On their ability to keep the Blackhawks back in their own zone.
“Our game is forechecking, and that’s where we get the adrenaline from the crowd. And I thought the Bradley, Steckel, Brashear line was the best at it. They did their job and created energy for the other lines to come out. When they do it and we’re constantly turning the puck over in transition and getting it deep, we can be a pretty good team at times.”
On goalie Jose Theodore, who started after giving up 7 goals Friday night in Atlanta.
“I just felt really bad for Theo. I knew more than anything he wanted to start tonight and redeem himself for his new teammates. When that happens, you just feel so bad for him. As the game got better, he [made] some good saves.”
On Theodore’s communication with his teammates:
“It’s going to be a work and progress. I thought it was a lot better than it was last night, and it will probably be a lot better the next time he plays. We’re in the very early stages of the season, and we’ll get better.”
On the Verizon Center crowd and the Capitals’ ability to dominate the Blackhawks physically:
“I think we’re a lot bigger team, and they were on the road yesterday and today, and we had 20,000 people every time we scored a goal giving you a little bit more adrenaline. I think that helped us. If it was in the Chicago stadium I don’t think we would have seen that, they way their crowd is.”
“One of our important facets is our size. We’re a big team, and when we take the body we can wear out, hopefully, the littler guys down.”
