Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner isn’t particularly experienced when it comes to lockouts, but if his quotes to CSNWashington.com’s Chuck Gormley are any indication, he’s a quick study.
Alzner’s assessment of the work stoppage sounds like it came from a veteran. The players know they’re going to lose; it’s just a matter of how much they might lose.
“I think both sides know what their next proposal is, it’s just who wants to give it first,” Alzner said. “The owners know what their bottom percentage is and I’m sure Don [Fehr] knows what’s going to be a good one for us economically.”
“But who’s going to be the first one to bite the bullet? No one wants to lose the negotiation. We understand we’re definitely not going to win it.”
Along with providing a sober assessment of the lockout, Alzner also shared his thoughts regarding Alex Ovechkin’s threats to stay in the KHL.
“You don’t want to see that and you just hope it doesn’t happen,” Alzner said. “Honestly, I don’t know the seriousness of it. The only one who does know is him. For the sake of the Capitals I hope that’s not for real. He’s a big face of this league and we need to have him.”