Staal: 'This series is still a long way from being over'

TAMPA - Forwards Cole Caufield and Eric Staal spoke with reporters via Zoom before the Canadiens boarded a flight to Montreal.

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They were followed by assistant coach Luke Richardson.
Here are a few highlights from their respective chats:
Caufield on solving Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy:
I don't think you need the perfect shot in this situation. We've got to stick to what works, and that's about doing the right things, what we can control. We need to get people in front of him so he can't see the puck, get rebounds, get guys to the net, and just win our battles. He's a really special goaltender and someone that's really hot right now. We've just got to keep finding ways to get it past him, and I'm sure at some point we will.

Caufield on handling a 2-0 series deficit the right way:
I think I've dealt with adversity many times in my playing career. All those situations kind of better yourself for situations like these. There's just no panic in this room. We've been here before. We've got great leadership in the room that keeps our emotions intact. That's how we're going forward with this. All of our energy is focused on Game 3. That's all we can control right now.
Staal on what previous playoff experience has taught him about turning a series around:
This series is still a long way from being over. I remember being on the other side. You feel good with a 2-0 lead, but it's a race to four wins. For us, Game 3 is a massive game. Everybody knows that. We feel like if we come with the same type of game and attitude we brought last night, we'll be able to be on the right side of it and get some bounces and some looks. We've got to get to four, so we'll start with the next one. Back in '06, I got all the way to Game 7, and everybody knows anything can happen in Game 7. For us right now, though, the focus is on Game 3. Last night, we probably deserved a better fate, but that doesn't matter right now. It's about getting the wins, and we'll start with Game 3.

Staal on playing at the Bell Centre on Friday night:
It's huge. We love playing in Montreal. We love the Bell Centre and the atmosphere that it brings. Unfortunately, I think there'll be a lot more people outside the building than inside, which will be a little bit different. But, we know that they're there, we know that the support's there, and we know that everybody is as excited as we are to be in this position in the Final. The focus and the moment of Game 3 is huge, and we'll use all that we can to have the energy to get the win.
Richardson on the outstanding play of Nick Suzuki in the postseason:
He's a quiet guy. He's going to be a quiet leader. I'm sure he was in Junior. You saw him tear it up there during the playoffs, and you've seen it over the last two years just grow every game. I think it's the confidence level that's showing. Even in his smile. He's kind of got that sly smile on the ice. I'm sure it bothers the other team. He's just gaining more confidence in his play and in his demeanor. I don't think he's going to be a really loud and vocal guy. Not everybody has to be. Some leaders are just purely by their play. That's what Nick's going to be. He's definitely more comfortable talking and speaking on the bench, asking the coaches questions, and discussing plays with his teammates before a draw. I'm sure Tyler Toffoli has really helped him out in that area this year.

Richardson on the return of interim head coach Dominique Ducharme for Game 3:
We've kept in contact and had some Zoom meetings, but it's not the same. One more guy on the bench is definitely going to be helpful, especially Dom. He's an intelligent coach. He's done really well with this team. A fresh view and voice back there to add to what he's seen us do in the first two games is going to be a plus for us. There's just even more excitement going back home, so we're looking forward to it.