I wasn't going to pass up a shot that late in a game. I wanted to make sure I gave it my best shot. It was nice to win it.

I want to be the best, so whatever comes with that, I'll have to accept.

We wanted to get a good start, but I don't think we've had the best first period the last couple of games. I'm sure it's something we thought about a little bit more, knowing the intensity they were going to play with being an important game for them. We knew they were going to play hard. I think we just tried to match that.

As you learn to win, you learn sometimes when you're not on your best night to find ways to win or get points.

I'm going to try to lead by example. I'm going to do my best for these guys.

I'm not going to play in a replacement league. With replacement players it's not the best league in the world - that's the league that I dream of playing in, the NHL - with real NHL players.

I'm looking at it as short-term as possible. I want to have a good camp and push myself to raise my game as best I can. Obviously, this is a new level, but the pressure has always been there. I've always put a lot of pressure on myself to perform.

I'm not trying to be the next Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, ... I am putting pressure on myself to do my best and perform to my potential -- that's all I can do.

I've never looked at it as a burden and I don't think I ever will. It's exciting. It means that people are interested in hockey and that's important. That's the best part about it.