Josh Gorges Praises Brandon Prust’s Character

Gorges said he wasn’t the least bit surprised that Prust decided to take on Gazdic, giving away three inches and 46 pounds in a slugfest that endured until Prust dropped to one knee, probably in equal parts from a punch and exhaustion.

“No, it didn’t surprise me,” said Gorges, who plays his 499th NHL game Saturday. His milestone 500th is expected to come next Tuesday in Winnipeg.

“If he didn’t, I wouldn’t have thought twice. It’s a hockey hit. I got hit. Big deal. But the fact Prustie went that extra bit, that’s a big guy he was fighting. There was no need for it, but that he did just shows his character.”