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Capitals defenseman surprises teammates during cool-down circle at practice
Photo credit: X.com
Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan Mcllrath led the team through cool-down stretches following a spirited Saturday practice, and the six-foot-five, 240-pound enforcer surprised everyone with his impressive flexibility.
Capitals Mcllrath surprises teammates during cool-down circle at practice on Saturday.
Ian Oland from RMNB writes that McIlrath stunned his Capitals teammates by pulling off not one, not two, but three full splits during the session. The jaw-dropping moment was caught on camera by fan Emma Skerman, who was in attendance for Saturday's skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
"While hockey players are usually flexible, McIlrath doing splits like he's a gymnast seems rare for a muscular man of his size who's known more to throw the body (and his hands)." -Oland
Oland also writes McIlrath's mind-boggling flexibility is just another example of how the three-time Calder Cup champion manages to keep things light and make his presence felt, even without suiting up for postseason action.
Always ready to stand up for his teammates, McIlrath was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct during warmups of Game 4 following a confrontation with Montreal enforcer Arber Xhekaj. He's also become known for his spirited post-game celebrations.
"These intangibles combined with his leadership qualities, physicality, and solid play explain why signing McIlrath to a two-year extension in late March was likely a no brainer for the Capitals' front office." -Oland
In 17 games this season, McIlrath registered 2 assists with a -3 rating.
We'll see if Mcllrath can draw into the Capitals lineup at some point in the second-round against the Hurricanes.
| POLL | ||
MAI 3 | 34 ANSWERS Capitals defenseman surprises teammates during cool-down circle at practice Do you think Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath will draw into the lineup at some point in the playoffs? | ||
| yes | 23 | 67.6 % |
| no | 11 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
