MONDAY MAILBAG: Superstitions

On select Mondays throughout the 2018-19 season, blackhawks.com will have answers to some fan-submitted questions. This week, former Blackhawks forward, 2010 Stanley Cup champion and Blackhawks TV contributor Adam Burish discusses superstitions and a humorous interaction he had with Darren McCarty.
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1. Do you feel more loved by the fans now as a broadcaster or while you were a player? And does a team's fanbase actually impact players on the ice in any way? - John from Illinois
That's a good question, John. To be honest, I do read or hear people say I was a terrible hockey player, but decent on TV. I don't think that's exactly a compliment, but I do appreciate that people don't think I'm terrible at both! I loved playing for the Blackhawks, and I believe I played the best hockey of my career, or at least played the most passionate hockey of my career, in Chicago.
Whether or not it was the case, I think it was because I felt like my effort and desire was appreciated by the Blackhawks fans. In return, I always wanted to give every bit of energy I could squeeze out of my body to the fans and the guys I played with here in Chicago. I try my best to take that same approach now working for the Blackhawks.
2. Do you still enjoy chirping Sharp here and there? If so, ask him if he recalls scoring the single easiest goal in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals (2015) when Bishop came out way too far, collided with Hedman and had the puck bounce straight to Sharp who skated it into the empty net! - Jamie from Connecticut
Sharp scored a lot of goals in the Blackhawks #10 sweater Jamie, and yes he remembers every single one of them. Trust me, he tells me all about them... all the time!
3. First of all, I love reading your weekly mailbag every week. It's always super humorous and insightful. If you could go back in time and play for any team in history, which one would you pick and why? - Ramsey from Illinois
Thanks, Ramsey. I appreciate it!
Tough question, but if I had to go back I think it would be one of two teams. The first would be a Blackhawks team with Bobby and Dennis Hull on the roster. I'm not sure if you've ever seen those two guys together or heard them interact, but it is non-stop laughs. I can't imagine them in their late 20s together, playing in the NHL at the old Chicago Stadium.
The second would have to be the Gretzky and Messier era with the Edmonton Oilers, winning Stanley Cups with the best player to ever play the game must have been incredible. Not sure if you've ever read the stories about that team off the ice, but I think they were just as legendary off the ice. There was no shortage of fun with those guys either!
4. I know hockey players can be pretty superstitious. Did you have any interesting superstitions or routines as a player? - Rick from Minnesota
Rick, I think only the good players have superstitions... when you usually go 30 games in a row without scoring a goal, it's tough to have a superstition you keep doing for good luck. There wasn't much luck in my game to try and mimic that every night. The only thing that was consistent in my pregame routine was non-stop talking and cracking jokes in the locker room before the games. I think I was the only one laughing at my jokes most of the time. But I'm sure you'd be laughing with me, Rick! (hope you're not a Gopher fan over there in Minnesota...)
5. Have you ever had a humorous interaction with an opposing player? - John from Florida
My first time playing against the Red Wings we get off to a one-goal lead. My coach Denis Savard sends our line out next and he screams at me not to get in a fight. I line up next to Darren McCarty... he was a bad dude, and I always thought he was tough and cool!
Word for word he said, "how you doing kid? Interested in fighting tonight?"
I said, "Hi, Darren. I'd love to, but Savard told me not to and I don't want to piss him off."
He said, "no problem, kid. Maybe later."
I said, "sounds good. Would you mind autographing one of your sticks for me after the game?"
After the game, our equipment manager Troy Parchman came in and handed me a stick signed by Darren McCarty.
"To Adam, best wishes, we'll fight another time. Keep grinding - Darren McCarty."
True story, and I still have the stick at my house.