the same intensity that he does every regular season game. It’s that one-game-at-a-time mindset that allows a team to persevere through the possible pitfalls of the playoffs – he grind of back-to-back games, the nagging injuries, the taxing travel schedules. “It’s important for the vets to keep everyone on an even keel,” Evans said. “In the playoffs, ou don’t want to get too high or too low. We have a lot of competitive guys in our room – they want to win and winning is the standard. Winning the Cup again is defin tely something we aspire to.” Will the Griffins face more pressure as defending champs? Paetsch doesn’t think so. “Everybody experiences pressure once you get into the playoffs” he said. “We have the kind of leadership that won’t allow pressure to get to us. We showed that last year when we got to Game 7 (against Oklahoma City). There’s no bigger pressure than a Game 7. We kept a level keel all the way through the playoffs, nd I think it will be the same this year.” Grant said he is looking forward to the challenge of defending the Cup.
“Until you win a championship, you always end the season with that feeling of ‘Oh well, better luck next year.’ Now if we lose, we’re going to be mad because we know what it means to win it all,” Grant said. “If somebody steals your cake, you’re going to be upset.” Hoggan, who won a championship as a rookie then waited 10 years before winning another, knows his next chance could be his last. “As my career is winding down, I know you only get so many chances,” Hoggan said. “We want to build on that legacy in Grand Rapids.” “It would defin tely be nice,” Evans said. “I’m looking forward to the weather getting warm outside and having the opportunity to play into June,” Grant said. “We’re defin tely excited about the sun coming out and the snow going away. We want to be playing hockey into May and June.” “I can’t wait,” Paetsch said. “You play hockey to get into the playoffs nd win a championship. Last year was very special, but last year is over. It’s going to be difficult to do it again, but obviously we’re going to be ready,” Paetsch said.
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