The Washington Capitals are as close as a hockey team can get. Seriously. Ask Jason Chimera.
The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent was asked about his future by CSN Mid-Atlantic's Chuck Gormley, and Chimera was unequivocal: After seven seasons in the U.S. capital, Washington is where he wants to be next season and beyond.
"I've been here a long time and I wouldn't expect to be anywhere else next year, too," Chimera said. "You want to win with these guys right now and whatever happens next year, happens next year."
At this point during the interview, Chimera was kissed on his bald head by Evgeny Kuznetsov, Gormley writes. We told you the Capitals were close.
"Guys love each other in here. Kisses all over the place. Usually it's on the lips," he added with a laugh. "You don't get on too many teams where you really do enjoy everybody's company. Everyone enjoys coming to the rink and it's a fun place to work and when you get that going for you good things happen."
While the Capitals have a good time as a team, it's going to be all business heading into another elimination contest, with Game 6 on tap Tuesday night.
"It's do or die. Urgency should be pretty high. I think guys are ready for it," Chimera said. "Guys were ready last game and guys are pretty excited again."
Chimera said it was Alex Ovechkin who led the way before Game 5.
"Guys want to win for each other. We've been through a lot together this year. Our captain (Ovechkin) led the way in that meeting. He said some things and really backed it (up). You don't want it to end. If we play our best we're a pretty tough team to beat."
Smooches aside, the Capitals will have to be at their very best to move on, needing to beat the Penguins two more times in a row. No easy task.
