I don't know if it was nerves or what, but we were a little tentative at first. We had a lot of young guys in a difficult situation.

He seems more relaxed, happier and at ease with himself. I think that's an important part of the development of him as a player and a person this season.

He'll also get some time on the blue line.

He says he feels better today than he did at any time last year. So we should be real deep up front.

Our seniors are crushed, and it's always hard to go in the locker room after that last game. But I think we got as much as we could out of this group. You don't have to be the best all year, and they are the better team.

The bottom line is Craig went out on his terms and he should do so with his head held high. It's better to go out too soon in this business than too late.