NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: 12 Best Quotes in Postseason History

The intensity of the NHL playoffs brings out the emotional side of many players and coaches, and as a result, we hear them say crazy things about themselves and their opponents.

Whether it's trash talk, motivating oneself or the team, or sticking up for someone, players and coaches are more vocal in the playoffs, and as writers, we love that.

Let's look at the best postseason quotes of all time.

Patrick Roy and Jeremy Roenick

Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche had a perfect comeback for Jeremy Roenick's comments, telling reporters that he can't hear what Jeremy is saying because his two Stanley Cup rings are plugging his ears.

Bryzgalov Is Only Afraid of Bears

When asked about what's the biggest threat the Pittsburgh Penguins have, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov said he's only afraid of bears in the forest.

Ed Snider Isn't Happy with Officiating

When a power play resulted in a goal that helped the Toronto Maple Leafs end the Philadelphia Flyers season in 1999, owner Ed Snider was very unhappy, telling the media, “The officiating in this league is a damn disgrace.”

Brian Burke on the Sedins

Brian Burke, who was the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks during the 2001-02 season, gave us this memorable quote on the Sedin brothers, saying:

"Sedin is not English for punch me or headlock me in a scrum."

How Many Captains Does Detroit Have?

Brian Burke was at it again in 2002, and was not happy with the Detroit Red Wings' interaction with the referees.

"Detroit has 12 captains and assistants, we find that unusual. Most teams have only two or three."

Ruff and Hitchcock Are Angry at Each Other

After a massive 8-2 win by the Buffalo Sabres over the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2001 NHL playoffs, the head coaches engaged in a verbal battle, with Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff saying:

"We just wanted to play, and the more they acted like idiots, the more we wanted to play,"

Avery and Brodeur

After New York Rangers forward Sean Avery's antics angered many in the hockey community with the way he screened New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, the two did not shake hands at the end of the series.

Avery said of the incident, "Fatso there just forgot to shake my hand, I guess."

Have Another Donut

New Jersey Devils head coach Jim Schonfield went after referee Don Koharski after a playoff game against the Boston Bruins during the 1987-88 season, and told him to "have another donut."

Luongo Criticizes Tim Thomas

Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo wasn't shy about critiquing Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas after Game 5 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, which the Canucks won 1-0.

He said of the goal Thomas allowed, "It's not hard if you're playing in the paint, so it's an easy save for me..."

Thomas Isn't Pumping Luongo's Tires

The Canucks goaltender gave us another quote he'd like to have back before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, telling reporters the following about Tim Thomas:

“I’ve been pumping his tires ever since the series started. I haven’t heard any one nice thing he’s had to say about me, so that’s the way it is.”

Thomas shot back by saying:

"I guess I didn't realize it was my job to pump his tires," Thomas said with a grin. "I guess I have to apologize for that."

Alzner Calls Lucic a Crybaby

Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner called Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic a crybaby during the two team's first round playoff series this season.

Bruins forward Chris Kelly had a different take on Lucic, saying via CSNNE.com:

"I don't think he ever cried. I don't think he cried as a baby. He came out an angry baby. He came out with an attitude."

"We'll Win Tonight"

Mark Messier's bold guarantee that the Rangers would win Game 6 against the Devils in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals was great idea and he delivered by scoring a hat trick to help his team force a Game 7.