Screencap: @Capitals

On Sunday, Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson spoke to the media following morning skate prior to tonight’s tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington). He discussed captain Alex Ovechkin’s fiery start this season and how players have stepped up in a time of adversity due to injuries.

On Ovechkin, Wilson said he “sees a guy so unique and probably the best I’ve ever seen.” “I’ve said it a few times this year—he becomes more and more motivated…one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever met.”

He also explained how Ovechkin’s work ethic and passion show in every game. “He’s a great leader and a heck of a goal-scorer,” Wilson said.

The Capitals are 8-2-4 after fourteen games, which is not too bad given the team has been dealing with injuries to several key players. “All our lines have been battling so hard and playing really hard and maybe it’s not flashy top-six style, but we’re getting the job done and we’re working as a team and that’s pretty cool to see when there’s adversity,” Wilson said.

“Your team finds a way to keep pushing forward… the young guys have done a great job, the veteran guys have done a great job…it’s been good the last couple games.”

The team picked up four points on their two-game road trip this past week. Wilson expressed how every guy has stepped up and chipped in. “It’s been a lot of fun, it’s been a grind…[a] lot of hard work that goes in when you have guys out, but it’s been fun to see the team rally together and we gotta keep it going…We got a lot of hockey left and we gotta keep playing sharp and executing the game plan.”

“We’re working as a team. And that’s pretty cool to see when stuff happens and there’s adversity and your team finds a way to keep pushing forward.”

Tom Wilson talks Ovi’s hot start to the season and overcoming injuries in the lineup.#CapsPens | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/UYXfXScaFS

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 14, 2021

By Della Young