Coach Barry Trotz Expects Capitals to Defend Each Other

Capitals coach Barry Trotz has no control over what the NHL considers a suspendable offense, but he is very much aware of his players’ response to what they consider dirty hits. And that’s whey he lauded right wing Chris Brown for immediately confronting Tinordi and dropping the gloves.

“In that situation, Tinordi gave him a dirty hit and he got kicked out of the game,” Trotz said. “The referee saw it that way and so [Brown] sent a message.

“You want to have that gang mentality. You don’t want your guys to be cheap-shotted and then sit on the bench and say, ‘That was a bad penalty.’ You gotta stick up for the guy next to you.

“You gotta make sure you got his back, and I think if you have that, you have the mentality you’re in a safe environment and you play with a lot more trust.”