Game 1 vs. San Diego postgame quotes: Mike Stothers

On the game-winning goal by Brodzinski set up by Kempe:
I think they were trying to set something up and Kempe read it and jumped on him and kind of forced him into something and actually was real good with finishing his check, knocked the guy off the puck and good things happen.

On how key it is for the Reign to have both Brodzinski and Kempe back in the lineup:
You know what, they should difference-makers. They were up there in the NHL. Kempe got over 20 games and Brodzinski was up there long enough that you get sent back down you’re expected, you’re counted on to be a difference-maker, a game-breaker and you know what, I thought they were very good tonight. It’s obviously to our advantage to have two quality players like that back.

On San Diego’s ability to work the stretch pass in the second to get back in the game:
We’ve talked about that all season long with those guys. It’s a matter of our defense and they’ve got to be aware. You’ve got to make a visual count and a mental count of how many guys are in front of you and if somebody’s not in front of you, there’s a good chance he’s behind you. But, you’ve got to give them credit. That’s a good team. I thought it was a real good first game. I think it’s only going to get better from here.

On the importance of grabbing the Game 1 win in the shortened best-of-5 series:
You guys always ask that question, like who scores first crap. Eh. Just good to get a win, that’s all. I don’t care if it’s the first game, the second game or whatever, it’s just good to get a win. You know what, that’s all it is. It’s one win. Everything starts over again tomorrow.

For more Ontario Reign playoff coverage, click here.

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