
Here's what the Capitals had to say after their 4-2 win over the Golden Knights.
WASHINGTON — Despite his superstar status and latest milestone placing him in exclusive company, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin downplayed hitting 700 career assists.
The Capitals captain, as he usually is with his historic feats, was thrilled to hit 700 with a two-assist night in the Capitals' 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, but stayed humble.
"When you play 20 years in hockey, I'm pretty sure you'll get the same number," he smiled. "Yeah, it's pretty big number. Nice to be in that company."
Ovechkin wasn't the only player to play a big part in the team's first win of the year; Logan Thompson stood on his head with a 24-save outing to defeat his former club in an emotional victory for him.
"It was kind of a long week for the family, so I think this game had a lot of meaning in a lot of different ways," Thompson said. "So I appreciate the guys coming out and working hard.”
The Capitals also got goals from Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun and Jakub Vrana, who made his return to the Washington lineup as he scored his first goal for the organization in over three and a half years.
"Yeah, it's been a while," Vrana said about his goal. "But at the same time, time goes pretty fast and I'm back here, so it feels great."
Here's more on what the Capitals had to say after the win, live from the locker room.
On his goal: "It felt great. You've got to give a lot of credit to Mang. That was a great forecheck, and he won that puck battle and he served it to me. Obviously, it's hockey: It was great timing, as well. He was good on the forecheck all game, and I'm happy that one went in."
On scoring his first goal in his season debut: "It felt amazing. Also to get the win here tonight was great, celebrate with the boys after the game. Great day."
On the fan support: "Amazing. They're showing a lot of support, and I really appreciate that. Yeah, they were awesome."
On the team win: “…It’s a great win to build off for our team. It’s our elite offense and elite defense, I think our guys came out and played an amazing game and I think it’s a step in the right direction.”
On the play in front of him: “The team came out working tonight. They were doing a good job boxing out and making my life really easy. Overall that’s just a great team win and a lot of positives to build off tonight.”