Alex Ovechkin believes the Caps will tie the series in Columbus and play a Game Five in Washington

By Ian Oland On April 16, 2018  89 Comments

In the locker room after Game Two, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin spoke quietly after his team’s second consecutive loss in overtime to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ovechkin seemed unsure how to explain the Caps latest playoff collapse.

“Obviously.. we have opportunity to finish it up and we didn’t,” Ovechkin said after tallying two power-play goals. “Two games in a row. But I think we played a solid game. We just didn’t win.”

The Capitals took an early 2-0 lead for the second consecutive game only to surrender the lead late and fall in overtime.

During that short scrum with the media, Ovechkin eventually found the same dogged perseverance and the I’m not going down like this spirit that has made him one of the NHL’s all-time greatest players.

Video

Ovechkin’s comments begin at the 42-second mark.

A reporter suggested that the stats said the Capitals dominated. The Capitals recorded 52 shots in regulation – marking the most regulation shots in a home playoff game and the second-most shots in franchise history (54 shots, April 26 at Montreal Canadiens).

“It happens. It’s hard,” Ovechkin said. “You right now in hard position, but…,” Ovechkin trailed off.

Then he said this.

“It’s going to be fun when we bounce back and gonna tie the series and come back here and play Game Five at home.”

Ovechkin’s comments weren’t necessarily a guarantee, but an optimistic belief moving forward. During the 2015 postseason, Ovechkin shared the same type of comments heading into a Game Seven against the New York Rangers.

“We’re going to come back and win the series,” Ovechkin said. “We’re going to play our game, and we’re going to come back and we’re going to play Montreal or Tampa.”

The Capitals lost 2-1 in overtime.

During Barry Trotz’s postgame press conference, the coach shared that he has “a lot of belief in this group.” “Excited” to play in Columbus, Trotz has confidence the Metropolitan Division winners can make some noise in Ohio during Game Three, Tuesday night.

“This experience allows us to grow,” Barry Trotz said. “Right now, we’re sitting here two in a hole, but at the same time, your group has an opportunity to grow, fight their way back. There’s a lot of character in our room – that’s one of the thing about our team that is under appreciated sometimes: our group has a lot of fight in it. We’re not going away. We’re going to be around. You’re going to see us dig in. You’re going to see us fight. You’re going to see us make something happen here.”

Full Coverage of Game Two

Headline photo: @Capitals



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  • Jared

    I believed in Santa Clause until I was 25.

  • BillyBones

    Believe it or not, this can easily happen folks. The Caps lost because they let the Jackets crawl back when they were up by 2 goals in both games. They were actually dominant and funny enough, it wasn’t because of a lack of offense that screwed the Caps. They 100% should have won with the goals they scored, it’s the defense, lack of discipline, and just some of the most novice of mistakes that just kept giving them a chance.

    The equivalent of a suprerior boxer putting down his hand and sticking out his chin against a guy that has a puncher’s chance. I predict the Caps dominate game 3.

  • TasteTheMeat

    I believe he believes that.

  • Lindsey

    I love this man. I also believe that if he and Backstrom put their minds to it, they can carry the team a bit further in this series, even if they have to throw the entire team on their backs to do it.

  • BazingaBrad

    He’s the captain, he damn well better believe that. And I hope he’s right. Just don’t expect all us over here to hold our breath. If they put up a really solid win in game 3 I think anything is possible, but can’t count your chickens before they hatch, especially with the caps.

  • TasteTheMeat

    Can I jump on your optimism ship?, mines taking on water.

  • BazingaBrad

    I sincerely hope you are right good sir. And I must admit I’d rather lose games in OT than be like the flyers and let up 5+ goals every other game

  • Jabronie

    World Championships calling his name.

  • Bilal Siddiqui

    Two things that give me some semblance of hope heading into game 3:
    1) The Caps mistakes are correctable (quit taking stupid penalties, quit benching the best players).
    2) Holtby is in net (if we had gotten just a decent performance in net, we’d be up 2-0).

    But it’s the Caps and I fully expect them to get territoriality dominated in game 3.

  • Jon Stickel

    Holtz being Hotlz plus discipline should make this possible.

  • Zprime

    God bless ya Ov

  • GuyInNoVA

    I am not sure he believes that, but it is his responsibility to say such things.

    Take your pick on if you would rather have false optimism or honest pessimism.

    It would be easier to believe him if the Capitals had a history of success. Either way, I’ll be tuned in cheering them on come Tuesday.

  • capsyear

    That’s a great analogy, this team clearly has more talent than CBJ, we just need to find that killer mentality. Maybe the team needs to watch highlights from game 6 last year vs the pens and that one game vs the flyers where we won like 7-1, those are the two games I vividly remember where we dominated start to finish in the playoffs.

  • GuyInNoVA

    Has trotz done something to convince you he will play the best players?

    Many seem to have their doubts…

  • Articulation

    I also don’t think the Caps played badly. Good enough certainly to have taken a split to Columbus. Certainly, we didn’t help our cause, which is probably what stings the most.

    The comeback certainly COULD happen. As I mentioned somewhere else, if it couldn’t, then why bother with the games? Statistics are not on Caps’ side… I think 0-2 comebacks to win a series happen about 13% of the time. Still, this is a sizable percentage. Being realistic, we should recognize that we have most likely lost the series; however, that does not preclude the possibility of a comeback. Don’t think of it like we gotta win 4 out of 5. Gotta stick to 1 game at a time. 2-1 would look a hell of a lot better than 2-0, no? On the other hand, 3-0 is pretty ominous.

    We gotta win 1 game.

  • Eggbert

    I would like to believe it but nothing so far says, Wow…this is a different Caps team!! Same stuff as every other year. This time next week some guys are on the beach, others back in Russia, and some others playing golf. We will all still be here, hoping next year might be different.

  • GuyInNoVA

    At least we are all familiar with our respective roles.

  • Lucas

    I’m glad he believes, if he said otherwise i would be concerned. Messier he is not, his “guarentees” i believe have a playoff losing record so while I am happy he believes, i’m gonna need to see results before my faith is sorta replenished.

  • Ned Flanderstark Jr.

    How old were you when did you stop believing on Ovechkin?
    (you set em up…)

  • Eggbert

    Anyone notice that every team that is “supposed” to be winning their series so far…IS…except one.

  • Articulation

    The best flavor is optimism with a pinch of realism. To go and say “we will probably lose this series” is a defeatist approach which is simply unacceptable in these circumstances. “Honest pessimism” really has no place here, so let’s go for the false optimism.

  • BillyBones

    It’s crazy how good the jackets played away, they were barely above .500 on the road. I’m a little worried that the Caps messed up big time by letting the Jackets steal 2 games. They will def be much harder and I wouldn’t be surprised if they got a 2 goal lead on the Caps.

    However I think the Caps are in desperation mode and can prevail in game 3. Kinda like how dominate they were in game 6 against the Pens. Now game 4 is another matter. I have a whole lot of worries for that game. Both teams need to win that game and I feel it’ll be a heart breaker like game 2.

  • BurgerMemnon

    Nobody could ever accuse Alex Ovechkin of having low confidence.

    “Who’s the hardest player to knock off the puck?” “Me.”
    “Who has the best shot in the league?” “Me.”
    And my personal favorite – “What’s your NHL 15 rating?” “100.”

  • BurgerMemnon

    Like it or not, the Capitals play their best hockey after they play their worst hockey. Maybe for once it will pay off. Hopefully my heart can take it.

  • BillyBones

    Caps were down 2-0 against the Pens last year as well and they battled back to force a game 7. These Jackets ARE NOT the Penguins. Now, I think the Caps can win this because they are DEF the better team. I live in SJ , after seeing the Sharks blow a 3-0 series lead against the Kings, I will never doubt a team’s ability to fight back.

  • Articulation

    Hell, Jackets could outshoot caps 40-20 in G3 and caps could walk away with a win. You just never know. So we watch & hope.

  • Articulation

    Yes and I think in 09 we were UP 2-0 on the Pens, and they came back & won. I am definitely not doubting the Caps’ ability to come back. TBH, I think the home ice might have hurt us more than it helped. There’s a lot of pressure for a home team to hold serve. In the early stages of a series, it can work against you. Sometimes the best cure is to go on the road, play tight as a team and not make any fancy plays, and try to get the better of your opponent in their barn. I’m staying positive and looking for 1 win. There’s a lot of work to do, but the Jackets are only 50% of the way to the next round. There’s a lot of work left for them to do too.

  • Articulation

    Whoever is winning, they haven’t won yet.

    …But it would be sad if all the higher seeds advanced except us.

  • Nathan Olmstead

    Would be a blow to my bracket, for sure.

  • jsmith

    What are they waiting for? I’d say now’s the time.jj

  • John

    If I’m being realistic, I think the Jackets are taking this in 6. I can totally see the Caps splitting games 3 and 4 up in Lumbus, winning game 5 to give us all hope, and then laying an egg in game 6 and losing, probably in overtime.

    If we start playing to our full potential and capitalizing on some of these opportunities we’ve been getting though, I think we can make this a series again. Don’t know how likely that is after last night’s debacle, but the Caps have had a knack for clawing their way back into a playoff series in recent past. Hasn’t always led to a series victory, though.

    I won’t write them off yet, but the Caps need to play some of their best hockey to get it done.

  • Juice9708

    In Holtby, we must believe
    With Ovi in our hearts
    Backstrom and The Boys
    Will carry us into the Holy Land
    In Lord Stanley’s Grace
    We shall take our place

    Amen,

  • Capsnos

    All I have to say is,
    I
    I believe
    I believe that
    I believe that we will win.
    I believe that we will win.
    We still alive. We dead when we dead. But shit aint now. Lets go. F this shit. Fight!

  • Matt McNeely

    I won’t be getting my hopes up.

  • Marks Eric

    “This experience allows us to grow,” …..Ok Barry, when the hell are you going to grow? Try coaching and making adjustments IN-GAME (not after the game). Also, stop playing DSP, Chiasson and limit Orpik to as little play as possible. Your coaching has been deplorable thus far and is just as much responsible for this horrendous start to the 2018 playoffs.

  • Francesca Contento

    Yes, alot of shots on net. But most of them at the goalie. I don’t see our guys intercepting passes, going down the middle of the ice or doing a one on one against the goalie to try to score. Neither have I noticed any attempted wrap arounds or outskating the opposing team to negate the icing. Ovi seems content to hang in the background and wait for set ups for one timers. He is better than that. And it seems that the opposing defense has figured out how to handcuff him. Different coaches, and same results. Can’t blame GM either. Perhaps it is time to bring a real warrior to the team — Erik Karlsson. This guy does defense, can score and plays hard even while injured and barely being able to skate. He would be the perfect addition to Ovi, Backstrom, and the rest of the team. Until the Capitals adopt the mindset, winning is everything, I fear we will get the same results year after year.

  • Chad Davis

    So true! Ted Leonsis owes us all a free cardiologist exam.

  • Marks Eric

    Can’t blame the GM? GM Costanza barely did anything at the deadline. Columbus improved DRASTICALLY at the trade deadline. Their power play is scoring at greater than 25% since the deadline. Our penalty kill has to be -50% with the lineups they are assembling out there. Not to mention, he has placed players out there that don’t have the mental toughness to compete in the playoffs. Regular Season or 3 on 3 OT (Fool’s gold for the Caps fans) doesn’t mean crap and this franchise know that better than anyone.

  • Caps fan

    Ovechkin once again prove he doesn’t know how to be an adequate captain. “It’s all good we got this” is the wrong thing to say. The team didn’t play well, and his casual attitude will once again prove to be the downfall of this team. The Caps need a captain that knows when it is time to improve and doesn’t hesitate to shake his teammates.

  • William McIntyre

    I watched the beginning of Trotz’ postgame press conference and he started out by talking about all the good things about the game, and how the team had played well at certain spots, which sort of rubbed me the wrong way.

  • Golly Girl

    I wonder if there’s ever been an instance of honest pessimism from any athlete in this situation (ignoring any who are already disgruntled & asking for a trade). They might be thinking it, but I don’t think they’d ever say it to the media/public.

  • GuyInNoVA

    I could deal better with something along the lines of, “I thought we played well for the better parts of two games, but didn’t play the whole game and as a result we lost. We are professionals and recognize what happened, and we are working to fix the problem.”

    I think that is a truthful statement, that doesn’t make a promise that is impossible to make, nor does it signal that are rolling over and giving up.

    Tune in Tuesday and maybe we win the next go round.

  • Caps Fan

    Trotz is also to blame, but to a lesser extent. This debacle is cultural, and we don’t call the past decade “the Ovi era” for no reason.

  • John

    Is there an NHL sized outdoor arena in Columbus? Asking for a friend.

  • John

    His guarantees having a losing record has ZERO to do with him.

  • GuyInNoVA

    Just in Columbus or everywhere for every game the Capitals play?

  • B2b91921617

    6 out of 7 games, actually

  • John

    Everywhere from now until the end of June.

  • B2b91921617

    right. if one guy could do it all on his own, the caps would have won the cup already. but they can’t. neither should one man’s guarantee carry much weight (especially given the history, which I believe is Lucas’ point). that said, ovi played like a man on fire in game 2 – so I do agree the caps position in this series has little to do with him.

  • GuyInNoVA

    It is more than just the “Ovechkin era”.

    The entire history of the organization has been one of disappointment. ZERO good seasons.

  • GuyInNoVA

    He played a fantastic game 2.

    In my opinion he was largely a no show the first go round.

  • B2b91921617

    fair point. 0’s across the scoresheet in game 1 isn’t great. but if he shows up like he did in game 2, he has zero to hang his head about.

  • Articulation

    Those canned comments wouldn’t give the reporters nearly enough to write about

  • Marks Eric

    I hope Caps are watching Preds/Avalanche game in hotel right now….Columbus is going to come out swinging with that same intensity.

    Caps need to weather this type of storm from the home team tomorrow. Holtby making some big saves will go a long way in silencing them.

  • GuyInNoVA

    My preference would be for a more even distribution of effort.

    I realize that results will differ based on a lot of factors.

    The common complaint after game one was him coasting to the bench instead of skating hard and allowing his replacement to get on ice faster.

    ZERO excuse for this from a professional, let alone the team Captain.

  • B2b91921617

    that was shocking to see, i agree.

  • B2b91921617

    different sport, but since you said ‘athlete’ one instance that jumps to mind is ben roethlisberger after throwing 5 INTs agianst the jags in the regular season. he was skewered by the media, including his own hometown writers – and his reponse was finally, “maybe I don’t have it anymore.”

    granted, i think that was somewhat tongue-in-cheek… but if the reporters have already written their stories, why fight it?

  • GuyInNoVA

    I care for reporters as little as I do politicians.

    They should write on what they OBSERVE. Depending on which city they are writing for, they should cite stats to show chances of winning and those that support the local team the best.

    In the age of twitter, if a sports reporter is depending on a player to makes stupid and outrageous claims, they are really not needed. The fans can just follow the team and hear what they want to hear unfiltered.

  • B2b91921617

    well said

  • John

    Actually, except 2. Anaheim is in the same position the Caps are. They lost the first 2 at home to the Sharks.

  • Caps fan

    This is true. But with Ovechkin, the team nas reached unprecedented regular season success, making the failures even worse.

  • GuyInNoVA

    In other news, it was good to see Johnasson return to the Devils after missing almost half a season because of Marchand’s dirty play.

    Marchand is already on the list of bad people to whom I want to see bad things happen.

  • Pie face McKenzie

    Nick needs to stop shooting the puck at the goalie.

    He had a lot of great chances last night.

  • Steven Lemmeyer

    Is it just me or is this year (and even last Loffs) the Caps have shied away from blocking shots? I still remember 2 years ago the level of physicality and “playoff style” hockey we played with….I truly thought we were going to the finals that year before that heartbreaking OT goal to finish us off. But the past two seasons they seem totally different in approach.

  • Steven Lemmeyer
  • Peter Anthan

    Good goaltending = win. Bad goaltending = lose. It’s really as simple as that. Grubi sucked in both games, Bob was good. We’ll see if Holts is out of his late season funk or not. If not, say goodnight, Gracie.

  • Funployee

    Fool me once… fool me 9 times…

    (plz don’t hurt me again caps)

  • GuyInNoVA

    Not a goal scorer.

  • Lucas

    Where did i say it was his fault? If you need a ride and i tell you i will pick you up but my car keeps breaking down, next time i tell you i will give you a ride, think you will be a little suspect?

    If you read my other posts i have been very clear ovie is a great player but this group ie this car, is breaking down everytime.

  • Skook Girl

    I just want to hug Ovi and buy him an ice cream unicorn pony. I need this kind of magical optimism in my life.

  • Articulation

    I agree but there is not much of a choice. Even Torts gave up fighting them all the time. As they say, “the rebels one day will go quiet”

  • sdeblasis

    What’s up SJ cap!

  • Lucas

    This. I am always amazed when i see the response “its not his fault because he did well.” Maybe i misread ovie’s comments but my take of these comments and his historical ones was that he wasnt guaranteeing that he was going to work his butt off, that he would score goals, etc, he as a leader was/is saying “i am guarenteeing as the captain that my team will win.” Part of being a leader is taking responsibility for a team’s wins and loses regardless of whether your individual performance is the reason for said win or loss.

  • SURFWEASEL

    and got rolled last night in SJ

  • SURFWEASEL
  • SURFWEASEL

    “You’ll love it at Lindsay, Lindsay Lexus dot com”

  • this is the dumbest set of comments on the entire internet.

  • Eric B.

    Enough talk.
    They either do it, or they are golfing within a fortnight.
    …and while we’re at it, can we *please* stop with the “Caps post-season accomplishments” garbage? Here’s a hot take: they don’t have any.
    I don’t care how many goals Ovi has in the playoffs. Don’t care about Carlson’s assists or Holtby’s save percentage.
    Great… they won the popular vote, but lost the electoral college. Move on.
    Here’s a John Madden-esque hot take: the only stat that matters is wins in a series. You have to have more than your opponent.
    The Pens don’t congratulate themselves on their mediocrity after a loss, and we shouldn’t either. They find a way to win.
    Words < Deeds.

  • Cole Hogan

    I heard Tarek El Bashir on The Fan this morning. He’s got Caps in 7.
    His confidence gives me confidence.

  • Mark Keller

    Sports reporters are not meant to “support” any team they are covering. They will usually cover the game from the angle of the team they are covering, but it should never be construed as support for that team.

  • Dave

    Funnily enough, that’s one thing Orpik shines at. He certainly isn’t afraid to get in front of a puck

  • Earl Roy

    “This experience allows us to grow.” –Trotz

    Keep it up and you will grow yourself right out of the playoffs and a job.

  • Shakes

    Huh? On the ‘delusional homer scale’ Tarik comes in a close 2nd to Laughlin (aka Joe Theisman on skates).

    Comments like that be like a little boy whistling in the dark to help curb his terror.

  • Shakes

    This shit is over. Caps have played well and Columbus hasn’t and we are still down 2. Dumb penalties and crucial coverage errors got them there. 100% Columbus is going to play better at home so now Caps are forced to be perfect to win. They may win a couple games but the chances of these knuckleheads being flawless for 4 out of 5 games is zero to none.

    Fore!

  • Cole Hogan

    okay.

  • raccoon

    Someone on this team needs a pair of balls and want to win as much as other teams I have seen so far in these playoffs do.

  • Bturner
  • Eric Holmes

    Caps have no one like Panarin, though. CBJ doesn’t have anyone like Ovi though.

  • Mike Collins

    Stick a fork in ’em. They’re done.