But you're still playing on the same-sized ice surface, so you have to keep it simple and try not to think too much about everything else that's going on, just focus on playing the game and enjoying the moment.
I heard today that Connor McDavid was talking about playing with me at the World Cup, had some nice things to say about it. When he speaks like that about me; well, it was an honor to play with him at the World Cup. That was the be all and end all for me. I was very excited for the opportunity to get to play with him. I know him from working out during the summer, so I know him pretty well. First and foremost, the thing that stands out the most is that he is such a great kid. He's so humble, loves the game, loves being around the guys. That's the one thing that always stands out to me about him; that he's an unbelievable guy first, and an unbelievable hockey player comes second for me.
So we'll be against each other on Sunday. When you are against somebody you know, I think it makes you want to work harder against them. Connor's a good buddy of mine and for the most part, it's going to push us. There might be a little ribbing before the game, maybe at a few faceoffs, but once it gets to game time, it pushes you. You want to out-battle him. It doesn't mean you want to go take the kid's head off, but you want to out-battle him and if you're in the corner, you want to beat him in a puck battle and beat him to the net or not let him get free for an open chance.
I'll bet he's the same way. He wants to out-battle me, and I think that's the funnest part about it."
