Brendan Gallagher on facing a unique opportunity:
You can talk to anyone: it doesn't matter if it's your first year in the League or if it's going to be your last. I think each and every player should have a pretty good understanding of how difficult this trophy is to win. And when you get yourself the opportunity, it doesn't matter what the situation is, you better take advantage of it. There's an expectation that each and every single guy in that locker room is here to compete and is here to work. It's not a summer vacation, it's business.
Brendan Gallagher on a new routine:
They don't really want us sticking around all that much. The only times we don't have those masks on are when we're on the ice. So, we get off the ice, get out of here as quick as we can, then they've got bagged lunches for us down in the garage. You take your lunch, then you head home. It's a little bit of a different routine. We used to probably linger around for the better part of an hour, an hour-and-a-half after practice, just talking. We usually did some treatments or enjoyed a meal with the guys. It's just different circumstances where you're not able to do all that stuff.
SHOP: Canadiens lunch bag
Brendan Gallagher on being against all odds:
The outside opinion about our group doesn't matter one bit. What's important to us is how we feel in our locker room. And as long as our guys have confidence and we believe that we can achieve this, it's possible. But if we lose that belief, it's not possible. We can create that positive environment where the belief is growing, and [take it] step-by-step so we're not looking at the finish line. We have a task [against] Pittsburgh, and that's where our focus is. You make your own odds.
Noah Juulsen gives an update on his health:
I played the last game in Laval [before the pause], and I've felt great since then. I've had no problems, no issues, no setbacks, nothing. I'm happy the way everything has gone, and I hope it keeps going that way.
Noah Juulsen on his rehab process:
There were ups and downs the whole time. There would be a span of three weeks where I would be feeling great, and the next day, I'm back to where I was. So, I was battling through stuff like that. The guys and the coaches in Laval were great with me, they checked in with me basically daily to see how things were going. I can't thank them enough.
Noah Juulsen on his experience at training camp:
I'm only 23, so I have a lot of years left. Being here right now is a great opportunity for me, so I just have to put the work in every day and hope for the best.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi on his time with the Laval Rocket:
We worked on little details with Joel [Bouchard]. It was a good time for me. I had a bigger role, and I just had fun with it.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi on how he's feeling heading into the postseason:
I pretty much tried to forget everything that happened this season and tried to reset my mind and body for the playoffs. I'm feeling good right now, and hopefully I'll be in the lineup when the games start.
