Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana told the media on Saturday that “I like [head coach Peter Laviolette’s system], it’s a high-tempo [one].” He does not mind the skating part of it and added that “we want to play fast.”

Since the 24-year-old had been speaking English since his early teenage years, he had “no problem” speaking English when he arrived in Washington. He has tried to learn Russian because goaltender Ilya Samsonov has talked to him in Russian but “communication is pretty good within the team.”

After recording no points and a -7 rating in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games last season, Vrana said his performance in the NHL bubble in Toronto last summer “wasn’t great.” He thought that “nothing went very well for us” but “you have to find a way [to tune it out].” Heading into this season, he thinks that he has “got to take most positive as [I] can” to move forward and get better.

“When I get my legs going, I can create a lot of chances offensively,” Vrana said. He likes the chemistry that he has with the Capitals’ other top-six forwards, his offensive game, and the way his defensive play is improving. Vrana felt like he was creating chances in the postseason last summer but “nothing went right for the team.”

By Harrison Brown