The Capitals have scratched forward Joel Ward from tonight’s game against the Winnipeg Jets after he missed a team meeting prior to Tuesday’s optional practice at Kettler Iceplex.
“I basically slept in, missed a team meeting so I’ve got to pay the consequences of not playing,” Ward said. “I understand it’s part of the team rules.”
Recommended Stories
Apparently. Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said this isn’t something that would have happened in years past. In most cases he would have handed out a fine – unless it was “chronic”. Now I want to know if anyone in that room was missing meetings regularly. But the punishment fits if we go by the new era of accountability in the dressing room.
“I didn’t want to do it. He’s a good player,” Boudreau said. “But the rules have got to be the rules for everybody.”
To his credit, Ward didn’t shirk the issue. He fielded a few questions from reporters. Didn’t make the excuse about his recent illness being the reason. Just said he forgot to set his alarm clock and showed up late to the facility. Now he pays the price. Ward has had a pair of high-profile turnovers in losses to Winnipeg and Phoenix. But performance wasn’t the issue in this case.
“[Ward] understands the rules,” Boudreau said. “He’s a good team guy and he feels bad about it. But he knows the rules.”
Follow me on Twitter @bmcnally14
