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Pens' Adams: Win Over Chicago Was A 'Measuring Stick Game'

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan)- Pittsburgh Penguins forward Craig Adams joined "The Cook and Poni Show" on Tuesday to look back at a great win over the Chicago Blackhawks before taking the ice tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Adams told the guys that Sunday night was a big game for this team after getting smacked pretty good against the Blackhawks in the outdoor game a few weeks ago.

"It was a good measuring stick for us," Adams said. "We wanted to see how we stacked up and it was good to come out with a win."

Adams told the guys that the Pens were more physical in this game, but they were good in other parts of the game as well.

He didn't feel that the Brooks Orpik hit on Jonathan Toews caused much of a retaliation effort, but rather than that they chose to respond by playing a more spirited game on the ice and it showed in the third period.

Much has been discussed over the past few weeks about some of the Penguins' stars maybe needing a rest. Adams is one that doesn't want a day off and it has nothing to do with his long playing streak.

"Being in the lineup is a privilege and not something to take for granted," Adams said.

He added that there is not a player on this team that doesn't want to be in the lineup every night.

One of those players who could be returning to the Pens' lineup soon is defenseman Paul Martin, who returned to practice yesterday and could be back in a game by the weekend.

"We miss him," Adams said. "To see him back out there yesterday and today going though a regular practice is great."

Adams said he will be welcomed back with open arms because he is a big piece to their hopes going forward.

The Pens will face a non-playoff hopeful team tonight when they host the Carolina Hurricanes. As this team tries to gear up for the playoffs, Adams says every game is big.

"We have no right to be complacent with the way we have played the last couple of months," Adams said. "We have had a couple of good games in a row and we hope to build on that."

Listen to the full interview here:

Craig Adams

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