What was it like having to wait a year to finally play in the NHL?
I wasn’t disappointed. I had more time to play in Russia, in my home, near my friends and parents. I had one more year to grow up. Now I’m ready to play in the NHL. Do you feel extra pressure from being the top pick in the 2004 draft? I don’t really feel any more pressure, no. How have you had to adjust your game to play in the NHL? What do you think of the NHL rule changes put into effect this season? Do they help or hurt your game? I just play my game. In Russia there is no red line, and now the NHL is the same. So that is good. But hockey’s hockey. What do you think about the young age of the Caps team? What is it like playing with such a young team? I like the guys a lot. Everyone wants to play hockey and everyone loves it. It makes it even more fun. Should D.C. be excited about hockey returning? What do you think is on the horizon for the Capitals in the next few seasons? I think we’ll be great for the next few years. There is a lot of happiness around this team. Lots of good thin
