Marty Turco bets with Canadiens fan

UPDATE: In an email to the Sun-Times, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said, “We are following up to understand the circumstances, but we don’t anticipate any action will need to be taken.” So in other words, don’t expect Marty Turco to be fined by the NHL.

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A Montreal Canadiens fan and season ticket-holder named Robert had an interesting time Tuesday at the Bell Centre.

So he called into Game Points with Matthew Ross on Team 990 in Montreal after the Canadiens’ 2-1 overtime win against the Blackhawks. He apparently had a bet going with Hawks goalie Marty Turco.

Here is the audio clip:

Marty Turco bets during a Blackhawks-Canadiens game on April 5, 2011 | Online Karaoke

But there is more. Below is a picture tweeted by Moe Khan (@moekhan19), a host for Team 990, that appears to show the transaction:

Look: Turco is one of the most personable players in the league. His fun-loving and open personality precedes him. This is just another example.

Since joining the Hawks, Turco has been more than willing to spend time with fans, help out the organization at charity events and appearances and so forth. He’s also been praised by teammates for his leadership and his knack for keeping things loose and fun in the locker room.

But will the NHL frown upon this? Probably.

Will the league fine him or the Hawks? We’ll see.

The NHL did fine the Toronto Maple Leafs an undisclosed amount in January after coach Ron Wilson offered a cash reward to the player who scored the game-winning goal against his former team. (Thanks to @RainmanMP for the reminder.)

But in my opinion, this is a bit different. It was a playful bet between a veteran player and former All-Star and a fan. And, I’m sure Turco didn’t think it would go viral overnight.

Maybe, it will become a welcome (and funny) distraction for the Hawks at a time when their situation has turned into a dire one with three games left. The fan response to the bet has been overwhelmingly positive.

This also isn’t the first time Turco had fun while sitting on the bench this season.

Remember this:

Or this one: