NHL Peachy: 2015 Western Conference Finals Post-Game 7 Transcript (Chicago - Toews, Keith, Coach Quenneville) Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
For nearly fifty years, Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner has been entrusted with Manhattan’s finest wardrobes. New York’s fashion boutiques have been recommending Hallak to their loyal customers for years. They understand the importance of quality fabric care and protecting their client’s investment. While Hallak is known for their expert handling of couture and other precious items, they also make it a point to give your more casual garments the same level of attention. Their representatives are always on the look out for the hard-to-notice stains, loose seams, missing buttons, etc. You can trust Hallak Cleaners with your entire wardrobe and then some. A sample of some of their specialized services:
Tables & Bed Linens
Suede, Leather & Furs
Couture & Casual Wear
Custom Interior Services
Expert tailoring department located at both locations.
Complimentary Pick Up and Delivery Service 6 Days a Week.
Hallak Cleaners
1232 Second Avenue (near 65th)
New York, NY 10065
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a pick up, please feel free to email us at info@hallak.com
***
An interview with:
JONATHAN TOEWS
DUNCAN KEITH
COACH JOEL QUENNEVILLE
Q. Duncan, Jonathan Toews has this incredible ability to score goals in huge games at big moments. Have you ever seen anyone or played with anyone like that? Jonathan, where does that come from?
DUNCAN KEITH: Well, I really haven't, actually. I mean, I think playing with a guy like Johnny, and I don't want to lump them together, but Kaner, as well, there's no two guys I'd rather have on my team coming into a big game.
They have that ability to rise to the occasion and just find a way no matter what, whether it's just that belief, but always just knowing, you know, they're going to get it done, they're going to find a way.
I think that rubs off on a lot of guys.
JONATHAN TOEWS: Well, I think that's definitely high praise. I think you definitely feed off the confidence that it gives you. You want to consider yourself that type of player at the end of the day. But it helps when you're alongside guys that have those same intangibles.
The guy I'm sitting with right here, Kaner, Sharpie, Hossa, the guys that have been around for years and have had the experience down the stretch in the playoffs, we feed off each other.
Coming into tonight's game, whether we had a good start, got ourselves in a tough spot, there's always the confidence in the group that someone is going to step up and we're going to find a way to make it a game, give ourselves a chance.
We got ourselves to the seventh game. We always say, Anything can happen. Tonight we came out flying as a team. We had contributions offensively across the board. But I'd say it was our best game of the series just continuing with that pressure, knowing they were going to respond, as well.
Q. Duncan, I know you and Brent haven't played together in quite a while. What is it about him, another big goal tonight, what is it about the post-season that the offense comes to complement the defense so much?
DUNCAN KEITH: Well, I think a lot of it is just the desire and the will to try and win. I think teams check so well now that it's important that the defense help out offensively. Seabs has a great shot. It's a heavy shot. We saw that so far in the first three rounds where he can shoot the puck and he can get it through.
But just like Toews and Kane, he's a big part of this team's success. He's a big reason why we're going into the Finals. Like I said, his passion, his commitment, the will to get it done is what stands out.
Q. Jonathan, the feeling about getting back to the Final and the fashion in which you did it, being down in the series, also having to win in this building?
JONATHAN TOEWS: Yeah, there was no easy games. There was nothing given to us. There was no moments in this series where there were any lulls that maybe Anaheim didn't play their best hockey and we got away with it. We had to earn everything against that team.
It was an incredible test for both teams. I think everyone watched some pretty entertaining hockey with the talents, and the offense, going back and forth. Sometimes it's the goaltending that was unbelievable.
So, yeah, we're excited. It's a great feeling to have found a way to close out a series against a team like that.
On top of it, give ourselves a chance to go back to the Stanley Cup Final. It's a great feeling. It's a great thing that we're excited about. We'll definitely enjoy that tonight, enjoy this win. But it won't be long before we move on. We'll be ready for the next task here.
Q. Jonathan, two months ago Patrick Kane was hurt, you were in a wild card spot, lost a bunch of games to non-playoff teams. Was there a doubt that this wasn't going to be the year?
JONATHAN TOEWS: I don't know. I don't think so at all. I mean, I think what this group does incredibly is when things don't look so good day-to-day, maybe we're going through a tough, rough couple weeks where we're not scoring goals, or we're on the bubble for a playoff spot, I think we always do a great job of looking at the big picture and realizing the potential of our team.
We don't need to go on a long stretch of wins, win the Presidents' Trophy, have the regular season of our lives, to have the confidence that we can go the distance in the playoffs. We know we've just got to get there. Regardless of who we play in the first round nowadays, it's going to be a tough test. We believe in ourselves. We just take it one day at a time.
I think we have that feeling, we come into a playoff series against a tough team, we have that idea of, Why not us? We find ways to win.
Q. Jonathan, yesterday you said you take Game 7s as challenges to show people what you have as a hockey player. Did you do that tonight?
JONATHAN TOEWS: Well, I hope so. For at least one period. I think across the group, our leadership group, we kind of want to own up to each other and be accountable to each other. I think that's what Dunks was talking about a minute ago. We have a great leadership group that everyone responds to, everyone knows they want to contribute and step up and bring their best game.
As an individual, that's all you can ask for. You let the chips fall in the end.
Q. Jonathan, it seems like the decision to put you with Patrick Kane seemed like a bit of a turning point in the series. What type of chemistry do you think you had this series, playing with Brandon? Seems like the Ducks never had an answer for your line.
JONATHAN TOEWS: My job was easy. I had to win draws, play smart defensively, watch those two go, create space for those two guys. I think for the most part, we were smart against their top line when we had that matchup. We were patient enough to wait for our chances. When we had them, we found ways to score.
It was a nice spark for us and a nice spark for the team.
Q. Have you been able to watch much of Tampa? What kind of series are we going to see?
DUNCAN KEITH: I think we've all watched games in the playoffs with Eastern, Western Conference teams. I think the thing that stands out to me is their team speed and their skill level up front.
I remember playing them I think it was in March, towards the end of the season, and they beat us pretty good. You know, I think as a team we've got a lot of respect for them. They're there for a reason. Like I said, they've got a lot of speed up front. They've got big defensemen that can move the puck and skate, and a big goalie who can stop the puck, too.
I think we're confident in our team, but at the same time looking at their team, you know, I think those are the things that stick out to me.
Q. Can you talk about the importance of getting off to the quick start, what it meant. What did that do to change the tone of the game?
JONATHAN TOEWS: Well, it's Game 7. It's winner takes all. At the same time we maybe referred to Game 5 a little bit where the start we had in that game arguably could have been the difference for us in us losing that game. Tonight we wanted to have a big start, whether we took the lead or not was a big part in us trying to take away their energy, not letting them dictate the game for 60 minutes.
Q. What does it mean to get to this point? You want to win the Cup, but to get to the Final.
JONATHAN TOEWS: No doubt, like I was saying a minute ago, tonight we'll enjoy this accomplishment. I mean, we know how rare and how much hard work goes into the long season, getting to this point, how many little things have to go right to get to this point.
It is a tremendous opportunity.
That being said, we want to enjoy this tonight, but it won't be long before we move on. We'll be excited for the next challenge.
Q. Duncan, it was their intention to wear you down. How are you feeling after seven games? You look pretty spry.
DUNCAN KEITH: What does 'spry' mean?
I feel good. I'm excited to move on. Anaheim has a great team. Let's face it. They're at the top of our conference for a reason, with big guys that can skate, with a lot of skill.
It was a really tough series. But at the same time, you know, I think we're moving on for a reason, showing a lot of character, using our speed and skill. I don't think anybody's tired anymore this time of year right now. I think we're just excited to move on and be able to beat a great team like Anaheim and have the opportunity to try and beat another great team in Tampa Bay.
THE MODERATOR: Thanks, guys.
COACH JOEL QUENNEVILLE
Q. Coach, we talk about Jonathan Toews' leadership quite a bit. What did it mean first to get off to that start? Any surprise he was the catalyst?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: No, not at all. I mean, he's an amazing person. He's an amazing hockey player. Bigger stage, bigger the setup, he just seems to excel in big moments, big stages. Shows as good as leaders in any sport.
Q. Joel, seemed like the decision to put Kane and Toews together tipped the scales of the series. Do you feel that way as well? What type of boost did those guys give you against the Ducks?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: Well, it was in Game 5 when we got behind in the third. We put them in a couple shifts. Looked like they really clicked. You're thinking on the offensive side of things.
Then Game 6 we put them together. They took off right away. Saader had a real good last part of the series where he was dominant in a lot of ways. Kaner with his play and patience level, play selection, as good as it is. Toews, call it everything. Really gives us a lot of options offensively and defensively. They play the right way. They had really a couple big games for us.
Q. I know Bryan Bickell didn't play much past the second period. Is he okay or a personnel thing?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: I think he should be fine.
Q. Also Kruger.
COACH QUENNEVILLE: He should be fine, too.
Q. Patrick Kane, when you got him back at the start of the playoffs, did you think you would get this much this soon from him?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: Maybe at this stage of the game. Maybe we needed to win two rounds the way it was forecasted on the original prognosis. He was skating, skating, skating. He's a special player. When the puck is on his stick, he wants the puck, his play recognition is at the top of the game.
Had a real big series for us in the first round. Scored big goals in the Minnesota series. He's a threat every time he touches the puck out there.
Tonight he was great.
Q. Joel, when Toews and Kaner are that explosive, do you think to yourself, I should be doing this more with these guys?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: Well, it's a great opportunity, it's a great strength of our team, is the depth and the balance. We always feel if they've got to be concerned with Johnny, Kaner, might free him up a little bit. A lot of teams have good top lines, checking lines, a top pair. Sometimes that depth, you can work it a little bit.
But, you know, I think sometimes on a need basis they get together a little bit more. I think they get excited about it.
Q. In retrospect, how much did the Game 7 loss last year serve as motivation, not only tonight, but throughout the season as something that was fuel for you?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: It was a tough thing to visit. A real negative moment. It's a real hard thing to accomplish. Last year, getting that far, it's an amazing journey. It's a tough battle. There's a lot of tough ones.
Then you have to get ready in training camp and think, Wow, do you know how long it is to get to where we got today? It's an eternity.
We commend the guys' perseverance, finding different ways, challenges. Making the playoffs in today's game is a great accomplishment, especially when teams are excited about playing you. That's just a testament to the consistency and the way they prepare. I commend the guys that have been through it.
Q. Joel, how has Corey Crawford progressed throughout the playoffs? Had early troubles, but seems like he's improved as the series have gone on.
COACH QUENNEVILLE: I think we've seen Crow in the playoffs. A lot of question marks. 2013, he was outstanding, a big factor in us winning. Last year, you go that deep in the playoffs with your goaltender, he's got to be doing something right.
This year, well, I think Darls came in, call it what you want, he won a couple big games. But Corey stayed with it, got the net back, showed what it's like to be a good pro.
Q. You have this core that has played in so many big games over the years. Does it get any easier for you as a coach when another Game 7 comes along, because you have guys that have done it so many times before?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: The rah-rah part, motivation, get your team excited, I don't say too much in that regard. I'm terrible with the motivational speeches.
The guys, it's about competing. They demonstrate how you can be successful. They do their playing, it does a lot of their talking for them.
Q. There's a lot of day-to-day challenges. Do you ever step back and think about what this group has accomplished? Is it something like what you envisioned when you took over here?
COACH QUENNEVILLE: That's dreaming in color times 10.
I think you try to win a game, you try to get in the playoffs, you try to win some rounds. We got a lesson in 2008 or 2009 against Detroit, playing in a Conference Finals. We had some different type of teams here.
But the core has been through a lot of the challenges and battles. Still a very young group at that time. I was very fortunate to come in here with a team that was sitting on go. They keep going.
Q. I assume this is going to be your happiest trip ever to Tampa Bay. Talk about the team you're going to be facing. I assume you have a great deal of respect for them.
COACH QUENNEVILLE: I do. We had some interesting games against them. Jon Cooper, I know him a little bit. I have to commend him on what he's done, getting to the Final.
It's a team you can talk about a couple lines, this, that. It's too early to dwell into what they've been up to.
Certainly watching their series against the Rangers, they have a lot of options with their skill, how dangerous they can be with putting pucks in the net.
Q. How difficult was it for your coaching staff to figure out how to play the team on the other side? You went up against a pretty good coach and a former teammate of yours. You had to come back, win the last two games.
COACH QUENNEVILLE: Well, we felt that after Game 4, Game 5 was an amazing comeback by us. The guys never say die. It was a brutal loss going home.
Every game was close. This was an amazing series. Probably the most competitive one I've been a part of. And I felt that both teams left it out there going into Game 7. We had a great Game 7.
But we did some good things along the way. They made us earn everything we got.
Q. Joel, with it being Tampa, there will probably be a focus on Richards, Conn Smythe winner for them in 2004.
COACH QUENNEVILLE: I think when he first came in here, we'll see how he handles it. Job description. As he went along, got familiarized with the system, how he had to play as a centerman. When he started playing with Kaner, all of a sudden he started taking off. I think he wanted to play with Kaner since day one. Took us a little longer than we would have liked or the way it evolved.
At the end of the day seemed to flourish with him. The two of them were productive. Had some different linemates along the way. But I think his scoring, his patience level, got a little quicker as the season progressed, a little more jump in his stride. Noticeable as we got further in the playoffs, as well.
THE MODERATOR: Thank you, coach.
