BALLSTON, Va. - Here are some reactions from the Washington Capitals about Bruce Boudreau's dismissal and Dale Hunter's arrival as head coach.
Alex Ovechkin: "I think everybody was in shock. I had about 50 missed calls. Kind of a shocking situation, but it is what it is. I think first of all we have to play good. All the guys who worked with Bruce know he's a great coach and a great guy. It's done and we have to look forward. We're going to be working hard and play our best."
Nicklas Backstrom: "It was shocking, but I mean, I really don't know what to say. It is what it is. We've got a new guy and I'm sure you guys know more about him than I do, but he has a lot of experience and he's been playing in this league and he's coaching in Canada, so hopefully, he can bring a lot to this team and teach us and help us."
Brooks Laich: "Before he got here, we were a last place team. He's taken us from a team that started to win and then won consistently and made the playoffs and ultimately had Stanley Cup expectations. It's tough on a personal note to see him go. When I first found out this morning, my first thought was 'I wish I could have done more.'"
Dennis Wideman: "It's always tough when someone loses a job...but to have Dale here, knowing what he's gonna bring is exciting. I think it's going to be a good fit here. We're going to change the way we play a little bit."
Mike Knuble: "Your immediate thought is a little bit of guilt as a player. With that being said, Bruce was a great coach while he was here. I think he did everything he could in his power to try to get this team to win. I think his four years here were a good thing for the Capitals. I think the team achieved a lot while he was here. You say, 'Yeah, but they didn't win the big game,' but they still made a lot of forward progress. He left it a different organization for the better, I think."
For more on Boudreau's firing, visit this StoryStream. For more fan reaction and more on anything Capitals hockey, head over to Japers' Rink.