"I could sense, with the way the game felt and the way it was going, there were some moments when we were taking it over. Even though we were down 2-1, with the way we were starting to play... I knew we had to go out and execute it - which the players did an unbelievable job - but I knew we were going to get that next one and the one after that."
"All the credit goes to the players and to [Akhtyamov] for making some big saves when he needed to. We stayed with it. We didn't stray from the process. That is a great road win against a really good hockey team."
"If you watch the goal, it is a guy getting a puck to the net and two guys crashing the net. That is how you win playoff games at this time of the year and on the road. We executed it. Good for Smitty. That should give him a lot of confidence as we move forward."
"Just with the way it was going, with them adding Arseneau, another big body, it was to protect the D back there and protect Chadwick in situations with scrums. You have to make sure you are putting people in positions to succeed. Blake is a tough kid who is willing to take a hit to make a play. I could just tell. He is a hockey player who wasn't going to be afraid of the moment. I think he was outstanding."
The team overcame being down 2-1 by sensing momentum shifts and executing consistently. Goaltending provided crucial saves, and the group maintained focus on the process to earn the next goals. Blake Smith scored his first professional playoff goal by getting the puck to the net and benefiting from players crashing the net, a playoff-style approach that helped win on the road. Smith’s insertion into the lineup was intended to protect the defense and Chadwick during scrums, using his physical presence and willingness to take hits. The fourth line delivered identity and impact, contributing to the turnaround and scoring a major 2-2 goal in the third period.
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