Seen and heard last night at FleetCenter in Boston:
VEROT SUSPENDED — Caps center Darcy Verot is done for the season after the NHL slapped him with a three-game suspension for the flagrant elbow he threw at Pittsburgh’s Jon Sim on Tuesday. Washington then summoned center Brooks Laich and right wing Garret Stroshein from the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League.
It was the second call-up for Laich, who played three games for the Caps in March. Stroshein, who made his NHL debut last night, became the 50th player used by the Caps this season.
LEACH TO HELP U.S. — Following Sunday’s season finale, Washington assistant coach Jay Leach will head to Prague, to assume the same post for the United States national team during the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.
“I’m excited about it,” Leach said. “It’s always great to work for your country. Not many in the U.S. know much about it, but it’s a tough tournament. Small countries get up for it. Denmark beat the U.S. last year.”
Leach will serve under Carolina Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette.
Capitals equipment manager Doug Shearer and athletic trainer Greg Smith were also named to the squad.
GONCHAR FITS IN — Former Caps defenseman Sergei Gonchar endeared himself to his Bruins teammates when he purchased a new coffee maker for the players’ lounge.
“I think they like it,” he said, smiling.
— Dan Hickling
Please read our comment policy before commenting.