NHL player and professional athletes are creatures of habit.
Whether it’s pre-game meals, or the way one puts on his equipment, the human brain has a funny way of creating a rituals that may need to be broken at certain points.
Montreal Canadiens defenceman Karl Alzner spent nine seasons playing in D.C. for the Washington Capitals. He departed Washington in the offseason after the Habs signed him to five-year, $23 million contract.
Even though Alzner returned to the Capital One Arena earlier this season, the d-man is subconsciously still adjusting to not being on the Capitals anymore.
Late in the third period, the 29-year-old was assessed a two-minute minor for slashing former teammate Andre Burakovsky. On his way to the penalty box, Alzner’s old habits kicked in, and accidentally made his way to the Caps penalty box as if he still played on Washington.
Pretty funny stuff. Alzner and the Habs were able to sneak away with a 3-2 victory in Washington on Friday night.
Based on the way the Canadiens season has gone to date, maybe there’s a part of Alzner that wishes he was still a Capital?
(h/t NHL on NBC)
