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.

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.

Not to be cocky or anything but I knew the national record would go.

I am not sure I have my finger on the pulse of this team yet, ... I, as well as the rest of the coaching staff, do realize that we have a special team, but until you strap it up and the games count you cannot ever be sure.

I am not sure I have my finger on the pulse of this team yet. I, as well as the rest of the coaching staff, do realize that we have a special team, but until you strap it up and the games count you cannot ever be sure.