Bowling Green State University Athletics
Western Michigan vs. BGSU Quotes
January 05, 2007 | Ice Hockey
Jan. 5, 2007
Recap | Final Stats
OPENING STATEMENT
Scott Paluch
"I liked the way we came out. I thought we got better as the game went on and I really liked the third period. I think it's a good sign for a young team to take a 2-1 lead and keep the hammer down and play a really good third period. I thought our penalty kill was strong and our power play was not very strong, but we did get a big power play goal, which gave us some confidence to keep the game going. We were down 1-0 after the first period but I liked the way we were playing. I liked the penalty kill when they got the goal, but I liked how our penalty kill looked. It was a solid game I thought."
Can you elaborate on the differences in the penalty kill tonight?
"I thought we did a much better job tonight. We were able to get pretty good pressure along the wall keeping the puck along the wall. They have some really skilled hockey players and if you give them time they are going to make some really good plays, and we wanted to take some of that away. I thought we did okay with that."
The team came out with a lot of intensity today, can you talk about that?
"It's been a month since we've played a conference game, we had a big conference win our last game out and we were able to put another one together. We are looking to climb back and get involved and be a factor. We need to put some wins together. I liked the way we came out and kept getting better as the game went on."
Can you talk about your role in the offensive zone?
"I thought a big thing was giving ourselves a chance down low. There were probably two or three poor turnovers, but I thought for the most part we kept the puck in safe areas, and gave ourselves a chance on a few of those pucks. I think for our team it's a huge key. If we are able to do that, I think our team has the will to win battles down low. We just have to give ourselves a chance."
Can you talk about the play of Jimmy Spratt?
"I thought Jimmy was strong. For us to get a one goal game and get back in the lead and feel strong about that. I thought his confidence grew as the game went on. A couple bounces early in the game, he took care of that and was strong the rest of the way. If we give up one goal, we're going to give ourselves a pretty good chance."
What was the difference today?
"We went through a really long stretch that is tough on a team that combined with injuries as well. At the start of the losses we were playing well, but there were four or five games where we just couldn't get confidence and couldn't do things that give us a chance."
Can you talk about the stop you made short handed?
"I was out far and had a good gap with him. I just backed up with his speed and shut the door."
How good of a feeling is it to have a performance like this tonight?
"It's huge for the team. It's not rocket science that we've been struggling this year, but if you look at the schedule our next few games against teams that are just above us. If we can get on a run and put a lot of wins together we can make a jump and really turn the season around."
What's been the difference in your play?
"This year I have been more mentally tough than last year. I think last year I got a little too down after hard times, and I think this year I've been a little more level headed."
Can you talk about the feeling of this big win tonight?
"Nothing beats winning. It's a pivotal time of the year coming up with all of the league games here. It was just a great feeling, a very complete game by everyone on the ice, Spratt, defense, offense everyone played well and it was a really big win for us."
Can you talk about your ability to win one-on-one battles?
"We were really strong in that department tonight. We had a lot of that stuff going on this week in practice and a lot of competition and hard nosed drills that we did. It paid of for us in the game and the one-on-one battles won us the hockey game tonight."
Can you talk about Spratt's breakaway save?
"It was huge for us. That's why he's back there, we have three really good goalies. When you have your goalie playing as well as Jimmy has been playing in the last few games and for him to make that save just sends a boat load of confidence throughout the rest of the team."
You played a pretty physical game, what do you think?
"I just want to keep being a complete hockey player and doing what I can to help the team win. Whether it is blocking shots, scoring goals, finishing checks or killing a penalty, whatever I need to do to help this team be successful. Fortunately I was able to make some good contact tonight. Coach has been telling me that is when I'm doing my best, when I'm moving my feet and getting contact."
