from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,
The game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks is starting in 30 minutes and Pierre McGuire is headed to work.
First he stops to talk to Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta, who is riding a stationary bike. Then McGuire makes small talk with a referee and linesman. Finally he walks across ice and climbs over the boards and settles into his office — the space between the teams’ benches.
Just like Wayne Gretzky had his office behind the net, Phil Esposito had the slot and Ron Hextall had the crease, McGuire has the space that he has used to help change the game.
"It’s like he invented his job,” says NBC play-by-play broadcaster Kenny Albert.
USA TODAY Sports spent a portion of Wednesday’s NBC “Rivalry Night” game at United Center inside the glass with McGuire and witnessed the celebrity that the former coach has become — with fans waiting to take selfies — from one of the most unique positions in sports.
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