How Dylan Strome's Love Of Stats, HockeyDB & Media Packets Have Factored Into His Game As He Continues To Thrive With The Capitals

Ask Capitals center Dylan Strome anything — season stats, career splits, upcoming milestones — and off the top of his head, he can tell you the exact answer, right down to the numbers.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome knows his hockey.

Ask him anything — season stats, career splits, upcoming milestones — and off the top of his head, he can tell you the exact answer, right down to the numbers.

"He's pretty involved in that stuff," defenseman John Carlson laughed. "It's not surprising (he knows so much). We know him so well."

The 27-year-old leads the Capitals with 54 points through 55 games and is on pace for a career-high 80 points this season. As he continues to thrive, he's been keeping track of the stats and numbers that have helped get him there.

It's a habit that Strome picked up during his days in juniors with the OHL's Erie Otters.

"We just looked at stats all the time, that's kind of all we did," Strome said.

Strome will read the game notes and stat book before every game, and bookmarked on his phone are various websites for different hockey statistics. His go-to is HockeyDB, where he'll keep an eye on his season and career numbers.

For Strome, being a bit of a "hockey nerd" is helpful, and though it can be tough to look at during lulls, he said it only helps him improve.

"I'm always looking at it and trying to get better, and it's always good to see who you're playing against and how you're doing against that team or that goalie, so sometimes it's good to know," Strome said.

Nic Dowd, while admitting he doesn't dive too deep into numbers and tries to stay away from media altogether, said that Strome's ability comes down to his love for the game and can be a positive.

"Some guys are really tapped into all that. I think it helps in probably someway, pushes him in the right direction," Dowd said. "I think he just enjoys the game, I think he likes watching hockey."

Strome's love for hockey trivia garners laughs around the room, but at the end of the day, he's happy to have that knowledge and share it, too.

"Every time someone has a question, I enjoy when they ask me or when I can chime in and try to answer," Strome said. "It's been awesome. They joke around with me, but I enjoy it."