On his first impression of the ice at Dodger Stadium:
It was good. I think that it was pretty solid for being in 70-degree weather in Southern California. It got a little choppy once we were skating on it for a while, but it was good.
On what it was like skating on the outdoor rink:
I mean you’re skating in the middle of Dodger Stadium. There’s a lot of history here in baseball and things like that. It’s a pretty cool feeling with the beach volleyball setup and everything. It’s just a good event.
On his outdoor hockey experience:
I did a little bit of pond hockey growing up in Michigan, but really other than that – this is my first outdoor game. [Reporter: Were there ever people who froze over their backyards or anything like that?] Yeah, there was a little bit. I had a buddy growing up that I played with that lived on a lake. It wasn’t too big so it’d freeze over a lot. So we’d go over there and play at his house. I’ve done it a few times.
On putting aside the excitement and focusing on practice:
Once you step on the ice it’s just business. But I think tomorrow it will be pretty important to keep plays simple. You don’t know how the ice is going to get. Just keep making simple plays and just play Kings hockey.
On the ice condition:
I think it’s the heat or the humidity or something, you get that little glossiness on top. It gets a little wet, the puck stick a little bit – but I was impressed. It was pretty good. [Reporter: How was it passing the puck?] Maybe you should ask a skill guy like Kopitar. My pucks were staying relatively flat I guess. Like I said, it was good. It got a little choppy towards the end of practice, but it was fine.
On practicing in Dodger Stadium:
Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever practiced with a chopper flying overhead. It’s a cool experience being at Dodger Stadium and playing an outdoor game like this. It brings me back to my younger years – except that it was quite a bit colder outside than it is right now. It’s been really fun.
On how they will approach the game on the outdoor rink:
I touched on it earlier – you’re going to have to keep plays simple and just make the easy play. You don’t want to try too much out here with the ice being the way it is. I think there will be a bit of a feeling out process too for the guys, but getting on it a day early has been really good. It will be good.
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