Last year was like a blessing being able to work on things in Hamilton without the pressure of being in Montreal. Now, I just want to make the team and get as much playing time as I can.

Obviously I had butterflies coming in here, in the rink and before the game. It was a good start for me. I had a chance to make the first few saves (and) the team scored the first goal. After that the confidence was there.

I think it's definitely more pressure than last year. Last year Lance sort of absorbed everything and I was able to just kind of hide out around him. Now it's a little bit different. ... It's a little bit more pressure, but it's welcome pressure.

When he's aggressive and he's playing like that, it takes the pressure off everybody. Rip (Richard Hamilton) doesn't have to worry about scoring so many points, I don't either.

This whole season was a blessing. To go through what I went through last year, it was just so frustrating. ... I was mad when (the overrated tag) came out, frustrated, but the people who know me — my teammates, the organization — know what type of player I am.

Without pressure, the work doesn't get done at all.