"A year ago, Hendrix Lapierre secured his spot on the Washington Capitals' season-opening roster almost by default. His performance during training camp was middling, but Washington had no other good options for the third-line center role after moving Connor McMichael to the wing. Lapierre lasted 27 games while recording just eight points, all assists, and being a healthy scratch on a few occasions before being sent to the Capitals' American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears."
"This time around, Lapierre surged through training camp. In five preseason games, he racked up seven points, tied for the most in the NHL, and made a statement that he belonged with the Capitals - on merit, not by default. When Washington announced its season-opening 23-man roster Monday, Lapierre was on it, confirming what had become increasingly clear over the final week of training camp."
A year earlier Lapierre secured a season-opening roster spot largely by default after a middling training camp and a lack of alternatives at third-line center following Connor McMichael's move to the wing. He played 27 games, recorded eight assists, was a healthy scratch at times, and was sent to the Hershey Bears in the AHL. The Capitals' third line struggled and Lars Eller did not fully resolve the issue. This training camp Lapierre surged, totaling seven points in five preseason games and tying for the NHL lead. Washington placed him on the 23-man roster for the opener. Coach Spencer Carbery credited Lapierre's maturity, determination, and clearer understanding of NHL-level requirements.
Read at The Washington Post
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