Mike Benton has a conversation with Coachella Valley Firebirds forward John Hayden ahead of game 2 of their opening round series with the Calgary Wranglers, along with more to look out for with the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the verge of the second round.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:01):
Welcome to Cracking This Morning, apresentation of the Cracking Audio Network and Sports
Radio ninety three point three kJ RFM. Here's Mike Benton done to fire
this podcast up again. The keepthe Fire Burning edition of Cracking This Morning
continues. Mike Benton with you ona Sunday May fifth. The Stanley Cup
Playoffs keep rolling along plus the Crackingand many around them add their eyes on
(00:27):
budding talent in Coachella Valley underway rightnow with the Calder Cup playoffs. The
conversation with Firebirds forward John Hayden comingup in just a bit. Before that,
it's good to action here for theStanley Cup Playoffs. Where last night
to close out the first round inthe Game seven in Boston, did we
ever get a thrilling finish center iceposter? Not bumps? It back for
(00:48):
little you'll navigate to the red linebottle record. It's peg tuor cup poster,
not the back end pas god fitso f person pasta. David Posternach
won fifty four and overtime wins thisseries for the Bruins. Jud Sarrot had
(01:12):
the call for the Boston Bruins radioside. What a Game seven we had
last night for the Leafs and theBruins Boston, winning two to one in
overtime on a goal by David Posternachone minute and fourteen seconds into sudden death
ot. He became the fifth playerin Bruins history to score an overtime goal
in a Game seven, following PatreseBergerot, Nathan Horton, Brad Park,
(01:36):
and mel Hill Back at nineteen thirtynine. Posterronacks goal, by the way,
also marking the third fastest to begina game seven overtime in Stanley Cup
playoff Fishery behind Martin Jellina won twentyfive into the two thousand and four conference
quarterfinals, and also Brad Park aswe mentioned him one minute and fifty two
(01:56):
second sin. The Maple Leafs havenow lost six to game seven situations,
their last win on the road inGame seven thirty one years ago when Nikolaiborschewsky
beat the Red Wings in the firstround, now opening the door for plenty
of questions with their future. Aone hundred point team for the third straight
season, but just one playoff serieswin over the last twenty years. It
(02:20):
rings it down. Lew It getsthrough Vn pouncing at the left goal.
Lie trickles to Stone, stop,launches it out, pops down towards the
goal, down Mark Stone, emptyn goal from one hundred and eighty feet
(02:43):
away. Two nothing. Knights wineighteen seconds to go in Game six.
For the third time in team AbilArena history, they go. The Knights
have played an elimination game, butfor just a second time, they have
won. With their back up againstthe wall. Dan Duba with the call
for the Golden Knights radio side rightthere, as we have one game left
(03:06):
to close out the first round.Tonight it's Game seven for the Dallas Stars
in Vegas, Golden Knights, Dallasgetting home ice advantage. It marks the
third straight year they will play ina Game seven. Last year last time
out for Dallas, well, weall in Seattle know what happened. Stars
forward Joe Pavelski seven and three lifetimein game seven situations, Head coach Peter
(03:27):
de Boor seven to oh. They'vebeen a part of every game seven in
Golden Knight's history. By the way, they can also match the NHL record
for career game seven wins are currentlyshared by six skaters, Brad Richards eight
and o Ray Bork eight and one. Justin Williams eight and one, Carl
Hagelin eight and two, Ryan McDonougheight and two, Glenn Anderson eight and
(03:51):
four. One head coach also apart of that list, Darryl Sutter eight
and three. Lifetime in game sevensituations is trying to keep their season alive.
As defending Stanley Cup champions Alex Petraangeloand Alec Martinez both five and zero
in career game seven situations, Theycan become second and third active players to
(04:12):
win each of their first six ormore game sevens that would join Rare company.
Ryan McDonough won his first six.From twenty twelve to twenty fifteen.
Coverage at four thirty pm Pacific timeat American Airlines Center TBS as the game
of the television side. You canalso hear it by the way on Sirius
XM and a Shell Network radio.Pan Aeron at right wing ranks it to
(04:34):
the hash Parks Panerin leaves it backfor Fox, Fox passed to the far
wings. Savana Jad out to Panaranwith any par Temmy pen on the power
play hen the Rangers take up threetoo late before Dallas and Vegas close the
door for the first round, adoor opening for the second round. That
call from Don Lagreca to the NewYork Rangers radio side. The Hurricanes at
(04:57):
the Rangers opening up Game one inthe second round today one pm Pacific.
ESPN's your go to source for televisionside coverage. SIXMNHL Network Radio also on
the radio side here for this one. The Rangers and Hurricanes meet in the
second round after finishing the regular seasonjust three points apart in the standings,
the two teams combining to occupy firstand second in the Metro Division for two
(05:24):
thirds of the regular season. Peterlaviolet and Rob Brendenburg gonna go head to
head. They won a Stanley Cup, of course with the Hurricanes back in
two thousand and six, Laviolette ashead coach, Brenda Moore the team captain,
which now marks the fourth series onlyin NHL history to feature head coaches
where one had previously captain a Cupwinner with the other as head coach.
(05:47):
The other ones that happened include DickIrvin and half Day, who won a
Cup together in nineteen thirty two withToronto Irvin as coach, Dais captain,
and then clash while at the Helmof Montreal and Toronto respectively in nineteen forty
four, nineteen forty five, anda nineteen forty seven Stanley Cup final.
(06:10):
That one name Brenda Moore, ofcourse, picking up steam and the coaching
rumor mill. Brenda Moore among thosereportedly named as a candidate to date the
cracket head coaching vacancy. Maybe atthe end of the season. His contract
with Carolina expires at the end ofthis year. Brenda Moore, though,
pouring water on that fire, however, this last week telling the media about
(06:30):
his contract talks with the Canes.Quote, I feel really good that we'll
figure it out quickly. I'm notconcerned. End quote. Jacob Mallonson up
Ice cides Harrian student each Now it'sMalonson with Morrison. Malonson shot his blots.
Lanson across Heaven shoots peace Gods.A great set up from Jacob Aloncenter
(06:55):
Ryker Evans the fire Birds Tiant sixnineteen ago with a second period as Karth
next one in Calgary on the meatof today's episode, the Coachella Valley Firebirds
underway with the Calder Cup playoffs Zachcall courtesy Evan Pivnik and the Firebirds radio
side. Things got off to alittle bit of a bumpy start Coachella Valley,
(07:15):
dropping a four to one loss inCalgary Friday, putting the Firebirds down
one game to nothing in the series. That's the best of five resuming today
at Scotia Banks Saddle Dome before comingto the desert at Akrascher Arena for Game
three and if necessary, remainder ofthe series beginning Wednesday. For John,
Hayden's seen plenty of time in thepros to understand the gravity of playoff hockey
(07:39):
and the road to success on lastyear's Firebirds team that got to Game seven
of the Calder Cup Final. Asan expansion team, He's got more cracking
up and coming prospects by his sidenow in hopes for another long playoff run
this spring. We cut up withHayden by phoning Calgary to talk more about
it. John Hayden joining us nowby phone as the Firebirds looking to rebound
(08:03):
after a Game one and there tofeed to the Calgary Wranglers. Joining us
now by phone, John, Hey, great to hear from you once again.
I had to ask you first off, just kind of on the overarching
scale to have this team get rightback into this position. Where did you
really feel that matters began to reallytake off and go next level here for
this team this season, I thinkwe knew from the start we'd have a
(08:26):
good roster. We have a alot of depth, even guys like Ian
McKinnon who aren't in the lineup rightnow. So it's a deep team.
Well, starts at the top ofleadership, guys like Max McCormick who lead
away, and then a tremendous jobby a rookie this year. They've all
totally bought into what we're trying todo as a team, trying to build
(08:48):
off the last season and really justthe mindset of unfinished business that we've we've
had this whole season. I mean, Shane Wright played a bit of a
depth roll last year. Ryan Wintertonhad a bit of a taste of this
kind of team this last season.As far as a call up, he's
earned a little bit more ice timeand certainly that the production has come tenfold
for him. You've got Logan Morrisonin the mix as well. Why has
(09:11):
there been a greater level of presenceamong these rookies this season. Well,
like I said, they've done atremendous job. They saw a little bit
of it last season, they sawthat meaningful playoff hockey, and I thought
it was just a quick learning curvefor them immediately took on big roles.
They've done with the staff is accident. Like you said, guys have been
(09:33):
rewarded games with the Kraken, whichis awesome to see. So I really
just think we have a unique meshof veterans and rookies that are all all
flown the rope. In Shane Wright'scase, how true is it you think
where you see a different player orhints of a different player once he comes
back from the NHL, It's funto watch when he played a confidence.
(09:56):
He's such a force out there,great skater, shot in the game well,
and he's a big part of ourteam. So that's it's been good
to see in front of sets atboth level. What about Ryan Winterton and
Logan Morrison. They all have differentroles that they can serve maybe down the
road here, but where have theytaken that next pix step You're on this
team. As far as young players, they all bring unique skill sets.
(10:22):
I think that's a good combination tohave these guys with their unique roles went
to plays a great two a game, love Mel's game. A lot of
bite there, oh, pre cerebral. So these guys are are a big
player our team and they can bea big part of this run. I
love hearing that word bye when youtalk about Logan Morrison and we've heard of
(10:45):
himself use the phrase junkyard dog mentality, not just from him but your own
head coach and Dan Bilsma as well. How surprised where you may be or
not surprised to hear one time himblocking two shots in the game, going
down the tunnel and coming right backout to play very next shift once again.
Yeah, kind of character really againthat wants to wants to win,
(11:09):
doesn't matter every steen won or themiddle of the season. So there's a
consistent bite and consistent consistent competitiveness andthat's definitely contages thirteen. Defenseman wise,
you had Kale Floury really take thereins this year on the back end,
but getting Riker Evans I can't helpit since that's a huge get to put
him back into the fold this lateend of the season. So maybe huge,
(11:31):
but how huge as well? Uh? Again, like a depth is
a huge track guaranteam and offensively,Uh, we have strong pairs and even
the guys sitting out of defense aremore than capable of great players. So
it's nice to have Riker back.It's nice for Floyd to come in and
play a big role. And againon the back end, we have a
(11:52):
combination of veterans and younger guys andit was pretty lethal throughout the regular season.
Johnny had a lot of games asours experiences NHL AHL regular season playoffs
as well. You were a bigpart of this from this last year and
everyone says it never comes easy asfar as the postseason. So with Game
one and that lost to Calgary,in the rear view mirror, what are
(12:15):
you trying to rebound from here?For Game two? Something we talked about
high highs and low lows, soreally next game mentality and you're not going
to win all so we definitely havethe group that's gonna we've done well tomorrow,
learn from it and move on.Really, we just gotta we just
(12:37):
gotta think about tomorrow. I thoughttoday was a great staff, high energy
practice, good video, and weknow we can do to adjust and get
after tomorrow. What does Dan Bilsmando so well to really put a lot
of impact and a lot of substanceinto those high energy practices. Well,
he's done such a great job allyear last year to just to our minds
(13:00):
right, keeping us and the rightmood, the right attitude. And we've
got a unique ability to to torelate to the old guys any young guys.
So it's obviously he's been around.Uh, you know, he knows
what makes sense collecting. I thinkone thing about our team last a couple
of years is is our mindset andour culture has been in high end.
(13:24):
So yeah, it's it's been greatJohn. How true is it when you
get all the way to the Cupfinals that you have to go into the
next season for a year like thisyear expecting to have kind of like a
big target under back mentality. Definitely, but it's a privilege to be at
the top and to have that success. And uh we're not as worried about
(13:46):
that. I think ending last yearjust reinforced where ultimate goal is. So,
like I said earlier, there's alot unfinished business after last season and
that's been our primary focus this season. So not to get too far ahead
here, but you got all theway to the Cup finals and that massive
run in front of some great crowdsand what many have begun to call that
(14:07):
building you play in an acrossure arena, an NHL type of building. That
seed's about roughly ten thousand fans.What's it mean to have playoff hockey out
in Coachella Valley? Once again,it's really remarkable. I think we're all
pleasantly surprised by how the community sortof adopted us and took us in.
And it's it's unique to have anAmerican league set up with ten thousand sold
(14:33):
out, state of art facilities.So it's been a blessing and we're treated
so well, so to who muchis given, much suspected, And I
think the fans deserve our best andthey've been pulling for us all year.
So when we get home, weknow we'll have a lowed building that will
definitely help us. What about you, what does this season? What does
(14:54):
this playoff run mean for you?And what you're looking for as far as
the next stepp what could come afterthis year? I just focused on right
now for me personally too, onfinished business. Little banged up last year,
didn't feel like by the best versionof myself in the playoffs, and
now I get a chance to toreally elevate my game and help the team.
(15:16):
So really just focus on tomorrow andhaving a good bounce back game.
Well, my man, the reputation'sout. You and the word physicality go
hand in hand, and that tendsto be a big ingredient here for success
in playoff time, John, whatdoes it mean to play in playoff games?
But also in rugged type of playoffgames? It's exciting. Uh,
(15:37):
it's the hockey I want to play, and really I try and carry that
through the regular regular season as well. Excuse me, so as much as
the intensity elevates, the games needmore for a lot of us, it's
really about just staying consistent, playinghow we played during the season and then
again in the natural elevational playoffs reallyjust take care of itself. When you
(16:00):
grew up, finally, what kindof player meant playoff hockey to you?
And what playoff hockey is all about? I remember growing up in Denver the
Avalanche for having a ton of success, Guys like Joe Zachic Adam Foote sort
of an all in mentality. Whatsoldier in the university, even the University
(16:21):
of Denver at the time, ishaving a ton of success. So in
those meaningful games. You could justtell there's a total buying from teams,
so it does take an army andeveryone's gonna matter here down the stretch.
So I think he's done a goodjob of having a full team buying mindset
and that service as well. Oh, you saw plenty of it and also
(16:42):
plenty of success already here on CoachellValley. Heye, John, thanks so
much all the best coming up herein game two, and look forward to
talking with you again down the roadat some point, of course, I
thanks so much. All right,direct, insightful, engaging. That's what
you get in a conversation with JohnHayden. Big thanks to him for joining
(17:02):
us. More coverage, by theway here for the playoffs. You can
find that at Cvfirebirds dot com.Evan picnic. By the way, our
friend for the radio site has acall for the Firebirds and Wranglers Game two
first round three pm today on radioat one oh six' nine the Eagle
watch THEAHL dot com. By theway, your options visually or audio wise
(17:23):
to pick up the game. Bigthanks again to John Hayden for joining us.
Keep plugged in here for more developingnews on the crack inside and for
Coachell Valley right here as we're podcastingon the Crack and Audio Network via the
iHeartRadio app. Sign up for freeto get it at sports radio kjar dot
com. Enjoy Game two for theFirebirds, Enjoy the Stanley Cup playoffs as
(17:45):
they're heating up, and we'll checkback in with you soon. For Cracking
this morning, I'm Mike Benton.Happy Sunday. You're home for the Cracking
Sports Radio ninety three point three kjrFM
Welcome to Cracking This Morning, apresentation of the Cracking Audio Network and Sports
Radio ninety three point three kJ RFM. Here's Mike Benton done to fire
this podcast up again. The keepthe Fire Burning edition of Cracking This Morning
continues. Mike Benton with you ona Sunday May fifth. The Stanley Cup
Playoffs keep rolling along plus the Crackingand many around them add their eyes on
(00:27):
budding talent in Coachella Valley underway rightnow with the Calder Cup playoffs. The
conversation with Firebirds forward John Hayden comingup in just a bit. Before that,
it's good to action here for theStanley Cup Playoffs. Where last night
to close out the first round inthe Game seven in Boston, did we
ever get a thrilling finish center iceposter? Not bumps? It back for
(00:48):
little you'll navigate to the red linebottle record. It's peg tuor cup poster,
not the back end pas god fitso f person pasta. David Posternach
won fifty four and overtime wins thisseries for the Bruins. Jud Sarrot had
(01:12):
the call for the Boston Bruins radioside. What a Game seven we had
last night for the Leafs and theBruins Boston, winning two to one in
overtime on a goal by David Posternachone minute and fourteen seconds into sudden death
ot. He became the fifth playerin Bruins history to score an overtime goal
in a Game seven, following PatreseBergerot, Nathan Horton, Brad Park,
(01:36):
and mel Hill Back at nineteen thirtynine. Posterronacks goal, by the way,
also marking the third fastest to begina game seven overtime in Stanley Cup
playoff Fishery behind Martin Jellina won twentyfive into the two thousand and four conference
quarterfinals, and also Brad Park aswe mentioned him one minute and fifty two
(01:56):
second sin. The Maple Leafs havenow lost six to game seven situations,
their last win on the road inGame seven thirty one years ago when Nikolaiborschewsky
beat the Red Wings in the firstround, now opening the door for plenty
of questions with their future. Aone hundred point team for the third straight
season, but just one playoff serieswin over the last twenty years. It
(02:20):
rings it down. Lew It getsthrough Vn pouncing at the left goal.
Lie trickles to Stone, stop,launches it out, pops down towards the
goal, down Mark Stone, emptyn goal from one hundred and eighty feet
(02:43):
away. Two nothing. Knights wineighteen seconds to go in Game six.
For the third time in team AbilArena history, they go. The Knights
have played an elimination game, butfor just a second time, they have
won. With their back up againstthe wall. Dan Duba with the call
for the Golden Knights radio side rightthere, as we have one game left
(03:06):
to close out the first round.Tonight it's Game seven for the Dallas Stars
in Vegas, Golden Knights, Dallasgetting home ice advantage. It marks the
third straight year they will play ina Game seven. Last year last time
out for Dallas, well, weall in Seattle know what happened. Stars
forward Joe Pavelski seven and three lifetimein game seven situations, Head coach Peter
(03:27):
de Boor seven to oh. They'vebeen a part of every game seven in
Golden Knight's history. By the way, they can also match the NHL record
for career game seven wins are currentlyshared by six skaters, Brad Richards eight
and o Ray Bork eight and one. Justin Williams eight and one, Carl
Hagelin eight and two, Ryan McDonougheight and two, Glenn Anderson eight and
(03:51):
four. One head coach also apart of that list, Darryl Sutter eight
and three. Lifetime in game sevensituations is trying to keep their season alive.
As defending Stanley Cup champions Alex Petraangeloand Alec Martinez both five and zero
in career game seven situations, Theycan become second and third active players to
(04:12):
win each of their first six ormore game sevens that would join Rare company.
Ryan McDonough won his first six.From twenty twelve to twenty fifteen.
Coverage at four thirty pm Pacific timeat American Airlines Center TBS as the game
of the television side. You canalso hear it by the way on Sirius
XM and a Shell Network radio.Pan Aeron at right wing ranks it to
(04:34):
the hash Parks Panerin leaves it backfor Fox, Fox passed to the far
wings. Savana Jad out to Panaranwith any par Temmy pen on the power
play hen the Rangers take up threetoo late before Dallas and Vegas close the
door for the first round, adoor opening for the second round. That
call from Don Lagreca to the NewYork Rangers radio side. The Hurricanes at
(04:57):
the Rangers opening up Game one inthe second round today one pm Pacific.
ESPN's your go to source for televisionside coverage. SIXMNHL Network Radio also on
the radio side here for this one. The Rangers and Hurricanes meet in the
second round after finishing the regular seasonjust three points apart in the standings,
the two teams combining to occupy firstand second in the Metro Division for two
(05:24):
thirds of the regular season. Peterlaviolet and Rob Brendenburg gonna go head to
head. They won a Stanley Cup, of course with the Hurricanes back in
two thousand and six, Laviolette ashead coach, Brenda Moore the team captain,
which now marks the fourth series onlyin NHL history to feature head coaches
where one had previously captain a Cupwinner with the other as head coach.
(05:47):
The other ones that happened include DickIrvin and half Day, who won a
Cup together in nineteen thirty two withToronto Irvin as coach, Dais captain,
and then clash while at the Helmof Montreal and Toronto respectively in nineteen forty
four, nineteen forty five, anda nineteen forty seven Stanley Cup final.
(06:10):
That one name Brenda Moore, ofcourse, picking up steam and the coaching
rumor mill. Brenda Moore among thosereportedly named as a candidate to date the
cracket head coaching vacancy. Maybe atthe end of the season. His contract
with Carolina expires at the end ofthis year. Brenda Moore, though,
pouring water on that fire, however, this last week telling the media about
(06:30):
his contract talks with the Canes.Quote, I feel really good that we'll
figure it out quickly. I'm notconcerned. End quote. Jacob Mallonson up
Ice cides Harrian student each Now it'sMalonson with Morrison. Malonson shot his blots.
Lanson across Heaven shoots peace Gods.A great set up from Jacob Aloncenter
(06:55):
Ryker Evans the fire Birds Tiant sixnineteen ago with a second period as Karth
next one in Calgary on the meatof today's episode, the Coachella Valley Firebirds
underway with the Calder Cup playoffs Zachcall courtesy Evan Pivnik and the Firebirds radio
side. Things got off to alittle bit of a bumpy start Coachella Valley,
(07:15):
dropping a four to one loss inCalgary Friday, putting the Firebirds down
one game to nothing in the series. That's the best of five resuming today
at Scotia Banks Saddle Dome before comingto the desert at Akrascher Arena for Game
three and if necessary, remainder ofthe series beginning Wednesday. For John,
Hayden's seen plenty of time in thepros to understand the gravity of playoff hockey
(07:39):
and the road to success on lastyear's Firebirds team that got to Game seven
of the Calder Cup Final. Asan expansion team, He's got more cracking
up and coming prospects by his sidenow in hopes for another long playoff run
this spring. We cut up withHayden by phoning Calgary to talk more about
it. John Hayden joining us nowby phone as the Firebirds looking to rebound
(08:03):
after a Game one and there tofeed to the Calgary Wranglers. Joining us
now by phone, John, Hey, great to hear from you once again.
I had to ask you first off, just kind of on the overarching
scale to have this team get rightback into this position. Where did you
really feel that matters began to reallytake off and go next level here for
this team this season, I thinkwe knew from the start we'd have a
(08:26):
good roster. We have a alot of depth, even guys like Ian
McKinnon who aren't in the lineup rightnow. So it's a deep team.
Well, starts at the top ofleadership, guys like Max McCormick who lead
away, and then a tremendous jobby a rookie this year. They've all
totally bought into what we're trying todo as a team, trying to build
(08:48):
off the last season and really justthe mindset of unfinished business that we've we've
had this whole season. I mean, Shane Wright played a bit of a
depth roll last year. Ryan Wintertonhad a bit of a taste of this
kind of team this last season.As far as a call up, he's
earned a little bit more ice timeand certainly that the production has come tenfold
for him. You've got Logan Morrisonin the mix as well. Why has
(09:11):
there been a greater level of presenceamong these rookies this season. Well,
like I said, they've done atremendous job. They saw a little bit
of it last season, they sawthat meaningful playoff hockey, and I thought
it was just a quick learning curvefor them immediately took on big roles.
They've done with the staff is accident. Like you said, guys have been
(09:33):
rewarded games with the Kraken, whichis awesome to see. So I really
just think we have a unique meshof veterans and rookies that are all all
flown the rope. In Shane Wright'scase, how true is it you think
where you see a different player orhints of a different player once he comes
back from the NHL, It's funto watch when he played a confidence.
(09:56):
He's such a force out there,great skater, shot in the game well,
and he's a big part of ourteam. So that's it's been good
to see in front of sets atboth level. What about Ryan Winterton and
Logan Morrison. They all have differentroles that they can serve maybe down the
road here, but where have theytaken that next pix step You're on this
team. As far as young players, they all bring unique skill sets.
(10:22):
I think that's a good combination tohave these guys with their unique roles went
to plays a great two a game, love Mel's game. A lot of
bite there, oh, pre cerebral. So these guys are are a big
player our team and they can bea big part of this run. I
love hearing that word bye when youtalk about Logan Morrison and we've heard of
(10:45):
himself use the phrase junkyard dog mentality, not just from him but your own
head coach and Dan Bilsma as well. How surprised where you may be or
not surprised to hear one time himblocking two shots in the game, going
down the tunnel and coming right backout to play very next shift once again.
Yeah, kind of character really againthat wants to wants to win,
(11:09):
doesn't matter every steen won or themiddle of the season. So there's a
consistent bite and consistent consistent competitiveness andthat's definitely contages thirteen. Defenseman wise,
you had Kale Floury really take thereins this year on the back end,
but getting Riker Evans I can't helpit since that's a huge get to put
him back into the fold this lateend of the season. So maybe huge,
(11:31):
but how huge as well? Uh? Again, like a depth is
a huge track guaranteam and offensively,Uh, we have strong pairs and even
the guys sitting out of defense aremore than capable of great players. So
it's nice to have Riker back.It's nice for Floyd to come in and
play a big role. And againon the back end, we have a
(11:52):
combination of veterans and younger guys andit was pretty lethal throughout the regular season.
Johnny had a lot of games asours experiences NHL AHL regular season playoffs
as well. You were a bigpart of this from this last year and
everyone says it never comes easy asfar as the postseason. So with Game
one and that lost to Calgary,in the rear view mirror, what are
(12:15):
you trying to rebound from here?For Game two? Something we talked about
high highs and low lows, soreally next game mentality and you're not going
to win all so we definitely havethe group that's gonna we've done well tomorrow,
learn from it and move on.Really, we just gotta we just
(12:37):
gotta think about tomorrow. I thoughttoday was a great staff, high energy
practice, good video, and weknow we can do to adjust and get
after tomorrow. What does Dan Bilsmando so well to really put a lot
of impact and a lot of substanceinto those high energy practices. Well,
he's done such a great job allyear last year to just to our minds
(13:00):
right, keeping us and the rightmood, the right attitude. And we've
got a unique ability to to torelate to the old guys any young guys.
So it's obviously he's been around.Uh, you know, he knows
what makes sense collecting. I thinkone thing about our team last a couple
of years is is our mindset andour culture has been in high end.
(13:24):
So yeah, it's it's been greatJohn. How true is it when you
get all the way to the Cupfinals that you have to go into the
next season for a year like thisyear expecting to have kind of like a
big target under back mentality. Definitely, but it's a privilege to be at
the top and to have that success. And uh we're not as worried about
(13:46):
that. I think ending last yearjust reinforced where ultimate goal is. So,
like I said earlier, there's alot unfinished business after last season and
that's been our primary focus this season. So not to get too far ahead
here, but you got all theway to the Cup finals and that massive
run in front of some great crowdsand what many have begun to call that
(14:07):
building you play in an acrossure arena, an NHL type of building. That
seed's about roughly ten thousand fans.What's it mean to have playoff hockey out
in Coachella Valley? Once again,it's really remarkable. I think we're all
pleasantly surprised by how the community sortof adopted us and took us in.
And it's it's unique to have anAmerican league set up with ten thousand sold
(14:33):
out, state of art facilities.So it's been a blessing and we're treated
so well, so to who muchis given, much suspected, And I
think the fans deserve our best andthey've been pulling for us all year.
So when we get home, weknow we'll have a lowed building that will
definitely help us. What about you, what does this season? What does
(14:54):
this playoff run mean for you?And what you're looking for as far as
the next stepp what could come afterthis year? I just focused on right
now for me personally too, onfinished business. Little banged up last year,
didn't feel like by the best versionof myself in the playoffs, and
now I get a chance to toreally elevate my game and help the team.
(15:16):
So really just focus on tomorrow andhaving a good bounce back game.
Well, my man, the reputation'sout. You and the word physicality go
hand in hand, and that tendsto be a big ingredient here for success
in playoff time, John, whatdoes it mean to play in playoff games?
But also in rugged type of playoffgames? It's exciting. Uh,
(15:37):
it's the hockey I want to play, and really I try and carry that
through the regular regular season as well. Excuse me, so as much as
the intensity elevates, the games needmore for a lot of us, it's
really about just staying consistent, playinghow we played during the season and then
again in the natural elevational playoffs reallyjust take care of itself. When you
(16:00):
grew up, finally, what kindof player meant playoff hockey to you?
And what playoff hockey is all about? I remember growing up in Denver the
Avalanche for having a ton of success, Guys like Joe Zachic Adam Foote sort
of an all in mentality. Whatsoldier in the university, even the University
(16:21):
of Denver at the time, ishaving a ton of success. So in
those meaningful games. You could justtell there's a total buying from teams,
so it does take an army andeveryone's gonna matter here down the stretch.
So I think he's done a goodjob of having a full team buying mindset
and that service as well. Oh, you saw plenty of it and also
(16:42):
plenty of success already here on CoachellValley. Heye, John, thanks so
much all the best coming up herein game two, and look forward to
talking with you again down the roadat some point, of course, I
thanks so much. All right,direct, insightful, engaging. That's what
you get in a conversation with JohnHayden. Big thanks to him for joining
(17:02):
us. More coverage, by theway here for the playoffs. You can
find that at Cvfirebirds dot com.Evan picnic. By the way, our
friend for the radio site has acall for the Firebirds and Wranglers Game two
first round three pm today on radioat one oh six' nine the Eagle
watch THEAHL dot com. By theway, your options visually or audio wise
(17:23):
to pick up the game. Bigthanks again to John Hayden for joining us.
Keep plugged in here for more developingnews on the crack inside and for
Coachell Valley right here as we're podcastingon the Crack and Audio Network via the
iHeartRadio app. Sign up for freeto get it at sports radio kjar dot
com. Enjoy Game two for theFirebirds, Enjoy the Stanley Cup playoffs as
(17:45):
they're heating up, and we'll checkback in with you soon. For Cracking
this morning, I'm Mike Benton.Happy Sunday. You're home for the Cracking
Sports Radio ninety three point three kjrFM
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