Sean Couturier probably never thought hed face a firing squad of questions from the media about the player he picked as his favorite growing up.
But then again, Couturier likely didnt expect hed be matched up against that player, Evgeni Malkin, in one of the most exciting Eastern Conference quarterfinal series in recent history, either.
The Flyers 19-year-old rookie has received plenty of attention in recent days for his impressive play in each of the teams first three games against the Pittsburgh Penguins. But hes been the surprise of the series for the way hes handled being matched up against Malkins line.
Malkin led the NHL in points this season. Hes a frontrunner for the leagues MVP award. And yet, matched up against Couturier, the Penguins sniper is still searching for his first goal of the series. Hes a combined minus-4 through the three games.
Its a heavy responsibility to be tasked with defending Malkin, but Couturier said he doesnt think of it as any different from defending any other player in the league. When the teams are on the ice, Malkin is just another player.
That said, he is just another player Couturier grew up admiring.
Hes one of the best. If you can stop him, thats motivation, Couturier said. But hes so good that weve got to be ready next game. He can turn the series around anytime.
NHL
Couturier hasnt had much off-ice interaction with Malkin, who doesnt speak a lot of English. He hasnt had many words with him on the ice, either, as the young Flyer is not much of a trash-talker. But Couturier has long admired the way Malkin plays the game, and as a younger player, he tried to model his game after the Pens centerman.
Hes one of the best in the world, Couturier said. Hes skilled, hes big, hes strong on the puck. I just used to like the way he played.
Got that? Used to. As Couturier said, now that he's an NHL player like Malkin, there "are no friends" right now.
Hes always going to be a good playera great player, Couturier said. Hes well respected around the league. But right now, its war out there.
E-mail Sarah Baicker at sbaicker@comcastsportsnet.com