Q. Just stepping into big spot like this, Coach was saying yesterday you played in a lot of big games when you were younger. But what's it like when you're stepping in at this age? RYAN PARENT: Obviously the games mean a little bit more. They're more intense. And the level is obviously better than anything I've ever played at. So I guess the intensity is just a little higher.
Q. You set out there for 35 minutes to make up for all the subject guys that played in game 2?
RYAN PARENT: I'm sure that was just a joke. But you know, the top guys are going to be playing a lot of minutes every night. So you can expect that.
Q. You've got a few veteran teammates on this team, Hatcher and Smith. Did they say anything to you about what to expect or how to put the butterflies in the back of your mind or whatever?
RYAN PARENT: No, not yet. But they're usually pretty good about that before the game time. Trying to make sure your mind's in the right spot and that you're thinking about the right things and not the bad things.
Q. Ryan, a couple of injuries to the other defensemen were kind of freak things. I know hockey players can be a little superstitious. Did do anything different to change that luck?
RYAN PARENT: No, not really. It's something we're not really trying to think about. Obviously, Braydon, that's a complete accident and stuff. And you have to have your head on a swivel in front of the net and stuff. But there's nothing you can do about that. Those are just tough breaks in the game.
Q. Was it important to get your feet wet in the playoffs with that game against Washington, knowing what to expect? Do you know what to expect coming in here against Pittsburgh?
RYAN PARENT: Yeah, I think the whole atmosphere of the playoffs was good to kind of experience it at least once. Just kind of feel it. But now the games are more intense as you get further down. So I'm sure it's going to be a different feeling. But at the same time, at least it's not going to be that great of a shock.
Q. It's been a while since you haven't played, are you concerned about any rust or stamina issues at all?
RYAN PARENT: It's tough being out of the game for a while, but we're working hard in practice to make sure in case something like this had happened, that you'd be ready to go. So that's something I'm not trying to bring into my mind. I'm just trying to think how I'm going to have to be playing.
Q. Can you talk about the challenge of facing this Pittsburgh team with especially the offensive weapons they have, the Malkins, the Crosbys, guys like that. Especially being inserted late in the series like you are now?
RYAN PARENT: Yeah, they've got a lot of fire power up front. And part of our game plan is a solid defense. And you know, with injuries out, it means guys are going to have to step up and do a bigger role. And being thrown in, I think my job's just going to have to be keeping it simple and hopefully eliminating their scoring chances.
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