And he's only continued to get better and better. He's a great passer; he has the ability to see people who are open where others don't.

I do believe we are good enough get there.

I don't see why we're going to change. At this point in time, I think we're going to stay with the same rotation we've had all season long.

His focus and concentration have always been so strong that no matter what is going on around him, he doesn't alter his course. I've always thought that great players always play at the same level, no matter what the situation is. That's what made Matt Carle such an outstanding college hockey player.

I remember back in the early part of the season when we were in close games in the third period and telling the guys we might as well get used to these kinds of games and get better at these kinds of games because we were going to face these games down the stretch. Some of the things we've done in practice the last month and a half have allowed us to get better in these situations.

I'm not a friend. But when they graduate, we become friends ? sometimes great friends.

Any time you can get one of your regular veteran players back in the lineup, it's bound to help. Especially at that crucial position. Adrian has played a lot of minutes over the years and has made some big-time plays for us. He brings that confidence and that experience and that know-how to our team that we need.

They couldn't score and didn't play as well defensively. But once he got healthy, the ship was righted and they were right back on course again.

It was a pretty heavy emotional burden to carry before the game. Everyone seemed to sense that this was a game we had to have.

Stripping the puck, blocking shots and making quick passes up ice are more the things he brought to our program.