Under the spotlight

After a few days, the sight is now familiar. The Kings’ locker-room door opens for media access, and Jonathan Quick is quickly engulfed by a swarm of Canadian media. For a team with 13 players who had never before experienced the NHL playoffs first-hand, it’s no doubt been an eye-opening experience to play their first series in hockey-mad Canada. Terry Murray was asked today how he thought his players were dealing with the intense experience…

MURRAY: “I’m not sure how they’re feeling, particularly, about it, but I personally like it a lot. I think it’s a great atmosphere and it’s a great way to kick off your career in the National Hockey League in the playoffs. You get the attention from the media. You’re put under the microscope more than normal. The energy, the environment, the buildup going into the first game is a real big test for the young players. How are you going to handle it? How are you going to deal with it emotionally and physically? And I liked the way they responded. I thought the composure was excellent. I thought their attitude about playing the game the right way was there, without any jitters or nervousness. This is a series that they’re going to remember their whole lives.”