One on one with �� Jason Arnott, C, Stars - NHL - Interview

TSN: You guys struggled a good deal in the first half. Any specific reason?

JA: It's a combination of everything. Our confidence was down. Everything bad seemed to happen all at once. It was tough on all of us. However, we're battling our way out of it.

TSN: What has led to the better play of late?

JA: It's everybody chipping in and doing their job. We're trying not to do too much and (not) do the other guy's job (instead of) working hard to help each other. We knew we had a much better team, and it was frustrating. Winning is everything in this league, and you need good character to get it done.

TSN: How big were the losses of Derian Hatcher and Darryl Sydor as free agents?

JA: It was real tough. Derian is one of the top defensemen in the league. It puts a lot more pressure on the forwards and the other defensemen. Darryl was great on the power play and in the locker room. He gave us energy. It's tough to lose guys like that.

TSN: Did you guys feel extra pressure because of the rumors about coach Dave Tippett's job being on shaky ground?

JA: Absolutely. We love Tipp as a coach. We want to save his job. We knew if we turned it around and worked hard, things would get better. I don't think he was going anywhere, to be honest. He's a big part of our team.

TSN: How much of the blame do coaches deserve when a team is underachieving?

JA: Well, it is just as much on the players as it is the coach. We have to do the job. Hopefully, you have a good coaching staff that makes it easier. You win as a team and you lose as a team. You do it together.

TSN: You were traded to the Stars after scoring the game-winning goal for the Devils to win the 2000 Stanley Cup in Dallas. How wild was that?

JA: When I first got here, I got some abuse. The fans welcomed me, though. I knew it was a great city, but there were lots of jokes from the fans and my teammates. All in good fun.

TSN: What did it feel like to score the goal that won the Cup?

JA: To this day, it still hasn't sunk in. I watch the video, and it always puts a smile on my face, no matter what is going on. It's awesome.

TSN: What did you do with the Stanley Cup when it was your turn to have it?

JA: The Cup showed up at 7 a.m. My friends and I were partying until like 6 a.m., so we were pretty exhausted. We were just touching the Cup and kissing it. Sharing it with the people that helped me get to this point was awesome. We had two days with it, and it was great.

TSN: Dallas is football crazy. Do you feel hockey is part of the fabric in Big D?

JA: Absolutely. The people I have met, they can't get enough of it. They love it. My neighbors didn't even really know hockey, and they love it now since I've moved down here. More and more kids want to play. The speed and action of the game--it's fast-paced. The fans here in Dallas are right in the game from the drop of the puck.

TSN: What is your favorite sport outside of hockey?

JA: I enjoy other sports, but it's tough when you play hockey. Every other sport--when I have time to watch it--is way too slow. Football is great live, but basketball is very slow. I like to golf and fish. I don't understand why more people aren't into hockey. If you actually watch it, it's easy to pick it up, and it's so exciting. Baseball and basketball ... are you kidding me?

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TSNumber 647

Man-games projected to be lost to injury by the Kings this season. The NHL high for one season is believed to be 536--set by the Kings last season.

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