Islanders center Michael Peca was both a leader and a warrior. He also was one of the most insightful captains the Isles ever had. He could see things clearly and see them whole.
Friendly enemies.
Those two words come off my lips as I absorb the fact that old pal and former New York Islanders center, Michael Peca will be accompanying head coach Peter Laviolette behind the Rangers bench.
I like Peca; that's the friendly side. He's now a Ranger; hence the enemy angle.
I liked him from the day he arrived on Long Island right up through his departure.
As an Islander he was both a leader and a warrior. He also was one of the most insightful captains the Isles ever had. He could see things clearly and see them whole.
I interviewed Michael many times during his stint with the Nassaumen. But the best one-on-one schmooze we ever had took place in the off-season.
Isles co-owner Jon Ledecky sponsored a "Captain's Week" at a swank Hamptons golf and country club. Stalwarts such as Denis Potvin, Ed Westfall, and Patrick Flatley showed up among others.
Peca was the first of the bunch who I interviewed and he was -- no surprise -- aces. The following are some of his reflections on his term in Uniondale.
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ON LEADING THE ISLES: "I knew that the way I played that I was going to lead by example. That would be both in practice and on the ice in games. When I said something it reminded me of my grandfather. Gramps would say three words in an hour but they were impactful. I learned to find my voice and speak when I needed to and what to say when I said it. I believed on Long Island that -- with any good captain or leader -- if you're not leading by example then your words are meaningless."
ABOUT HIS CHALLENGES: "The biggest for me -- when it came to challenges -- was thinking I had to solve everybody's problems. I was always better taking guys off to the side and having a conversation; and not being in their face about everything."
WHAT PETER LAVIOLETTE WAS LIKE AS A COACH: "I loved him as a coach. Remember, that when he came to Long Island he was young and had to find his footing. Peter was very intense. He knew how to manage a bench and the players loved him. I knew then that he would be very successful. I'm not surprised with the success he's had."
RECALLING THE BITTER PLAYOFF AGAINST THE LEAFS: "Incredible is the word I use to describe the passion displayed by the fans on Long Island. Those three home games at the Coliseum were unforgettable especially when you consider how long they had to wait for a playoff team; not to mention the previous seasons of misery they had to endure. To have the solid season we had and then to follow it up with such an exciting playoff run. That's something that I'll never forget. My regret is that I couldn't finish the series because of the torn ACL that sidelined me. It was something that was hard for me not to think about.
LOOKING BACK AT THE DARCY TUCKER CHEAP SHOT THAT SIDELINED HIM: "Yeah, it was a cheap shot but cheap shots go on all the time on the ice. I just happened to be on the wrong end of one that ended my season. The ironic part of it all is that Darcy Tucker and I became the best of friends a short time after that. I think -- in retrospect -- about the times when I did a lot of things to other guys when I played. I hate to think that they would carry grudges against me for a long time. Hey, hockey is a physical game and we put ourselves in positions to get hurt -- and hurt others at times. We don't necessarily intend to do it but sometimes it's just the nature of the game. You've got to live with the good and the bad."
HIS BEST FRIEND ON THE TEAM: "My best friend on the team happened actually by default. And I don't for a minute mean that with any kind of disrespect. The fact of the matter is that I got along with a lot of the guys. But the fact of the matter was that I knew (defenseman) Adrian Aucoin from our years with the Vancouver organization. We came in at Syracuse together. I also was incredibly close with my Islanders linemates, Mark Parrish and Sean Bates.
PERSONAL HANDLING OF PLAYER CRISES: "Here's a good example: About three or four weeks into the season I was called to a meeting between (g.m.) Mike Milbury and our exciting forward Jason Blake. He was a very competitive hockey player and was on our fourth line. But he wasn't happy with the opportunities he was getting. Let's face it, Jason wasn't handling the situation well and wasn't being a good teammate. So, here's where my responsibility came into play. I had to sit next to Jason at home and on the road; roommates. I had to do everything with Jason. In a sense it was good for me since I understand all kinds of mindsets; so I understood Jason. I worked with him and it became like a team 'marriage.' In the long run we actually became the best of friends and stayed that way even after retirement."