Capitals’ Nic Dowd on First Game Coming Off of COVID-19 Protocol: “My Body Just Was Still Feeling The Effects Of The Virus…It Made For A Challenging Game”

On Tuesday, Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd spoke to the media following today’s practice. He discussed how the team is anticipating playing again after COVID-19 issues around the league forced game postponements, and how he felt coming off the protocol.

Dowd said he had a good holiday break but is looking forward to getting back into action. “It’s been a long, long month of December. It’s been tough to get back into shape…ups and downs, breaks, COVID, injuries…it’ll be nice now to be done with it.”

The team made numerous roster moves on Monday in reaction to six players getting placed on COVID-19 protocol. Dowd mentioned that players are stepping up and filling roles during crazy and ever-changing times “At times, guys are leaned on to play different minutes. But I think our team has done a really good job of fighting through that and finding ways to win hockey games,” he said.

Dowd was also asked what it was like coming off of the protocol. “Personally, my first game versus Chicago was really tough. I just didn’t feel like myself and [it] wasn’t so much that I hadn’t played hockey…it was just for whatever reason my body just was still feeling the effects of the virus and yeah, it made for a challenging game.”

He said he “felt much better” in the 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on December 19, but felt a “hockey-related tiredness” in that game. “I felt really good in the first—you start out with good energy and by the second and third you just feel tired,” he said, adding that “what you’re lacking is endurance” in all three periods.

At times, guys are leaned on to play different minutes. But I think our team has done a really good job of fighting through that and finding ways to win hockey games.”

Nic Dowd after today’s practice.#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/hf35C4v0xF

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2021