He played a great game. I think our guys were pressing a little bit .

I expected a one-goal game, but I didn't expect it to be 4-3. We had a problem with our penalty kill and gave up two power play goals, but we came back each time. We needed a game like that.

Our guys, I think they've played hungry. It's something we can hopefully continue to do. Every game we've played this year, they've played hungry and played like they want to prove themselves.

I think all the guys that have played in the game before me as African- Americans have to share in this a little bit. We've made tremendous strides over the years and I really don't want to make this a racial thing because it shouldn't be. But it is significant because it is the first and I think whenever there is a first it is significant. When Doug Williams was the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl, I think that helped a lot of things as far as young black quarterbacks getting more opportunities. I think this will be significant also. It shows we have arrived at the pinnacle of our sport.

Now instead of pressing him to get other guys shots, I'm letting the reins go a little bit. I'm telling him to be a little more aggressive. ... I'm pointing out when he passes up good shots.

We came up here and our guys wanted to win this game so bad and we played so hard. We prepared so hard during the week, and it just hurts. It really does.