On how the Stanley Cup experience benefits the team:
I think it’s experience for everybody that’s been in it. Long playoff run, for sure that’s how it’d help you the most. Probably the trust of that, and the confidence of being able to pull games out.
On whether Anze Kopitar was “long overdue” for a Selke Trophy nomination:
It was just for this year.* I don’t think it’s long overdue. I think he’s come a long ways as a player. The three guys nominated, think about it – best goals against, Western Conference, best goals against, Eastern Conference, and a Defending Stanley Cup champion down the middle. Actually, the other part of that – I was just thinking about that – is it’s good to see California recognized. Kopitar, Marleau, Getzlaf has to be [in consideration for] MVP…Quick, Jennings. So think about that. When you put it all together, that’s pretty good.
*just, in this instance, may reference “justice,” though after re-listening, I’m not entirely sure.
On whether Patrick Marleau developed into the player that he had expected:
He’s still got those tools. Everybody asks that every year about those guys that play a long time, and they’re still successful. I mean, he played in the league when he was – Kelly knows – I think he played an exhibition game when he was 18. Wasn’t it his birthday or something? [Reporter: Yeah, he had to get a note. 17.] 17, or whatever it was? So he’s still averaging his numbers, and he’s still a great skater. He stayed healthy. You know what? He’s still the whole package, just more experience on it. A few more rings on the tree.
On whether his message to the players will be more tactical or motivational:
I’m sure every team with the basis on the way the playoffs are set up, Drew, is you have those days before, and when guys don’t skate – there’s not many practices – so basically, they get full of playbooks to the point where you think as a player, you put yourself in their position.
On being loose on one hand, and desperate on the other hand:
Yeah, on one hand you said [that]…on that hand you said that. So you’re right. [Reporter: So how do you balance that?] So you just balance it like that. This hand…It’s exactly what he said. It wasn’t a question, it was an answer.
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