Jarret Stoll shared the following comments with MayorsManor in advance of tonight’s Sharks-Kings game at Levi’s Stadium…
On if the second time around the whole experience is a little bit easier:
“Yeah. The first time is great because it’s a brand new atmosphere for us, experience for us, I guess you’d say. Going to the finals is a big experience, media wise, and you see all the stickers everywhere, ‘stadium series’. It was great last year at Dodgers Stadium, it was kind of our home game. Maybe this one is considered their home game, and for them it’s their first time. I think for us, we’re just so focused on trying to get two points and winning the hockey game- as they are. But, it’s a big game for both teams. All the surroundings now, we’ve done that. Looking around at how many seats there are, it’s not that big of a deal to us anymore.’
On if the rivalry with the Sharks is legit:
“I think so. We don’t just say that, we step on the ice and you feel it right away. First shift, second shift- that’s just there. I’m sure they would say the same thing about us, that rivalry is just there because that’s the way it’s played on the ice. Playoff series will do that. One, two, three playoff rounds will do that. We’ve had some great series, some great regular season games. I think we’re two tough teams to play against, grinding teams. It should be fun.”
On if there is any redemption in mind considering the Sharks ruining their party on Opening Night:
“No. Not really. That was game one. We’ve had a tough, inconsistent start throughout the regular season, so far. We’re playing better now, but… honestly, I think it’s just a focus on every game and trying to get points. You’re looking at the standings already with 25, 29 games left or whatever it is. It’s going to be a tight, fun race to be a part of. It’s just on the two points, all it is about now is winning the hockey game. Even our streak, to us it doesn’t matter. To us, were getting points and that’s all that matters. Playing well, having our structure, playing our system well and consistent is probably the one thing that we’re happy about. We’re doing that and we’re winning hockey games.”
On his biggest worry heading into the game:
“The ice is the same for both team. I think [we need to] just bear down and execute our passes. A pass can easily hop over our stick if maybe you’re losing focus. Just that extra effort. It’s going to be hot, the ice is going to be the same for both teams. I think short shifts, keeping it very simple, getting pucks on net- all those types of things. You say those things when it’s triple overtime in the playoffs, or double overtime in the playoffs. Just simple, simple plays. That’s about it.”
On two outdoor games in California being a reflection of hockey’s popularity in the state:
“The game last year was a great thing for the city of Los Angeles and all the minor hockey teams with in Los Angeles. Now being around here, San Francisco, San Jose, the Bay Area. It’s a whole new area. It’s still California, but there are a lot more rinks now than there used to be maybe ten years ago in California. That’ exciting, that’s fun. It’s good to hear that kind of stuff. There will be a lot of kids in the stands tomorrow night, watching, thinking how cool that is.”
Do not miss our extensive Stadium Series coverage – including content from both practices on Friday and the game on Saturday – listed here for your reference.
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