News began to break just as Washington Capitals players were arriving at Capital One Arena for tonight’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. Defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway had been traded to the Boston Bruins for draft picks and forward Craig Smith.
“It’s sad. Great teammates, good friends, good players,” said captain Alex Ovechkin, following the Capitals 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. “That’s hard…it’s a business, it’s life, so I wish them luck and we have to move on.”
Ovechkin’s teammates echoed his sentiments. It’s a sad part of the business, but the team has to move on and try to win hockey games.
“It’s tough. That aspect of hockey is really hard,” said Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen. “Guys in this room, we go through all the highs and lows that is hockey. We’re like brothers in here. When you see guys no longer showing up in the locker room together, it’s definitely hard and it can be somewhat of a distraction. It’s part of the game, and it’s something you got to move on from.”
As noted, the timing of the trade came just before the start of tonight’s game against the Ducks. While the news may have come as a shock to the players, players agreed they still needed to win a hockey game.
”Obviously it’s sad to see. Two really great guys. Great guys in the room, great players, but that’s no excuse for what we did there.” said Trevor van Riemsdyk, referring to the Capitals 4-2 loss to the Ducks. “Obviously we’re gonna miss those guys, because they’re great people, great humans. Obviously that’s part of the business and its a sad part, and it is what it is, but that’s no excuse.”
Capitals bench boss Peter Laviolette was more direct in addressing the trades as a part of the business of hockey.
“I think it’s part of the business. That doesn’t mean it’s easier,” said Laviolette following the game. “I think it happens with all teams around the league. It’s part of the business of the game. I think the guys know that. That’s a side bar. We needed to play a hockey game and we needed to win a game and we didn’t get it done.”
The Capitals will try to end their now six-game losing streak on Saturday when they host the New York Rangers at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 1PM ET.