The Athletic’s Max Bultman spoke with Red Wings defenseman Trevor Daley regarding his attempts to remain professional on a team that probably won’t make the playoffs:
He had been asked about this grueling February schedule, and the difference between going through it in past seasons — as part of a Stanley Cup contender in Pittsburgh — compared to his current situation: playing for a team that may need a minor miracle to compete beyond the regular season.
“When you’re fighting through it, you know that you need wins. You’ve gotta bring your game every night,” the 34-year-old Daley told The Athletic. “When you have a lot of points and you’re just trying to get through (to) the playoffs, your mindset’s still you need points, you want to increase. (But) you’re playing a little bit more relaxed. That helps your game out, too, when you know you’re winning every night.
“This way’s a little bit more of a grind — just ‘cause it’s the grind of the season, and every night you’re scratching and clawing for two points.”
Daley offered this take on his outlook as he signed with the Red Wings last July:
“I never thought that we’d be in this situation,” Daley said. “I couldn’t think that far. But I knew it was going to be a battle.”
Bultman continues (paywall)…
