“Lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time. There’s nothing like it. It’s the greatest story. In my era, they used to say you couldn’t be a superstar without winning one. I remember thinking when I lifted it: “Now they can’t say that about me.””

No matter who you are, we’re creatures of habit. The better your habits are, the better they will be in pressure situations.

There’s no perfect coach in the world. Coaches are human, too. Mistakes are made. But, fundamentally, if you’re sound, you eliminate as many mistakes as possible.

Hockey is my life. I love every minute of it.

Growing up, I was always the small guy.

Only one thing is ever guaranteed, that is that you will definitely not achieve the goal if you don’t take the shot.

Kids don’t fight in minor hockey anymore. There’s very few fights in junior and college hockey. So growing up, all these guys are not fighting.

When I was 5 and playing against 11-year-olds, who were bigger, stronger, faster, I just had to figure out a way to play with them.

It really doesn’t matter or concern me what people are saying or who thinks who is the favorite. The bottom line is you have to play.

It’s easier to lose than to win.

I really wanted to write a book [99: Stories of the Game] on the tradition and history of the league, where kids can pick it up and read it and learn things and say, “Geez, I didn’t know that. That’s pretty cool.”

If I had to pick three players to start a franchise, I’d choose Hasek, Peter Forsberg and Eric Lindros.

It’s an honour and a thrill and a privilege just to play in the NHL.

I couldn’t beat people with my strength; I don’t have a hard shot; I’m not the quickest skater in the league. My eyes and my mind have to do most of the work.

Everything I did in hockey, I worked for.

We’re in a tough situation because of teenage children, and then we have a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old, so my family and my responsibilities is sort of a juggle.

I don’t think any one person will ever be bigger than the game.