Kovalchuk comfortable with Capitals entering first playoffs since 2012

Ilya Kovalchuk said the past few weeks in training camp have helped him fit in better with the Washington Capitals as he prepares to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2012.

"The second time around, it's way more comfortable for me," said Kovalchuk, who was acquired by the Capitals in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 23, before the season was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. "I know the guys and the situation now, and we can spend a lot of time together. It's great. We have a great group of guys, and I know the coach (Todd Reirden). I played with him actually; he played [with the Atlanta Thrashers (in 2001-02)]. He told me the way he'll put me on the ice and in what kind of situations, so I'm excited. I just need to be myself, do my stuff and help the team win."

The Capitals play their round-robin opener of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday (4 p.m. ET; NBCSN, NHL.TV, SN360, TVAS, SUN, NBCSWA) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the hub city for the Eastern Conference. The Capitals also play the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday and the Boston Bruins (Aug. 9) to determine seeding for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 37-year-old forward scored four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games with Washington, and 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 46 games this season with the Los Angeles Kings, Canadiens and Capitals

He hasn't played in the NHL playoffs since 2011-12, when he helped the New Jersey Devils reach the Stanley Cup Final, which they lost to the Kings.

"I think that's the toughest trophy to win, and it's a great opportunity to be able to get to the playoffs and it's anybody's game now," Kovalchuk said. "Everyone has the same goal. We just need to work hard, be like a family, and good things will happen."

Kovalchuk scored 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 23 playoff games for the Devils, who lost to the Kings in six games. He retired from the NHL in 2013 and played in the Kontinental Hockey League until 2018. He returned to the NHL when he agreed to a three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Kings on July 1, 2018.

"In 2012 we had a lot of fun. We had a great team, we were underdogs almost every series and we found a way to get to the Final. But it's all history," Kovalchuk said. "These playoffs, it's going to be a little different than what we're all used to. We're excited to be here, and I think we're ready to go. We have enough experience and our team hunger. We have guys who really want to win, so we're looking forward to starting."