Quote Roundup: Pens-Caps

Here's what the Pens were saying in the locker room heading into their Metro Division matchup with Washington…

ON HAVING EXTRA JUICE TONIGHT
Sullivan: "We know it's going to be a hard-fought battle against a team that we have a lot of history with. So I think any time you play divisional rivals and with the types of histories that we've built up over the years, those always tend to have heightened emotion associated with them and I think this will be one of those games. They're one of the better teams in the league and it will be a big test for us. I'm sure our players will be up for that and excited to compete."
Murray: "They're all big games right now, to be honest. So we prepare every game the same way, you know? All these points are really key right now and they're coming at a premium with the competition in our division. Every game we need to be on our best game and I don't think it changes from day-to-day, whatever's happening away from the rink or here at the rink, we have to focus on the intensity of the game. That's what we're trying to do and that's what we're going to have to do the rest of the year."
Kuhnhackl: "For sure rivalry games are always intense, sometimes more than just regular games. But that doesn't change anything for us, we need to bring our A-game because they're bringing theirs."
ON THIS BEING A MEASURING STICK
Crosby: "I think it's a great opportunity. We've done a lot of good things, and we're going to be challenged, especially (tonight). Just with the intensity, too. When the game, the intensity, the emotion kind of escalates and a little more is on the line you want to be able to raise your level as a team. Good teams are able to do that. It'll be important for us to do that (tonight)."
Sheahan: "I think we've played in a bunch of different types of games. Games where we've had to come back, games where we've played a pretty consistent 60 minutes. I think we just showed through adversity and through success that we can be a good team. I think it's coming around at a good time of the season, but we've still got some time left and we've just got to keep that same thing going."
Maatta: "Most important is it's a four-point game. It's just a huge game. It's so tight right now, has been the whole season. These games matter so much even at this point in the season."
Rust: "I think this weekend, it's two real good teams in our division and teams we're battling with. They're going to be hard-fought, gritty, playoff-type games. I think we're ready for that, but it's definitely going to show us where we're at."
ON IF THEY'RE LOOKING TO FIRST PLACE
Crosby: "No, I don't think we're looking that far ahead. I think we know it's pretty tight and obviously we play a few more games with some other teams, so we've just got to take care of ourselves and make sure we're getting points. But with all these divisional games, we're going to be tested night after night. It's not like we have a stint where it's three divisional games and we can kind of get away from that. It's pretty much every second game is going to be a divisional opponent."
Sullivan: "We're just trying to get better every day. That's been our focus. I think we're all well aware of the standings. I think our players are aware. Certainly our coaching staff is aware of the standings and where everybody sits and how tight the races are. We all watch hockey, we all love the game and everybody's well aware of where the standings are and where we sit. It's a great opportunity in front of us, but our focus has to be short-term and short-sighted so that we can control what we can. Our main focus is just to come to the rink every day and let's just try to get better. Let's challenge each other every day to try to improve as individuals and improve as a group. And if we do that, I believe this team is capable."
ON TURNING UP THEIR LEVEL OF PLAY
Sullivan: "I think this team has a quiet confidence that when we play the game a certain way that we can compete against anyone in the league. I think this core group of players is as competitive a core of players as I've been around. So I do think there's a quiet confidence about our group. But having said that, nothing's inevitable. We've got to go out and we've got to show it through our actions and we've got to earn our way. The way we do that is we take each day as it comes and we try to bring our very best. We've got to make sure we control what we can to earn that way. That's the message that we've been trying to preach to our team all year.
Hagelin: "There's still improvements to be made, but at least guys are moving in the right direction and we just look like a faster team. Especially this time of year, this is when you want your players to show up. After Christmas, the points mean that much more. I think our team prides ourselves on being a good team after Christmas because that's when it matters the most."
ON THEIR PERSPECTIVE OF TONIGHT'S RIVALRY
Sheahan: "Definitely some rivalry there. It's a fun game to play in, so definitely it will be a playoff atmosphere and it will be a huge game for us. The rivalry, knowing the history, I think just aside from the Crosby-Ovechkin thing, that brings some intensity to the game, I think the success both teams have had in the past, the expectations that they have, they're huge. So I think it just brings that extra intensity and definitely makes for a playoff-like game."
Reaves: "A lot of love on the ice. Two teams who like each other, a lot of handshakes and smiles (laughs). But no, obviously a physical, in your face game, I expect a lot of the same tonight. It's a big divisional game down the stretch here, they're going to start getting a little more heated."
Simon: "Nobody talked to us about it, everyone knows what's going on and how important the game is. There's no need for an explanation we all know what needs to be done."
ODDS AND ENDS
Reaves, on rejoining the lineup: "I'm excited, obviously. It's been a week and a bit since I've played, and a break. So really excited. The boys are rolling. Hope to just come bring what I bring to the team and keep it going."
Sheahan on 87, 71 and 81: "Watching them, they're unbelievable. When they're on the power play, it's almost fun to watch when you're sitting on the bench. They've been amazing for us, they're our leaders and they're the reason why we've had some success lately."
Crosby, on why the team is producing more 5-on-5: "I think just putting the puck on net, No. 1. I think that creates a lot of chances, zone time, that kind of thing. Just having the mentality to shoot the puck, spend a little bit less time in our own end, too. Making sure we get out of there pretty quickly. I'm sure faceoffs have something to do with it, too. We've been a little bit more consistent there too, which helps."