1. What’s led to your outburst of goals this year, after last year, when you only scored four?

Well, last year I was only playing on the fourth line. I didn’t have as much ice time then, and our focus was more on creating a stir. This year I’m thinking a bit more about the hockey side.

2. Do you think much about the fact that this is your NHL draft year?

I try not to think too much about it, really. I am trying to take one game at a time and play each game by itself. We’ll just see what happens at the draft.

3. There seems to be more to your game than just fighting, and more than just scoring, as evidenced by your Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) and traditional hat trick in the same game. Any particular reason?

Part of my job is to fight a little bit, to hit hard, and another part is to score goals. It happens that way sometimes.

4. We saw some pretty nifty moves in recent games. How much did playing with Perron and Castonguay, among others last year, help your hockey skills?

For sure last year, after each practice, David Perron and I stayed out on the ice. I did hands work with him, and he was a great example to follow.

5. With the pace you are on, there is a chance you might be able to pass Sheldon Wenzel on the team’s career PIM list. Do you think you’ll get there?

How many did he have? (526) How many do I have? (297) It’s not something I’m setting out to accomplish, but it’s part of my job to be tough on the ice, so it’s possible, I guess.