February 26: Bus Texts with Stothers

After every Reign road game I’ll try to catch up with head coach Mike Stothers from the bus to get some texts on his assessment of the game. Here’s what he had to say after Friday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Stars.

Reign 3, Stars 2 (OT)
Defenseman Vincent LoVerde has two goals including the game-winner as the Reign improved to 5-0 against the Dallas Stars affiliate in the first of a back-to-back in Texas.

BUS TEXTS WITH STOTHERS
ORI: Big guys were very big tonight. LoVerde, Dowd, Backman… Can you talk a bit about the leaders leading the way.
Stothers: That was a terrific game played by two good skating hockey clubs. Felt like a playoff game. In games like this your leaders need to be your best players and they certainly were tonight. Our roster was altered due to injury, and recalls. Then this afternoon a trade occurs that takes veteran presence away from your blue line. They remained focused and dialed in and refused to let anything distract us. That falls on your leadership group and they were outstanding. Very proud of each and every guy tonight.
ORI: Certainly makes it a bit easier to shrug off that late call on Crescenzi to set up late tying goal?
Stothers: Yeah that was a tough call that late in the game, and they made a nice play to score and tie it up. The way we reacted and responded showed a lot of courage and confidence. We just went back to work, no big deal. As soon as the puck hit the ice to start overtime we controlled most of the play.
ORI: Will Gravel be joining you tomorrow, and what’s the situation on Zykov’s injury?
Stothers: Gravs will not be joining us in time for tomorrow. Zykov has been battling through an elbow injury all year long. The bursa becomes enlarged and he has had it drained a couple times. It became infected and he had to remain home for further evaluation with our doctors.