Photo: @Adam_Zielonka
The Washington Capitals held an optional practice on Sunday afternoon at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. During the optional, coach Barry Trotz talked to the media about a variety of topics. The most notable was Alex Ovechkin.
Outside the interview room a few players hit the ice for an optional skate.
Another packed house at @KettlerIceplex as the boys refocus on Game 4.@MedStarHealth Practice pic.twitter.com/xPecNsxnnD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 3, 2018
Inside, Trotz fielded questions from the media. He had some strong words to say about the team captain. Oechkin has had a monster postseason leading the Capitals in goals with 14 and is second on the team in points with 25, just two shy of Evgeny Kuznetsov. Ovechkin’s 14 goals this postseason tie John Druce’s franchise mark that he set in 1990 for the most postseason goals in Capitals history.
“I think this is the most complete level of Ovechkin we have ever seen,” said Trotz. He’s imposing his will on other individuals.”
Ovechkin’s emotions have been well documented this postseason. When Evgeny Kuznetsov scored in Game 6 of the second round to lift the Capitals past the Penguins, you could see Ovechkin look like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
This series in the Stanley Cup Finals has shown Ovechkin not only celebrate the goals he scored, but the goals his teammates have scored as well. His emotions have matched the fans as both are starving for a championship. The best emotion of all was his reaction after Braden Holtby made “the save” in Game 2.
Between Ovechkin’s reaction to the Holtby save and LeBron’s reaction to JR Smith JR-Smithing, it’s been a good week for sports GIFs pic.twitter.com/ynv7eIQKKj
— Nick Wing (@nickpwing) June 1, 2018
“You could probably do a documentary on all of the emotions that he’s had this series,” said Trotz.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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