Laviolette channels 'Cobra Kai' fandom in postgame speech originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
New Capitals head coach was quick to implement a new postgame tradition following Washington's season-opening win against the Buffalo Sabres. He even channeled his inner karate fandom to do so.
"Great game, great first win, outstanding job," Laviolette told the team. "I was out for almost a whole year so I've watched every show out there. Every series out there. The best series by far was Cobra Kai. So I thought about it and I got this bandana for the most offensive player in the game tonight and that would be T.J. Oshie."
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"Ninja! Ninja!" one of Oshie's teammates exclaimed in celebration.
But wait, there was more. Laviolette said while the offense was important to award, especially given Oshie's tireless performance. He produced a team-high three points on Thursday night, Oshie's 33rd career three-point (one goal, two assists) performance. Still, it's important to reward the defensemen for keeping the puck out of the net too, even if Buffalo managed to get four past Ilya Samsonov.
Laviolette then awarded another bandana in the name of Mr. Miyagi, who of course was all about defense in the mixed martial arts realm. When you translate that defense to hockey, the coaching staff agreed the bandana should be given to the toughest player on the ice, Brenden Dillon. The veteran defenseman delivered some solid hits and even scored his first goal in a Capitals jersey in the second period.
With all that time away from the game, Laviolette's infectious personality seems to still be at the forefront. Remember, this is the same coach who wore a bull mask to a press conference to hold up his end of a deal.
Despite a limited training camp to get to know his new team, the new Capitals coach seems to have settled in just fine to the nation's capital with a new tradition like this.
