Flat Passes & iPad Sessions: Dylan Strome Reflects On Becoming Alex Ovechkin's No. 1 Center

What's it like skating alongside greatness? Dylan Strome can tell you, as he has spent the majority of his time with the Washington Capitals setting up captain Alex Ovechkin.

Strome has assisted on over half of Ovechkin's goals this season (17 out of 33), and he also factored into each of his first 11 goals of the campaign. Nicklas Backstrom is the all-time assists leader when it comes to Ovechkin goals (he's set up 279 on them), but Strome has been stepped up to fill the void left by No. 19.

It's a role that Strome has taken pride in, while also saying that he's learned quite a bit from being Ovechkin's center.

"A lot of the time, if there's a play, he comes and gets the iPad and shows what he thinks might be open. He's very smart... 1,600 points, I think he knows where to go on the ice and what to do at the right time."

Strome has also been in numerous video sessions with Ovechkin and said that the 39-year-old will often speak up during games, which helps him when it comes to figuring out exactly where Ovechkin wants the puck. The 28-year-old pivot has also learned how Ovechkin best receives the puck, which has helped him modify his passes and make the right moves on the ice.

"He knows what he likes on the ice... he's good at communicating and where to go," Strome said. "You make sure the passes are flat. He likes the flat passes."

Still, the communication goes both ways, and he has gained quite a bit from playing with Ovechkin over the years.

"He's very vocal," Strome said, adding, "Whenever he talks on the bench, it's good to listen. And when I say something, he listens."