Following the Kings and Blues’ morning skates in advance of Game 3, Kelly Hrudey shared a few thoughts with MayorsManor…
On if the series is as evenly matched as he expected:
“It is, and I would agree with that assessment too. I thought St. Louis was amazing in game one. They really carried the play until LA scored in the final 30 seconds, and then I thought St. Louis…They were really reeling. And then in overtime they got that fortunate bounce or fortunate turnover. And then in game two I thought I was all LA for the first 45 minutes. And then St. Louis got a little swagger back. Got a lucky goal by Bergeland. For the most part it’s been a pretty even series. And I’d expect tonight to be the same. Although I really think LA’s going to really push the pace in the first period.”
On if he uses or likes the phrase ‘must win’:
“I probably wouldn’t have used it, but in the back of my mind I would have recognized it being the case. Because you don’t ever want to box yourself in so to speak. Make that statement. Then what happens if you lose? Then in game four, now what’s your go to line? So I think that you recognize the importance of it, but I probably wouldn’t have gone there, and I can see why Darryl hasn’t brought it up either.”
On if goalies should be eligible for the Hart Trophy:
“They’re a player to me. If you’re that good, you should be in the running for the Hart. In fact, I find it offensive when people say goalies are one specific category, and they can’t win. I think that’s ridiculous. It’s not based on substance at all.”
On if the Blue Jackets’ Sergei Brobovsky is worthy of consideration:
“Oh, yes. But you know who else I’d put in there? Niemi. Actually I’ve chosen Niemi as my pick for Vezina. Brobovsky’s been amazing, and there’s no question his importance to his team. But my thing also is that without the great play of Niemi, the Sharks wouldn’t have been in the playoffs either.”
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