It will be a nice, little Christmas, just the four of us. We just got the tree up and the decorations (Thursday) night.

Intensity, that's huge in a playoff game. Without intensity, you won't go anywhere.

Personally, I like what they ask me to do. I like going into the corners and finishing my checks every day. I?d like to keep it simple. After Christmas, it?s come to me what this team expects from me and what I should do if I want to get to the next level.

I'm kind of disappointed about it. I don't worry about the points much, (more about) ice time and what I can create in the offensive zone. I'm just getting used to it right now. I've got my confidence up.

Wanda came bringing in a six-foot live Christmas tree for us and it was already decorated. That was a blessing to us. We just thank God every day for bringing us through the storm and we thank Him for everyone who has given us clothes, food, support and prayers. One day, we'll go back to New Orleans and repair our house. It's home, but living here is the next best thing.

All of us were hoping for four big Christmas presents under the tree in Baghdad. It didn't happen.