On how the Capitals have evolved this year while remaining a “big” team:
Young guys are a year older. Not much more than that. Still a top-end team, they’ve been that for several years. They just haven’t taken the next step in the playoffs yet. [Reporter: Are they better defensively?] I couldn’t tell you. We’ve only played ‘em once. We had 40 shots.
On whether there is more “balance” in the Capitals’ game:
Well, I’d say Kuznetsov’s a year older, and he’s like sixth in the league in scoring now, so I don’t know if that’s ‘balance’ or just ‘better.’ It’s a big difference.
On Rob Scuderi’s impact to the “balance” of the Kings’ defense:
He’s a veteran on a young defense, so he’s supposed to bring some stability and composure and balance. He does that very well wherever he’s been. That’s why he’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
On his takeaways from Monday’s Capitals-Ducks game:
I was enamored with your team. [Reporter: Is there anything that stood out with Washington?] We just played them in [Washington]. I didn’t really watch what the Ducks do against ‘em. Watch what the Kings do against the Capitals is more important to me. [Reporter: Did you like the Kings’ performance from that game last month?] Yes, it was outstanding.
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