Kevin Bieksa recalls hilarious Bridgestone Arena incident involving 2011 Canucks

Taking matters into his own hands, Bieksa orchestrated a retaliatory move by blocking off the Predators’ usual walkway to their dressing room, mirroring the tactic employed against his team. However, there was one exception: a Predators staff member known as Partner, who was allowed access to the restricted hallway.

Reflecting on the incident, Bieksa explained the rationale behind allowing Partner exclusive access, stating, “Partner is the gentleman who works for the Preds and we always try to get him on our side as he does the laundry.”

Amidst the playful banter, Bieksa revealed another amusing detail about the encounter. When asked if someone had alerted then-Predators head coach Barry Trotz about the situation, Bieksa said, “Somebody tipped off Barry. He came walking down when I was putting the tape across and he was like, ‘What are you doing?’ And I go, ‘Fair is fair. Barry.'”

As Bieksa reminisced about the incident, it raised questions about whether similar tactics are still in play during the current matchup between the Canucks and the Predators in 2024. If it is the case as a playful nod to past rivalries or a genuine attempt to gain a competitive edge, it’s stories like these that add a little more entertainment to playoff hockey.