What a ride it was for the Stars this postseason. Here's what a few members of the team had to say after the 4-1 loss to the Red Wings and elimination in the Western Conference Finals:
Brenden Morrow: We didn't want to have any regrets. We went out and played a heck of a third period. We just started a little late tonight. ... For whatever reason, they carried the play. I haven't had the time to think about it. I don't think our jump, our urgency, was really there until the third period. We got one early and got a penalty and created some momentum for ourselves, but we just didn't find those next couple ones. ... I think we're all pretty disappointed still. We did come a long way this year. This wasn't our ultimate goal. We did make some progress. We know how much work we put into it and I think all of us are willing to do it again. We're going to let this set in. It's going to make us hungrier and we're going to come back stronger next year. There's not much quit in us. A lot of good work was done.
Brad Richards: When I got here, there was so much talk about, "are they a playoff team?" From the outside coming into this core of the team and seeing the guys battle for what they did is pretty impressive after what was said about them beforehand. ... It's tough to talk about (next year). It's hard to be excited but in a funny way, it's exciting to see such a core group together that did what they did here. Yeah, this is going to hurt for a while, but it's going to be fun to start a new quest next year.
Marty Turco: This is as tough as any as I've experienced. It was a tremendous feeling and opportunity to watch this team grow and accomplish what we have. The first thing that comes to mind is the things we could have done and the things that we can do as a team. I can't say that I've seen a bigger learning experience from a team in the last couple of months. It's probably the reason why it's the hardest to swallow. It's really disappointing when you come up short and you know things could ahve been a lot different. But we'll have a lot of time to talk and digest things. Personally speaking, once you have the feeling you can do something, it's a great feeling.
Stephane Robidas: Obviously at the beginning of the playoffs, I had a differe tole. Zubie was out, Bouch was out after the third game. They asked me to step up my game. I was one of the veterans on the team and they felt I was one of the guys who could step up his game and they asked me to do it. I just tried to do my best. It's just too bad. All that stuff is nice, but all you want is that big trophy at the end and we didn't get it.
-- Keeli Garza
Well it's the end. Honestly I'm surprised it happened so late. I wasn't very optimistic before the season started. The stars season was a great surprise. And they accomplished great things during the post season.
And frankly, it looks promising now for the future. They have good young players coming, they signed Ribeiro for many years....
Some guys in the playoffs were absolutely amazing, let's pay a tribute to them.
First, Turco, without him, it would have been an early exit. He was spectacular and he's the man.
Then Brenden Morrow, wow! I'll always remember this 7 period game and what he did. I was one of these guys who thought it was weird to name him the captain of the team but obviously, some stars staff members are smarter than me! Keep this guy on the team until he retires!
And Stephane Robidas, the iron or rubber man, I dont quite know how to call him but he got hit so hard but he was always there to make the big plays on defense AND offense during these playoffs. Try to keep your head up a little bit more though man, because I can't believe how hard you get hit!
And with all that being said, Let's go Penguins!!!!
Posted by: Oliver | May 19, 2008 at 10:53 PM