Lindy Ruff: “It was so cool to be out there!”
4:00PM update - The Sabres had their afternoon practice and now it’s the Penguins turn to check out the digs here at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
The team spent well over an hour on the ice today, and by the end of the practice it was like a pond hockey match, with the players just taking turns shooting the puck and having fun out there.Newly named captain Jaroslav Spacek had fun out on the ice. “It was great to be out there. The ice was fine. It is going to be great fun for the people here tomorrow and we are looking forward to it.” Spacek admitted that the wind could be the biggest problem tomorrow and provide the most uncertainty.
Forwards Nathan Paesch and Daniel Paille both agreed that while the team enjoyed the experience of an outdoor practice, tomorrow it is going to be all business out on the ice. Said Paetsch “Let’s keep in mind that there are a lot of team bunched in closely and there are two important points at stake.” Paille added, “We have to get back on the winning track.”Andrew Peters is always good for a great comment and he did not disappoint - “I don’t know if I’m going to fight out there, but it’s a heck of a way to warm up now eh?” Peters said. Like most players, Peters felt in awe walking out of the tunnel and seeing the entire set up for the first time. “I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like tomorrow with the stadium packed with hockey fans. It’s going to be an awesome sight.”
Coach Lindy Ruff had a sparkle in his eye and an excitement in his voice as he addressed the packed media throng following the skate. “It was really awesome it really was; It kind of brings you back to your roots. It really felt like you could stay out there a couple hours, one of those days where you could scrimmage all day long.”
Ruff stated that the bench area is more than warm and comfortable. “I did go on the bench and sat out there, and it actually felt too hot…. If the players are going to complain, they can stand behind the bench and I’ll sit down for a while. We’ll see how that works out.”
Ruff gave props to the engineers who created the ice surface. “I thought the ice was very good. I’ve got no complaints. You know with a little bit of snow that was flying, there got to be quite a bit of snow on it, but that’s just normal.”
Goaltender Ryan Miller also said “The ice was good. The weather cooperated. A little bit overcast is actually a lot better than a sunny sky for us out there.” Miller also stressed the importance of putting on a good show for the national audiences. “It makes a lot better memory, knowing that you did the best you could to win the game. You’re representing the National Hickey League in a lot of homes that normally don’t pay attention. So we want to be our best, not only for the sport, but for team reputation.”
One thing that came across from the entire room of players - these guys are geeked for this event and are very much getting caught up in the excitement of the event, yet still recognizing that there is a game to be played with two important points at stake.
