Mersch Willing to do Whatever is Needed for Monarchs

Kings 2011 draft pick Michael Mersch continues to receive praise for his play in 2015, especially in front of the Manchester Monarchs net. The 22-year-old winger currently leading all rookies with 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in the AHL’s Calder Cup Playoffs. This has only built upon his points spree near the end of the regular season, where his 22 goals ended up tied for second among all league rookies. With his team now holding a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Mersch shared the following comments…

On earning another victory in Game 2:

“We knew they were going to come out with a big push after losing [Game 1] in overtime. Again, it was a good game. You have to give them credit, they played hard. You can tell they’re a well-coached team. We were just able to capitalize on our chances, and put pucks and bodies to the net. That was our [plan] tonight and it showed on the scoresheet.”

On how he felt in Game 2, coming on the heels of that 3OT game the night before:

“We were able to come in [Thursday] morning and kind of clean up and hydrate, and do all that little stuff that helps in the long run in these playoffs series. As long as we keep taking care of our bodies, doing the right things, that won’t be an issue at all.”

On him being more than a point-per-game player over the last 26 games:

“I’ve been saying it all along; they do a good here at developing their players. It’s not just me; there were guys before and there are guys in that locker room, and we’re all doing the same things and working hard and getting better. It’s [about] developing and working hard and staying the course.”

On if he expected to work his way up to the top line this season:

“I came in with an open mind; whatever the team needed me to do, that’s what I was going to do. You have to be able to play every role on a team. Hopefully, that will help the team. Whatever role it is – fourth line, third line, second line – it doesn’t matter. I’m willing to do it for this team; it’s a great honor because we have a lot of good guys on this team.”

On what’s needed to earn wins on the road this round:

“Playing a good road game consists of getting pucks in deep, eliminating some of the blueline turnovers, and being good on the forecheck. They’ve been able to break our forecheck a few times, so I’m sure we’ll want to shore things up on that. Nothing really changes from our standpoint, besides that, because we just have to get the pucks and bodies to the net.”

MORE FROM GAME 2:

RD2, GM2: Jordan Weal Postgame Quotes

Monarchs Goalie J.F. Berube – ‘We can’t be satisfied’

Coach Stothers Postgame Quotes After Monarchs Game 2 Win

Game Report: Weal Continues Dominance, Monarchs Lead 2-0

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