Yianni Kourakis in 1 on 1 with Brandon Montour

ALL RIGHT. JOINED NOW BY BRANDON MONTOUR. And we’re halfway through what seems like an eternity between Saturday’s deciding game and Game 1. WHAT IS THE MIND-STATE HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK? SEEMS TO BE A GOOD PRACTICE TODAY. YEAH GUYS ARE EXCITED. Um, the tempo is increased, but again, this whole week, you know, we experienced last year with a little bit more time, but, uh, rest, recover, make sure the body is good and ready to go. EVERYONE HAS MAINTAINED THIS SINCE LOSSING THE CUP FINAL LAST YEAR. YOU GOT TO COME BACK HERE TO BE BETTER AND TO FINISH IT. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN TRANSPIRE OVER THE PAST YEAR THAT WILL GET YOU OVER THE HUMP? Yeah, the guys are just motivated, you know I think it’s hard. Obviously, you know, going through a long race like that and then, you know, doing it again. SO, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOYS FOR, YOU KNOW, HAVING A SHORT SUMMER. BUT YOU KNOW, BE READY TO GO. COME, YOU KNOW, TO TRAINING CAMP AND THROUGHOUT THE SEASON AND LIKE I SAID, THE BOYS ARE FIRED TO GET THIS STARTED. Have you noticed the outpouring of support here in South Florida over the last few years, especially now, cars with flags and everyone has the gear. WHAT DID YOU SEE WHILE WALKING THE STREETS AND DRIVING? YEAH, NO, IT’S OBVIOUSLY GREAT TO SEE THE SUPPORT. You know, I think since I’ve been a part of it, you know, the organization has grown. You can see obviously like you said, LAS OLAS or Highway, uh, signs around, you know, it’s nice to see and uh, again, the arena is loud. Obviously, it’s going to be crazy, you know, these next two home games. But again, that’s what it’s all about. IT’S SINCE 1993 THAT A CANADIAN TEAM HAS WON A STANLEY CUP FINAL. Is the whole country rooting for a team that’s in Canada, or is it just the Edmonton faithful rooting for them? Um, maybe, maybe a mix, I guess. YOU KNOW, I DON’T THINK ANYONE AS PASSIONATE AS THE CANADIAN, YOU KNOW, THE TEAMS ARE I DON’T THINK THEY WANT ANOTHER CANADIAN TEAM TO WIN. BUT I THINK CANADIANS IN GENERAL MAYBE WANT THIS TROPHY TO COME BACK TO HIS COUNTRY. But, uh, you know, you know, I’m Canadian, but, you know, my job is to keep it here. SO LET’S DO THIS. AND DOES PLAYOFF BEARDS itch? It’s getting a little long. HOW IS IT MAINTAINED? IT’S OKAY. I’m not growing too much. So it’s, uh, you know, it’s