alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />Jack Johnson’s postgame thoughts…
(on winning division games…)
JOHNSON: “It’s huge. We’ve got to win our Western Conference games, and particularly in our division, and try to keep the gap going between us and everyone else in our division. We’re just working to try to catch San Jose at this point. They’re a great hockey team, and if we can stay close to them throughout the entire year, if not pass them, we will be pretty successful going into the playoffs.”
(on the difference between the previous Phoenix games…)
JOHNSON: “I thought, in the second period, it was pretty up and down. Then in the third period, both teams limited their turnovers. I thought, in the second period, both teams had pretty good chances, particularly us. We just didn’t happen to score on them. That’s why it was a low-scoring game. I definitely think both teams had a fair amount of chances.”
(on the fatigue after back-to-back games…)
JOHNSON: “After a certain point, you don’t think about it. You’re just playing. Particularly in overtime, 4 on 4, that’s really pretty fun hockey and an exciting pace and a time to be real creative. At that point, you’re not really thinking about it. It hits you more after the game.”
Good Game Johnson!
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Sick goal by JJ!
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That was an excellent goal. In fact the entire shift from the face off (in the LA zone) was incredible! I rewound that like 5 times just to watch it… this team has depth-finally…
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I’m sure it’s nothing, but it seemed JJ didn’t express much emotion tonight…
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rewatch the bench footage. I think he showed some good emotion during the shoot out. i’m sure any lack of it was directly linked to exhaustion and his mind being stuck in going forward with the game.
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Chaz: He was probably tired
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I also notice that Johnson wasnt showing much emotion during the last couple games. No smile no laughs no nothing, its almost as if hes holding it back.
I remember when Cammy first came into the league, every time he would score a goal his face would light up with a huge smile and he would get really excited. it was really fun to watch. then the next time he came up from Manchester he was a stone wall after he scored, much like johnson looks now. I dont like it, hope he gets out of that habit and takes notice of how Drew celebrates his goals.
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Well boys, get some rest, eat your meals, and lets beat the stars on Sat!!
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It’s been noted on TV but Johnson is finally playing up to his potential. He’s shooting and playing strong D.
Doughty had some bad turnovers/plays tonight.
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Your on FIRE Jack!!! Keep it Going!
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When Jack was talking to Heidi last night it sounded like he was sick – maybe that’s why he “lacked emotion”
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They play 82 games a year so its important for professional atheletes not to get too high or too low for any particular game. So they need to get “up” for the game but maybe not too up. Just like the players need to hold their temper and keep their wits about them when some pest cheap shots them and chirps profanities at them.
The hockey season is more akin to running a marathon than a sprint. But in the games they need to spring. So its the job of the coaching staff to watch minutes (and the nagging injuries they all eventually play with) so as not to let the players get too worn down.
(its another sport, but the theme is developed in George Will’s book Men at Work. That goes through several HOF players in a season. One theme it discusses: how the baseball atheletes deal with the 182 game season. Watch how the current Dodger players change perspective, from the bright eyed rooks to the seasoned vets.)
Given all that, I was at the game and Johnson and the rest of the team seemed in good spirits to me. They also note in their comments their at game 33 of the regular season: a long way to go.
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