Tim Whitehead Last Quotations

What we wanted to do with our defensemen recruits was add some size and reach to protect the front of our net. And we also wanted to add some offensive punch. All three defensemen are offensive-minded. One of the reasons we were average offensively last year was because we were seventh in the league in offensive production from our defensemen.

I think we're getting more focused and that's what I am excited about. The last three games we have been very focused on executing the game plan and playing as a team.

Last year our backs were to the wall and we had to go against a very strong Lowell team for four games and we did it. We have been in this situation before and been able to rise up to the challenge. As for the pressure, it doesn't bother me because I put more pressure on myself than anyone could put on me. I imagine most of our players are the same.

We've met a lot. It's a very good rivalry and I'm sure it's going to be a great game. (We've played well this year) But they had our number last year. This next meeting is the most important of all.

We have been getting good starts. The last four in a row we've played a good first, so I think we have gotten past that for the most part. I think the challenge for us is to play consistently for 60 minutes.

Tonight came down to the last whistle and we are fortunate to have advanced. We had our hands full this weekend. It wasn't an easy road. Obviously, we got a lot of lucky bounces to get there, but hopefully, at the same time, we earned most of them.

Every time we scored, they bounced right back. The momentum shifted to us in the third period, but the game could have gone either way. We're just fortunate we got the last swing of momentum.

They remind me a lot of our team last year quite honestly. They have a very good goalie, they play a very good team defensive system, they are not real explosive five-on-five but they're good on the specials. They're a real good team. Goals will be tough to come by.

I am proud of the way the guys played tonight in a challenging situation. We feel good about coming out of the weekend with four points in the league standings. It was a tougher challenge than last night, but we were able to put forth a consistent effort all three periods. Ben Bishop was fabulous tonight and really strong in net. He made some great defensive stops and also played the puck extremely well.