Cup Final Notebook: May 25

A lengthy rest has been beneficial to the Vegas Golden Knights heading into the previous two playoff series, and head coach Gerard Gallant expects the same moving into the Stanley Cup Final against the Washington Capitals.
Gallant said while there are some people who might suggest too much rest is a negative, the Golden Knights have practiced hard and remained focused during their downtimes.
"It's very helpful," he said. "It gets the guys fresh and 100 percent going into the next series."
Following the four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas had eight days off before taking on the San Jose Sharks. Following the 4-2 series win against the Sharks, the Golden Knights had five days off.

Now, a seven-day rest comes between the Western Conference Final and the Stanley Cup Final. Prior to the conference finals, the Golden Knights found out their opponent just two days before the next series, rather than the five-day lead up into the matchup with the Capitals.
Gallant said the two-day window was plenty of time.
"The way we prepare is no different," he said. "We'll look at their tape and see what they do, but you watch enough games there's no surprises any more.
"Play our game, play it hard, play it fast, play it quick. We're ready to play hockey."
LET'S GET PHYSICAL
Much has been made about the physicality Washington plays with, but Gallant doesn't see it any different than the passion each playoff team already possesses.
"I don't think it's any different than Winnipeg playing hard," he said. "Every team this time of year is ready to play and ready to compete."
Forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare said the Golden Knights have responded each time the team headed into a physical matchup, whether it was the Kings, Sharks or Jets. Bellemare doesn't see the Stanley Cup Final to be any more physical than the other series.
"I feel like every series was against a team known to be really physical," Bellemare said. "We somehow learned to manage it the right way, so I kind of expect the same. They'll come really hard and we have to be ready for it and keep playing our game."
Capitals forwards Tom Wilson, Alex Ovechkin and Devante Smith-Pelly lead the playoffs with 70, 66 and 66 hits, respectively.
Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb is fourth and paces the Golden Knights with 64 hits, while forwards Cody Eakin and William Carrier have 53 and 52 hits, respectively. Carrier logged those hits in just nine playoff games, before being sidelined during Game 5 of the Sharks series.
GOLDEN KNIGHTS PRACTICE CAPACITY AT CITY NATIONAL ARENA
Due to safety concerns related to overcapacity, attendance at all Vegas Golden Knights practices will now be limited to a first-come, first-admitted basis. Once the capacity is reached, fans will no longer be admitted inside the City National Arena Summerlin Hospital Rink where the Golden Knights practice. This takes place effective immediately. Practices will remain free (no cost for fans to attend).
"The support from our local fan base in Las Vegas has been incredible all season long and our free and open practices at City National Arena have been a huge hit," said Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz. "We have consistently had capacity crowds at our practices throughout the year and this interest has continued to grow since our playoff run. Safety is a top priority and these capacity measures are necessary to ensure all guests enjoy a safe, fun fan experience during Golden Knights practices."
SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD
As the Vegas players were prepping for the Stanley Cup Final, the team's business staff brought home the Sports Team of the Year award at the 11th annual Sports Business Awards in New York City.
The other nominees in the category were the Toronto Raptors, Nashville Predators, Houston Astros, Golden State Warriors and Atlanta United FC.
The eligibility period ran through February 28, 2018.