Morning Skate Coaches' Quotes and Quips

The Vegas Golden Knights face the St. Louis Blues tonight (5 p.m. on AT&T Sportsnet and Fox Sports 98.9/1340). Both clubs took a morning skate in preparation for the game and here's a selection of quotes from Blues coach Mike Yeo and Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant.

Mike Yeo

On what Vegas has been able to accomplish.
I think anybody who is saying that they're not surprised would be kidding themselves. I think that when we looked at them and the team that they had picked, I think we all expected them to be competitive. I knew that Gerard was a good coach and he was going to have this group playing like a team. I don't know that any of us figured that they would be at the top of the western conference and one of the top teams in the NHL. It's been pretty impressive what they've done.
On what Vegas has been able to accomplish offensively.
Yeah. You know what, I think they did a good job picking their team, but they're a classic example of the whole is greater than the sum of their parts. Every guy is on the same page. Every guy is committed to playing their system- both with and without the puck. They're competitive. They have skill, they've got speed, they've got great structure that creates turnovers and allows them to counterattack and create opportunities off of that, but they're competitive too. There's a lot of guys that have had offensive success in other places. I think they're taking advantage of the opportunity that they're getting here and that shows.
Thoughts on the storyline of the Golden Knights.
I think it's been probably the biggest story and the greatest story so far in the NHL. Obviously, in our little bubble that's what we focus on. From a fan and media standpoint, the buzz of what people are talking about in the NHL clearly this is the big story.
Are you amazed at how early in the season the games have as much weight as this one does?
Yeah, it's amazing what it is. The grind that it is to get there and it's obviously the emotional grind, for one. You lose a couple of games in a row and all of a sudden you're starting to look at what other teams are doing. You see how that impacts your group. But the physical grind. There's so much parity in the league right now. From a night to night basis, there's not a lot that separates you from the team that's across from you. You couple that with the fact that every single night so much is at stake for both teams. Every game it's very hard working, very physical, very competitive hockey. Obviously, you mix that with a busy schedule and it's a heck of a grind for the players.
How difficult is it to keep emotions level in a game like this?
I would say that it's easier said than done. There's no question. I think that you say that and you understand that it's important not to get too excited when you're winning a bunch of games, but at the same time that's what you're fighting for. You want to win and you want to get into the playoffs. You feel that success and you feel that joy from that. It's hard not to get caught up when you lose a couple of games. You often see how that impacts your group. It is a grind, it's a mental grind, and at the end of the day that's why you win. The teams that are there get there because they're able to deal with those. It's a lot more than just talent and your team game. It's the mental toughness to come back to the rink, to prepare, to be on top of your game. That's why quite often you see certain teams get there year after year.

Gerard Gallant

What challenge does St. Louis present for you?
A good challenge. They're a good hockey team and Mike Yeo does a good job with them. They play with a lot of confidence and we played them earlier in the season in our building and it was a wild game; it was a good hockey game. They're one of the best teams in the national hockey league, so it's going to be a challenge.
On the weight of this game:
I agree. Everytime you come into these games you're looking at the teams that you're playing. They're a good test. The way that they've played all year, they deserve to be at the top. It's a challenge for both teams and we've got three games left before the break. Hopefully the guys are prepared and ready for the tonight.
Is Fleury in goal/ any lineup changes?
Yep, Fleury is in. (Pierre-Edouard) Bellemare is out and Will Carrier is going in tonight.
Thoughts on Marchessault's extension:
It's well deserved. He had a great year last year; his first breakout season. He's continued to play real well for our team. You're happy for guys like that. He deserved it and he works hard every day. You're happy to see a guy get that deal.
What has Marchessault added to his game this year?
I think his compete level is real good. He's really hard on pucks and he forechecks real well. I agree with you. The two months I had him last year in Florida, he was a good player and he was starting to score goals. But the difference that I see is definitely his compete level.
On what contributes to his team's success:
I really think it's our leadership group. The veteran guys have really helped with our group. Every night we play the same game. We try to compete hard, play well and compete for every puck. I think our depth for our team is a strong part.
On how David Perron has played:
Top guy that's played real well. Every game he competes. I like the way he plays. He possesses the puck a lot and he doesn't give up pucks. Him, (James) Neal and (Erik) Haula has been a really good line for us. They're scoring some clutch goals for us. They come and compete every night for us and they're good leaders for us.