On being named a 2008 All-Star: "I knew I had a chance [to make the all-star team], but I haven't played probably the best I can play. I can't say I'm surprised, but I know I can play better, too. It's a great honor every time."
On his first All-Star experience: "The first time, I was nervous and just checking out to see who was there. You sit in the room with all the stars, (it's) kind of a weird feeling. There are so many things going on at the same time. The first time it's checking over the shoulder, who's that guy? My first time, it was (players like Mike) Modano, (Joe) Sakic, (Peter) Forsberg ..."
On wearing earplugs, a habit he picked up while performing compulsory military service in Finland at 18: "I wouldn't get back to [the barracks] until 10 o'clock and there was 12 guys sleeping already, (and probably snoring). I had to get some sleep somehow and I got used to the earplugs. Since that army time, I can't get rid of them. Even if I'm by myself, I still need them. It's just mental."
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