Earlier today the Blackhawks played in their second ‘banner ceremony game’ in the last three seasons. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, they lost their home opener the following season to the Detroit Red Wings by a final score of 3-2. Here, they flipped the script.
Following a 45 minute ceremony that saw the Kings send their 2012 championship banner to the rafters of Staples Center and players receive their rings on the ice, Chicago was ready to work while LA wasn’t. Paced by three first period goals, the Blackhawks ruined what would have been an otherwise perfect day in Kings history.
Here’s what some of their players had to say following their 5-2 win…
FORWARD PATRICK KANE
– On the overall game: “We knew it was going to be a tough match-up, and that they would be pumped up to play this game especially with the banner raising. They got a great team, so it was nice to come in and get an early lead like that, 3-0 in the first period to give us a little comfort room and we played well the rest of the game too.”
– On losing their first game after winning the Cup: “I don’t really remember to be honest with you. Everyone is going to play their best game against the cup champion. That’s a game you want to prove yourself and make a statement. I think that’s what we were feeling tonight, and we had the opportunity to do that.”
GOALTENDER COREY CRAWFORD
– On the overall game: “On scramble situations I felt that I wasn’t losing the puck, I was following it pretty good. All game it seemed like it was in my sight the whole time.”
– On how it felt to be back out there playing again: “It felt great. It was obviously a long wait for us. I think these games when you haven’t played for a while it’s important to do the little things right and get yourself into the game, and get the timing and speed. And after that, really, really go for it and start making better plays. We were able to do that and I don’t think you could ask for a better start from us.”
COACH JOEL QUENNEVILLE
– On the overall game: “Well, scoring first certainly helped and having a great first period like that, quieted the crowd a bit and I thought we did a good job of how we played in that first, we got everybody involved and rotating, that’s obviously how you want to start a game, especially on the road.”
“I think players like playing games. Five days of camp, for most guys that’s enough, they say “let’s play” and I thought we had a good week here with some good energy and some good pace in practice and yesterday was an indication that the guys were ready and we started well.”
We’ll have plenty of quotes from the Kings players posted throughout the weekend.
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