Playoffs Quotations | Page 7

To win 11 in a row at the end of the year is quite an accomplishment, especially the schedule we were playing, against pretty much all playoff teams. We're excited about the way we're playing, but this team is built to play in the playoffs and that's what we base our accomplishments on and we're excited about our opportunity now.

We should be geared up for that final stretch and we should go into the playoffs with a good rhythm here.

We are very excited to bring the playoffs back to Cleveland. The guys have stuck through the hard times. Now we're feeling good about ourselves.

We had several one-run losses. Had we been able to convert half of those into wins, we'd be in the playoffs right now.

We went through a rough period there in the middle where we lost six or seven in a row and kind of got down. We turned it around and built the offense up, but we know that we're going to have to play much better in the playoffs against even better opponents.

We like to play a physical style. We're getting ready for the playoffs and that's what you have to do in the playoffs.

We could very well get back into the playoffs with this caliber team. We're going to be young, and they're going to make some mistakes along the way.

We could play the same team 25 times. It doesn't matter. We have to play our best hockey. We have to play as a team and know what our goal is. Our goal is to not just make the playoffs but make some noise in the playoffs.

Brett came back because he didn't want to go out the way he played in the playoffs (Favre threw four interceptions in a wild-card loss to Minnesota). It's just a shame what's going on in Green Bay. They're going through a rebuilding phase. And Brett wants to go out on top.

Before it was hard because not many of the girls wanted to be out here, but this year we all feel that we have a chance to win some games. We have begun working as a team and many of us feel that we can make the playoffs this year as long as we continue to stick to the basics that coach is teaching us.

Everything leading up to this (start), it matters, ... But it doesn't when you're in the playoffs and it's win or go home. Nothing else matters. You don't want the last thing people remember you by (is) you lost the playoff game and your team got sent home.

Even if we would've won (against San Francisco), there's pressure every week to win. We had to back into the playoffs a little bit last year, and we don't want to get in that situation again. Fortunately, Arizona and Seattle stumbled last week, just like us. If we win, we can get back to .500.

Even last year, when we were 12-4, we didn't get the bye week, and we had to beat Denver in the playoffs before we ever got to New England, ... That was a disadvantage for us, and an advantage for them. This start we've had has allowed us to get a jump toward getting that first-round bye, which is a real goal.

Everything's going so well. You can't ask for much more so far. I'm just exited to get to the playoffs and work to get to Mellon Arena again.

Everybody knows that each game is huge, ... Our playoffs start now. They probably started a week ago, so we have to make the best of each day.

Everybody knows Shaq and everybody knows that Shaq always says that when the playoffs come, he'll be there. So we weren't really worried. We knew after he missed 18 games that it was going to take him awhile to get back. But I think right now is the right time for this team, that around the break time, he has a chance to get back in shape and get his form back.

Every team has hopes of making the playoffs. But the goal once you make them is to continue to win so that you can go deep in the playoffs with hopes of making it to state.

Everyone wants to go into the playoffs with momentum. You worry a little about getting injured, but we played together and wanted to collectively get our chemistry ready for the playoffs. We are in a good flow.

Every game is vital. These are our playoffs now.

Every game counts from here on out. And whether we get to the playoffs or not, (the goal is) just to get better.

Beating Hamilton and going to the playoffs - that would be big.

As the games went on I feel better and better. In the playoffs you need a goalie to make the big saves.

Coming from behind to win against a good team like Murray-Wright gives us confidence heading into the PSL playoffs next week. It gives us some momentum.

Coming back from the break, we kept the tempo at a fast pace while we were in Arizona and that's something we want to do. I believe we're going to continue to get better and by the time we get to the playoffs we'll be at another level where we are right now.

Disappointing. It's not easy to turn it off and on in this sport. So we want to play as well as we can down the stretch. At the same time, we want to make sure we're working on the things we need to work on and we're conditioned right to hit the playoffs as hard as we can. When the playoffs start, you've got to throw another gear in.

Down the road when we all look back, winning two league championships and going to the playoffs is pretty special. This senior class is really tight and we did this together.

Eleven of 12 girls scored and our starters only played three minutes in the second half. I think accepting the trophy before the game really excited the girls. I was really pleased with their intensity as we head into the playoffs next week.

Each year, every team's goal is to get to the playoffs and then to get to the state championship. Last year, we didn't do that. We want more this year.

During the playoffs the teams really come at you and we're going to be the team to beat.

During the playoffs the home court means a lot. Last year we didn't have it and lost in six games to Phoenix. We don't want that to happen again.

Every time we step on the floor the intent is to gain some valuable experience. I look at the playoffs as we are one of the few teams getting that opportunity. We want to make the most of it and hope it pays dividends ideally now, but certainly later.

Every time we play Miami, regardless if it's in the playoffs or a regular-season game or pre-season game, the tension, the excitement, everything is there.

Everything is just fine. I'm comfortable. When I first broke it, I told everyone, 'When the playoffs come, I'll be ready.' A lot of guys were skeptical because I haven't played in a while. But I knew what it took to be ready.

Everything is a playoff game right now for us. We are playing for the playoffs and playing for position. It will be fun, this is what we practice all season for.

There's pressure that starts to rise in the playoffs because you know you can make a mistake that will cause your team to lose the game. You have to have that pressure drive you and accept that pressure.

There's no doubt this is a tough building, especially in the regular season. Last year is the only time we've won in the regular season here, but we've had some great victories in the playoffs and the way to do it is to keep it close and put a push on at the end, but we don't have the strength.

There's nothing worse than to lose in the first round, ... I'd rather not be in the playoffs at all. There's nothing worse than to have to go home after a loss.

The toughest game to win in the playoffs is your first home game. And I'm not sure we even deserved to win the game. But it's a huge win, because every win at this time of the year is big. To draw first blood is really important for us.

I started thinking playoffs the first game of the season, I'll be honest, ... That's the goal, you've got to think about it. We're for sure talking about what we've got to do in our division to get there, what it takes to get there. I don't think we're afraid to mention it. That's what we want to do.

I've been there before. At Deer Park (1984-1996) the school had only made the playoffs in 1956 and 1974 (since its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s). We made the playoffs nine of the 12 years I was there. Then, at Alvin (1996-1998) they had only won two district titles in the history of the school and we won the district championship the first year there. (made playoffs for first time in 32 years).

I've been expecting to get a few minutes every game in the playoffs so I'm just playing my role pretty much, doing whatever I can for the team. Take the open shot but that's pretty much it.

The whole program is on the rise. The high school has had a very good year. They are in second place and start the playoffs Tuesday night. I have gotten e-mails from players who want to play next year. So we are doing a good enough job that word is starting to spread.

The scoring will come. The most important part of the playoffs is your defense. We are playing well on defense. You win games on defense.

I've told our guys, let's just get to the midpoint of the season and stick our heads up out of the sand and take a look around, see where we're at, ... And if we're still in this thing, and Pittsburgh hasn't run away with the division, I won't be embarrassed at all to be in the playoff race or to be going into the playoffs at 8-8. Not one bit. We feel pretty good about ourselves.

I've thought about that before. If we had just been halfway decent against L.A., we probably would have pushed it a little farther. But this is good incentive for us right now. One of the ways to make the playoffs is to win your division, and that was something we set out to do right from the start. We've got to keep pushing in that direction.

I've tried to keep practice to 40 or 45 minutes and work on one or two things. It's showing in our defensive effort. I'd just like for us to go into the playoffs executing well.

I've told the players since the start of the playoffs that they have earned the right to be here. They've responded. Everyone has stepped up and is doing what it takes.

I've said this over and over again. ... You defend, you rebound, you share the ball. That's going to determine how much you play. That's the way we're going to have to reward guys, because we're not fighting for the playoffs here.

I've played in the Eastern Conference for a decade and know what it takes to win. The Islanders have been a playoff team the last few years and now I'm hopeful I can take us to the next level. The playoffs have always been when I have played my best hockey.

It would be a good achievement for us. If we won (the trophy), it would just be something else that we could take into the playoffs with us, but the more important thing for us is to be playing well.

It was very important. We want to be in the playoffs and now we can't lose any games.

It was tough. That eliminates us from the playoffs so it's a hard way to end an overtime game.

It was an unbelievable game. This is what the playoffs are all about. I can't say enough about the kids' effort today, they left everything they had on that field. We played great and we fought until the end. I couldn't be any prouder of every one of them.

These seniors and this team deserved better than this. All 10 games that we lost were just like this one. We fought to the end, but its very disappointing and frustrating to miss the playoffs again.

The second quarter is what killed us. Hopefully we'll get to play these guys in the playoffs because I think we match up well with them.

The staff selections were based on the coaches' appearances in the playoffs during past seasons. There is a lot of experience on these two staffs, which should make for a highly-competitive game.

The team they had in the playoffs was totally different from the team we played earlier in the season. We knew that coming in.

The task at hand is what's on the players' minds right now. Everyone's starting to really think about the playoffs and that's what comes first for us. We've got to play well so we can make it far this year. If we make it far, then guys are going to be back next year.

The success that I had in the playoffs last year helps me relax,

The success that I had alone in the playoffs last year helps me relax. Helps me just basically know that I'm not going to let the playoff atmosphere affect me in any way because I've been through it before and I've also succeeded.

The thing about Jake is he doesn't get stressed out or too caught up in stressful situations. The playoffs are a time where if you do feel that, it could definitely affect your play. I think Jake just knows when the big games are and when you need to make the big plays and he's just really good at doing that.

The thing about it is, we?re loose all season long and then when the playoffs come, we?re even more loose. People might not think that?s a good thing, but it?s a good thing for us. We try to stay loose. We still know the focus part and what that mental aspect is, but we like to be loose and get prepared in the way that we have to.

I've never been to the playoffs and I'm running out of time. I know that I need to rely on those guys out there to try and make it to the playoffs.

I've never been part of it. I'm really looking forward to it. After Vancouver and Calgary and what we've heard about the way it is in Edmonton for the playoffs ... it's pretty special for a Canadian kid to be part of that.

I've always said the best teams make the playoffs and the hottest teams win, and we haven't been the hottest team.

I've been around a while and it's been frustrating lately. It's been tough to get up and enjoy the season. Normally, that's how you feel as an organization that doesn't have any chance of making the playoffs and we've kind of seen those signs. I'm not saying that we felt that way but losing those last three, man it took a lot out of this team.

I've always found that veteran players play significant roles in playoffs because they know what the level is like. And over a short period of time they can get themselves to that level because they know it's a two-month season.

Thank God there's no back-to-back games in the playoffs because at this point, I don't know if maybe it creeps into your psyche.

Sometimes in this game, you have to have a short memory. You have to leave it at the rink and leave it alone. We're excited to be in the playoffs and to be playing at home in the playoffs.

Teams I've had in the past couldn't generate points with defense. Like for example the last time we played South Lakes in the playoffs we were bigger, but they got a lead and spread us out. So, it was kind of nice tonight. What goes around comes around and we were able to do that to them a little bit.

Team basketball is a lost art nowadays, but it's always going to win. You can win in the regular season, but if you don't play together as a team it's going to be tough to win in the playoffs teams. And I think now teams are starting to recognize that.

Sometimes we are very good, and other times we are very bad. Hopefully, we can get in the playoffs and do well.

Sometimes it's tough when you are already in the playoffs and there is nowhere to move up or down to maybe focus as much. I think we were guilty of that tonight.

Right now, we're good enough to be in the playoffs. To make a run deep in the playoffs without Larry ... I don't think so. But Larry is more important than basketball. He has to take as long as he needs to get right.

Right now the focus one getting better. We didn't play well in our last game (a loss to Whitney Young) and if we expect to advance in the playoffs we will have to play better.

Realistically, we're 10 points out of the playoffs with some games in hand. But we've got to get it together. It'll take 92 to 96 points to get into the playoffs, so in the next 48 games, we'll need 64 to 68 points. It's possible, but it won't be easy.

Realistically, if we keep playing and improving the way we have, I think we have a great chance of going deep into the playoffs because of two factors. No. 1, the strength of our district. Plus, our experience in the playoffs and our tradition of being in the playoffs is the second factor.

Private schools won't have a chance in that scenario. There won't be a football playoffs for us.

People told me if you don't make the playoffs you're going to be the biggest loser ever,

Our thought process is to have him get back in game shape by the start of the playoffs. We wanted to bring in more of a veteran presence coming into the playoffs and a guy with the potential to score.

Our seniors really want to win district, four years ago we tied for it, but I think they want to win it outright. And while we've made the playoffs the last five years, we want to get that first win. We're just going to try to keep building toward that.

Our seniors have been exactly what you'd expect -- good leaders, playing well. It's quality over quantity. Our goals don't change from year to year. We want to get to the playoffs and then take the next step.

Our defense is improving. We know going into the playoffs we have to be very solid defensively. That's a high quality team with or without Aldrich.

Our confidence is higher now. I wish we could be going to the playoffs right now, to give our guys something to look forward to.

People can talk about playoffs, playoffs, but we're just trying to get better. If we don't make the playoffs and just carry it onto next season, this is good.

Of course whenever you make the playoffs it's an exciting time of year. All the past records go out the window, but at the same time it's a one-shot deal and you have to get it right the first time or else you have to go home for the summer. Every kids' dream is to make it to the state tournament. Our kids are no different from anybody else.

Oh, I can care less about scrutiny and all that. If it was a bad game, it was a bad game. Just because of what people say and what people think, they don't dictate my game and how I play. I've been in the playoffs before and I've had bad games in the playoffs before. It's just one of those things, you shake it off.

North Caddo is in its first year, playing with seventeen freshmen. They're very young and their coach said he's just happy to be here right now, but still it's the playoffs and everybody is 0-0.

After a while, just getting to the playoffs isn't going to be good enough, ... You're selling yourself short. We want to go, and go deep, and play until February.

The most important thing is for us to win, ... We've got a really good chance to make the playoffs this year, so that's the biggest challenge for us.

The most important games we are going to play are the conference games. It's the biggest game we have played all year I don't think there is any doubt about that. It's the biggest game for me all year. The biggest game for the kids has been Reidsville. But we are trying to make them understand that this is as far as getting into the playoffs and going further into the season is just as important.

Story is a driving force of anything in sports and entertainment. Not having the playoffs play out in front of the large audience as they had done in the past I think was one factor.

Special teams in the playoffs are always huge. The power play and penalty kill are always going to win you games, especially if they keep calling penalties like this and there's going to be a lot of them.

Once you get to the playoffs everyone is 0-0. It's all about this series and getting the momentum.

Now it is time to really hone it in and focus. Everyone talks about how great coach Jackson is in these types of situations in the playoffs and teaching, so I am just eager to get in the film session and see what he has for us.

Once the playoffs start, we are going to be a different team. I think guys are going to have to make sacrifices in terms of playing time. If we're able to make sacrifices and accept our roles, we'll be OK.

Defensively they did a great job. To hold a team to 26 points in the playoffs is pretty impressive.

Coach Casey took us where we wanted to be. We went to the second round of the playoffs his second year and his third year we went to the Lion's Bowl in Ackerman and won it. Most of those (Ackerman) guys were Woods' old players.

Coming of losses to good teams - Connecticut and Washington -- we knew we needed this one. We want homecourt for the playoffs and that means we have got to take care of business at home or on the road.

Despite the depth problem, I like this team's chances of being competitive in a very tough conference. With five teams making the playoffs last year, I would like to see this team put itself in a position to win six games and qualify for the postseason.