Alex Tuch was TNT’s pre- and postgame guest during their telecast of the Washington Capitals‘ 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Tuch got the nod due to scoring twice, including the overtime winner, in his previous outing against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, and then following that up with another two tallies against the Flyers on Wednesday.
Tuch now has 9 goals in his first 11 games with the Capitals and is on pace for over 50 goals in his debut season with the team.
With all that time speaking to TNT’s inquisitive desk, Tuch ended up really getting into the nuances of his transition to the Capitals and his newfound relationship with Alex Ovechkin.
The Capitals acquired Tuch in a sign-and-trade with the Sabres in late June, with the two sides agreeing to an eight-year, $84 million contract.
“It’s been great,” Tuch said pregame. “Honestly, just welcomed with open arms. They’ve got such a great culture here, such a great group led by O, Willy, and all the way through management, coaching staff, everyone just making me feel right at home. So it’s been awesome.”
Tuch was then asked about meeting Ovechkin and being a part of his 22nd and final season in the NHL.
“It’s been incredible,” Tuch said. “It doesn’t matter if you have one game in the league or a thousand games in the league. He treats you the same way. Just the ultimate pro. Loves being around the guys, having some beers and winning some hockey games. So it’s been awesome. Unbelievable.”
The beer line particularly captivated host Liam McHugh and analysts Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter, and Tuukka Rask.
“Well, if you guys win and you have a good game, join us after,” McHugh said to Tuch. “We want to hear more about the beers portion.”
Win the Capitals did, and Tuch was again the team’s best player, setting up a memorable postgame interview.
McHugh, dressed in a Halloween costume, first asked Tuch what it was like going out with Ovechkin.
“You never know what kind of conversation you’re going to get dragged into with him,” the forward said. “He just loves being around the guys. Definitely can’t outdrink him, especially when it comes to beers. But no, he just brings in that team camaraderie. He just wants to get the boys together. He’s had success. He’s had really tight teams over the years. He’s learned from some of the best, and he just keeps it going and keeps those good vibes going, especially when we’re winning.”
Tuch admitted, though, that the team’s postgame wind-down would be more responsible, as they have another game Thursday night against the Nashville Predators.
“Maybe a little lighter today on the beers,” Tuch said, “especially with the back-to-back. But maybe on the plane [ride home] from Nashville.”
Continuing with the beer theme, Tuch also admitted that he was a fan of Ovechkin’s costume, among others, at the team’s Halloween party over the weekend. Ovechkin was a jug of beer, while his wife, Nastya, was a beer garden lady.
“It was so much fun. We had a blast,” Tuch said. “My favorite, honestly, I thought it was really clever, were the Clue characters up front. Who was it? Roysie (Matt Roy), (Dylan) McIlrath, and Chucky (Charlie Lindgren) there, and their wives. I thought that was great. Really clever. Obviously, love the beer from O. There was a lot of really good ones, and some bad ones, including myself.”
