It really doesn't matter or concern me what people are saying or who thinks who is the favorite. The bottom line is you have to play.

Maybe it wasn't the talent the Lord gave me-maybe it was the passion.

I have recall. I don't know why or how. I had a guy once who said he played against me in novice [league, for kids under nine], for the Detroit Lasers. And I said, "Oh yeah, we beat you in the tournament, 8-1 and I think I scored seven goals, and the goalie was left-handed." And he was, "Oh my God. I was the goalie!" .

When emotions are high, things are said, things are done. Ultimately, these players want to play. I know too many of them love the game too much.

When people come up to me and say, "I was at your Game 7 in the playoffs in Toronto," or, "I saw your first goal in the NHL," that triggers memories. But I don't sit around my kitchen table and tell my kids, "You know, one year I got 92 goals."

One of the key qualities that you need to be a great hockey player is fantastic anticipation and feel for the game - if you know where the puck is going before it is hit, that is half the battle.

It really doesn't matter or concern me what people are saying or who thinks who is the favorite. The bottom line is you have to play.