Quote Me, Howie: Norm Maciver, Mike Randolph, Daniel Fanning, Fred Friedman

Chicago Blackhawks associate general manager Norm Maciver on Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, who tied Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL career goals record of 894 with two goals in a 5-3 win over the Blackhawks on Friday night before a sellout crowd of 18,573 at Capital One Arena – "The atmosphere in the arena was like a Stanley Cup finals game 7. It's pretty incredible what he has done to get to this point. Glad he didn’t break the record against us."

Mike Randolph, Minnesota prep boys hockey's coaching career wins leader (727), on Ovechkin's record chase – "Ovey’s record is unbelievable. But (Sidney) Crosby’s 20th year of averaging a point per game should be getting the same attention. Two great players that don’t come around very often."

On the Houston-Florida NCAA men's basketball final on Monday night:

Daniel Fanning – "It’s an exciting time for basketball fans as the Timberwolves make a strong NBA playoff push, South Carolina and UConn will face off for the women’s college basketball championship on Sunday afternoon, and Houston and Florida will battle for what should be an electric men’s college basketball championship game on Monday. The Florida Gators and Houston Cougars are both coming off gritty comeback victories in the Saturday’s games, both showing incredible resiliency and toughness. The high energy Gators already had one of the best offenses in the game, and have improved defensively. Houston has long been known for their elite defense, and have improved on offense. Both teams are well-coached and have impressive talent on both ends of the court. I’d usually say defense wins championships which may favor Houston, but in this case I think the Gators’ Walter Clayton Jr. is just too talented and is so well-poised. I predict Clayton and the Gators will rise to the occasion and lead Florida to victory." 

Fred Friedman, on the Houston-Duke semifinal – "In the end 22- and 23-year-olds applied their experience and maturity to defeat much younger players who possessed better talent, but Houston made better decisions. Not getting the ball in bounds is pretty inexcusable. One field goal in the last 10 minutes and missing the front ends of one-and-ones produce losses. So many close tournament games are won and lost at the free throw line."