It was a random moment during training camp, months from when the games truly begin to matter for a franchise that believes it can win the championship for a second time in three years.
The Colorado Avalanche was working on the power play, and Nathan MacKinnon was frustrated. MacKinnon, whose reputation as one of the most intense players in the sport is well-earned, yelled in frustration. It wasn’t clear if he was yelling at Artturi Lehkonen, or just expressing his displeasure in general.
Ryan Johansen, one of several new additions to the club and someone who’s been a veteran leader for years in the NHL, quietly skated over to Lehkonen and gave him a stick tap on the shin pad.