If there is a word to describe what Coon Rapids coach Jessica Christopherson likes best about her team of late, it is resiliency.

And the player who best personifies this attribute is junior forward Addie Rust. Known for playing well on both ends of the ice, Rust nevertheless spent much of the season frustrated by her lack of scoring.

A more relaxed approach helped her score five of her eight goals in the Cardinals' past four games. Rust's rebound goal in overtime last Saturday against Blaine secured a 4-3 comeback victory.

"She's starting to bang in those types of goals and those are the goals we haven't been scoring," Christopherson said.

And with the section playoffs fast approaching, the eighth-ranked Cardinals (17-5) will need Rust's scoring prowess around the net if they hope to make good on their state tournament aspirations.

Rust spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about playing well on both ends of the ice, her recent goal scoring binge and a helpful players-only meeting.

Q Coach really appreciates how well you play in the offensive and defensive zones. Has being a complete player always been your focus?
A Ever since I made varsity as an eighth-grader it's been like that. Our old coach made the center play like a third defenseman, so that's where it started. I worry more about the defensive zone because if they can't score they can't win.

Q The Blaine game was played outside at Phalen Recreation Center in St. Paul. How long did it take you to get used to the conditions?
A It was weird in warm-ups because the pucks don't really bounce off the wooden boards. But it wasn't really cold. I actually was warmer than I usually am playing inside because I wore an extra layer.

Q Take me through your goal in overtime.
A We were on a power play. Rachael [Bona] shot from the point and the puck ended up behind their net. Then Brenna Paskey kind of flipped the puck, it hit the goalie's back and was kind of laying there about five inches from the goal line. I just knocked it in.

Q Blaine won the first game against you this season and you were down 2-0 in the first period on Saturday. What did this team get from its comeback victory?
A We had a team meeting recently and made it our goal to win our last five games, win the conference and stay on a roll going into sections. So this game helped us get closer to our goal.

Q Who called the team meeting?
A The captains called it. It was just for players. We met after the Anoka loss [Jan. 22] and said the rest of the season was our marathon and it started now.

Q Speaking of getting on a roll, talk about all the goals you've been scoring the past few games.
A I think I was putting too much pressure on myself before. Now I'm not even thinking about it. I guess I've been a little lucky to be in the right place at the right time to get a lot rebound goals.

Q So are you OK being known for garbage goals?
A I'm fine with it. A goal is a goal – especially in the playoffs.