Mike Sullivan
Mike Sullivan
competition regardless spots
There are always spots to be won, regardless of position. I think you can look at our lineup and see where the competition is. I think that's probably obvious, but nothing is ever etched in stone.
duration expectation game hockey last minute overtime tonight win
When you get a 5-on-3 in the last minute of the game and a 4-on-3 for that duration in the overtime (3:11), your expectation is to win the hockey game. We didn't do that tonight and that's disappointing.
coming heart
We showed a lot of heart by coming back.
deserved fate fought obviously stretch tough
We are obviously going through a tough time, but we are going in the right direction. We really competed down the stretch and fought our way back. I thought we deserved a better fate.
execute power
We didn't execute on the power play and that was the difference.
action best commitment course faced group players puck simplify talented team
From my experience, when a team is faced with adversity, the best course of action is to simplify things. Our play away from the puck has to be a priority. We have a talented group of players here, but we have to make more of a commitment to team defense.
anyone ask control eight game hockey last maintain minutes penalties spent tough trying
If anyone is going to ask me about the officiating, I have no comment. We spent eight of the last 20 minutes trying to kill penalties. It's tough trying to maintain control of the hockey game when you have to kill penalties like that.
advance against certain combine cost hard looking move ourselves penalties potent power puck short simple team tough
We make it hard on ourselves in certain situations. We've got opportunities to advance the puck and move the puck, simple options, short options, and we're looking for the better play and it's cost us. You combine that with some avoidable penalties against a team like this, that has a potent power play, and it's tough to win.
hard hit matter pain played question second shot skate swelling
He got hit with a shot in the second period. He played through it, but when you take your skate off, that's when the swelling occurs. His X-ray was negative, so nothing is broken. It's really a matter of getting the swelling down, and then it's a question of pain tolerance. It's hard to say where he stands. There's a possibility he'll be fine.
brings everybody far goes good great guy invaluable people player type
He's a great player, that goes without saying. What most people don't know about him is the type of guy that he is and what he brings to our team. As far as his whole professionalism and his approach, he's been invaluable to our team. I think everybody realizes how good of a player he is.
asked certainly easy figures guys held player
He certainly held his own, and that's not an easy thing to do, to be asked as a young player to play with two guys like that and not be intimidated. He figures things out pretty fast.
combine confidence extremely given great guy improved level mobility offensive played serious stronger year
He is very much in the mix. He's really improved every year he has been here. His mobility is better. He's stronger and he has always had great offensive instincts. You combine that with the confidence level he has now, he has played extremely well. He will be a guy who is given serious consideration.
needed saves timely
Hannu made the timely saves when we needed them,
complete difficult granted guy guys hope ice plays tough
He's been a difficult guy to replace. He's one of those guys you take for granted when you have him in the lineup. It's been tough not having him because he plays in so many different situations. He's a complete player. We hope to get him on the ice this weekend.