Sharks defenceman Brenden Dillon: “We were the better team”
By baggedmilk
6 years agoSharks defender, Brenden Dillon, went on Sportsnet 960 in Calgary yesterday and answered questions about a few of different topics, including losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs.
Last season, the Edmonton Oilers pulled off what was assumed to be the impossible as they not only made the playoffs but were able to bump the San Jose Sharks out of the first round in six games. When asked about the playoff series against Edmonton, Dillon started with:
“Playoffs is big time managing the highs and lows”
One of the craziest things about that series was how tight all of the games were apart from the 7-0 pummelling in Game 4, and it showed that the Oilers didn’t just sneak into the playoffs but were there to compete. You’d have to think that the Sharks were expecting a tough series but the Oilers gave them everything they could handle, and I think that was a surprise for some.
“Especially after that (7-0) game… That was to tie up the series 2-2 and I think almost every game up until that point was a one-goal game, a couple being overtimes.”
Let’s run through the score recaps for the early part of that series: Game 1 ended 3-2 in OT, Game 2 was 2-0 Oilers, Game 3 ended at 1-0 Oilers, and Game 4 was the 7-0 blowout… what are you getting at here, Dillon?
“That’s something where their coaching staff (Todd McLellan and co) have been in playoff series before. I think for our team too, after the run that we had the previous year, we knew what to expect in that whether you win a game 10-0 or 1-0, it only counts as a win. We did a pretty good job of managing that.”
I mean… I guess? If by “managing that” you mean losing the next two games after that 7-0 win and getting bumped in the first round again then yeah, they did a great job. Then again, maybe playoff series wins don’t mean the same thing in San Jose as they do to the rest of us? I guess I don’t get it, is he trying to defend a series that they lost? Where is this going?
“I think just at the end of the day the injuries — you never want to make excuses — but I do feel at the end of the day we were the better team, but unfortunately we just weren’t able to get it done.”
Ahhhh there it is. Damned injuries ruined everything! Ah well, I guess it’s easier for a San Jose Shark players to come up with excuses for why they got bumped early then recall memories of series they actually won. Such is life.
BONUS “BECAUSE CALGARY” McMOMENT
Since the interview took place in Calgary on the Boomer in the Morning Show it wasn’t really surprising that this grenade of a question got lobbed at Brenden Dillon:
“Tell us how horrifying it might be to be the last man back with (Connor McDavid) coming in on you.”
Nothing weird yet… But go on…
“Have you experienced it and just how good is he because we’re jealous here? When you win a lottery four times in seven years, teams are a little bitter when you end up getting the best player on earth. How good is he?”
WAHHHHHHHHHHH! *insert crying_baby.gif* The Oilers lucked out and won the best player alive and now I’m saaaaaad about it two years later. That’s too bad, homie, because not only is Connor here in Edmonton he’s locked in for the next nine years, and that means you’re going to have to deal with that jealousy for a looooong time.
Too bad, huh?
To his credit, Brenden Dillon mostly ignored the toddler tantrum jab at the Oilers and gave Connor the respect he rightfully deserves. But before you read his answer, I first ask that you remind yourself that Dillon is saying all of this to a Flames audience on a Calgary radio station. Got it? Cool.
Go on, Dillon:
“He’s pretty amazing. From top to bottom, he’s one of those guys that when he’s got the puck or when he doesn’t have the puck, you always have to know where he is and what he’s doing because he’s that dangerous.”
Mmmmmmm… Tell me more.
“This year I think for most people was kind of his coming out party after an unfortunate injury in his rookie season, but he’s one of the best in the world for a reason.”
Ohhhhhhh. Slower. Compliment him slower.
“As you said, they’re very fortunate to luck out to have Connor McDavid be part of their team, but he’s a franchise player.”
Tell me more, you dirty defenceman. MORE!
“He’s a guy who’s dangerous when he’s got the puck, when he’s on the half-wall, and at all times. He was their best player in the playoffs and he’s going to be a big reason why they’re successful in the future.”
The fact that those Connor compliments were broadcast across Calgary radio waves. It’s just too good. I like to think of all the pissed off Calgary sports fans that had to listen to a player speak swooningly about the Oilers’ captain. Oh well, at least he’s only around for another decade. Sorry, Calgary.*
*no I’m not
Recent articles from baggedmilk
