Yesterday the players weren’t on the ice but today coach Noel had them back on the ice at the MTS Centre for practice. 23 players were on the ice with the exception of Grant Clitsome.
Dustin Byfuglien – How did he feel after his first game? Importance of a road win and coming from behind. Will he and Enstrom be split up and how will that impact him? (He doesn’t believe they will be split). How good can the team be this year? Facing off against Western Conference teams. Challenge of facing against the Kings. Advantage since Kings are playing tonight in Minnesota. Onus to be a leader on the team? Getting to play in front of MTS Centre crowd in home opener.
Mark Stuart – Defensive zone play. Switching defensive partners causing problems? How much does the enthusiasm of starting a new season impact defensive play?
Blake Wheeler – How much examination of game 1 has there been? What was message from coach? How much does he expect from the Kings? How physical does he expect them to be? Difference in power play set up this season.
Andrew Ladd – Getting back to home ice. Big test against Kings/Ducks. Removing pressure of needing first win. How much more to handle will Kings be? How much more physical does he expect them to be? Is this a group focused on the process of becoming a successful team? What does balanced scoring mean for his line?
Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
