It was a really cool experience and something they'll remember here for a long time. We would have liked a different outcome, but we'll try and take away the positives from tonight and learn some things from today's game.
The good thing is we're playing them again tomorrow, so we get another chance right away.
Yeah, I'm sure for Mikko Rantanen and Patrik Laine it was a pretty special night for each of them. It is one that obviously they will remember for a long time.
I just think it's pretty cool to see these guys who grew up here, or 100 miles away like Rantanen, and to be able to come back here and do what they did. It has to be pretty special for them.
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Just in general, tonight kind of makes you really appreciate the game of hockey, and you don't really realize when you're here, back in the U.S. or growing up in Michigan playing hockey how big the game actually is or how important it is to so many people.
Being able to play in an atmosphere like this, it's pretty cool, and like I said, I will remember it for a long time.
You don't really realize how thankful you should be to be able to play the game of hockey, and when you do it in an atmosphere like this, it is unbelievable. This many people, the excitement.
I get to wake up in Finland on a Friday morning and get ready to play in a game in the NHL in Finland. That is pretty cool, and it helps me take a step back and just appreciate the game, appreciate how I've gotten here, appreciate where I'm at and just kind of look forward to what's ahead.
I am trying to live in the moment and live in the present. I think that's the biggest thing, the takeaway for me tonight. Just kind of take everything in and enjoy where I'm at.
It was great to be out there playing again tonight.
For me, getting back to playing after a bit of an injury break, I felt good. I tried getting into the action early. Playing with Zach Werenski helps out a lot. He's a pretty special player. I felt good. Hopefully I'll get another crack at it tomorrow. I'm excited.
Now it is time to turn the page and get ready for the game tomorrow. I will probably try to go to sleep as soon as possible. Our sleep schedule is pretty weird here. Just with everything that's been going on and with the time change. I'll have some dinner at the hotel and probably call my parents.
As far as playing back-to-back games against the same opponent in the same place, that is not too unusual for me. That was my schedule when I was playing at the University of Michigan the past couple of years.
Play Friday, go home, have dinner, do the next game Saturday. I wouldn't say it's an advantage, but I kind of know how it is and how the body will feel.
I can't wait to get back at it tomorrow.
