ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard is no stranger to the big stage.
He's won gold at World Juniors and has played in a couple of NCAA tournaments, too, but there's just something different about the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
That's why after the team's morning skate on Monday ahead of Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens, the 20-year-old sat in his stall and took time to take in the moment.
"I've obviously played in a good amount and number of games in high-pressure situations, so this will be a little bit different just being at the highest level," Leonard said. "But excited for the challenge and excited for the journey."
Leonard chose to leave college early to go pro back in April, and through nine games in the NHL so far, has a goal and 11 penalty minutes. He's still getting used to the speed and pace of the game, but is adapting well overall.
"Everything's a little bit quicker here and professional. You're playing three, four games in a week rather than two, back to back nights," Leonard said. "It's a little bit different, just like your day off and how you prepare."
Going into the playoffs, Washington is looking to Leonard to be one of their drivers on the bottom-6 as he works with Lars Eller and Andrew Mangiapane on the third line.
That trio has had its ups and downs over the course of the year, and going into the postseason, D.C. hopes Leonard can add some stability and consistency.
For Leonard, he also wants to break out and contribute however he can, and ultimately, the best way to do that is through getting reps.
"These last however many days or how many weeks I've been up here, it's helped me a lot," Leonard said. "I'm excited for the playoffs."
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The Washington Capitals are officially in playoff mode, as they kick off the postseason on Monday with Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Game 1 is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.