Playoffs Quotations | Page 5

When you're this deep in the playoffs for the first time, every win is the best win. I couldn't be prouder for the girls.

We have a lot of good teams in front of us and these teams could make the playoffs. If we don't do well in those games, we could very well be watching the playoffs at the end of the year. We have a lot of work in front of us.

We came in today knowing we needed to win. We didn't want to back into the playoffs by having Cleveland lose and we lose. We came out and played hard.

We had just lost eight of nine, or something like that, and now we've won three in a row. It's important to go into the playoffs with momentum. We're feeling good about ourselves. It's important for us to finish these three games out playing well so when the playoffs come, we do have some momentum and we're ready to play.

We had a miserable first year (6-10 in 2004), and that's real hard on you. So you go in the second year knowing you've got to make something happen. Being able to get 10 wins, that helps a lot. It gives the whole organization confidence. If we hadn't gotten into the playoffs, it would've been a real downer. Getting in the playoffs was somewhat of a turning point for us.

We had a little payback to do from last year. We came into the playoffs with the same record - 21-3 - and we got bumped out in the first round. That was something we haven't focused on, but for everyone who played last year, I think it was in the back of their mind.

We had to win in the playoffs to earn respect and we didn't do that. So all of the people who doubted us, I guess, were right. We may be a good team, but we're not a great team.

We have a good group of guys that maybe came up short the last couple of years, not going as far in the playoffs as we wanted to go. Now we're going to try to get a chance to do it again in a new-face NHL.

We wanted to jump on them quick because when you get hit first it's hard to jump back up. It'll be great if we're able to keep this up and go into the playoffs with this confidence we're playing with.

We wanted to go on the playoffs on a roll. This was a big game for them (Carolina). We knew they'd be fired up. Our challenge was to keep the shifts short and make sure we could maintain a good pace in the game. Our puck movement was excellent, we skated real well and took advantage of several turnovers.

We've lost our last two so we have to get back on track quick. We have to get that feeling back before the playoffs start.

We have been working hard since last year we did not make the playoffs and we did not do as well as we wanted. We didn't reach our goal. This year our goal was to improve our record from last year to where we are now. To do that took teamwork.

We have to play our best. You look at the Western Conference, every team that made the playoffs is a good team. I don't know if there's a clear-cut favorite.

We have to make sure we hold on to that (the lead). In the playoffs it's really important that once you are up by one or two (goals) that the game is over.

We have to make sure to take care of the basketball. We hope that having a veteran team that has played in the playoffs can help us.

We have to leave them with the impression, win or lose, that it's not easy to win here. We want to let Anchorage know that when they come here, they're going to have to work for it. That's the way the playoffs are going to be, and this is kind of like a mini-playoff series, and we just want to win that series.

We're working on a bigger thing for the playoffs and this is painful. But I think we're close now.

We have had a pretty poor season so far. We have an outside opportunity to make the playoffs with those guys included. Last year, we had a nice playoff run. Ed played a big part in that he is very vocal. He is one of my assistant captains and he is a team leader. He wants what is best for the team and doesn't have the attitude where he is better than anyone else.

We have to want to play. There is no excuse. ... Thankfully, Chicago keeps losing games. We are still in the playoffs so we have to stay with it and keep trying.

We just didn't take care of business. The last two games we had an opportunity to make the playoffs on our own account, but as a group no one got it done. We didn't deserve to go.

Yeah, we were shooting good and that's who we are and the last few days weren't. We got it together just in time for playoffs I think.

You know what? We're the only team in our division in the playoffs now. That should tell you something.

When I first came, I expected to play, and it just didn't work out that way. I don't second guess my decision or question myself as far as coming here. I think this still is the best situation for me. There still is a lot of basketball left. We still have nine games, we still have the playoffs and you just never know when you'll be needed.

We need to work on our rebounding because that needs to get better, but I think we're improving every game and hopefully we'll be peaking when the playoffs start because I know there is room for improvement.

We need to win. It's the last couple of games before the state playoffs so we have to have a good showing.

We need her to step up and play like she did in the playoffs last year. She's been a spark. We're trying to bring her off the bench, but she's giving us what we need.

We know the playoffs are coming and that's what we're thinking about. We're working toward home-field advantage. We want people to come to our place.

We've been fine coming off byes whether it's in the playoffs or during the season. If you go back and look at our record (10-7 after byes), it's not been too bad.

We didn't do it yet and it's too early to celebrate. We have to make sure we get in the playoffs first and take care of other business later.

We made a statement. We won, that was the statement we wanted. Margin of victory, stuff like that, is nice. But winning and going to the playoffs is our goal. That's what we want.

We haven't been in the playoffs since 1997.

We haven't beaten anyone in the playoffs yet, and that's what we have to do. We've won a lot of big games in the regular season, but we need to win playoff games to get respect.

We haven't done anything yet. We're judged at the end of the year, whether or not you're in the playoffs playing in the cold weather, or at home watching TV. That's how we're judged.

We haven't decided on the (location of the) playoffs yet, but that's where we're going to be, though. We'll get that one a little bit later. We've got time to work that one out. But after yesterday's game (a 23-20 Saints win at Carolina), our goal right now is to be in the playoffs. That's where we're going to be. Like LSU, they had one great game on Saturday. We had one great game on Sunday. And Louisiana now has to show the rest of the world that we've got two great football teams, all right.

We are digging ourselves a big hole in these games. Maybe what we need is to have a reality check, and fall out of the playoffs, and (realize) that the playoffs can be taken away from us.

We know that after this match, both teams will get on with the business of trying to do well in the playoffs and win the MLS Cup, ... So, both teams have an opportunity to win two cups going forward, and I think it's a great opportunity for both teams.

We know it can't go on forever, that's obvious. But I think as long as you have the quarterback that we have, you've got a chance. The real exciting part is that if you keep getting invited to the dance every year, then at least you've got a chance. We've got to just keep making the playoffs every year and keep taking our shot.

We'll focus on that when the playoffs end. This is not something that our marketing department introduced last summer. It's been a part of the franchise since 1984.

We were just a bunch of kids. We didn't think about winning a national championship, we just wanted to make the playoffs like everyone else. We had no idea we'd win it all that year.

We were in the fall, so guess what we were up against: college football and the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs. God bless 'em, they were in the playoffs almost every year, and still are.

You know you're in every game, you know you're competing with teams that are in the playoffs and teams at the top of the league. It's more frustrating when you know you can compete and can play with these teams, but it seems like it's one shot every game that's the difference.

You do have to play better. In the playoffs it's going to be a different game; you're only going to score two or three a game because teams are going to shut it down. Discipline will be at a different level, so you won't get as many power-play opportunities, so we have to be better.

To go from first to third is a big jump, and I think we have a good shot to go into the playoffs at this point, but a win would clinch that.

We are a confident bunch. We have a young bunch. Yeah, everybody in the dressing room feels like we can make the playoffs for sure.

We are really trying to make a run to the playoffs right now. I feel like if we just win and take care of that stuff, those accolades will come.

We are playing with a lot of confidence right now and we believe in each other more than ever. We are looking forward to trying to get in the playoffs and make something happen.

We are playing well right now. I wish we were going into the playoffs tomorrow. I just hope everyone stays healthy and we keep playing the way we are playing.

The past two days, George (coach George Karl ) has been stressing that if the playoffs were today, this is who we'd play. We wanted to make a statement right away and tell them this is what they'll see if they play us.

When you work hard to do everything you can to win, it's disappointing when you lose. It eats at you a little... It's hard to put into words what being back in the playoffs means. Anybody who's competitive all year long wants the opportunity to have a chance to get in the Super Bowl.

We played well but had some issues that I think we've worked out with right side hitting, that we're working out in practice. But as far as I'm concerned, the playoffs start this Wednesday.

We got on a roll in December, and we've just been feeding on that and carrying over. We're going into the playoffs playing really good hockey, and hopefully we'll get to play Nashville.

We're not even thinking about the state playoffs yet. We're just focusing on the WPIAL playoffs.

We still have a lot to prove. Once the playoffs get here, it doesn't matter what seed we are or who we are playing. I am glad that the Golden State Warriors are not one of the eight teams going because we have had a tough time against them this year. They are a difficult team to play. They have nothing to lose. They have something to build on for next year. Our only concern is us.

We still have a legitimate shot at going to the playoffs if we can get on a little run. Two teams will go to the playoffs from our division, so we still have a shot.

Was it positive? Yes. Very positive. It's up to every individual to take the message and have it move them to the way they perform. I know what's at stake here. I've been to the playoffs two times and know there's no feeling like it.

We're just going to see what happens next. However the chips fall as far as playoffs and the league and whatever else, that's how they fall.

There are times and moments and there will be one in this playoffs where he will do the offensive work. He's going to be on fire and feeling the ability to go out there and shoot anytime, any place. Right now, I think he's just moving the ball well and doing the right things for us.

The only team you can guarantee is going to miss the playoffs in the Western Conference is Phoenix. Somebody's going to be this year's Calgary and we think it could be Nashville.

You look at what he did at the World Cup and what he did in the Stanley Cup final and all the way through the playoffs for Tampa Bay. He goes to another level. We love guys like that on our team.

You look at the teams picked at the top and they're always the ones people expect to see in contention and on top of the heap. You look at St. Cloud, they've been to the playoffs eight straight years, they're like the Atlanta Braves. Those teams will be at the top until somebody knocks them off.

To be an elite team, we have to be more solid. The playoffs are a new season, and we have the ability. But we have to play our best -- mentally and physically.

We'd like to go into the playoffs playing the way we did in the first half. If we do, I think we've got a chance to beat anybody.

We were lacking in a few plays, but overall they did well. In the playoffs before, teams would be physical and hold up against us and we didn't respond well. We did today.

We definitely want to make the playoffs -- that's a goal for us. We won't know how far we can go in the playoffs for a long time. To make the playoffs is a goal we think we can accomplish. This is going to be a process. You're not going to see a finished product for a while.

We want to keep them both ready, but it's a tough situation going into the playoffs trying to play both.

We want to just roll into the playoffs playing the style of basketball that Coach expects us to play. If we can fly under the radar and get the job done, why not?

We beat them with our full team before, and they beat us twice. It doesn't make any difference. If we face them in the first round of the playoffs, we'll be ready for them. The playoffs start next Saturday or Sunday. I'll be ready.

When the playoffs start, it's a whole new season.

We want to be in the playoffs and we've got to win these games. It's playoff hockey and it feels like playoff hockey.

There's nothing less than that. I don't care about just going to the playoffs; I've been to the playoffs before.

The day that we were eliminated from the playoffs was the day I vowed that would never happen again. I spent every waking moment, in some form or fashion, thinking about a way to get us back.

The critical factor for this team is they have to remain disciplined and focused. I think that's what kept them from the playoffs last year and the year before.

The fact that we're going to the playoffs means absolutely nothing, to be honest. I don't think anybody is going to be satisfied losing this game, first of all, and secondly, we lose the division if that's the case.

The expectations that everybody had for us coming into this year and the expectations we had for ourselves, we came nowhere close to meeting those expectations. Some people might disagree with me, but we did underachieve this year. ... Our defense has played well enough for us to be in the playoffs right now. There's no doubt about that. Offensively, we've done nothing but let our defense down and let our team down. What we have to do is come back and reload.

We used that as a motivating factor. Every player came in here hungry and still frustrated from not making the playoffs last year. Not having Tina when we started the season, that also made other people take their games to another level.

We learned a lot this year from the wins and losses. Hopefully in the playoffs it will get us where we want to go. That was our goal all year, to get another opportunity to try to make that run.

There are many good things coming from a loss like that. It helped us recognize our weaknesses so we can work hard and get them fixed before the playoffs come around.

We owed the Saints twofold. They kept us out of the playoffs in last year's final game, so the payback was doubly sweet. If a certain two of our cheerleaders can double their pleasure, why can't we?

We weren't able to execute when the opportunities came about. You have to capitalize on other peoples' mistakes. That's what the playoffs ask of you, and you've got to keep at it.

We've worked hard all year to put ourselves in this position. We have to focus on preparing ourselves for going into the playoffs on a high note and playing well.

We were very upset to lose in the first round of the playoffs last year, but it happened, so we moved on and focused on getting ready for this season.

We, as a team, have something to prove after last season. The general feeling is one of unfinished business. The 2005 team is already determined to work our way back into the Centennial Conference playoffs and NCAA tournament. Being only one year removed from these experiences, we know what it takes and feel this goal is not at all unrealistic.

We, as a team, have something to prove after last season, ... The general feeling is one of unfinished business. The 2005 team is already determined to work our way back into the Centennial Conference playoffs and NCAA tournament. Being only one year removed from these experiences, we know what it takes and feel this goal is not at all unrealistic.

We can't say, 'We're not playing the best teams in the league, so we can relax.' Not at all. It's the NBA, so we have to focus on getting better, so we can be as good as we're going to get by the time the playoffs come.

We consider Miami one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference so we see it as a test each and every time. They beat on us last year in the playoffs so we wanted to come out and see how we could fix it and just compete with them. We competed with them before but we just weren't on their level.

We don't want to go into the playoffs the way we played (Tuesday). We want to go with a good feeling and confidence. Pittsburgh is a huge game because they've been playing well. Philadelphia is just a crucial game. I think that whoever does win will play at home (in the first round).

We have been shut out since last year, and haven't done much to change people's minds until now. It's OK, let them underestimate us. We want to keep improving and be playing our best hockey of the year when playoffs come, and let the chips fall where they may.

We have been playing tough since the playoffs have begun. We didn't have (guard Anthony) Watson for the first part of the season. He was ineligible for the first half. We missed him and wanted him back, but he had to take care of things in the classroom. He did. He worked real hard to get back.

We have guys who have been in the playoffs before. We kind of know what's at stake. And having not been there, you don't realize how magnified every play is.

We have guys that have done it before in the playoffs and that certainly helps.

We have gotten a lot better as the season wears on. We probably won't win the WPIAL, but we could probably make some noise in the playoffs if we continue to improve.

We would either grow up, mature as a team and hang in there or maybe we would say that we weren't good enough to compete. Outside of a couple of games, we've played pretty well. Your season isn't judged on what you do in December usually, but how you do when the playoffs come.

There is a chance he could be back for the playoffs depending on how quickly he rehabs and what kind of healer he is. It's a possibility for sure. I know he'll work as hard as he possibly can to get back.

We think we still have a chance to make the playoffs and we're not quitting on each other.

This year, we have so much more offense. Last year, we made the playoffs, but got Branson in the first round. This year, except for Branson, there are 10 teams going to the playoffs with about the same skill level.

This year we have a strong bench, a strong nucleus. We have a spirit and competitive nature with Bobby Simmons and Andrew, and adding those guys can only make us better. I think the playoffs is definitely a must in our eyes.

We just have to play every game at this point on and just get a result, ... The playoffs are something you don't realistically want to think about at this point, you just want to do something to get a win.

With playoffs coming up, we decided that this was the best decision. I think everyone was in agreement.

With Bob Hill's experience and success as a coach in the NBA, we believe he will help us toward our goal of making the playoffs this season.

We have seven games left in the season, and the good thing is that we already put ourselves in a good position to qualify for the playoffs and that is the thing that really matters at the end of the day. So we have seven games to figure out and turn around the bad luck or misfortune that we have so we'll build off the positive finish and go from there.