ARLINGTON, VA — Much like the rest of the hockey world, the Washington Capitals had their eyes glued to the television on Sunday morning. Gathering together at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, players watched as a group as Canada and the United States faced off in a Olympic showdown for the ages.
The Caps were set to practice at 10:30 am, right as the game went to overtime in Milan. Safe to say, that start time came and went without a soul on the ice, despite the injured John Carlson skating through the start of the third period.
“We had so much fun just watching that game, because it was everything that it was supposed to be,” said Charlie Lindgren. “It was a heck of a hockey game, came down to the wire.”
“It’s going to be a historic game, one of the all-time classics,” Connor McMichael added.
Canada, the arguable favorite heading into the tournament, looked to repeat their success from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off and earn their third-straight gold medal at Olympics with NHL participation. The US, meanwhile, hoped to end a gold medal drought older than any players on the ice, dating back 46 years to the day from their “Miracle on Ice” win in 1980.
The game captivated viewers from both countries and beyond, many of whom aren’t particular fans of the sport. Head coach Spencer Carbery highlighted how moments like these work to grow the game.
“I had 85 text messages (after the game),” Carbery said. “And they’re all people that, some I haven’t talked to in a year, some two years that are like, ‘Wow, what a game.’ And these are casual fans of the game of hockey, just casual friends from different stops along the way.”
If the stakes weren’t already high enough, two of the Capitals’ own had a chance at Olympic glory for in Canada’s Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson. Even just watching their teammates play in such a close game proved an energetic event.
“Just as a fan of hockey, my heart was racing, and I had the palm sweats going the whole game,” Dylan Strome said.
“People were up and out of their seats,” added Trevor van Riemsdyk. “For whatever reason, you watch a big game like that, by the end of watching, you’re pretty tired.”
While Thompson spent the game on the bench backing up goaltender Jordan Binnington, Wilson played with his signature mix of physicality and scoring chances, though he wasn’t able to convert them into a goal.
“I just love to see how much time Willy was getting out there, and he was playing a huge role within the team,” van Riemsdyk said. “You knew that was going to happen. A big game like that, not a lot of space, and he’s a guy that can go out there and create it, so it was great to see him play such a huge role in that game. Almost had the winner there. It was unlucky really not to get it.”
Regardless of their own nationality, everyone in the room was thrilled to see Wilson play well, even if it made things harder for the Americans.
“Everyone was just super happy to watch our teammate out there and support him — if they’re from Canada, representing them, or the USA guys,” Ryan Leonard said. “So it was great in here. Everyone was just having fun.”
The Capitals fit in their pre-skate meeting during second intermission, and changed into their gear at the end of regulation so they could keep watching. Canada dominated for much of regulation, but a standout performance from USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck kept the game tied 1-1, and it was Jack Hughes who scored the golden goal in three-on-three overtime.
While there are plenty of Americans on the roster — McMichael noted there was “a little bit of chirping” during the game — Wilson and Thompson’s presence in Milan gave the Capitals’ locker room a distinct tilt in Canada’s favor.
“It was definitely quiet in here when the US won, that’s for sure,” Strome said. “In most of the rooms, I didn’t hear any screaming. But there was some screaming when Makar scored that goal. It was fun. Got the blood pumping. And then tough to go and practice after that.”
The Caps’ American players gave a range of answers when asked before the game who they’d be cheering for, and that conflict between team and country carried over on Sunday. Carbery later noted that Canada’s loss cast a “little bit of a downer” effect on the team’s postgame practice.
“When the US scored, it was kind of — you still have mixed feelings, because you feel bad for Tom and you feel bad for LT,” Lindgren said. “Obviously the US team hasn’t won in 46 years, so you’re happy for the country and all that, but just one heck of a hockey game.”
Though Canada wasn’t able to pull off the win, the Capitals were united in their praise of Wilson and Thompson’s play throughout the tournament. Strome noted that he’d already reached out to both players to say as much.
“Tom represented this country with the utmost amount of respect and work ethic,” Strome said. “I think everyone in Canada should be proud of him and his effort. And obviously LT only plays in one game, but plays great and (is) very deserving to be on the team. So just sent them a text to say, ‘Hold your head high. You made us proud and the country proud.’”
Plus, even before the closing ceremonies in Milan, Canada’s already thinking about its next chance at Olympic gold.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a rematch in four years,” Strome said.
