December 22 morning skate quotes: Darryl Sutter

On the final game before the Christmas break:
We talked it before on the homestand. Three game stand before the break, and we’re going to try and win ‘em all. We’ll try again.

On the narrative that Calgary is a “hardworking team,” and whether they have an elevated compete level compared to other teams:
No, they’re very similar. I think everybody’s work ethic is the same. I wouldn’t put them ahead of anybody else. I mean, they’re the very same team we just played in Florida. They’re a veteran team that’s getting really good goaltending, and they have a sprinkling of young guys. Quietly they’re a veteran team when you look at ‘em. Ride it out pretty good, so the reason those guys are quality veterans is they have a good work ethic.

On not much “breathing room” between Pacific Division teams:
You know what? I think I’m well versed on saying that there’s not a big difference. And there isn’t.

On whether it’s “satisfying” to see Mark Giordano’s success:
He’s getting recognition now because of numbers. I think if you go around the league everybody knows who he is. Now it’s media attention. He’s been a top-four defenseman since after his entry-level contract. He’s a top defenseman in the league. I mean, he was a legitimate contender for the Olympic team last year, and he’s a good captain, all those things. Shows up every night. [Reporter: Way back when, did you sign him to a three-way deal?] No, he was one of those entry-level guys. All those guys came on tryouts – Gio, Dennis Wideman, who’s there now, and Deryk Engelland – those guys all came as either undrafted or unsigned guys. When you’re on that market like that with a budget, you’re probably only able to sign Gio.

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