Simmonds talks about facing Kings

Here were Wayne Simmonds’ thoughts about facing the Kings last night. Simmonds didn’t get on the score sheet but did make his presence felt, jawing and getting involved in a little post-whistle jostling a couple times. Some of it appeared to be good-natured, but some of it didn’t…

Q: I notice you talked to Drew Doughty. I know you guys have been friends. Initially, when you first saw it, what were your thoughts (on the hit)?

SIMMONDS: “I thought it was a clean hit, you know (Zac Rinaldo) did a good job of tracking him all the way back, came across and delivered a good hard hit. And he had the fight to back it up.”

Q: And you got a chance to talk to him? Is he all right?

SIMMONDS: “I don’t know. He didn’t really say. I guess you don’t want to expose yourself to the other team. So I’m not too sure.”

Q: What was the exchange of words with Mike Richards?

SIMMONDS: “He threw a big hit and I kind of circled around and realized it was him and I went up to him and said something. I’m not sure I can repeat it. I gave him a little jab with my stick and then everyone came in, so…”

Q: Did the irony dawn on you at all?

SIMMONDS: “I guess so. It was pretty cool I guess the fans were cheering really loud at that point so It was awesome.”

Q: Was it expected for Mike Richards to be booed?

SIMMONDS: “Yeah, you know it’s Philadelphia. I haven’t played here too long but I notice the fans will jump on you quick, especially when you’re wearing a visiting jersey. They don’t really care who you are.” 

Q: Is it tough to get any flow in a game like that when the refs are whistle-happy?

SIMMONDS: “Yeah, kind of, We want to play 5-on-5 hockey. If you’re going to get a power play, that’s fine, but if you’re going to have a PK  then it mixes up lines.”

Q: Are you happy to put your emotions behind you after playing this game?

SIMMONDS: “I’m happy it’s done and over with. I would have rather had the two points. I’m obviously not happy about that. But at the same time we can move on and focus on our next couple games.”

Q: Do you feel like Quick stole one of those points tonight?

SIMMONDS: “I think he played well. I thought he stood on his head. We had a few flurries in every single period. He did play well.”

Q: Is there a point that you thought, `Wow, I’m really playing against the Kings?’

SIMMONDS: “Oh no. You know what’s going on when you go out there. It’s a business. Hockey is a business. And once you leave one team you go to another, you try not to think about it. I’m a Flyer now… I bleed orange. That’s how I think about it.”