Capitals' Carlson talks representing USA at Olympics

Monday, 02.03.2014 / 7:35 PM

By NHL.com Staff -  / NHL Live blog

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Capitals' Carlson talks representing USA at Olympics

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson joined NHL Live via telephone to discuss his upcoming trip to Russia for the 2014 Sochi Olympics as a member of the United States team.

"I'm pumped up," Carlson said. "It's obviously my first time getting the honor to represent my country in the Olympics. I'm so excited to get over there. I think we have a great team. It will be interesting. I've never really played on a big ice surface in a while, so there will be a few adjustments I'll need to make. But overall it will be one of the best experiences I'll probably ever have."

Being that the Sochi Games will be Carlson's Olympics debut, he'll need to acclimate playing on a bigger rink with more space. For the U.S. to succeed, the transition game will be crucial.

"If we can force some turnovers it will get us going in the right direction," Carlson said. "That's the hardest thing to do on the big ice, I think."