I've been battling it out for nine years at this level (to get to 200 wins). But the Steelheads didn't make it any easier for me. This is a tough place to get a win.

There's definitely some bad blood between the two teams, and that's why you're seeing a lot of penalties and stuff like that. Obviously there's major intensity with the top two teams in the league and division rivals going at it.

This will be fun. This is what it's all about. Game 7. When you're a young kid watching it on TV or playing a video game, it's always Game 7. It's the same thing, full count, bottom of the ninth. This is what it's all about.

It's always nice to be recognized wherever you're playing, but for me the bigger concern is starting on Tuesday night, to be honest. Maybe it's a good sign we have less guys on that list and we're one of the teams contending for the No. 1 or 2 spot. That shows we have a complete team and a lot of depth.

Having him back gives me a rest, mentally, for sure.

Practice hasn't been fun the last couple of days. We've been put to work. We had to pay the price this week for not doing it in the games. I know I don't want to go through that again.