After Tuesday’s morning skate in Winnipeg, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz made his usual stop to chat with the media. While answering the typical questions, Coach Trotz took a moment to chat about Jay Beagle and the recent success that he and his line have been having.
The most important thing Coach Trotz did during this answer was make silly dog puns. This might not seem like a big deal to you, but as a bad pun connoisseur I personally applaud Coach for not merely pointing these out, but for embracing them and making more.
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Head Coach Barry Trotz talks with the media after morning skate in Winnipeg #CapsJets #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/G3R2DuxN3n
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 13, 2018
Isabelle Khurshudyan from the Washington Post asked Coach Trotz, “What have you liked about Jay Beagle that he, his line in particular, has been pretty productive the past couple games?”
“I think the consistency of Jay is that you know what you’re getting every night,” Trotz said. “The work ethic. The determination. He’s what I call a dogged player. He really goes after people. I know it’s a pun because of Beagle. But, really, he dogs the puck.”
I’m proud of Trotz for recognizing this is a pun.
Trotz continued:
“He’s a hard guy to play against because he’s in your pocket the whole time. He’s not a guy that goes in on you, and you give him a little look, and he peels off. He stays on the puck and if you do look him off, he just puts the brakes on, doesn’t go for a big swing. He stays on it and puts pressure on the puck. He’s real good work ethic. He’s a detailed player. He really drives our team at times, especially when you get through these…you know, the 60-80, you know the ‘dog days’ in February. I’m using the dog term a lot. But he really is one of those guys because he’s got a fantastic work ethic and he’s a real tremendous pro. In these types of situations and games he shines.”
The Calgary-born center scored his 50th career goal on February 9 against the Blue Jackets. He has 63 career assists, 113 career points, and not to mention the Washington Capitals are currently 39-1-5 in games when Beagle scores a goal.
As a special “thank you” to Barry for the dog puns and kind words about Beagle, I made an acrostic poem.
Jay Beagle is his name
A very determined player
Younger than 35 years old
Barry Trotz is his coach
Elyse is a fan of his
A real tremendous pro
Good work ethic
Lassie was a famous dog
Especially a driven player during these dog days of February
Let us all hope Beags is fine after last night’s slash.
