LAS VEGAS — The Washington Capitals want to keep doing what’s working for them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That means everything, including the now-iconic “hot lap” tradition at practices on the road.
Lars Eller sped around the rink to kick off Wednesday’s practice, a duty he took over from coach Barry Trotz after the Capitals lost Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final at Vegas.
After Jay Beagle inadvertently began the tradition in Columbus, the team always kept the skater the same until the Capitals lost on the road, which signaled the need for a change.