Nick Jensen: I Think Everyone’s Got A Little Bit More To Give. You’re Getting Off The Ice, You Shouldn’t Even Be Able To Breath”

Thursday night’s 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning was just the latest in a string of underwhelming outings for the Washington Capitals, who are now 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. However, Thursday night’s matchup was a bit lopsided, as the Capitals were playing the second game of a back-to-back set, which also required significant travel, against a well-rested Lightning squad on their home ice.

Regardless of the difficult circumstances related to the game, Capitals players were in no mood for excuses following the game. Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen was particularly frank regarding the team’s level of effort following the loss in Tampa.

“I keep saying the same thing, loss after loss. Defense is a priority, “ said Jensen. “I think we get puck watching. I think everyone’s got a little bit more to give. You’re getting off the ice, you shouldn’t even be able to breath, you were working so hard. I think if we had that mentality, I don’t think the results are coming in the way they are. That’s just my thought on it. We just gotta keep finding a way to get better.”

Jensen didn’t call-out any specific players, but it’s clear he is seeing something he doesn’t like. Whether that is an overarching perspective or issues he has with the effort from a few players or just one player, we don’t know and will likely never know.

I think most Caps fans can agree it’s refreshing to hear a player speak his mind, even if it’s in a general sense. We are seeing more and more leadership qualities emerge from Nick Jensen, and that’s a good thing.

The Capitals have just six games remaining in the 2022-23 season, and are still mathematically alive for the postseason. However, the odds of making it to the playoffs have grown extremely long.  Some have already placed them at 0%.

They Capitals return to action on Sunday afternoon when they host the New York Rangers at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 1:00PM.

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