It hurts. It's a very difficult thing to do, to say goodbye and really realize the season is done.

I use this term a little tongue-in-cheek, but they are finally getting interested. But I think there is some truth to that. Our guys are very aware of what's at stake, and when you can see the end of the regular season coming around and you've put yourself in contention, your heart's not beating if you can't get excited.

We knew their team was better than their record, yet I think perhaps as a team we did not give them the respect they were due.

He is as competitive as anybody on our team. He gets to pucks very quickly. He's got great grit. That's one of the reasons he's so valuable in the offensive zone. Any time there is a loose puck and Ryan is in the area, you know he's going to come up with it.

Earl is their quickest player. He can break a game open.

I told them, 'Thank you very much. But it sure would be a lot sweeter to celebrate after No. 405,'