The Capitals bench boss didn't hold back when asked about his team having no representation at the upcoming international tournament.
The Capitals bench boss didn't hold back when asked about his team having no representation at the upcoming international tournament.
The Washington Capitals got a bit of surprising news on Wednesday, that despite their impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign that sees them sitting atop the Eastern Conference, they won't have any representation at the league's inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in February.
Dylan Strome, who is among the NHL's point leaders, as well as Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, John Carlson and Logan Thompson, who ranks second among Canadian goaltenders in save percentage this season (.913), were among those excluded from Team Canada and Team USA. Also, Rasmus Sandin, who leads all NHL blueliners in goals above replacement, was left off Team Sweden's roster.
For head coach Spencer Carbery, it was "disappointing to see" that his Capitals were one of just two teams (Seattle Kraken) to be excluded from the tournament.
"I thought we had several players that had strong arguments and cases to be part of the tournament and represent their countries," Carbery said. "I understand that my opinion is a little bit biased, but it’s one thing if you’re advocating for your players and you’re sitting at .500. We’re sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
"To not have one guy there is a little odd to me, especially with some of the seasons that guys are having and when they scouted so heavily and looked into the numbers and why (we've) had success so far this season, there’s a lot of players that we have that had strong cases."
While Carbery did note that his players could benefit from the time off to rejuvenate and prepare for the second half of the season, he believes his players would've preferred the chance to play for their countries.
“Maybe (rest is a good thing) if you start to get over the fact that they don’t get an opportunity to represent their country, which [for] guys — other than playing in the NHL and making the NHL and winning the Stanley Cup — is right there with that honor to represent your country," Carbery said. "The time off, it’s easy to say that now but I still think if I ever had that opportunity, I'd give up my whole summer to be able to do that. I don't think guys look at it that way but maybe we will at some point in the second half.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off takes place from Feb. 12 to 20.