This year had a very different feel. We knew that we were not the same team as last year. We are very young and it took us a while to establish roles and to create our identity. |
We are very familiar with them, and they're a great team. The last time we played them, they had three power-play goals against us so I know that will be a focus for us. |
We had to adjust. We couldn't make the same kind of assumptions when we had that veteran talent. |
We have to focus on playing solid defense to minimize scoring opportunities for our opponents because we probably aren't going to put up the numbers we put up last year. But winning by one or two is the same result as winning by four or five. |
We lost an awful lot of talent. We knew there would be some uncertainty about us, but it's been a fantastic season. Over time, the players have fit comfortably in their roles. We're playing very well right now and with a lot of confidence. |
We should have pride in people coming to our barn in front of our fans. Hopefully that will be the case because we don't have too many games left at home. |
We wanted to have the ceremony on the first day. We want to recognize last year's team and then move on with the new team this year. |
We're happy about tonight, OK? We'll talk about New Hampshire later. |
We've been planning for this for a while. We're not panicking by any means. All the top-end players are out of college hockey [this season]. The cream of the crop is playing in the Olympics. It affects a lot of teams, and I believe it affects us the most. But I also believe we have more depth than people realize. |
We've tweaked our lineup once again. We're still looking for the combinations we feel will be our long-term answer. |