-"It's disappointing (to be sent back), but it would be a bigger disappointment if I were going anywhere but Portland. Obviously, I wish it had been different with the Penguins, but you've got to realize things happen for a reason."- about being sent back to Portland last season.

-"I've only played in one of these, so this is the second-biggest game of my NHL career. This could be one of just a few chances to prove myself."- about an exhibition game against Detriot.

-"I'm here, so I could care less about them. That gave me more motivation than anything else. I never listened to the people who said I couldn't make it. I knew the whole way along."- about people who said he would never make it to the NHL because of his size.

-"A dragon's brave, and a Lion's strong and fierce. Those are two strong animals in Chinese folklore."- about his tattoo on his left biceps.

-"It's not going to sound too great. I didn't aim. I was just putting it on the net as fast as I could. I think I've aimed on about two goals in my whole hockey career."- about his game-winning goal against the Maple Leafs.

-"That's a goal you dream of. That's what you pretend to do in pond hockey."- still about his game-winning goal.

-"I definitely wasn't a standout guy when I played as a kid. But I think I have good fundamentals and I kept playing hard and getting better."

-"Actually, I've always thought the physical part of the game has been one of my strengths. I've never really had any trouble handling bigger guys."

-"I tried not to think about it (the draft) too much. The funny thing is that it was held in Edmonton that year, but I didn't even go because I knew if I went, it wouldn't be real high. I was hoping I'd go, but I was prepared not to, so when someone actually took a chance I was very excited."- about the NHL entry draft.

-"He calls me 'mini-me'. But he's a solid stay-at-home defenseman and you're not going to get in too much trouble playing with someone like that, so he's a great guy to play with and to learn from." -about 6 foot 6 Peter Popovic

-"That's what it's all about here -- learning what it takes to play the game at this level and then working hard to make sure you're as good as you can be. That's kind of been my philosophy since I started playing hockey and it's worked for me so far, so I'm just going to keep on doing it."

-"It's his job to make those decisions. He's seen more players than I have, and he knows what's best. I've got to listen to that, and I've got to respect that."- about Craig Patrick's decision to send him down to Wilkes-Barre.

-"Different coaches and a different staff have different outlooks of the game. Kevin really put me in a lot of situations where I had a lot of ice. ... It's not like I'm getting all mad about this, though. The only thing I can control is how I skate and how I play. I'm not uspet with myself. I feel like I put in a good effort. I can't get discouraged about that."- about Constantine's firing.

-"As far as changing their mind (about sending him down), obviously I'm out there trying to do the best I can. I'm under the microscope, and the puck gets like a grenade on my stick sometimes, you just want to get rid of it. Even in practice, I feel like there are always eyes on me all the time. It keeps it exciting."

-"It was a new experience. It was great to finally get some ice time and to feel like I'm a big part of the team. That really gets lost when you're up in the stands."- about his first game with the Baby Pens.

-"It's a challenge. You can't put your head down and get all depressed about it. You have to face the challenge head-on. I'll do my best personally to work my hardest to improve this team."- about playing with the Baby Pens.

-"It's similar to juniors, where it's tough. Players are going to be in your face and there's not a whole lot of respect. My first shift out here I went to hit a guy and got a stick in my nose. That just doesn't happen up there (in the NHL)."- about his first game in the AHL.