PHOTO: DANIEL STILLER / BILDBYRÅN
Henrik Lundqvist is settling in with his new team.
The Capitals new netminder completed his first set of informal workouts at MedStar Capitals Iceplex last week, and was pleased with how things went.
“It has been very new, it feels a little special. But it is also very inspiring. I already enjoy both the players and the organization. And hockey-wise it has gone well, both physically and mentally. I feel refreshed,” he told Aftonbladet.
All eyes on the new guy.#ALLCAPS | @edowdc pic.twitter.com/UtlZqnQCb3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 23, 2020
Lundqvist also believes it’s been easier getting around DC, compared to his time in New York City.
“I think it’s easier, and above all, faster, in DC than in New York. And the training facility, which I really like, is not that difficult to find.”
Lundqvist is currently back in New York, where his daughters still go to school and where the family will continue to have their base, but he will soon return to the Washington for his next series of informal workouts with parts of the new team.
“We are only around ten who are training together right now. Many are still scattered around the world waiting to be told what is happening and when we will start playing again. So far, only those who live in Washington all year round, or have children in schools in the city, participate in the training.”
While in town last week, Lundqvist and his family stayed with the Hagelin family.
“Yes, most recently we, the whole family, stayed at Hagelins’ home. Very Nice. We played together in New York for several years and he is the same, “Hagge”. He’s still flying on the ice, he has that speed. But as I said, I also know “Bäcky” well. It’s fun to train and hang out with him. Overall, I like the guys I have met so far, it feels like a really nice group of players.”
Due to the covid pandemic, the training – even the informal skates that take place in MedStar Capital’s Iceplex – takes place under very special circumstances.
“It’s kind of like during the playoffs this summer. We are practically in a bubble. Only we players and those who work in the arena can be on site and we are tested every other day,” said Lundqvist.
For now, Lundqvist and the Capitals continue to prepare and wait and see when the season will actually start.
“Well, I do not know. It is clear that it would be best if there was a clear date to aim for, but now it is like this. It is the same for everyone, not just in the sports world. This has become the year when you have to wait and see. So for now, it feels like it’s just driving as hard as it can.”
By Jon Sorensen
