On how he feels after his first NHL game:
You never stop. That’s part of being a pro and part of playing in the National Hockey League. You have to continue to get better. And like you said, that was my first game and I want to kind of build off that. I thought it was a pretty decent game. We ended up with a win and start building from here.
On his first NHL shift:
Obviously you are in the moment so it’s a little bit different. But I told myself but I told myself I was going to try my best just to stay focused. That’s the hardest thing when you are playing your first game is to stay focused and it’s just another hockey game at the same time. You just got to go out there and play and it’s tough when you are that excited. [Reporter: You said it’s just another hockey game, but really it isn’t is it?] Well it’s not. I know it’s a lot bigger but you just have to keep telling yourself that. I think if you build it up to be more than it is, I think sometimes it is a little overwhelming. For me, I just want to play my game. Go out there and play like I’ve done thousands of times since I was four years old. Obviously it was a big game, and I was excited to be a part of it.
On if there were any surprises in his first game:
I think the good thing about the way it came up [was] I have been around so much the last two playoff runs last year and the year they won the cup, and I watch a ton of games obviously and practice with them. I think there wasn’t too many surprises just because I have been around and practicing for so long with them.
On talking to his parents since his NHL debut:
Actually I haven’t talked to them a whole lot. I called my dad and he was actually already in bed. It was probably 1:30 by the time I got out. I will give him a call after practice and probably go over it a little bit more.
On adjusting to playing in the NHL:
I think it’s tough when you change leagues. I think especially going from the American and the NHL are so different, but I would like to do a little bit more. It’s a start, it’s a stepping stone. You play your first one and keep things simple and try not to make too many mistakes and kind of go from there and that’s what I was trying to do last night. Making sure not to make mistakes and hopefully I can get in the next one and build off that one.
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