On the Lucic-Carter-Toffoli line:
We started, when Looch came to us, it was Looch-Kopi-Gabby. That’s what we wanted, with Tanner, Jeff and Ty. We just fooled around all through camp, and then after camp they were a good line for us. Just with the way the injuries went on this last trip with guys missing – Tanner and Vinny and Versteeg and with Gabby being out – we’ve just kind of been all over the place. They’re a good fit. Kopi and Jeff are pretty good guys to play with, whoever plays with them.
On whether he has seen a gradual increase in Milan Lucic’s pace:
Yeah, I think the adjustment with him, what he’d tell you, was coming from the east over here, and just a little bit different style play for him. He said there was more going on on the rush, that sort of thing, and the other, he’d get more odd-man, two-on-one, three-on-two chances more, so there’s more of a two-foot game for him, but that means you’ve got to be a step faster, too, because you’re stopping and starting more. He’s a smart guy. He’s adjusted to that well.
On the team’s direction:
We’re just trying to get through – same, if you look at the Sharks too – the way the schedule is, you try and get through those tough parts of the schedule and then go from there. I think tonight finishes 10-in-17 for us, and you guys went through that long road, all that. Hey, it’s hard on the players. It doesn’t matter to me. We’ve played as good as we could. Other than one period in the last month in Nashville, I think we’ve played as well as we could.
On Nic Dowd:
We’re just trying to get some more production from the position. I think that we’ve given everybody lots of opportunity. Hey, there’s not a limit on your roster, and basically you’ve got to watch your four call-ups and give guys an opportunity if they can handle it. You’re not going to win with a handful of players. You’re going to win with somewhere around – I’ve said it lots. So far this year we’ve had 11 defensemen, and I think we’re at 18 or 19 forwards and three goalies. So it tells you how many players you need. I know the star factor’s important, but I think you need lots of not just guys you call up, but guys who aren’t playing much to show that they can contribute, too.
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