'SIMILAR IDENTITY'

How fitting, that on the day the Buffalo Sabres come to town, there's talk of a new nickname.
The famous 'French Connection,' featuring Rick Martin, Rene Robert and Hall-of-Famer Gilbert Perreault is one of the NHL's all-time great monikers. So much so, that a statue of the legendary Buffalo trio sits at the front of the KeyBank Center in upstate New York, and is a constant reminder to fans, young and old, of the greatness of those legendary Sabres teams.
Stil l... Ask Canton, Massachusetts native Kevin Rooney for his favourite handle and he'll suggest something a bit closer to home.
"Remember in Boston?" Rooney said of the early 2010s Bruins, where linemate Milan Lucic was a key figurehead. "They had such a deep team that their fourth line was called the 'Merlot Line.'
"I loved the dynamic of that team.
"It was such a special group that they had in Boston and I've talked with Looch about us having a similar identity as that line."

The 'Merlot Line' was as brazen as it was unique, and remains one of the most talked-about trios in Bruins history, even to this day. The fast, physical unit - whose name was derived from the colour of their practice garb - featured Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton, and reportedly hated being referred to as a 'fourth line.'
It's understandable, and a big reason why Head Coach Darryl Sutter used air quotes when using that four-letter word in reference to Rooney, Lucic and Brett Ritchie after Tuesday's win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
They were game-changers - the type that Rooney hopes this Flames edition can be on regular basis. But in terms of developing a new epithet, he's leaving that up to the experts.
"I'll let Rich and Looch handle that one," he laughed. "We'll have to think about it.
"No matter, I think it's been a good match for all three of us and hopefully I can keep pushing to make us even better as a line."

Rooney is in his first season with the Flames after signing a two-year, $2.6M deal on the opening day of free agency. He picked up his first points in red silks last week in the Battle of Alberta, setting up the Michael Stone tally by winning a crucial offensive zone
faceoff.
He says the adjustment to life in Calgary after spending the first five years of his career in the Manhattan area has been great. He and wife, Tara, and dog, George, have settled in Marda Loop and are loving the vibe.
On the ice? Ditto. While he admits his game is not yet where he wants it to be, his linemates have been excellent mentors in helping him adapt to the Sutter system.
And nights like Tuesday - when he and the so-called 'fourth' line draws three penalties and wins the possession battle, handily, like they did - the potential is limitless.
"It's a tough league to have success in, and there are a lot of games over a long period of time," Rooney said. "Your top guys aren't going to have it every night, so it's up to us to bring the energy every night. The coaching staff is going to know what they're going to get from us every single game.
"Some nights, it's going to work - other nights, it's going to be the other guys, the top guys.
"But in order to go far in this league, you need everyone. We know our role is important and that last game definitely gives us some confidence heading into tonight and into the future games."
It's funny, sometimes, how life works out. Rooney is only 29, but grew up cheering for Lucic as a member of the Bruins. He vividly remembers all the moments that made 'Looch' a household name in that town, including his punishing hit that sent Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn through the glass in 2008.
And now, all these years later, he's out there along with him, celebrating a major career milestone.
"I watched him in his Boston days and have always been a big fan, and he looks better than ever at 1,100 (games)," Rooney said. "It's an honour to play with him.
"It was really sad when the Bruins traded him away. I'll remember that day forever.
"But to be on his line now is pretty cool and all my friends back home are always asking about him."
Hey, maybe they can suggest a good nickname?!