He brings not only that (toughness) to the game, but also to the locker room. He'll be sorely missed on their behalf ... not necessarily so much on our part.

I can do every task they give me. But I have symptoms after each task. My head spins.

I don't think there was a huge momentum shift. They just got some goals and we had to battle like hell to win.

I didn't request it, but I'm glad to sit beside him,'' Richards said.

I don't know if I have fully come to terms with the decision I've had to make. I'm a hockey player, that's what I do and that's what I want to do. I don't come by this decision easily but it's the right decision for my health.

I hoped not to get to this point.

I'm not 100%, I'm not symptom free. I will not be able to finish the season. I made the decision in hopes of prolonging my career.

I hope this has a positive effect (on my teammates). I was talking to the guys, giving them a hard time if they missed a pass. I wanted to wade myself back in but old habits are hard to die. I felt myself revert to old tendencies. Whether it is morale or excitement, if it?s a positive, emotional lift that?s great.

It's not always going to be the most skilled guy, the most talented guy, that's going to put a team over the top. It's going to be those guys that, in the end, put their heart on their sleeve and do the grunt work.

Not only is it four years (since he played here) but it's another new team for him, ... He's just a member of the opposition and we have to play him accordingly.