After getting recalled from the AHL’s Hershey Bears with right-wing Tom Wilson out day-to-day with a lower-body injury, Brett Leason took line rushes during the Washington Capitals’ morning skate on Thursday. Leason then met with the media following the team’s workout.

The 23-year-old told the media “I am very excited and very fortunate to get this chance and trying to make the most of it.”

”It’s what we do out there. We got to come, have a good start, and play a good game .. play physical,” he said.

On his mindset entering his first career postseason game, Leason responded that it is to”do my role, do what [head coach Peter Laviolette] expects me.” He added that he is comfortable with center Nic Dowd, who’s line he skated on during Thursday morning’s skate.

When asked about his performance on his first road trip with the Capitals, which included a 5-4 overtime loss at FLA Arena where he earned an assist on November 4, the 6’-5” Leason responded ”When I got down there and played my game, offensively, I got better down there but I worked on some things. There’s some things that I still got to work on but it definitely helped with my development.”

He was with his girlfriend when he found out the Capitals recalled him before talking to parents. “[They were] very excited and very happy for me,” he added.

Leason said ”[Game 1 on Tuesday night, which the Capitals won by a score of 4-2] looked fast out there. Obviously, two very fast teams that include their [defense] in the rush and [we] just have to limit their transition.”

Regarding his play this season, Leason explained that ”It’s been crazy. This season, I have made big strides.” Overall, he is pleased with his development after playing first his first career NHL game and scoring his first career NHL goal.

By Harrison Brown