In a lighthearted moment during practice, rookie Ryan Leonard was the target of a prank by his Washington Capitals teammates, who made him wear Alex Ovechkin’s iconic yellow skate laces. This fun prank, part of a season-long tradition within the team, took place at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, with Leonard unaware that he was donning Ovechkin’s style.
Ovechkin himself commented on the situation, saying, “Looks good,” while Leonard humorously retorted, “No it doesn’t.” Leonard later recounted how his teammates had cleverly flipped his skates around in his locker so he would not notice the laces before hitting the ice.
The prank has deep roots within the Capitals, dating back to 2019, where young Russian players are often the targets. Previous victims include Alex Alexeyev and Ivan Miroshnichenko, who also sported the yellow laces during their development camp. Notably, both Sergei Fedorov and Ilya Kovalchuk have been part of this prank tradition, which illustrates a humorous camaraderie in the locker room.
During practice, Head Coach Spencer Carbery commended several players for their performances, highlighting Anthony Beauvillier for his versatility during intense moments. He praised Trevor van Riemsdyk’s significant contributions in light of injuries to teammates like Marty Fehervary, and noted Brandon Duhaime’s uplifting presence, reflecting on the positive impact he has on the team throughout the long season.
Looking ahead, the Capitals are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the second round, scheduled for Tuesday night at Capital One Arena, with details of the game time and series schedule still pending. This upcoming matchup presents an exciting opportunity for the team and its fans.
The playful nature of the prank, combined with the serious preparations for the playoffs, encapsulates the dynamic atmosphere of the Capitals organization, where lighthearted moments and competitive spirit coexist.