He was one of the last guys to get in town, ... It's going to be nice. We have a four-hour bus ride, and Hank's going to probably take the most abuse on the bus, and rightfully so. We're just happy to have him back. He's such a great kid and such a great hockey player. He's going to play a huge role for the Detroit Red Wings over the next four years for sure. |
He's a guy that can dominate a game. He just makes players around him that much better. He's a guy that can score, and he's a very gifted passer as well. The best thing to do is try to force an offensive player to try to play in his end as much as possible. |
He's a guy who can play a lot of minutes. He had a great year two years ago. We hope he's back. We hope it all works out and he can be part of this hockey club. But he has to make a decision on what's best for him and his family. We just hope it's here playing in Detroit. |
He's such a great guy and he wants to be there for everybody and that's what made him so popular in Detroit. |
Here at the Joe, guys are getting used to the speed and the body positioning. Teams that can skate and have a good defence will be a step ahead. You won't have any choice to open up. But this is going to be a huge adjustment and it won't happen overnight. |
I don't think anyone realized the extent of how deep it went. It's tough when you see a friend and former teammate go through something like that. |
I don't think they're going to have any choice but to open it up with the way the rules are, |
I don't think we're there yet. I think this is really the first time at training camp that it's meant as much as it has in a lot of years for this team. Not only the new NHL and the new rules, but obviously the new coach and the different coaching philosophy, but I think guys are getting there. |
I laugh at them. I think they're pretty funny, but that's about the extent of it. |
I thought we were going to wait until the buzzer sounds after tomorrow's (Sunday) game, but the Americans have gotten a jump on us. The wheels will be turning for the next 24 hours. |
I was real happy for Mac. I left him a message this morning. I think just about everybody in this room is happy for him considering what he's been going through. |
I've never been part of it. I'm really looking forward to it. After Vancouver and Calgary and what we've heard about the way it is in Edmonton for the playoffs ... it's pretty special for a Canadian kid to be part of that. |
It always makes for a fun night. Down here, you're with your teammates and your family, and it's always nice to be a part of something. |
It did feel good. Hopefully, that can get something going offensively. |
It feels good. I think everyone is real excited about it. We weren't able to do something everyone is passionate about and loves doing. |