But Gelinas decided to return. His off-season regimen was strenuous, and his hard work made him perhaps the Canes' most consistent performer. Every night, you knew what you'd get from him. That's the mark of a great professional. Gelinas doggedly earned extra minutes on the penalty kill, then on the power play.
Confidence is such a big part of it.
I feel I'm really part of this team now. In this game, you can't go out and fake it. I play my best hockey when I'm passionate, and I've had that passion this season. Maurice jokingly said he'd like to be like most coaches and take credit for Gelinas' resurgence. He did it all on his own when there was no promise of a tomorrow.