BRYAN WILSON – 05.18.2023

Head coach Mitch Love assessed his group’s performance in Game 4 and looked ahead to Friday’s deciding game against the Firebirds.

ON TEAM DEFENCE AND SELLING OUT

“That’s been a bit of our calling card all year. We want to check for our offence (but) I think more than anything we just really wanted to sell out as a group… our season was on the line.”

“We’ve given ourselves an opportunity. I was proud of the guy’s effort. Now we’ve got to get some rest here and get ready to go back to work on Friday.”

ON HEADING TO GAME 5

“Before the start of the series, we knew it was going to be a tight one. I think, if you’re a fan, this is probably what you’d want, and we’re excited for the challenge in Game 5.”

“This season series has been even-steven between these two teams, and we’re excited to be living for another day.”

ON DUSTIN WOLF

“Our goalie was pretty sharp.”

“He’s been pretty good for us along the whole way… he’s a competitor, so he senses when his team needs him most and he was sharp.”

ON COLE SCHWINDT’S PERFORMANCE IN GAME 4

“This is great for him… our division’s tough. It’s tough hockey, it’s physical, it’s tight. You’ve got to battle through some things, and I was impressed with his game (on Wednesday). I thought he stepped up. We made some adjustments to our lines there and he really battled and dug in deep, and that was a big goal for us.”

ON JEREMIE POIRIER’S FIRST AHL PLAYOFF RUN

“It’s great experience…This is as close to NHL hockey as you’re going to get, whether it’s regular season or playoffs. You’ve got to elevate your game, you’ve got to elevate your competitiveness, your battle level and things are tight. For a guy like him, this is valuable experience.”