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.”
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