defenseman Marc Staal on Green late in the second period of Game 3 on Sunday. Just protecting his player, as most coaches would. Especially when that player appeared in just two games over the final eight weeks of the regular season because of multiple head injuries.
But Green wasn’t taking the bait. He acknowledged that the Rangers are a physical team, but wouldn’t go much further than that. Staal was not penalized on the play nor did the NHL even conduct a disciplinary hearing.
“They’re coming hard. Whether it’s high [hits] or just finishing their checks is irrelevant,” Green said. “They’re coming so hard that it’s hard to get out of the way. It is what it is. I’m not complaining. It’s part of the game…We have to deal with it. I can’t let it get into my head. It’ll get me off my game. So I don’t worry about it.”
Green started the series with defenseman John Erskine. But by the second period of Game 3 he was back with normal partner Jeff Schultz. That move came at the suggestion of assistant coach Bob Woods. Green also skated at practice on Tuesday with Schultz.
“I’m ready for whatever they want to throw at me,” Green said. “We’ll see tomorrow.”
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