Derek King & Players Make Comments After Last Nights Loss..

The Blackhawks were defeated handily by the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning on Friday, but with four players facing their former teams, there were still some fascinating conversations to be had following the contest.

«We try,» said head coach Derek King following his team's loss, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. «We just can't compete with that type of team. We're not there. We don't have the players for it.»

Disheartening words from King in one of the few interesting quotes not related to a returning player. The coach was more animated discussing Brandon Hagel's empty net tally in his first game facing Chicago since being traded on March 18.

«I was ready to run out on the ice and tackle him myself,» King said, according to John Dietz of the Daily Herald. «Good for him. I'm happy for him.»


Of all the players suiting up for the revenge game, Tyler Johnson certainly carried the most tenure. Johnson received a great video tribute and ovation during the game, and after he remarked that Tampa Bay would «always have a special place in his heart.»

He wasn't the only one emotionally touched by the tribute on the ice. Head coach of the Lightning, Jon Cooper, said he started «welling up» during the video and that he might not have coached 700 NHL games if it weren't for players like Johnson, according to Joe Smith of the Athletic.