Photo: @Capitals
As the Washington Capitals wrapped up their morning skate on Monday, Alex Ovechkin spoke to the media prior to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time all playoffs, the Capitals are on the brink of elimination and even though this is the furthest Ovechkin has gone during his career, he doesn’t want the ride to end.
“It’s two steps between you and the Stanley Cup Final,” said Ovechkin. “You just have to play your best. We can’t lose. They have an advantage right now but we have to win the game and go back to play a Game 7 in Tampa.”
While this is the first time the Capitals are on the brink of elimination, adversity is nothing new to this club. How they’ve gotten this far is overcoming their obstacles and looking forward.
“We don’t look back,” Ovechkin said. “We just look forward.”
Ovechkin stressed the importance of a strong start on Monday night. The Lightning did a good job of that in Game 5 scoring 19 seconds into the contest. That 1-0 lead quickly turned into a 3-0 deficit for the Capitals, making it harder to climb back in the game.
“(A good start is) Very important,” said Ovechkin. “We didn’t get the result last game because of that. I’m not say we were not sharper but i think you have to try to score first and let them open up some plays. We’ll see what happens tonight.”
Washington has yet to win a home game in this series. Their two wins in the Eastern Conference Final both came on the road. Ovechkin looks to deliver in front of the home crowd.
“Tonight is the night,” said Ovechkin.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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