'30 in 30' LEGACY - Cutthroat

Lately, ESPN 30 for 30 has put out some fantastic short films on their website.  From The Irrelevant Giant and Holy Grail have been two of my favorites but their most recent short might have the deepest connection with my knowledge of the subject.

Cutthroat, which debuted just yesterday on the site, takes a look back at one of the most frightening injuries ever in pro sports.  It was March 22, 1989 and Buffalo Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk (who is now the Calgary Flames' goalie coach) nearly lost his life when St. Louis Blues d-man Steve Tuttle's skate blade sliced into Malarchuk's neck.

While the initial collision didn't look too bad, it was the aftermath image that would be engraved in everyone's mind.  Clint had mere minutes to live.

Nearly a quarter-century later, the emotions are so raw and entrenched that it's a struggle just to hear him talk about it.  But it's a powerful story.

HEADS UP!!!!  There's some text at the start of the film, but I'll add it as well.  There's some graphic images in the video.  I still have a tough time watching it.



There were many things I didn't realize about Malarchuk before watching this film, but the one that stuck out was his embracing of his OCD.  Telling people to use it as a positive.  Use it as a driving force forward.  Rarely have I heard anyone talk that way about OCD.

It sounds like he is in a better place today as the Flames' goalie coach and I hope he can control that which has controlled him in the past.

After watching this short, I came across an interesting supporting article.  Most people think of what Clint Malarchuk must have been going through and the struggles post injury.  But what about the forgotten player in the event.

There's a great article by Sean McIndoe (AKA Down Goes Brown) about the forgotten players involved in some horrific injuries.  AGAIN, HEADS UP!!!!  There are some tough pieces of video to watch.


Do you remember the Malarchuk incident?  What are your thoughts on the 30 for 30 short?  What did you learn or not know before that you found interesting?