As procedure goes, Coach Claude Noel spoke to the media after practice today before tonight’s 7:30pm match up with the New York Rangers.
On tonight’s starter in goal, Chris Mason:
“The game was what it was on Saturday, we just wanted to get things moving, two quick goals is not something we’re looking for. He’s played well enough that we’re going to give him another opportunity tonight. I’ve got two good goalies, that’s comforting.”
On what he expects from Kenndal McArdle:
“Just energy, we saw him in preseason he was good for us, he’s got good speed and plays with a bit of bite, just give us some energy, responsible play, utilize his speed, go to the net and do the necessary things that make him an effective player.”
On Evander Kane’s play last game:
“I thought he played with a little bit more energy, his speed was evident, he was taking pucks to the net more, he used his size more, I thought he did a bit more of the things he was doing, and planted himself in front of the net, it was a big weight off his shoulders to score a goal.”
On Alex Burmistrov’s play last game:
“I didn’t know him too much from last year other than watching on tape, and you weren’t able to see, you could see a little bit of what he had, but he’s really stepped up and played well. When the regular season started and when we kept him with Antropov, it seems to have chemistry there. He’s continued to play well it looks like he’s found a little comfort level with his linemates and in the game, he’s finding his range where he can be effective.
He’s playing smart he has the puck a lot, he knows his way around the ice, he’s patient with it and he’s playing smart. Has he surprised me, not too much, he’s a young player, he’s got a lot of upside, I think you can see that in him. It shows what happens to a player when he starts to get confident.”
On Ben Maxwell’s play last game:
“I thought Ben played fairly well, he hasn’t played some time in a month, I thought he did the necessary things to stay in the lineup. He’s a responsible player, he can play wing or centre, he’s been good there. We’ll continue on that path with him.”
On the status of Jim Slater:
“He’s day to day, not sure if he’s going to be in the game tonight, he’ll be assessed and we’ll look at him.”
