Ahead of Game Four, the Capitals held their morning skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, and there were a few new faces in the stands.
The NHL arranged for some of the top prospects of the upcoming 2018 Draft to attend, including Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who is expected to go first overall.
Evan Bouchard, Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk, and Filip Zadina were the other prospects invited to observe the Capitals morning skate and meet the team afterwards.
Projected 2018 first overall pick D Rasmus Dahlin watches #caps morning skate in suburban Virginia. Will attend Game 4 of #stanleycup final tonight between Washington and #goldenknights. pic.twitter.com/8dX3NPKK39
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) June 4, 2018
Dahlin, and the rest of the prospects, will also have the opportunity to watch Game Four at Capital One Arena on Monday. Though perhaps, for Dahlin, the best part of his day has already happened in meeting fellow Swedish hockey player, Nicklas Backstrom.
Rasmus Dahlin och övriga top prospects på besök här i Washington. Fick just kliva ned i Capitals omklädningsrum. Rasmus medgav att han var rejält starstruck över att träffa Ovetjkin och Bäckis. Nästan så han ville ta autograf. I höst kommer han att spela mot samma killar i NHL.
— Uffe Bodin (@UffeBodin) June 4, 2018
Uffe Bodin, Editor in Chief of Hockeysverige.se, and as translated by Magnus Cadelin, said that, “Rasmus admitted he was starstruck seeing Ovechkin and Backstrom. Almost had to ask for autographs. This fall he’ll play those guys in the NHL.”
When The Washington Post’s Samantha Pell asked Dahlin what he admired most about Backstrom, the prospect said, “Everything looks so easy when he is out there. So calm with the puck and he makes some sick passes and is like every sick player.”
Rasmus Dahlin, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, said Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals will be his first NHL game he will see in person.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) June 4, 2018
Game Four will be the first NHL game that Dahlin will experience live. Let’s hope that he enjoys the atmosphere at Capital One Arena as the fans continue to unleash the fury.
Headline photo: @Capitals
