Say What - 'I'm Really Appreciative'

Backlund on how the team looks at the 20-game mark:

“I think we've gotten better over time. Last game wasn't our best, but over time we've been playing better as a group, finding some continuity and consistency on the lines and pairings. Everyone's more comfortable in the system we play and it feels like guys are more comfortable on the ice. I think we've been playing a lot faster. It's been better. We had that tough stretch, but I like what I've seen lately.”

On establishing an identity: 

“We know, with or without the puck, we've got to play fast and move our feet and be hard to play against. The games that we've played well and have been winning, we've been hard to play against. We've been really good on the forecheck and playing with some pace. Lately, our o-zone game has been picking up too, being more creative and (creating motion) in the o-zone. That's how we've got to play to be successful.”

Mangiapane on what the Flames look like when they’re at their best:

“It took a few games to maybe realize it for us, but I think the last 10 games or so, we've been really playing the way we need to play to have success. And we've been having success. When we all work together, play together, break out, attack - whatever, when we do it as a five-man unit... we're a hard team to play against. We've got to keep doing that and keep playing for each other.”

Gilbert on the linesman protecting his head in his fight the other night:

“Things happen really fast. It can get a little dicey when helmets come off and whatnot. Obviously, you know when you're entering into when you get involved in that and obviously it's a risk and anything can happen. It was awesome of him to do that. I don't know if it's something they're teaching or if that's something he just saw, but I'm really appreciative.

“At the start of the period, I went right over to him and thanked him for what he did. Got lucky. It was awesome.”

Coach Huska on the team coming together and growing an identity:

“I'd say it's getting there. And the reason I say it's getting there is because the players recognize a little bit now if they're not doing it the right way. They can see it. And they hold each other to a standard now. That's most definitely a positive.”