Comments from Kings rookie Tanner Pearson…
On having a 3-1 series lead vs. the Blackhawks:
“It’s nice to know that you only have one more game left. It’s going to be a battle though, they’re going to be prepared and we have to be prepared, too.”
On the team’s mindset going into Game 5:
“I think we have to clean a few things up. Their crowd is going to be with them, they’re going to be feeding off that. So we probably have to get the first one and calm the storm.”
On if he notices the crowd noise when playing at Staples Center:
“I think once it gets going, it’s a pretty loud building.”
On the importance of getting an early lead in Game 4 on Monday night:
“Obviously, you can’t take your foot off the gas pedal but I think we did a good job. I think we wanted to get the first goal tonight. Every single game, they’ve got the first goal, so we wanted to pop that one first and feed of that.”
On the Kings offense really coming alive of late:
“I think we’re just bearing on our chances and it’s working out for us. Now we’re getting the leads.”
On if the Kings are playing their best hockey yet:
“I think we played a heck of a series against San Jose and Anaheim. Seven games was more than we would have liked to gone with Anaheim, but all we needed was the four wins and we got those to move on to this round.”
On the next game being the toughest yet:
“When we’re up 3-1, it’s do or die for them. We’ve been int hat position before, so we know what it takes. We just have to be prepared for that.”
On how he expects the Blackhawks to play in Game 5:
“I think their crowd is going to be right into it. I think they’re going to be well prepared and we have to match their excitement.’
On playing in the playoffs:
“It’s definitely different. I’m not kind of used to that, especially the experience this group has. It’s different but I’m just trying to do my part.”
On the L.A. crowd chanting “We want the Cup” during Game 4:
“I think we’re still a ways from that, but we’re one step closer. It’s going to be a fun game and we have to be prepared.”
On how the Kings are staying in control of the series:
“I think it’s just being smart in our D zone and capitalizing on our chances to get leads and to kind of hold them to that.”
On seeing some of his former Manchester teams around, being part of the Black Aces:
“We’re all traveling together, we’re all together as a group right now. On the off days, they skate or whatever. So, it’s nice to have them around. I think they’re enjoying the experience and most of the guys who were here last year have had NHL experience, too.”
On being apart of the Black Aces last year and now playing on the LA Kings:
“Last year, I was expected to be a Black Ace, and fortunately enough, I got that one game in, which was pretty exciting. It’s nice to be around this group of guys and I know what they expect and how they prepare themselves for these big games.”
On any differences he’s seen in Tyler Toffoli this season:
“He’s a pretty big time player. He’s scored some pretty big goals for us. He did the exact same thing in Manch when it was need be. So, he’s just doing it at the next level. I think he always rose to the challenge ahead of him.”
MORE: Post-game comments from Kings coach Darryl Sutter are up here… quotes from Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams can be found here… and thoughts from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and Chicago players were posted here.
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
