As the Washington Capitals touch down in California for the first time this season, they're looking to leave behind a tough recent habit behind in D.C., as they want to get their starts under better control.
Over the past few games, Washington has struggled in the first period, surrendering the first goal and trailing early in the last two games and five of the last seven overall, while also surrendering numerous shots and high-quality chances and spending too much time in the defensive zone.
"All four lines kind of was sleepy (last game)," Alex Ovechkin pointed out. "The first shift in the second period kind of wake us up."
The Capitals have won four straight games after busting out of their first three-game slide of the season, and though they've found ways to turn it on later in the game and secure two points, they know it's not sustainable.
"We have a lot to work on," John Carlson pointed out. "There's a lot of good character stuff... (but) our starts the last few could be a lot better."
Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin Approaching Final Push For Record With Humblenss: 'Why You Have To Be Selfish?'
WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin stanes in the corner of the Washington Capitals locker room, looking down and shaking his head as teammate John Carlson raves to reporters about his final push to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.
When it comes to fixing those starts, Carlson said it comes down to simplifying and makng tweaks to the system, while not falling into familiar patterns.
"You can only talk about it so long, you just have to go out there and do it," Carlson said. "Whether it's changing up your preparation, starting different people, whatever it is, we're all looking to change it."
The Capitals kick off their three-game road swing on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks.