Jeff Carter held a mini-press conference after both locker rooms had cleared on Tuesday night. Here’s what he had to share on a variety of topics…
On his thoughts leading into the announcement of Canada’s Olympic team:
“I really didn’t know what was going to happen. You look at the guys that they had to choose from- there’s so many guys and so many different scenarios that they need to look at. Obviously it’s a huge honor and I’m definitely excited. It should be a good time.”
On if not knowing made finding out extra special:
“Yeah, it was a good wake up call. It’s something that I’ve worked for for awhile now- missing out four years ago. It was kind of a goal of mine to leave it all out there and give myself the best chance possible to make it. I’m just excited that it all worked out.”
On any criticism about him making them team over other NHL players:
“There’s a lot of coaches out there, a lot of GMs… I think I can bring a lot to the team, obviously with speed and size. I feel like I can put the puck in the net if given the opporuntiey. I’m just excited.”
On the size of the Olympic rink:
“Yeah, it’s been awhile since I’ve played on big ice. A big part of my game is getting the puck and going and getting speed off the walls. So, it there will be a little extra room out there. It should be a lot of fun.”
On getting the call:
“I got a call this morning from [Peter] Chiarelli. 7am. Short and sweet. Just congratulating me on making the team and a few little words, and that was about it.”
On who he called first after getting the news:
“I layed back down for another half hour. I didn’t call anybody, it was early.”
On how to deal with the excitement of the Olympics and still focus on the Kings’ season:
“It’s not hard. We’re in a fight here for the playoffs, for a playoff position. You look at it and you lose a game and you lose spots. Everybody that’s has the opportunity to go there, we’re not too worried about that right now. We’ll worry about it when the time comes.”
On playing on Team Canada with five teammates from World Juniors in 2005:
“Yeah, it’s fun. There’s a lot of guys on that team that I’ve played with all the way up, World Juniors, under 18’s- everything. It’s always fun when we get to play with them again, so I’m looking forward to it.”
On tonight’s game vs. the Wild:
“We had a lot of chances. Their goalie played well, I have to give him credit. We had a lot of opportunities to put the puck in the net. We have to start bearing down on it, it’s kind of been a problem for us lately- just getting some goals. It’s something we really need to work on.”
On if his excitement is building for the Stadium Series:
“Yeah, it is. It’s an exciting part of the year, obviously. I think it’s one that everybody is kind of circling on their calendar. It’s coming up quick. It’s going to be a fun day for everybody involved- family, friends, team, everybody. I think it’s one the guys are looking forward to.”
On playing the Ducks two days before the outdoor game:
“Yeah, the league did a good job with that one. Playing Anaheim now, it’s really turned into a pretty good rivalry for us. I know you guys try to blow it up as much as you can, but it really has over the past couple of years turned into some good hockey. Some good, fast-paced, skill, banging, pretty much a little bit of everything. It will be nice to kind of get it going there a little bit a couple of days before and then taking it outside and having a good game.”
On him and Drew Doughty looking for bragging rights against Corey Perry too:
“Perry’s not from London. [Reporter: No?] He’s from Peterborough. He lives in London now. He played for the Knights and those guys never cut the cord.”
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