The Carolina Hurricanes fell 4-2 to the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday night at Centre Bell, as the Habs punched their ticket to the postseason.
Taylor Hall and Tyson Jost each scored, Bradly Nadeau registered his first NHL point and Skyler Brind'Amour and Domenick Fensore made their NHL debuts.
After the game, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour along with Skyler Brind'Amour and Nadeau spoke with the media in Montreal. Here's what they had to say:
Rod Brind'Amour
On the game: We had a couple coverage issues and they ripped them in the net. I think the game was pretty even. Haven't looked at the scoring chances, but zone time and all that felt like, after the first period, we did a real nice job. And we controlled the faceoff dot. Like there were little areas that we were doing well in and then, like I said, the skill... Suzuki was all alone in front and you can't leave the best player all alone and he ripped it into the net. That's what they do. A couple little breakdowns and they took advantage of it. But overall, I thought we did pretty well considering what we were walking into and with the guys we were missing.
On Bradly Nadeau: I thought, as the game got on, he was actually starting to be really noticeable. Made a couple of nice plays, had a good tip there on the goal. Had a couple shots on the power play there. He did a good job.
On how he felt the callups performed: I think they acquitted themselves well. I really do. It's a tough environment to walk into, but I thought all of them did a nice job.
On the way the team played despite missing some key guys: We were shorthanded for sure, but I think the compete level was pretty high. That's what allowed us to at least hang in there and make it an even game. It could have went either way, but their skill got us at the end of the day. A couple of good plays. But we were just competing hard. We killed a couple of penalties and kept ourselves in the game.
On Pyotr Kochetkov: You can't fault him on the goals. Guys were right in front of him so he couldn't see the shots. If he saw those, he's probably saving them as they're wristers from well out, but he didn't get good looks at them. Tip your hat to their team for getting traffic. But he made a couple good saves that allowed us to keep hanging in there.
On Skyler's performance: He was fine. Had the one big mess up on the first goal, covered the wrong guy and kind of took him too far in and then screened the goalie on a long shot, which as I said, if there's no screen, it's not going in. But other than that, I think he handled himself pretty well. Like I said, all the guys did a good job.
On his feelings watching his son out there: I was happy for him because he's earned it. He's earned it, played solid. He's not a guy who's going to score three, four goals a night, but I think he was good on the faceoffs and that's kind of the little things that he does, kill penalties, that kind of role and I think he did a good job.
Skyler Brind'Amour
On making his NHL debut: There's been a lot of emotions. Kind of all over the place. It was a lot of fun. Obviously it's the best league in the world so it's tough to jump in and get your feet wet in that kind of environment with playoffs on the line for them, but it was really cool to be able to do that and really grateful for everybody that's helped me get to this point.
On the differences between the NHL and AHL: It's a little bit of a different pace obviously. A little bit faster and I think the biggest thing was guys finding the open guy right away. You can't take a breath. It's a learning experience for me. Just a little blown coverage or if you're a half-second late and then the guy gets it and it's in the back of your net. Just one of those things. It's a learning experience. You kind of wish it didn't happen that way, but you have to learn somehow.
On his biggest areas of focus for growth and development: I think it's always just been about work ethic and having a positive attitude. Trying to stay positive. My first year pro in the AHL was a tough year for mem but again, just got right back to work. Had a chance to go to Chicago this year and it's been great. The coaching staff down there has been fantastic. I just try to keep a positive attitude and work my way and here we are.
On having his family in attendance: Obviously it's cool to have your family here. They're the people that have helped you along the way so much and so many people back home watching. I could go on for hours about all the people that have helped me get to this point and just playing pro hockey in general. It's been a crazy couple days and I'm just grateful for everybody.
Bradly Nadeau
On his first NHL point: Just got a stick on it and got fortunate that it went kind of like behind Montembault and Josty just came in and cleaned up the rebound.
On the emotions of getting his first NHL point: When that happens, there's a lot of emotions that go through it. Obviously your team scored, so you're back in the game there and you get your first NHL point. I think just a lot of emotions, but hopefully it's one of many.
On the experience being back up in the NHL again: It's unbelievable. Every chance you get to play for an NHL team you kind of embrace and play as hard as you can. Learn from mistakes and the experience. Had a lot of fun. Unfortunately we came up short but I think there was a lot to like.
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