It was a question he likely knew was coming, and it generated a curious answer sure to raise some eyebrows around these parts and elsewhere in the NHL.
With Paul Stastny back in town Tuesday to face the Winnipeg Jets for the first time since taking his talents to the Las Vegas Strip, coach Paul Maurice was asked how much his team misses the veteran centre this season.
"We don't," Maurice shot back immediately. After a brief pause — perhaps realizing just how those two words were going to play if they were left to stand alone — he added a bit of a disclaimer.