Justin Pelletier: What’s the biggest difference for you between this year and last year, not being a rookie anymore?

Eric Gelinas: I feel less pressure. I know what I’m doing now. I’m more confident with the puck and I’m not as nervous anymore.

JP: What was the biggest thing you did coming into this year to prepare yourself, after having been here once before?

EG: I worked out every day with a private trainer and things like that. I needed to get bigger and stronger this year.

JP: Which is more nervewracking, being here as a rookie last year, or coming in this year, knowing it’s your NHL draft year?

EG: I feel like it’s my Midget AAA year when it was my Q draft year. I know it’s my NHL draft, and it’s always in the back of my mind, but you have to leave it there, just play hockey and keep it simple.

JP: What’s been the toughest adjustment on the ice this year?

EG: You have to keep your stick on the ice and just be more careful (with the new rules). You can be physical, but you can’t take stupid penalties. That’s what’s killing us right now as a team.

JP: What do you feel you have to improve on the most this season?

EG: I would say my D-zone coverage and a bit of confidence. That’s what I think I need to improve.

JP: What’s it like blogging for everyone about your experiences in hockey?

EG: It’s fun. People who come to our games and everything, they get to know what’s going on during the season, and during the road trip. It’s fun for me, too, because it gives me a bit of exposure.

JP: Of the players currently playing in the NHL, which of them do you like to pattern your game after?

EH: I heard Alex Reed say last week that people compare me to Chris Pronger, but a slimmer version or something. I like his style, he’s a good defenseman for sure, but my favorite player is Andrei Markov from the Montreal Canadiens.