NHL STANLEY CUP FINALS: RED WINGS v FLYERS

June 1, 1997

Ron Hextall

Q. Is there one thing that you guys talked about from last night's game that was the prevailing thing in the meetings from the film session that is carried over to today about what to avoid or what to change for Game 2?

RON HEXTALL: Well, we looked over some things on some film this morning. But, I think the bottom line is we really got away from playing the type of hockey that we have played all year. We did some very uncharacteristic things and we need to get back to playing the type of hockey that has got us here.

RON HEXTALL: No, I haven't.

RON HEXTALL: Well, it is not a goal obviously that I like to let in. At this time of the year it is unacceptable. I need to make, obviously, those saves, but I don't know if "recover" is the right word. I think as a team we need to bounce back and again play the type of hockey that we have played all along.

RON HEXTALL: Well, you know, on one hand I think we gave them the game. On the other hand, they did what they had to do to win the game. So, I am taking nothing away from them. They played a terrific third period and we had some giveaways and they made us pay for them, and normally when you do that you are going to be successful. So, we didn't play a good game and they did play pretty well. So, I guess it is a combination.

RON HEXTALL: I think our morale is pretty good. If we would have played a great game last night and lost, we would -- it would probably be a little bit worse. We know we can play a lot better than we played and really for us that is a saving grace, that we can and we will play a lot better. So, the Playoffs is a real rollercoaster ride and you know the old saying, You can't get too high or too low. It really becomes pivotal now. It is something that we have to watch, not getting down or not getting real excited. It is still a long haul. There is a lot of games to be played and we need to keep our focus and certainly not get down now.

RON HEXTALL: I think, as everybody knows, our coach is not afraid to change his goalie at any time. He has proved that in the three years that I have been with him. And, Snowy and I are both professionals, whoever gets the call goes in and done his job. That is always a way of approach that I have expected to play every game through any season or through the Playoffs. I mean, it is just one of those things that we have to deal with. And it really doesn't make any difference. It is no big deal.

RON HEXTALL: It is a big game, there is no doubt about that. We certainly don't want to go there down for nothing. So, it is a big game for us. It is a must win. Probably as close to a must-win as we have had in the Playoffs.

RON HEXTALL: That is -- again, it is something that we have to deal with. I am kind of getting used to it now. (LAUGHTER). So, no big deal anymore.

RON HEXTALL: No. We haven't spoke.

RON HEXTALL: Well, I don't think it was a whole lot of good on -- I can say this, I go out there and try my best. The Yzerman goal was one that I'd like to put behind me, but other than that, I don't think things went that bad.

RON HEXTALL: I think considering that he come back after four months, that he has done a darn good job for us. It is not easy to come back. I am sure he will be the first one to tell you. As far as I am concerned, he has done a good job for us and he is going to be important for us for the rest of the series.