What happened: Dylan Strome said practice sessions have been built to feel like games as the shortened preseason compresses the runway into the season. He met with reporters Sunday to discuss the lighter exhibition schedule and preparing for an 84-game grind.

Why it matters: The timing matters because Washington gets only four preseason games before the regular season, leaving less room for a slow ramp-up. The comments come days after Washington finished media-day work before camp opened as camp shifts into exhibition play.

What to watch: Washington is set for its first preseason action Sunday night in Boston. Early line combinations and special-teams usage should show how quickly camp roles are settling.