Merlot Man Gregory Campbell back on the ice in Boston.

Sep 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie

(35) makes a save while Boston Bruins center

(11) looks for a rebound during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

I think we can talk about last night’s 8-2 pre-season loss to the Detroit Red Wings a little later. At the moment, I’d like to focus on the return of Bruins forward and Merlot Man Gregory Campbell. Gregory Campbell hasn’t played a real hockey game since he broke his leg blocking an Evgeni Malkin shot in the Bruins match against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was fantastic to see him skating again, and wearing an ‘A’ to boot. As humbled and flattered as Campbell was with the fans response to his return, he wanted to get everyone on the same page.

“It’s time to turn the page. Last season is over,” Campbell said following the game. “For me, I have to move on and look being a player that’s going to help this year’s team. As an athlete, you have to have short-term memory, and so that’s what I’m trying to do. I’ve tried to answer the questions and I know that there’s some interest, but for me the most important thing is being ready to play for this season. Things move on and there’s twenty nine teams right now other than us that are looking for a Stanley Cup. That’s our goal so that’s my goal moving forward.”

This is why I respect hockey players so much more than other sports. No entourages, no Barbara Walters specials, no litany of criminal charges or juvenile stupidity (Ok, there’s a little juvenile stupidity.) Campbell essentially told the press I’m fine, I’m getting used to a full sixty minute hockey game again, and I just want to focus on doing everything I can to make sure we win it all this season.’

In the end, Campbell played about twelve minutes in last night’s game. Coach Claude Julien was pleased overall with how Campbell performed.

“I think he skated well tonight,” said Julien. “It’s his first game back and obviously he has to get the cobwebs out of the way. Unfortunately it wasn’t the best outing for the team for him to come back, but he was fine.”

Last night’s game was rough for us, but it was a welcome salve to see one of our own back on the ice and playing his heart for his team and the Nation. Welcome back Soupy.