Capitals Postgame: Mantha & Protas Explain Their Success, Team Optimistic Going Into Break

Here's what the Capitals had to say after a 2-1 shootout loss to the Lightning before the holiday break.

WASHINGTON — Despite a 2-1 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, there was a lot for the Washington Capitals to be happy about going into the holiday break.

Washington was able to overcome a slow start in order to extend its point streak to four games, 

"That's a really great game against a really good opponent. This game (shows) our character, character of our team, this is what we showed tonight... we played some real solid hockey," Aliaksei Protas said.

Washington got another strong showing from Anthony Mantha, who scored in regulation to help the team extend its point streak to five games.

Mantha now has five goals in his last eight games and 11 points in his last 13 games overall. He also hit the 10-goal mark in less than half the games it took him to get to that point last season.

When it comes to his hot streak, the 29-year-old said that a fresh start and new mindset have made all the difference following a productive offseason.

“I came in this year with a mentality to jump back on the train, and it was a hard year last year," Mantha reflected. "Was focused, was determined to step up this year and that’s what’s going on right now."

After starting the year as a healthy scratch, Mantha has become a staple on the top-6 alongside Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas, and he is also among the team's top goal scorers at even strength.

Protas is also a big reason for Mantha's success, and the 22-year-old had a lot to say after establishing a new career-high in points with an assist in the loss.

"Found a great chemistry just all around... Just hard work, that's what helps us," Protas added.

Overall, the team is happy with where it sits right now, as the Capitals have found ways to collect points and remain in Wild Card position.

"Yeah I think we dealt with some interesting things at times. We dealt with some injuries, some sickness, some guys out. I thought we've been some guys that have been playing really well, you know, that have stepped into different roles that haven't been there before. That's been great because you'll need that down the stretch... Obviously we'd love to win every game but I think we're doing a good job of staying pretty even."