I think, at first, you always expect something in a big event like that.
It's about your expectations. Ty (Penguins assistant coach Ty Hennes) and I were talking about it before the game. We were looking at the Hall of Famers that were on the ice. It's impressive to see someone like Bobby Orr before the game. Coming in with a big scene like that, it was an unbelievable experience.
It was a tough loss, but I think we competed really hard the entire game. I think we created our own energy. It's pretty easy to create energy when you're in an event like the Winter Classic. That just doesn't happen often.
We had a good time, but the loss definitely hurts.
Still, we were really fortunate to be a part of this. It's my first full year in the NHL and I'm really grateful that I got to do this with these guys in this room.
I really liked how we showed up in baseball gear, wearing (Pittsburgh) Pirates uniforms. I think it created more of the atmosphere that comes with the game.
Just staying in Boston this weekend, I think it brought the guys together, even with the loss. There's a lot of positives to take from the game and this experience, the energy that we brought and the chemistry that we created, to bring into the next couple of games on the road.
The boys are closer than ever. We just have to keep building our chemistry and the foundation of our team.
For me, sharing this with every guy and their families is what's really special. You don't have a lot of time with your family over the course of the season. Just to see everyone be happy with their family, New Year's Eve and the game, it's surreal.
I'm happy for the guys.
When I see smiles on their faces, that's when I'm the happiest. Over the course of the last couple of days, there has been a lot of smiling.
Those memories are great, not only for us, but our families, significant others and children. And our parents, who have been there for us for forever.
It's good for them. I'm happy that everyone got this experience.
