Photo: @Capitals

It was another tough loss to swallow on Sunday afternoon as the Washington Capitals fell 2-1 in overtime to the New York Islanders in Game 3 in the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. In our new “After Puck Drop” series, we’ll be taking a look at the postgame comments from players and head coach Todd Reirden.

Alex Ovechkin

The Capitals have only scored five goals in these last three games against the Islanders. Captain Alex Ovechkin said the team had chances to generate offense but it “wasn’t enough”. “Obviously, we’re down 3-0, but you just have to move on. I know it’s a hard situation, but it’s not over yet.”

Tom Wilson

Forward Tom Wilson knows Game 4 on Tuesday will be the most critical game of the series. He said the team needs to “get the first game and see where it takes us”. “Obviously our backs are against the wall, but it starts with one,” Wilson said. He expects players to step up, adding, that “it’s time to play together or we’ll be out”.

Todd Reirden

Reirden says the most important thing right now is “getting one win…and moving forward” and that’s what the team is focused on. Although the Capitals have done well on the power-play and penalty kill, Reirden stressed the team must stay on five-on-five play longer and avoid minor penalties. He also mentioned that puck possession and playing a “physical forechecking game” are going to be the keys for better offensive play. Reirden called center Nicklas Backstrom’s (concussion protocol) absence “difficult” but reiterated the Capitals need to “overcome that and find solutions”.

Game 4 is Tuesday with an 8 PM ET puck drop. Action from Toronto can be seen on NBC Sports Washington and NBCSN. The Islanders lead the series 3-0.

By Della Young