The Seattle Defenseman Ponders The Value Of Experience
Justin Schultz
- Defense
- 6'2", 190 lbs., Age 32, 12 NHL Seasons
- 2022-23: 73 Games, 7 Goals, 27 Assists, +4
Seattle Kraken defenseman Justin SchultzPlaying, Not Listening: "The group just meshed really well together. We didn't really listen to any outside noise. Kind of just went on and played like we were in junior, like we were kids.
"No one's looking at social media or listening to the experts saying we're not going to win the first round or make playoffs or whatever it is. We just go out and have fun. You see that out there with us in practice, and that rubs off on games; takes a little bit of the pressure off.
"We just go out and have fun."
"Group-wise, the group is really close. Everyone gets along, has fun with each other. We've got great leaders in there, a lot of guys that have won before. Even though people say we're inexperienced, we do have tons of guys with good experience. I think that rubs off on the younger guys that haven't been there."
Experience Gained, Even From Round 2 Loss: "It stings. You want to keep playing for sure. That's all we know is playing hockey, right? We all will take an exhale. In the next few weeks, we'll look back and be happy with what we did this year. We went to two game 7's, which is pretty impressive on the road.
"I think the experience this team gained from the playoffs and the Game 7's we played in, it's very valuable. I think we're all excited for next year and seeing what this team can do."