Steve Yzerman

I also feel I adapted. I was willing to try to fit into any role. The way I figured, it was always up to me to prove my worth, that I deserved to be here.

— Steve Yzerman will

Whether somebody is really competent - whether he has a good hockey mind, whether hes a good person to lead a hockey club - is something determined over a long period of time, not one tournament.

— Steve Yzerman time

Playoff hockey is the best way to market your team. Its the best way to grow your fan base and give hope to your players and for them to develop.

— Steve Yzerman hope

The 70s hair with the long on the sides, just doesnt look good coming down the sides of the helmet.

— Steve Yzerman good

There used to be an old thing where every team had a heavy bag in their locker room for people to punch, but again, it was more about conditioning because if you hit a heavy bag for a minute, it feels like your arms are about to fall off.

— Steve Yzerman people

I hope people like me and appreciate me the way I am.

— Steve Yzerman hope

Since the season ended, Ive let things settle down, and I have to talk to the coaching staff and management. I really dont want to turn this into a big drama. So I plan on making a definite decision relatively quickly.

— Steve Yzerman men

I wore No. 19 because of Bryan Trottier. I liked the overall aspect of his game. I liked the way he conducted himself on the ice. He was a quiet guy. He played really hard; just a good all-around, prototypical center man who could do everything.

— Steve Yzerman self

Ive been hit hard a few times, been hit really hard a few times, but I dont think Ive ever left a memorable, lasting impression on anyone Ive ever hit.

— Steve Yzerman time

When youre on the ice, you have very little time, you see very little, and everything happens really quick.

— Steve Yzerman time

When it gets to this point, its just hard to pull the trigger.

— Steve Yzerman

We have to get better at that. All of the Stanley Cup winning teams throughout the past few seasons, when they needed to play defense, they did it. If you can play defense, thats when you know its game over.

— Steve Yzerman past

Its been a great honor for me to be a player for the Detroit Red Wings, to play for an Original Six franchise. I know Im far from perfect, but I learned a lot.

— Steve Yzerman honor

We used to play a lot outdoors, not in leagues, but just in our spare time.

— Steve Yzerman time

I knew if I wanted to be a general manager, I was going to have to leave to work for another organization.

— Steve Yzerman work

Its true that in Canada, we pride ourselves on the game, and we like to think were the dominant hockey nation in the world.

— Steve Yzerman world

I dont know if Ive ever had a memorable body check. Its not really part of my game.

— Steve Yzerman art

Im very confident my health isnt going to allow me to be a good player, especially in the spring.

— Steve Yzerman good

We have two tables on our airplane that are set up with the games.

— Steve Yzerman wit

I dont know that Id agree I was our best player.

— Steve Yzerman play

I look forward to a lot more free time, at least initially, with my wife, Lisa, and our three children.

— Steve Yzerman war

As a kid in British Columbia, going back a long way, I learned to skate.

— Steve Yzerman learn

Im never gonna play again, and I know Im really, really going to miss it.

— Steve Yzerman real

Its almost like you see too much, because when it happens for real, everything flies at you so fast, you never get a sense of the ice and where everyone is at that one moment.

— Steve Yzerman men

Darren McCarty is a big video game guy, and he brings his systems with him on the road.

— Steve Yzerman art

We penalize and suspend players for making contact with the head while checking, in an effort to reduce head injuries, yet we still allow fighting. Were stuck in the middle and need to decide what kind of sport do we want to be. Either anything goes and we accept the consequences, or take the next step and eliminate fighting.

— Steve Yzerman fight

You know, Im comfortable with it and in some ways I look forward to it, ... As much as Id like to compete, its difficult. It gets old. Youre battling; guys are big and strong and fast. Youre fighting time. So in some ways, when its over, Ill have a sense of relief. Its a lot of work and I enjoy doing it, but again I look forward to when its over as well.

— Steve Yzerman war

Weve played a lot of games against each other, and a playoff series, and lot of guys on their team, and on ours, have played in the other building. Home ice doesnt mean a thing. Everybody feels comfortable, and all the games have been good.

— Steve Yzerman good

We have a little more depth than people realized that we have. When Im ready to play, Ill know whether thats the next game or the following game.

— Steve Yzerman people

We obviously played much better. It was a disappointing third period (Saturday) to say the least. We rebounded pretty well.

— Steve Yzerman day

Were worse off without Pavel, ... We still should have a pretty strong lineup, but theres no question we dont have the depth we had a year and a half ago.

— Steve Yzerman wit

We were playing collectively, I dont want to say our best, but very well in all areas of the game.

— Steve Yzerman want

Weve had a good season and given ourselves a lot of hope for the playoffs.

— Steve Yzerman hope

Whether its been Ozzie or Manny in the net, we dont really have any concern. Doesnt change the way we play.

— Steve Yzerman change

(The Predators) are obviously our primary competition for the division and it was a chance to really open up a bigger gap and make it more difficult for them to catch us. Were more comfortable.

— Steve Yzerman vision

Weve always developed it with the close proximity and the Ohio-Michigan thing. Theres a lot of enthusiasm at games, and that will just add to it, Im sure.

— Steve Yzerman will

For the guys going to the Olympics, the intensity and level of play will really spur them on for the remainder of the regular season.

— Steve Yzerman will

Hes a really good guy. Hes a popular guy. I think its a matter of teams wanting him.

— Steve Yzerman good

Hes asking a lot of questions, picking everybodys brain, trying to get a feel for everyone, ... Hes very serious, very attentive to the details of each drill we did, stressing a high tempo and skating, and I assume thats something thats going to be stressed throughout training camp and the season.

— Steve Yzerman sin

Hes a great young player and he played a big role for us. ... But well do what we can. We still should have a pretty strong lineup.

— Steve Yzerman you

Hes a good open ice hitter. Not the kind of guy who will deliver the big hit on the glass. He will get a reputation for that.

— Steve Yzerman good

Hes a bright guy. Known him for a long time, so Im not surprised at all. I think its great for former players to be as involved as they can in the PA, especially a guy with a legal background.

— Steve Yzerman time

Having the best players in the world playing in the Olympics is good for hockey. Regardless of who wins, youre talking about growing the sport. Its the biggest worldwide event as far as hockey goes. Its important we continue it.

— Steve Yzerman world

He doesnt have to stand on his head, but everybody has certain expectations and responsibilities, and the starting goalie has to play well. If its going to be Manny (starting the playoffs), he has to elevate his play over the next 20 games.

— Steve Yzerman art

He created a turnover. I think they were just heading up ice, so we caught them going the right way. Danny made a real nice pass over the stick right onto mine. The goalie went for the poke-check. Fortunately, I had my head up.

— Steve Yzerman think

His work ethic is really a good example for the younger guys. Just the experience of being through three Olympic Games will really help settle things down.

— Steve Yzerman work

Being out last year with an injury, I sat up high and watched a lot of games, and you see so much more and it just seems so much slower from up top.

— Steve Yzerman you

Before training camp, I had a couple of conversations on the phone and he threw some questions at me, ... In practices here, the way he wants things done is different. Like we were working the power play and penalty killing, and he has some different ideas on where he wants you to go and why he wants you to do it. So for me, Im just trying to pay attention. ... Im just trying not to make mistakes.

— Steve Yzerman power

But I think the job hes done is overlooked, just because of the talent we have.

— Steve Yzerman talent

Id love to do it one more time. . . . Ill never get tired of doing this.

— Steve Yzerman love

I dont know much about the techniques of fighting, but I know throwing a punch on skates is a lot different than throwing a punch from the ground.

— Steve Yzerman fight

I dont know. Not ready to play today. Skate Saturday and determine whether Sundays a go.

— Steve Yzerman sun

I didnt have quite as much jump as the game went on, but in general I felt pretty good. And when I show that Im able to handle more and Im effective, Ill play more. We really have some pretty good depth, so there isnt really a need to have somebody play a ton. And my situation allows me to play more if need be.

— Steve Yzerman good

I dont really have a specific goal other than for whatever role I have, to be productive in it. Im not looking for any days off, or games off, or to be rested. I want to be productive.

— Steve Yzerman hate

If anything, it shows how good he was because he played probably four or five years less than I did. So, thats quite an achievement by him than anything Ive done.

— Steve Yzerman men

I dont see (a new coaching perspective) being a problem, ... Its different. Mikes personality is just different than Dave Lewis and Scottys. ... Guys like a challenge.

— Steve Yzerman perspective

I can pretty much make a quick decision on what I want to do for the future.

— Steve Yzerman future

I felt better than expected, but watching Henrik skate around out there, Im pretty envious; Id like to be able to move like that, ... He clearly was the best player on the ice.

— Steve Yzerman play

I follow whats going on in the game, whos going where and what former players are doing, ... Whether youre in scouting or management or coaching, you have an impact and it matters how your team does. You make sure you do your job well because you have a potential to make a difference. Just being a part of an organization -- whether it be the Olympic program, or just your own club -- maybe youre not on the ice, but it still matters to you.

— Steve Yzerman art

Im not a big fan of the shootout, but its in the rules now and you have to make the best of it,

— Steve Yzerman you

Im getting one more opportunity to play for the Stanley Cup so Im pretty thrilled about that.

— Steve Yzerman opportunity

Im going to skate again Saturday. Im not ready to play today. Well skate Saturday and determine whether Sunday is a go.

— Steve Yzerman sun

I had 15 months there to debate it and back forth. At times, I was certain I was going to play and there were other times I was certain I wasnt going to play, ... Until the lockout ended and I had a chance to sit down with Kenny Holland to kind of discuss, Does it make sense for me to come back, economically, for the organization, personnel wise? What do you want to do with this team?

— Steve Yzerman time

I played with them a fair bit two years ago; I enjoy playing with them,

— Steve Yzerman joy

I played with the guy his entire career, ... and its sad to see him move on.

— Steve Yzerman sad

I really enjoyed it, ... I played a couple of preseason games, but the atmosphere tonight was totally different. The pace is much quicker and more intense, but it was easier to get into it.

— Steve Yzerman joy

I honestly dont think Ive been in a fight in over ten years. And any of the fights that I did participate in, werent of any note.

— Steve Yzerman art

I just have to make a decision, then live with it for a few days. And if Im comfortable with it, stick with it. If not, I can change my mind.

— Steve Yzerman change

I think Ill make a decision after the playoffs. Lets see how they go and go from there.

— Steve Yzerman think

I think itll be a big loss for the NHL. Such a great player and conducted himself professionally. An exciting player to watch. Just so many highlights of things he could do on the ice.

— Steve Yzerman loss

I think its a fair way to replay the game. I know they debated which was the best thing to do. They felt, you know, if were going to make the fans come back, give them a whole game.

— Steve Yzerman you

I think we just had a lot more energy.

— Steve Yzerman energy

Just knowing that Im walking in there, not because of what Ive done in the past but because they want me to be a part of it. Hearing that, Im happy to be back.

— Steve Yzerman art

I would have loved the opportunity to play against Ottawa this year. We missed the entire division. Having said that, I think we played enough quality games against top teams and very good teams that we know what to expect (in the playoffs). We played well on the road. We played well at home. We went into good teams? buildings and won.

— Steve Yzerman love

Obviously there was concern. You fear for the guys life.

— Steve Yzerman life

Now the puck goes from the goal line to the far blue line just like that.

— Steve Yzerman goal

Our teams goal is always to win the Stanley Cup.

— Steve Yzerman goal

Our teams goal is always to win the Stanley Cup. I dont want to get too carried away with this regular-season success because weve had playoff disappointments the last few years, and I dont forget those. I do think its overlooked how good a job this organization does finding players, drafting players. Thats been the illusion, that we just go out and buy a team.

— Steve Yzerman success

Personally, Id prefer to continue playing the overtime after tie games.

— Steve Yzerman time

Regardless of how the game is played, there will be low-scoring games, and good teams have to win 1-0 or 2-1 (in the playoffs).

— Steve Yzerman good

Some of the best young players in the game are Canadian, ... I dont care how many years you have played and how much success you have had. This is the only year that matters. ... To me, I have to earn the place.

— Steve Yzerman success

That was kind of the goal and that comes pretty quickly. Things go pretty quick and youre there. Before you know it, youre 35 and you want to continue playing.

— Steve Yzerman you

The best thing for everybody is that we go home and analyze as an organization what happened, where we went wrong and what needs to be done for the future. Id like to leave my personal situation for a few days, and next week I can probably make a decision on what Im going to do.

— Steve Yzerman future

Concentrate on more specific things -- on playing well defensively, on keeping our goals-against down, on our penalty kill and power play. Concentrate on those and make sure were sharp. The wins will take care of themselves and well be ready for the playoffs.

— Steve Yzerman power

After Game 5 was over, everybody was upset and kind of thinking about the game and what went wrong, trying to figure it all out. Then gradually you start realizing, oh, weve got to get ready for the next game. So your attitude changes, your mood changes. We got in here Saturday night, and by the time everybody went to bed, I think everybody had gotten their frustration out.

— Steve Yzerman time

A week like this is good, and I hope it propels us to be a stronger team and play better in the future.

— Steve Yzerman hope

Every countrys players play a similar style, every country is a little bit unique in how they play. I think those guys are really comfortable together on the ice. Whether its just communication or just knowing the player a little bit better, Im not sure, but it worked well with the Russians.

— Steve Yzerman work

Everybody keeps saying its great. Its not great. Its not hockey.

— Steve Yzerman body

For me at this stage, now, Ive got to play really well to keep up and make sure Im playing well enough to deserve to be on that line.

— Steve Yzerman age

Its obvious that finishing first doesnt guarantee anything. I dont think where you finished in the standings is tremendously important in the playoffs.

— Steve Yzerman men

Its too bad that decision had to be made ... I always thought he would retire a Red Wing. I think we will be seeing more of this kind of movement now with the salary-cap system.

— Steve Yzerman men

Its worked out well. Weve been together for a while and played effectively.

— Steve Yzerman work

I tried to get through the first part of camp, that was my concern, and got through it and I was feeling pretty good,

— Steve Yzerman art

It was the right thing to do. I wouldve loved to play in the Olympics again, but I believe its time for me to step aside. Its time to let other guys play.

— Steve Yzerman love

They want me to come back and play and do what I can do, just come and play and try,

— Steve Yzerman want

Theyve got a lot of good players, a good defense, and I think Mason has played very well for them when hes been in the net. Its tough to lose a goalie thats been so good for you, but they still have a strong team.

— Steve Yzerman good

This injury is dictating the end of my career, whether thats this year, next year or whatever, ... I was able to rehab it and I want to find out if I can still play. Then when I retire I wont have to look back and think I could have had another year or two. I like playing the game, so if it means working hard and getting back in shape to play one more year, I think its worth it. I know its worth it.

— Steve Yzerman work

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