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TSN: You guys struggled a good deal in the first half. Any specific reason?
JA: It's a combination of everything. Our confidence was down. Everything bad seemed to happen all at once. It was tough on all of us. However, we're battling our way out of it.
TSN: What has led to the better play of late?
JA: It's everybody chipping in and doing their job. We're trying not to do too much and (not) do the other guy's job (instead of) working hard to help each other. We knew we had a much better team, and it was frustrating. Winning is everything in this league, and you need good character to get it done.
TSN: How big were the losses of Derian Hatcher and Darryl Sydor as free agents?
JA: It was real tough. Derian is one of the top defensemen in the league. It puts a lot more pressure on the forwards and the other defensemen. Darryl was great on the power play and in the locker room. He gave us energy. It's tough to lose guys like that.
TSN: Did you guys feel extra pressure because of the rumors about coach Dave Tippett's job being on shaky ground?