LAS VEGAS -- Barry Trotz could not have looked more relaxed during the Washington Capitals' postseason run. At the end of most news conferences, the Capitals coach grabbed a Gatorade or water bottle sitting on his podium. Before leaving the room, he blurted out: "Hydrate! Everyone hydrate!" which became somewhat of an inside joke with reporters.
Always comfortable in front of a microphone, Trotz was especially loquacious. The 55-year-old even murmured "real smooth," mimicking Gatorade's ubiquitous postseason commercial.
Twice, Trotz -- donning a full red sweatsuit and baseball cap -- did the traditional pre-practice "hot lap," powering his way around the rink (riling up the players on his bench) and finishing by balancing, albeit a bit wobbly, on one knee in stride -- like his superstar captain, Alex Ovechkin.