Last hour we posted some comments from Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo – who talked about playing the Kings and possible NHL rule changes. Following Vancouver’s optional practice at TSC earlier today we also had a chance to hear from a few other players. Here’s what they shared…
– Chris Higgins on what happened with his recent injury: “I don’t know. Just, I had something go wrong with my back in the morning skate. Just felt terrible all day, so I couldn’t do it last night. Felt pretty good today. So I think there’s a pretty good chance I’ll play tomorrow… You feel bad for guys playing out of position. They’ve done a pretty admirable job filling in – defensemen playing forward. They get a lot of respect in my book for being able to do that and contribute to a win.”
– Higgins on if he’s skating today because he’s worried he’ll lose his job: “That’s what Keith says. (laughter) He said I gotta buy him dinner when I get back in the line-up.”
– Higgins on playing against the Kings: “Seems like we’ve been playing these guys pretty well this year. I always find it entertaining games to play against these guys. Seems like there’s a little extra emotion in the building. And an afternoon game tomorrow; should be fun… on a personal level, they’re just a fun team to play against. Because they’re a big, strong team, and they like to play a physical game. I think that gets everyone into the game pretty early – when a couple of hits are being thrown. And these guys are right there with us in the standings too. We’re at the final push now where every point is going to count. These guys are coming off a loss as well. Shouldn’t be a hard feat to get up for the game tomorrow.”
– Higgins on Drew Doughty saying the Canucks whine too much: “Not the first time we’ve heard it. I don’t want to put too much stock in that. It’s been beaten to death I think.”
– Higgins on adjusting to an afternoon game: “Routine’s a little bit different, but I like them. I wish we played every weekend game in the afternoon. It’s a lot more fun. Seems different maybe, because we’re always playing at night. So, it just has a different feel to the game. I enjoy it personally, just get up and play. It’s right in the middle of the day. I like it.”
– On Dwight King looking like Roberto Luongo: “I’ve never made that connection, but now that you said it, that’s actually kind of funny. I don’t know if that’s a compliment or an insult either.”
– Chris Tanev on facing the Kings on Saturday: “They’re a good team obviously, the defending champs. We’ve had some good game with them this year. We know they’re a big team, play good defense and have a good goalie. It’ll be a battle out there… They have a lot of good players over there and you have to be ready to play them. Especially as of late, they’re pretty hot. So, it will be a good test and a good game for us.”
– Tanev on if playing LA means anything to him personally: “Obviously they beat us in the playoffs last year, and they’re a good team. It’s nothing personal, but it’s a game that we gotta be ready for. Everyone’s in a battle for the playoffs right now. So two points are huge.”
– Tanev on which Kings player does the most talking on the ice: “I don’t even pay attention to that. I’m just ready to play.”
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About John Hoven
These Canucks took the high road on some of these questions. I never thought I’d see the day.
Go KINGS!!!