ON LOSING 3 STRAIGHT
Sullivan: "I think every team in the league goes through ups and downs, and we're no different. We just have to make sure that we do everything we can to minimize the skid we're in right now. We need a good effort, a resilient attitude in (tonight's) game and control what we can to get the result that we're looking for."
Crosby: "Nobody likes to lose, but I don't think we're rattled. It's a tough point when you're generating chances and in close games and you're finding ways to let them slip. That's the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes it goes the other way. We just have to find a way to get this first one and try to build off of it."
Hornqvist: "We're working pretty hard, but we aren't working smart enough. We have to make sure we're stopping on pucks and doing those small things. Our work ethic is there, but we have to work smarter out there."
Cole: "It's not ideal. We expect to win every game we play. Losing any game, especially multiple games in a short stretch, should open some eyes and make guys realize that whatever they're doing isn't enough."
DOMINIK SIMON
On being in Pittsburgh: "I'm still super excited to be here. Every minute of the trip feels great. I'm enjoying it a lot. I would enjoy it even more if we won. I believe it's going to happen (tonight)."
On playing on Crosby's line: "It's unbelievable to play with these players. They make the game easier because they're so smart. It's a great feeling. It's a reward. I hope it's going to go well and we'll score a couple of goals."
On staying in Pittsburgh: "I'm just trying to do anything for the team to help them win. I'm doing my job as best as I can."
ODDS AND ENDS
Sullivan on Hornqvist: "We know what 'Horny' brings to whatever line he plays on. He has a simple, straight-ahead game. He competes so hard. He goes to the battle areas, whether he goes to the left side or the right side, he's going to bring the same game. We discussed different line combinations and possibilities for (tonight's) game and we'll see where it goes."
Sullivan on parity: "There are a lot of good teams. You just have to look at the standings. Some teams will win a bunch in a row, lose a bunch in a row, with the exception of a couple of teams that have had consistent results."
Crosby on Simon: "He's really smart. He's got good hands. He can make those plays in tight, give-and-gos. The biggest thing that sticks out is his hockey sense and the plays he can make."
