Ryan Rishaug

I like the fact that they have clearly defined identities and roles, and I like the fact that I don't think anybody's out of place.

Everybody is kind of either where they're supposed to be or maybe even playing a little below their station, right?

Nugent Hopkins could easily be a second-line winger.

Well, here he's going to start on the third line, right?

Todd Coleson?

To your point last week, is he a top six forward?

Well, he's probably going to start in that spot in the playoffs.

That's been earned.

Kapanen may be a little out of place based on the quality of his play recently, but he's shown he can do it and he has the skill set.

I like it, man.

I think it all fits together pretty nicely here.

Now, the big question for me, Bob, the big question for me, Chris Alblock said this the other day, we're at our best when our backs are against the wall.

That is the truth about this team.

Has been for years.

Their best hockey does not surface until they've been kicked around a little bit.

And that is not a good trait.

It is not.

I know you might want to say, that's awesome.

A great team has to have that trait.

You're at your best when your backs are against.