The Washington Capitals held a partial practice on Monday following their 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Islanders Sunday afternoon. Head coach Todd Reirden met with the media early Monday afternoon following the practice.
Reirden said he felt he was going to get the best out of the team on Tuesday night.
Reirden: “It’s going to be our best effort of the year tomorrow … I believe in them.”
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) August 17, 2020
Reirden said he saw a little bit more of the Capitals style of play (in Game 3), and said that means putting together the best lineup for a win.
Reirden on the #ALLCAPS comeback mentality:
“It’s about creating belief and having belief and as a teammate, having belief in the guy next to you… that’s the key for us, to have that belief that it can be done.”
— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) August 17, 2020
He also voiced his satisfaction and confidence in Braden Holtby.
Reirden says it’s been impressive to see how Holtby’s developed over the years.
“I have the utmost confidence and trust that tomorrow will be his best game.”#ALLCAPS
— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) August 17, 2020
As noted, the Capitals did not have a full practice today, but Nicklas Backstrom did skate today with the extras.
Reirden added that he needs to see how Backstrom, who is in the concussion protocol, fared today and proceed from there. It’s possible Reirden will have another update tomorrow morning. The Capitals will hold a morning skate tomorrow morning before Game 4 on Tuesday night.
Lars Eller also met with the media this afternoon. Eller said a challenge presents itself in not thinking ahead, but it’s an important mentality for the team.
“It only comes down to what’s right in front of you… win your next battle. It’s a steep mountain to climb if you look at it as anything other than that.”
Eller also said he was suffering from cramps in Game 3.
Eller started to get cramps toward the end of Game 2 against the #Isles. Says his body kind of quit on him and he could only play 15-20 second shifts.
Says he feels good now and likes the Caps’ chances in Game 4.
“I have no doubt in my mind we can [win].”#ALLCAPS
— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) August 17, 2020
Eller said the Capitals spent time together last night and shared some laughs and good times and they are ready to bounce back.”
“After game everhbody’s down. [Game 3] is a tough loss to swallow… I think we have the ability to overcome it quickly.”
Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is set for Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET.
