WHAT IT’S LIKE...

…to prepare for a heavy workload on the blueline

I’ve always been known as a guy who logs a lot of minutes on the ice and, honestly, I feel like it’s easier. The more you’re on the ice, the more you can get into the flow of the game.

Most of the time now, I’ll take the option not to take the morning skate. I’ve been doing that for the past few years and it seems to have helped.

In the summer, I work out in the morning for up to an hour and a half and spend time at the rink in the afternoon. I’ve always done the same thing in the summer. I’ve been pretty consistent throughout my career.

What helps me preserve energy during games is that I try to think about the play instead of being really aggressive and physical. I don’t allow myself to get out of position by trying to make a big hit; I survey the play a bit more.

There are certain situations you get ramped up for, of course. At the end of the game, you want to be the guy counted on during intense moments and you find that extra fuel in your tank.

Post-game, I try to stay all-natural. I don’t do ice baths or anything like that because I feel that once you start, it messes with your head. Some nights you don’t feel good after, but you just have to give yourself a better warm-up next time to get the legs going.