Why Bruce Boudreau loved coaching in outdoor games originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Bruce Boudreau might be one of the only coaches in NHL history that has coached an outdoor game on a 70 degree day.
In 2014, Boudreau’s Ducks faced the LA Kings in the NHL’s Stadium Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Ducks won 3-0.
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With the NHL set to play two outdoor games at Lake Tahoe this weekend, it was a nice time to remember for the former Capitals’ coach — who talked about his memories on Capitals Pregame Live.
“It was the Ducks against the Kings and both teams were really good,” Boudreau recalled. “I think in the end, we lost in the playoffs in seven games — they went on to win the Cup. It was a very important divisional game, we didn’t take it as a game that was just a novelty item, we were out there playing like we had to win this game. The physicality really showed through.”
Boudreau also coached the Capitals in a 3-1 win over the Penguins in the 2011 Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins. That game was delayed due to rain, but the weather was certainly different in Pittsburgh that night than in Los Angeles.
“I think the look on everybody’s face was, ‘Yeah, we’re outside and it’s 70 degree weather and it’s fabulous, but we’ve got to win this game,’” Boudreau said. “We played it as if it was just like that. It was a tremendous experience and I loved it. I love all these outdoor games.”
