Playoffs, finally, for Frolov

The leader, by far, in the unofficial playoff-beard competition so far is Alexander Frolov. Perhaps that’s fitting, given that no player on either roster has appeared in more regular-season games than Frolov (536) without appearing in a playoff game. That ends tonight, of course, and after today’s skate, Frolov was happy to talk about his playoff debut…

Question: You waited a long time to grow that playoff beard. How does it feel today?

FROLOV: “It’s great. As a hockey player, it’s everything that you work for, to be here in the playoffs and try to win the Stanley Cup. It’s great, especially when it takes that long to get here, to this point. I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to tonight’s game. Especially in Canada, it’s going to be a great atmosphere, and it’s awesome.”

Question: The playoffs are a chance for guys to really make a name for themselves. Is that an opportunity you look forward to?

FROLOV: “The most important thing is that we have to play as we were during the season, just stick with our game plan. When we do so, we are a really good hockey club and we can beat any team in the league. I know that, especially sometimes in the playoffs, you try to do something extra, but you have to be really smart about it, because the most important thing is the win. It doesn’t really matter who is going to score.”