Capitals Locker Room: Ovechkin Makes More History, Mantha Busts Out

The Washington Capitals got a huge victory in Vancouver on Wednesday, and also got some milestones, breakthroughs and good signs as they look to turn the corner and get back to their winning ways after a lackluster start to the season.

Alex Ovechkin struck twice to make more history, and Anthony Mantha and John Carlson stepped up en route to a big 5-1 win over the Canucks.

Here’s what the team had to say following the win.

Alex Ovechkin

On the Capitals getting their third win in four games after a strong showing in New Jersey loss: “Yeah, I think we play, I think good game in Jersey, but we didn’t get results. I think boys understand if we gonna play same way, we obviously gonna have a chance to win… you see results [tonight].”

On what makes him and the team so strong on the road: “I don’t know. It seems like we always have fun on the road, spend time more together and I don’t know, I hink everybody enjoy it.”

On breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time road goals record: “Yeah, you know, it’s always nice when you beat the Great One. Doesn’t matter what kind of milestones it is. It’s history.”

READ MORE ON WHN: Washington Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin Experimenting With Different Sticks As He Chases Wayne Gretzky

Anthony Mantha

On Washington putting together a complete game: “Yeah, that was a good 60 right there. We were hard on them. Obviously, good o-zone plays and the puck bounced our way.”

On getting his first goal in eight games and breaking out: “I think our line had some chances the last couple games. Great play by Lars on the forecheck and then JoJo finding me in the middle there. So it does feel good and hopefully gets us going.”

On if the Capitals are ready to turn the corner: “Yeah, no for sure. Last game was kind of a bumpy one. Obviously, we didn’t play the way we necessarily wanted, but bounced back tonight. We still got a couple games on this road trip, so hopefully, we can find a couple more games and that gets us going when we come back home.”

On Ovechkin passing Gretzky: “This one’s unreal obviously beating the Great One and he becomes number one in that aspect. I don’t even think he knew about it until after the game, so good for him and we just need to keep going. And obviously, there’s more records that’s gonna get broken.”

Dylan Strome

On jumping out to an early lead: “You get out to a lead, the game becomes easier and you don’t have to chase it. Sometimes, the other team locks it down and you can’t get many chances, but I think when you have the lead, it’s a bit more free-flowing and we can lock it down and still get chances offensively. So I think that’s always a bonus.”

Darcy Kuemper

On getting the win in Vancouver where he had his first NHL start: “Obviously, that was a game I’ll always remember. It’s always nice coming back here and playing because you kind of get reminded of those special moments every time you’re back.”

On Ovechkin making history on the road: “It’s fun for sure. Even you can hear the away crowd chanting his name. Everyone’s rooting for him, and he’s not slowing down one bit. It’s fun to watch.

John Carlson

On Washington impressing on special teams and the Capitals getting momentum on PP and PK: “Our specials teams have been huge in the last few games in terms of both on the power play and penalty kill… there’s a lot of times over this last little stretch where we have a big kill and jump on them right away. Those are things you don’t necessarily see on the stat sheet, but I think guys are working hard, paying the price. And it’s meaningful to everyone else to step it up after those situations.”