NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: DEVILS v SENATORS

May 19, 2003

Daniel Alfredsson

Patrick Lalime

Jason Spezza

JASON SPEZZA: Obviously going into I knew it was an important game and this is big for us we're only getting started now, we've got a long way to go because they are a great hockey team, but obviously it feels good to come in and help contribute.

DANIEL ALFREDSSON: He came in and played awesome. It is a very tough situation to come in and he handled it real well, I thought. He worked himself great into the game. Made smart plays and played with poise. Great in the faceoff circle, you know, he's great for us on the powerplay. We have been struggling there. He opens up a lot of space and this is a team where I think -- Chris had to step out tonight; did a great job for us all Playoffs. We had trouble scoring goals and Jason, great offensive player,.

JASON SPEZZA: I think it's just the pace of the game. We have been working extremely hard and we have all been biting at the bit, all the guys have been great in keeping their spirits up. Once you get out there, first period, it's coming fast. Actually I got hit pretty hard in one of my first shifts, kind of got me into it. Kind of opened my eyes and said let us go now.

PATRICK LALIME: Well, it was nice. Kind of broken play. Took a shot and got his own rebound. It is one of those where you scramble for it, you just want to put your body in front. Lucky for me, he kind of shot, didn't lift it high enough.

JASON SPEZZA: Well, I don't think so. I think it's -- most important thing was getting the win. That was my first goal. I think the whole goal in the whole dressing room, obviously it's nice to come in and contribute, but I am just happy to be here playing with these group of guys. Like I said, we have got a lot of work do still and I think we're up for it.

JASON SPEZZA: Yeah. This morning I didn't know what was going on, they told me I was going to warm up, not right before game time, but when I got to the rink this afternoon they told me, and I just tried to keep my same routine I did all year, and not get too nervous; not worry too much about it because I knew these guys were going to be here to support me.

DANIEL ALFREDSSON: We don't really care too much about what has happened in the past. We're focused on what our task is now and what is ahead of us. Losing both games in New Jersey -- they are a great team, haven't lost at home in the Playoffs. We know we play good at home. We knew we were going to get a good effort tonight and we needed to get some bounces and we did tonight. I thought we played a really good game. And so we did in New Jersey Game 4, but we need to play even better now going into New Jersey. It is going to be a real tough test for us, and if we can have everybody going in the same way we did tonight, I think we'll have a good chance.

JASON SPEZZA: I think I just try and stay calm, like I said, I kept my routine. It was exciting, obviously, you know, you see the crowd going wild, it is fun to be a part of. We can't worry too much about this game and the most important thing for me now is kind have to park it, move on, focus on the next game. They are a great hockey team and this is going to be great for tonight, but once I wake up tomorrow it is a totally new day, I am starting fresh.

PATRICK LALIME: Well, doesn't take much. I think our D did a great job letting me see the pucks - always easier when you can see it. I have got to find a way to see it. The goal, I am not really sure what happened. Someone told me it might have got tipped, too. I didn't see it.

It is the way I like to play, shoot the puck, put traffic in front, and they just hope it goes in.

JASON SPEZZA: No I don't think so. The guys played great. I contributed a little bit, but I won't go that far. I think we got a great team here. I was just helping along the way tonight.

JASON SPEZZA: It was off faceoff and kind of won it clean and really went "D" to "D". Philly made an unbelievable play. I was just finishing off his work for him; to spot me in the high slot like that, it was pretty easy work for me.

JASON SPEZZA: The guys have been great all along. When you are not playing you really need the guys to kind of keep you feeling a part of it. The other guys that I have been skating with and Rob Ray and Shane Hnidy, Jody Hull, Peter Schastlivy, those guys, they have been awesome. We have worked really hard, stayed focused, but before the game the guys were great. Tried to keep it loose. I try not get too tense. I am pretty loose before games. I didn't want to change my routine too much.