"I just think we're not in sync... couple that with untimely breakdowns. That's a recipe for disaster," Capitals defenseman John Carlson said.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are in a tough spot as their losing streak hit six games in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.
Here's what John Carlson, Hendrix Lapierre and more had to say following the defeat, which keeps them out of a playoff spot.
John Carlson
On what's not clicking: "I just think we're not in sync. We're just a little bit off on a lot of certain plays, whether they're big plays or small plays and couple that with untimely breakdowns. That's a recipe for disaster."
On the loss: "We just need to play better. I don't think we're firing on all cylinders like we were there for a little bit. Too many turnovers, too many mistakes that we shouldn't be making and giving teams more life than they deserve or need."
Hendrix Lapierre
On getting back to their identity and playing for each other: "I think this group still believes, which is the most fun thing. Everyone's there for each other. The attitude, the mindset's good, we just haven't been able to find a way. We've got to be there for each other. If a teammate makes a bad or a good play, you've got to be there for them and they'll be there for you. It's all right, we'll learn from it and we'll be ready to go."
On generating more offense: "There's a fine line between trying to create offense and doing risky plays or whatever it might be. Obviously, we've got to manage the puck a little better. As this level, if you don't manage it, other teams will make you pay. The foundation of hockey is putting pucks deep and working and tiring the other team, and I feel like sometimes, even myself, I think everyone just tries to maybe overcomplicate it a little bit. But when you think about it, it's a pretty simple game and you've just got to bring it every time. Obviously, there's instincts that kick in, you think you have a little bit of time, you try to make a play. It's a quick game. Sometimes it won't work. ... We can be better with our puck management, so we'll figure that out and we'll be good to go."
Aliaksei Protas
On the frustration of the loss: “Yeah, I mean it’s pretty tough. It’s hard to win in this league when you’re not playing your best full 60, especially in the situation we’re in right now. We gotta learn from that, we got our biggest games of the year coming up right now and we have to learn from that and be ready next game.”
On missing out on two points: “Yeah, again like I said it’s hard. You have to compete full 60 minutes, be on the same page together,, especially when it’s like a couple games left in the season. It’s tough but we have to stick together in it, you know? We’re in tough situation right now and think only way to get out from there is to be together, stay together, support each other and we’ll find a way right now, I think.”