A Salute To Matt Bradley

by RedBirdie on Jul 6, 2011 10:04 PM EDT

I doubt I'll add anything new, but there was a reason Matt Bradley was a fan favorite and I wanted to collect as much stuff as possible in one place for everyone to reminisce and share their favorite memories of the NHL's most accomplished bleeder.

Steinz has a beautiful collection of links and photos, and some heartfelt writing. Kahn at DC101 posted his favorite Brads moments, and the Blogfather chose to highlight a lesser know fight, Brads vs. Lucic.

Becca wrote this wonderful five-year anniversary post last August. So many Bards highlights packed into one post. The fights. The goals. The cult following.

Of course, we all know that The Cult of Bloody Brads was because he is also an awesome person off the ice. I won a Matt Bradley prize pack at an appearance he did at ESPN Zone a couple years ago. He signed some extra cards for me, adding "Recycle or Else!" for me to hang up around the office. I think we all have stories about those sort of interactions with him.

I'll leave you with some of Brads finest moments (and it was hard to pick just a few!). Feel free to share photos, links, and general merriment the six seasons of Matt Bradley brought us. Because everyone #needsmorebrads.

If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's editors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.

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The “is this mine” photo is definitely a highlight of mine as well as the excuse me Alex fight with Downey. And I will miss his great sense of humor and bringing it every night. Farewell old friend. Someone needs to start planning his welcome home party when we first play FL.

by Reckless on Jul 6, 2011 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

i still think he was saying “is it my eye”

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Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.

by Sombrero Guy on Jul 8, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

My favorite Brads moment remains
“How many goals will you score this season?”
“Well, last year I had five, so this year I’m gonna try for ten.”

[Source]

Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.

by CapitalCentre on Jul 6, 2011 10:15 PM EDT reply actions

and then, by god, he actually got ten! I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see someone score their 10th goal of the season.

Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz

Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground

by RedBirdie on Jul 6, 2011 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I know. Babe Ruth-like.

Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.

by CapitalCentre on Jul 6, 2011 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m utterly inept at embedding videos. I wanted to include the 12th round of the shootout winner, Brads scream-inducing game 5 goal, and The Night Matt Bradley Stole Ovie’s Fight. (I think you can find all of them in Becca’s post)

Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz

Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground

by RedBirdie on Jul 6, 2011 10:27 PM EDT reply actions

i loved that shootout winner… bruce’s story afterwards about how brads just went at it always put a smile on my face

by JustJeff on Jul 6, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Favorite goal would be Bradley’s Floater on Brodeur forward to 1:30 for its amazing-ness.

Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."

Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.

by breaklance on Jul 7, 2011 1:24 AM EDT reply actions

One of the many times we got to use the “Crap Hank told me about this guy” meme.

Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."

Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.

by breaklance on Jul 7, 2011 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions

...

by patred48 on Jul 7, 2011 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

No goal against Brodeur was better than watching Hendricks score on him and watching Marty flop down on his face and wiggle like a fish afterwards.

by Brainumbc on Jul 7, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Man, rewatching that… it was Chris Clark’s last game in a Caps uniform. Nostalgia, man.

Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?

by Wheeler on Jul 7, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

This always makes me laugh. Matt Bradley: My Ride.

That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.

by boutros23 on Jul 7, 2011 7:25 AM EDT reply actions

That solidified my love for Brads. It still makes me chuckle.

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Jul 7, 2011 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I’ll continue to wear the #10 sweater I bought in the aftermath of the Downie fight- now in honor of my two favorite all-time Caps: Brads and Kelly Miller.

by Sturmtiger on Jul 7, 2011 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

My personal favorite Brads moment

Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.

by Cap-O-Vens on Jul 7, 2011 8:52 AM EDT reply actions

is that Lil’Cap-O-Vens?

Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz

Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground

by RedBirdie on Jul 7, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup…He got that pic signed by Brads later on…And lil’ Cap-O-Vens Signed the same pic and gave it Brads…and Brads was awesome about it…I will miss seeing him in Red big time

Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.

by Cap-O-Vens on Jul 7, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

awwwww.

Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz

Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground

by RedBirdie on Jul 7, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

One of the things I love about Matt Bradley is that he is always so obliging to fans. When you requested an autograph his focus was completely on you and he acted like he had all day to spend with you even if there was a line of eager fans waiting their turn. You felt unrushed and special. It also surprised me when he asked if I wanted my items personalized. Since I wasn’t expecting it, I couldn’t think of anything. Brads was always sweet, generous, and soothing to be around.

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Jul 7, 2011 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

Brads beating Hank on the backhand with his mouthguard hanging out is so epic. Love this guy for all he gave to the organization.

I root harder for the doomed.

by bigonetimer on Jul 7, 2011 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

I stand firm in my belief that Brads would be a perfect addition to the CSN broadcast team. I hope we do see him return to us in the booth.

by SethB on Jul 7, 2011 10:48 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

If he gets started as the locker room reporter, covering the same players he once played with, that would be pretty entertaining.

I hope Brads has a long career, but he’s definitely got some talent for other things after.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Jul 7, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

What I always liked about Matt Bradley was his dry wit. He had a straightforward, dead-pan delivery that always cracked me up.

I’ll also miss Professor Bradley.

by Joran on Jul 7, 2011 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Gems like

“Schultzie gets pretty crazy behind the scenes. A guy like him, him and Tom Poti, those two guys, when you get them alone behind the scenes might get pretty crazy.”

“No, no one will like Fehrsie.”

And so many more just to the press.

Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."

Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.

by breaklance on Jul 7, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

This is a serious place of business. I haven’t smiled all day.

This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!

by apk3000 on Jul 7, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m gonna miss that guy. I thought about changing user names (King Brouwer’s Castle perhaps?) – but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Also may need to think up a fare well verse to the ballad I wrote so long ago – inspired by Brads taking on Downie while protecting his Captain.

Sayanora Brads

by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jul 7, 2011 1:55 PM EDT reply actions

In honor of Matt Bradley

I’m actually going to recycle the giant pile of plastic and cans that have been sitting on my balcony in blue plastic bins for the last year

by Brainumbc on Jul 7, 2011 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

We'll always have the Professor

I don't care how many rec's I make. I just hope someone lets me post comments about hockey next season.

by Laich It Or Lump It on Jul 7, 2011 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

...

Double post and and image fail. How embarrassing.

I don't care how many rec's I make. I just hope someone lets me post comments about hockey next season.

by Laich It Or Lump It on Jul 7, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

Brads’ “Forces of Hockey” inspired my son to do a hockey-themed science fair project which included freezing a sheet of ice on a jelly roll pan. He also was a real sweetie to him when we took a photo of them together very impromptu.

"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7

by capsyoungguns on Jul 7, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions