2002 NCAA Ice Hockey West Regional -- Game 2 Quotes
3/22/2002 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Michigan 4, St. Cloud State 2
Friday, March 22, 2002 -- 8:00 p.m.
Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor, Mich.
NCAA West Regional -- First Round
Postgame Quotes
Michigan Head Coach Red Berenson
Opening statement ... "I like the way our team started the game. St. Cloud was a great team, we were able to keep them on their heels half the game. Their power play became a factor. In the second period they got more confidence. We had five consecutive penalties and their power play took over. We had a goal called back, (Mark) Hartigan misses an empty net, so I feel fortunate we're here. Our team played well. Josh (Blackburn) had a great game, Milan (Gajic) scored a huge goal.
"I think we came out strong. You knew one team would get the edge early and we got the edge. Scoring the first goal is important. This is our building and we knew this would be a tough game. We wanted to get off to a good start."
On having the home crowd advantage ... "There's no question this was a great crowd. Even when we were on our heels the crowd was in it. It's got to be tough playing against Michigan when the crowd is like that."
In U-M's strong first period ... "We knew they were as good a team as we've played all year. Certainly they're a team we had to keep off balance. We had a lot of respect for their team. We played as hard as we could."
On facing No. 1 seed Denver in the second round ... "We don't have much time to regroup. Denver is a great defensive team, they don't give you much. They've had a great season. Our team has had to work hard to get through this game. We have to take advantage of the next 24 hours."
Michigan Freshman Forward Milan Gajic
On the game ... "We knew if they got the upper edge with the players they have it was going to be a long night for us. We came out as a team and got the upper hand in our building. There was a lot of emotion. I thought we came out very well. Blackie (Josh Blackburn) made a couple big saves."
On Michigan's penalty killing ... "We got called on a lot of penalties. All the guys just needed to stay down. All the guys out there did an unbelievable job, (Jed) Ortmeyer, (Mike) Cammalleri, (Eric) Nystrom."
On playing at home in his first NCAA Tournament ... "For myself it was a big advantage. I thought I heard this building the loudest it could go, but for a second in the second period my head was hurting. It was so loud it was unbelievable. Every time we did something it erupted."
Michigan Senior Goaltender Josh Blackburn
On the missed breakaway by St. Cloud's Mark Harigan ... "On the breakaway I was trying to stay out and make a move. He faked a shot, he's got a really good shot.
"We were watching them practice yesterday, we were surprised how well everyone on the team could shoot, especially (Mark) Hartigan."
St. Cloud Head Coach Craig Dahl
Opening statement ... "It's another tough loss for us. The series of the last three or four weeks, obviously we had several chances to score but we weren't able to capitalize on them. I'm extremely proud of our competitive spirit. I mentioned to our guys after the game this was one of the most enjoyable teams I've had to coach. We've never had any off-ice problems. They've been extremely enjoyable to be around and take on the road in the way they conducted themselves. Unfortunately the end of the year did not end the way we liked it to. We were unable to score 5 on 5 the last month."
On the intensity of the game ... "We wanted to win and play well. They did the best they could. We can always say 'ifs' and 'buts' and all that, if they were candy and nuts we'd all have a merry Christmas. Unfortunately the puck just didn't drop for us. Michigan played a very tough, hard-nosed, gritty game, especially early. (Goaltender Josh) Blackburn was very good tonight."
On the disallowed goal ... "I stand by the video replay. They (the officials) certainly had a better view than I do. They say there's a foot in the crease, there's a foot in the crease. I don't think the guy had anything to do with the play but that's the rule."
On making it to the NCAA Tournament ... "Are we content just to make NCAAs No, we're not content with that. The goal of the game is to win. There's more than just the W's and L's but in my mind we're not content just to make it here. I won't apologize for my team, we're 29-11-2."
St. Cloud Junior Forward Mark Hartigan
On the game ... "Things just didn't want to fall for us. We had fairly good quality chances. Their goalie is playing really well right now. It's just one of those things. Bitten by the hockey bug, it's tough. Such a chance like that is a letdown."
St. Cloud Senior Forward Nate DiCasmirro
On the effect of losing two players to hits ... "We watched video to see what Michigan was all about and we knew we'd get hit a lot."
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