The Washington Capitals may have advanced in the playoffs to face the Pittsburgh Penguins next, but Barry Trotz is not ready to talk about that series yet.
Trotz was asked after Monday night’s series-ending 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets about facing Pittsburgh again. He said he didn’t want to go there.
Barry Trotz was asked about playing the Penguins for a third straight year. His response: “We’ll talk about CBJ. I’m not talking about the next opponent. Please. Let me breathe.”
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) April 24, 2018
You can understand Trotz’s reaction for a few reasons. First, teams and coaches are entitled to celebrate a series win before thinking about their next opponent. Secondly, facing the Penguins isn’t just any other series.
Washington and Pittsburgh have met in the playoffs the past two years, with the Penguins winning each time. The teams have met 10 times in the playoffs, and only once has Washington won — in 1994.
The Caps have been one of the most beleaguered NHL teams in the postseason. This is yet another chance to finally overcome that.
