ARLINGTON — The hole in the middle of the Washington Capitals lineup with Nicklas Backstrom out injured looked looked tailor made for 2019 first-round pick Connor McMichael, who impressed last season as a rookie in the American Hockey League.
The spot still might be his. But 2020 first-rounder Hendrix Lapierre, who is a year younger and came in with less fanfare, has been among the biggest training camp surprises around the NHL and could land a spot on the opening night roster.
“If I want to be in that opening lineup, I have to push (myself) every day and make sure I’m ready and do the small things correctly,” Lapierre said.