Eastern Conference Final Pre-Game Quotes - Pittsburgh (Crosby)

[rinkrat]

Eastern Conference Final Pre-Game Quotes - Pittsburgh (Crosby)

(May 13, 2008)


Pre-Game



An Interview with:



SIDNEY CROSBY



THE MODERATOR: Questions for Sidney.



Q. Just on the atmosphere here, how do you deal with it?

SIDNEY CROSBY: It's a challenge to play here. You know, we see these guys a lot during the season, so I think it's something we're more used to maybe than other teams. But it's definitely always a warm welcoming, for sure. It's something that you prepare for like you would any other playoff series, and going into another team's building, you just have to be focused on what you have to do and not anything around that.



Q. You've been through this a couple of series now, Game 3 with a 2‑0 lead, how do you guys stay focused, how do you keep that foot on the throat?

SIDNEY CROSBY: We just got to make sure we come here and play a good road game. I mean, I think our desperation game has been there. Last game we had a bit of a tough second period. But our focus and consistency has to be there as it would at home. So we know they're going to come out here hard, especially in front of their fans they're going to have a lot of energy. So we need to make sure that we're matching that.



Q. What are the first five or ten minutes of these first road games like? Do you change your approach at all?

SIDNEY CROSBY: I think you probably simplify things a bit. You know that they're going to be coming hard, so you don't want to take any chances. You know, make any mistakes that are really going to hurt you. Because when teams are coming that hard, they're going to create turnovers on their own. So you don't want to give them anything.

I would say just keeping it simple. More so, I think that's the way we look at every game and the way we want to play. But especially early o you just want to keep it simple.



Q. I just wanted to know if you could share your thoughts on what Jordan Staal brings to the team?

SIDNEY CROSBY: Well, he's a great, responsible, two‑way guy. He's got a lot of size. I think he's really made a name for himself for playing against other team's top players. So that's a huge responsibility. He's got offensive talent, too. Which is always tough to play against when you're that type of player. So he brings a lot. He's a great two‑way guy.



Q. Marc‑Andre Fleury looks like a calmer guy, a guy who is inspiring more confidence. Is that the case, and if so, when did that start taking hold?

SIDNEY CROSBY: You know, he's talked about a lot, but he's played well all year. I don't think there was a time when he wasn't playing good. You know, he got that ankle sprain and missed some time. But there was never a time where he was a question mark on our team. I think the whole season he's been playing great, and he's obviously raised his game in the playoffs. I think everyone's asked to do that. But he's been great for us all year long.



Q. Along those lines with you missing the number of games you did and Marc‑Andre, do you feel like you're a fresher player this year at this point than you would have been had you not played every game? Is that an advantage?

SIDNEY CROSBY: I'm not sure. I mean, you know, it's tough to say. We haven't, I don't think, both of us haven't gone this far playing a full season on top of a playoff run. So I don't know how the other guys are feeling, I'm sure they're a little more tired obviously going through a long season and a playoffs like this.

So I think that's fair to say. I think we've had a little bit more rest. Maybe not wanted rest, but at the same time, rest. So that could be true.



Q. The Flyers are talking about playing more physical but more disciplined. I know you're not worried about what they're going to do, but can they do that? Because they haven't had much success there and when they've been in the box you guys have taken advantage?

SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, can you still be physical without taking penalties. We expect them at home to play with a little bit more energy. I think that's natural for any team. With that comes being a little bit more physical. So that is something we all realize is part of the playoffs. And you have to pay the price sometimes to make plays. If that means taking a hit, then so be it. But I don't think we can change anything based on that. If we move our feet, we'll be able to create things.