Comments from Kings defenseman Drew Doughty following the team’s practice at Dodger Stadium on Friday night…
On playing outdoors
“I’ve never played outdoors in a game. [Reporter: Even while growing up?] Oh you mean like just for fun? Yeah, I played probably when I was 12 years old, 13 was probably the last time. [It’ll] bring back some good memories.”
On the warmest temperature he’s ever played in:
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“No idea.”
On if he’s surprised at what it looks like, considering the year-long wait:
“Yes. I kind of pictured what it was going to look like. I knew what was going to happen, but it’s going to be great. It’s different playing outdoors. It’s a different feeling. The ice is different. So many different aspects in the game [are going] to make it challenging for both teams. I think instead of a skilled high-paced game, I think you’re going to see a physical battle out there. I think that’s something a lot of real hockey fans will appreciate.”
On whether he was working on anything in particular during practice:
“No, it was getting the legs moving, getting used to the ice, getting used to the boards. There are so many different aspects at each arena, especially when it comes outdoors. No we were just kind of getting used to it, getting our legs under us. We didn’t need to do anything too much. We played last night and we play tomorrow, so we’re just getting ready for that.”
On the importance of tomorrow’s two points:
It’s the most important thing. Everyone right now, we can take this in and enjoy all this, but when tomorrow hits, we need two points, and that’s all that matters. They’re way ahead of us in the standings and it’s going to be tough for us to catch them, but it’s not out of reach. In order to do that we’re going to have to beat them when we play them, so tomorrow’s a huge game. We’re looking forward to it and getting some revenge back.
On what impressed him about the Ducks in previous meetings this season:
“The first game, obviously the top line always impresses you, but I thought last night we shut them down really, really well. Actually it was their fourth line who pulled through for them. Their power play—you can’t take that many penalties against the Ducks. They have one of the best power plays in the league and that’s what killed us.”
On if the chirping with Penner was frustrating considering he scored the goal that got things started for the Ducks:
“It doesn’t really bother me. I’ll just get him back. I’ll score on him tomorrow night.”
On the condition of the ice tonight, considering the weather:
“The ice is a little softer than it would be in a cold atmosphere, but it’s fine. The guys are still ripping shots, ripping passes. It didn’t affect us. Both teams are playing on the same ice surface. There’s no excuses and the guy doing the ice has done a great job.”
On what challenges warmer weather brings in contrast to the bitterly cold conditions of outdoor games in the east:
“You’re overheating. You’re sweating like a pig so even just being out on the ice for ten minutes, it’s like you’re out there for thirty and you’re just sweating and dripping. It’s going to be tough. We’re going to have to use those intermissions wisely and recoup and rehydrate.”
On how much he’s talked to Carter about expectations, since he’s one of the only guys in the room who has played in an outdoor game:
“I haven’t asked him anything, to be honest. I just wanted to experience it for myself.”
Penner and Willie Mitchell had a few retorts for Doughty, see below for those quotes.
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