In Ahead Of The Play

Capitals prospect: Kyle Wilson

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:12:19 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Kyle Wilson including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Justin Taylor

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:11:42 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Justin Taylor including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Mathieu Perreault

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:11:01 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Mathieu Perreault including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Oskar Osala

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:10:27 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Oskar Osala including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Travis Morin

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:09:39 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Travis Morin including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Brett Leffler

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:09:05 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Brett Leffler including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Maxime Lacroix

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:08:30 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Maxime Lacroix including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Anton Gustafsson

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:07:51 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Anton Gustafsson including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Andrew Gordon

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:07:12 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Andrew Gordon including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Phil DeSimone

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:06:33 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Phil DeSimone including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Brett Bruneteau

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:06:04 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Brett Bruneteau including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Chris Bourque

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:04:43 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Chris Bourque including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Francois Bouchard

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:03:46 -0400

Prospect profile for forward Francois Bouchard including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Keith Seabrook

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:03:10 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Keith Seabrook including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Sasha Pokulok

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:02:38 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Sasha Pokulok including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Patrick McNeill

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:02:02 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Patrick McNeill including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Sami Lepisto

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:57:52 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Sami Lepisto including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Oscar Hedman

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:57:13 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Oscar Hedman including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Josh Godfrey

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:56:29 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Josh Godfrey including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Joe Finley

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:56:01 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Joe Finley including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Viktor Dovgan

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:55:18 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Viktor Dovgan including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: John Carlson

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:54:32 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman John Carlson including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Karl Alzner

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:53:54 -0400

Prospect profile for defenseman Karl Alzner including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Simeon Varlamov

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:53:13 -0400

Prospect profile for goaltender Simeon Varlamov including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Michal Neuvirth

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:52:20 -0400

Prospect profile for goaltender Michal Neuvirth including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Justin Mrazek

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:50:22 -0400

Prospect profile for goaltender Justin Mrazek including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Daren Machesney

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:49:44 -0400

Prospect profile for goaltender Daren Machesney including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Capitals prospect: Dan Dunn

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:45:30 -0400

Prospect profile for goaltender Dan Dunn including photos, stats, scouting reports, 2007-08 season review, links to news articles, and future projections.

Still Alive

20 Apr 2008 06:53:37 GMT

A win is a win is a win. But the second half of that 3-2 win is more than a bit worrisome.

The Washington Capitals outshot the Flyers 14-5 in the first 30 minutes while setting the tone physically by more than...

Better Effort, Same Result

18 Apr 2008 08:07:19 GMT

The Capitals' backs are officially up against the wall. But at least getting there wasn't as embarrassing as it was in Games 2 and 3.

This one could have gone either way, and that's exactly why it required a pair of extra frames. Both teams had their share of chances and both received spectacular goaltending (featuring two of the best saves you'll ever see by Cristobal Huet.)

Let's check out the good, the bad, and the ugly...

Time for a New Plan, And Fast

16 Apr 2008 06:30:13 GMT

A regular season ending that has created so much optimism has taken a turn for the worse. Not only have the Washington Capitals lost two straight, they didn't even have a chance.

Where to begin? We'll start with the most glaring stat -- shots on goal. A game after being...

In the Way

15 Apr 2008 01:53:26 GMT

It's been a hectic couple days for me, what with all the wincing from that lethargic performance in Game 2. Though Washington has been outplayed in 5 of 6 playoff periods and they were caught standing around more than Suresh Joachim on Saturday afternoon, they come away quite lucky to be even at one game apiece.

While the Capitals and Cristobal Huet, who has seen his share of...

Comeback, Playoff Style

12 Apr 2008 07:17:39 GMT

It started with the fourth line guys and finished with the MVP. In between was an extremely unsettling four minute stretch that saw the Philadelphia Flyers take complete control of the game -- or so it seemed.

After...

A Quick Video

10 Apr 2008 17:05:21 GMT

NHL.com just launched "The Hockey Show"...

Two Up, One Down -- A Brief Flyer/Capital Playoff History

9 Apr 2008 05:52:44 GMT

It's been a quite a while since the good ol' Patrick Division was still in existence. Since the last time Washington faced the Philadelphia Flyers in the postseason, the Capitals have played every other Patrick Division team at least once in the playoffs.

But it's been 14 years since the Capitals played a...

Lottery Night

8 Apr 2008 04:16:44 GMT

Just a couple months ago, it appeared that this would be the Washington Capitals' biggest night in the month of April. Fortunately, we were proven to be dead wrong. With the Capitals among the 16 teams set to vie for the 2008 Stanley Cup, the 14 who failed had the opportunity to move ahead in the draft -- with a little help from Lady Luck.

Once everything was settled, the league's worst team...

It's All Set

7 Apr 2008 08:06:42 GMT

Beginning Friday, April 11, the Verizon Center will be packed to the gills with throngs of Washington Capitals faithful and certainly a fair share Philadelphia Flyers fanatics.

The Washington Capitals hosted some memorable best-of-7 battles with the bruisers from Broad Street. But this is the first time these two teams will meet in the postseason since the old Patrick Division dropped the Capitals and was renamed the Atlantic Division after the 1992-93 season.

But this Friday's series opener marks the 19th anniversary of a game I will personally never forget. On April 11, 1989, I sat in the upper level at the raucous old Capital Centre and watched Ron Hextall score an empty netter, the first by a goaltender in NHL playoff history:...

A Win, They're In

5 Apr 2008 07:59:18 GMT

When I decided to start this website this past Thanksgiving, I never thought in a million years that I'd be writing about the Capitals controlling their own destiny on the final day of this season. I just assumed I'd be talking about their odds of winning the lottery and who was available in the Top 5 of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. And the recurring theme? Well, at least we've got the right to match any offer to Alex Ovechkin this offseason.

My how wrong I was. The Capitals finally...

One More Quick Look Back

4 Apr 2008 17:34:51 GMT

With a HUGE night on the out-of-town scoreboard beginning in a few short hours, let's take a brief moment to look at a couple of the Caps recent moves.

Let's start in net with Cristobal Huet, who has made Olie Kolzig look like Kevin Weekes...

The Code Has Been Cracked

4 Apr 2008 07:17:58 GMT

So for at least one evening, the Washington Capitals are resting (un)comfortably in the 8th seed. Of course the Caps got no help (surprise, surprise) from the Toronto Maple Leafs who played the role of punching bag against the Muhammad Ali-esque Ottawa Senators. But tonight remains the biggest night of scoreboard watching for the Capitals in years.

While the Caps recover for...

Sights on a New Target

3 Apr 2008 07:39:39 GMT

For days, if not weeks, the Washington Capitals have been watching the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes. Those are the teams that the Capitals had the best chance to catch. Right?

Not anymore. The Ottawa Senators, a team rife with turmoil these days, are now within Washington's striking distance. And of the four teams...

M-V-P, Ovie at 63 (plus a tie for first ain't bad either)

2 Apr 2008 08:53:22 GMT

Luc Robitaille. Alex Ovechkin. That's it, those are the guys who have scored the most goals as a left wing in National Hockey League history.

One minor difference: Robitaille recorded his feat in...

As Big as They Come

1 Apr 2008 08:37:58 GMT

The Washington Capitals entertain the Carolina Hurricanes this evening in what is THE most important game in nearly five years for Washington. Not since Martin St. Louis ended the Capitals season in the first round of the 2003 Playoffs has a single game been so significant.

I could sit here going on and on about the...

A Look at the Land of Chocolate

31 Mar 2008 08:07:55 GMT

The Washington Capitals aren't the only "local" team struggling for their playoff lives at the moment. Their neighbor to the north lies just three points ahead of Ottawa's farm team, the Binghamton Senators, for the fourth and final playoff spot in the AHL's East Division.

It's been an up and down season for the Hershey Bears, though not nearly as drastic a fluctuation...

With Win, Tables Are Set For a Southeast Showdown

30 Mar 2008 05:08:37 GMT

Cristobal Huet and the Washington Capitals haven't gotten much help lately. But they haven't cared.

Seeing win after win on an astounding six game road trip do little to...

Ah Ah Ah, Two is the Number of the Day

28 Mar 2008 08:22:56 GMT

I was looking for a video or sound clip but came up empty. This was the best I could do for the number two. That's how many points the Caps came away with, leaving them that many points behind Carolina, Philadelphia, and Boston. Hence, two - the number of the day.

Another number that's a bit worrisome for the Capitals is...

Visiting a Familiar Face - Get Used to It

27 Mar 2008 07:41:34 GMT

Eight and a half years ago, we witnessed the sudden emergence of the Washington Capitals' first ever homegrown prodigy, an undrafted guy not many ever heard of.

After playing four years at Princeton University (not exactly an NHL supply chain) and all of six games in the AHL, Jeff Halpern found himself in a perfect...

A Three Point Affair

26 Mar 2008 08:05:01 GMT

It's an awful shame to see the Capitals' division hopes take a massive hit when they outplayed the Hurricanes at every turn (other than physically, or so the hit stats say).

First, they ran into Cam Ward, who was in Conn Smythe Trophy-winning form, as has been...

A Roy Family Reunion

26 Mar 2008 08:03:48 GMT

Like Father, Like Son...

Time to Put Up or Shut Up

25 Mar 2008 17:19:46 GMT

For weeks we've been saying that every game is a "must win". But Washington hasn't won every won of those games and they are still in position to reach the playoffs, both as an eight seed and a three seed (as division winner). A loss tonight to Carolina will essentially eliminate the latter possibility while pushing the former further from reach. So to keep options open, this is indeed the Capitals' first "must win" of the season.

It's been a while since the Capitals have...

Trade Deadline Update

23 Mar 2008 19:02:05 GMT

The holiday weekend features limited action around the league, giving us plenty of time to reflect on those deadline deals that took place nearly a month ago. We all know well the Capitals were major players with a pretty good degree of success. But how's Matt Pettinger doing now? And for that matter, how are other big names around the league fairing in their new colors? To find out, click on each trade to learn more about its impact...

Sweet, Sweet Sixty

21 Mar 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Exactly one week after dismantling a reeling Atlanta Thrashers squad, the Capitals travelled to Atlanta in dire need of another victory. For 40 minutes, it looked as though the Caps just weren't with it for the second time in three nights. But Alex Ovechkin sparked the Capitals first third period rally to win in over a calendar year, having failed in their previous 50 tries.

It was an historic evening as Ovechkin reached...

All For Naught?

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:23:03 -0400

We've reached that point of the season where each win seems essential and a single loss feels catastrophic. Those four straight wins the Washington Capitals collected were great, but they just don't seem like enough. Truth is, they may not be.

The Capitals are playing catchup. Therefore they are in reliance of...

The Streak is now Four

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:17:59 -0400

The Washington Capitals began a six game road trip in Nashville five points behind Southeast Division leading Carolina with a game in hand. That extra game is now gone, but the Capitals made the most of it. With a 4-2 win over the Predators, the Capitals have matched a season high four game win streak.

Now just three points back with...

Scoreboard Watching and a Long, Long Roadie

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:51:53 -0400

The Washington Capitals, along with at least two other Eastern Conference teams, have done all they can do over the past few games to give themselves reasonable playoff aspirations. Tonight they're facing a Western Conference club that is similarly positioned but headed the opposite direction.

The Nashville Predators, like Washington, lie just off...

Weekend in Review/The Week Ahead

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:49:35 -0400

This weekend was much more kind to the Washington Capitals than the previous one, and they needed it. Three straight wins against Calgary, Atlanta, and Boston have solidified the Caps position in the race for eighth and kept them within shouting distance of the Southeast Division title.

It's been a busy weekend for all the teams who are jockeying for playoff position. So let's dive...

When Everything Goes Right

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:15:23 -0400

The Washington Capitals played like a desperate team, and it was pretty darn impressive. On a day that saw the Eastern Conference standings bunch together considerably, the Capitals inched closer to Southeast Division leader Carolina with a dominant 4-1 victory over Atlanta.

The Capitals, who are officially in control of their own...

Kolzig Looks to Match Richter

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:56:44 -0400

Kolzig Looks to Match Richter

After leading the Washington Capitals to victory over the Calgary Flames, his 300th of his career, Olie Kolzig looks to tie Mike Richter for 22nd on the all-time list. More important than Kolzig's individual achievement is Washington's need for another win.

The playoffs have become a bit of a pipe dream after...

Number 300

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:39:39 -0400

Looking for a hot hand with the season on the brink of collapse, Bruce Boudreau went with Old Yeller, and the old feller didn't disappoint. It didn't hurt to have a little help from the guy in the spotlight.

Locked in a goaltending duel with another former...

Who Will Show Up?

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:15:21 -0400

It's do or die time for Washington. Which Alex Ovechkin will we see at the end of the night?

A Positive Spin

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:31:23 -0400

Yesterday, I took a look at the reality of Washington's seven point deficit in the Southeast Division. Unfortunately, as one might expect when having to make up seven points in 12 games, things are not looking good on "Fun Street."

But because Washington has two head-to-head matchups with Carolina plus a game in hand, they still have a reasonable...

Out With a Bang

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 21:43:28 -0400

As I've always said: If you're gonna go out, go out with a bang.

The Capitals must have been listening -- specifically Nicklas Backstrom. One day after racking up five penalties in little more than six minutes to blow a lead in Boston, the rookie of the year candidate (perhaps no longer)...

A Major Meltdown

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 01:22:50 -0500

The toughest pill to swallow in a game like this, obviously, stems from the inequality of the penalties dealt to Washington in the waning minutes of the game.

It's easy to chide the ref, Boston native Chris Rooney, and say he...

After an Explosion, Will the Caps Do It Again?

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 01:28:22 -0500

It's been just five days since the Washington Capitals trounced the Boston Bruins by the most lopsided margin in the league this season. Thanks to odd late season scheduling, the Bruins didn't have to wait long for a rematch. But will they again be overmatched for a second consecutive meeting?

Looking at past history, the likely answer is no.

Washington's last three wins by...

Eyeing Another Way In

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 02:29:06 -0500

On Monday, the Washington Capitals exploded against a goaltender that seemingly owned as much of the team as Ted Leonsis does. Boston's Tim Thomas had gone 8-0-1 with a 1.78 GAA and .940 save percentage. Key word: had.

Again the Capitals were tasked with...

What More Could You Ask For?

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 12:36:06 -0500

The Washington Capitals have clearly become sick of all the close losses to the Boston Bruins over recent years. Sixteen straight games were decided by two goals or less, 11 of which were one goal affairs, and Washington came out the victor only three times. So much for that.

The Capitals rattled one of the league's premier...

Upon Further Examination...

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 02:56:03 -0500

Saturday night's defeat at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs marked one of those "one step forward, one step back" kind of deals for the Washington Capitals. After closing within three points of Carolina, the Caps were back to five behind just like that. With little more than a month and my lucky number (16) of games remaining, it has become evident that the road to the playoffs is through Carolina. Squeaking into the eighth seed is unrealistic at this point -- too many teams to pass, too many of them playing well.

So in knowing that the Capitals must overtake the Hurricanes to make the show, let's take a look at what's left for both teams and hopefully find a bit of statistical optimism for Washington...

How It's Done

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 01:42:37 -0500

Sixty-two games.

That's how long it's been since a Washington Capitals netminder last recorded a shutout. No other team in the NHL has waited so long. Thanks to newcomer Cristobal Huet, the wait is over.

Huet, holder of the third best...

A Little Home Cooke-in'

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:07:22 -0500

With the big names of Cristobal Huet and Sergei Fedorov making their debut in a Washington sweater later this evening, the third man in may seem a bit of an afterthought. But Matt Cooke was the only player acquired that cost the Capitals a roster player -- so why not learn a bit more about this deal.

Cooke arrived in Vancouver in the NHL as a 20 year old, and has...

Coming Together

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:54:42 -0500

The preliminary line combos have been set, according to Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post. They break down...

After the Smoke Clears, Laich Propels Caps

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:01:14 -0500

The excitement of George McPhee's maneuvering may have upstaged Washington's workmanlike effort against Minnesota, but the big news is that the Capitals finally got off the snide with a desperately needed 4-1 win. Though things began to settle down a bit after the moves were finalized, much of the dressing room remained shellshocked in regards to the arrival of goaltender Cristobal Huet.

The move may be the one that sends Washington to the postseason, but retaining...

Wheeling and Dealing

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:24:26 -0500

The Washington Capitals have been busy in recent years at the trade deadline. Stockpiling draft picks and youngsters in exchange for established veterans has been George McPhee's M.O. But today, McPhee was the busiest of the buyers.

In addition to...

The Caps Have a Goalie!!!

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:16:16 -0500

Breaking news out of Washington and it is BIG. The Washington Capitals have acquired Cristobal Huet for a 2nd round pick -- still leaving the Capitals with two 2nd round picks. How good is this deal for the Caps?

Keith Jones, analyst on TSN, says, "I'm shocked. I don't think [Montreal] got enough for Huet. I think he's a...

Now That's a Goalie

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:01:44 -0500

A day after being taught how to extend a division lead late in the year, the Washington Capitals were taken back to school for yet another lesson. This time, their teacher came in the form of a Hall of Fame netminder performing at his absolute best.

Marty Brodeur, whose career will most assuredly close out with...

Leaving It All On The Table

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:39:53 -0500

A new renewed trend has taken hold in Washington. And yes, it involves blowing every opportunity the Capitals have had to move themselves into playoff real estate -- the night's 6-3 loss at the hands of division leading Carolina supplying perfect illustration.

In the month of February the Capitals have played six Southeast Division tilts, a seemingly perfect occasion for...

After a Rest, the Disappointment Continues

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:41:49 -0500

Much like David Steckel, I fell victim to the nasty flu bug over the past several days. I mustered just enough energy to watch the Capitals do their best Boston Bruins impression, though the Caps were far less efficient in blowing their two goal lead (and LOST the shootout.) Not to mention Olie Kolzig gave up his two goals on only 19 shots, while the B's Tim Thomas faced 45. In other words, Carolina actually deserved their goals. The Isles...not so much.

Hockey pundits have always called a...

State of the Union

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:31:59 +0000

So here we are two days after a crucial victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, Olie Kolzig has rediscovered his Vezina-winning form of nearly a decade ago, Alexander Semin has continued his inconsistent brilliance, and the Capitals salvaged a three game in four night Southeast Division roadie when it appeared they were set for another third period collapse.

After being nationally criticized and...

Sliding Into a Slump

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:57:46 +0000

Not far removed from being one of the hottest teams in the entire National Hockey League, the Washington Capitals are suddenly the coldest team in the Southeast Division -- allowing their rivals to regain ground in one of the tightest races in league history.

If Tampa Bay, currently last in the division, were to...

Not So Special Teams

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:03:03 +0000

The Washington Capitals look for their first win against a Southeast Division opponent since beating Florida nearly a month ago. In the time since, they are 0-2-1 against division opponents and have been unable to string two wins in a row since January 21st, 11 games ago.

In the Capitals last 10 games, they are 5-4-1, not a terrible record, but no...

One is Better than None

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:30:58 +0000

That's about as "glass half full" a statement one can make when losing another game against a team the Capitals absolutely have to beat. With 41 shots on Kari Lehtonen, you'd think they might get it done, but these Southeast goaltenders have risen to the challenge against this revitalized Caps team.

Since January 31st, the Capitals are 4-0-0 against non-division opponents and 0-2-1 against their division rivals. But just how much has the divisional goaltending factored into the equation?...

Well, That Was a Waste of Time

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:20:20 +0000

According, to Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post, Sami Lepisto has been returned to Hershey. As it turns out...

Lepisto Gets the Call

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:34:56 +0000

The Washington Capitals have called up Sami Lepisto from the AHL Hershey Bears today. The move to bring up the 23 year old, former third round pick from the same draft that produced Alex Ovechkin, Jeff Schultz, Mike Green, and Chris Bourque, signals one of three things -- and perhaps all three.

First, John Erskine has not...

Green Ends Slump, Lifts Caps Back to the Top

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:18:00 +0000

On a day when Olie Kolzig celebrated his 700th game in a Capitals uniform, Mike Green scored his third overtime game winner of the season to lift the Capitals back to the top of the Southeast Division.

Green would never have had the...

Hey, What's That Smell?

Sat, 9 Feb 2008 11:23:13 +0000

Oh, it's just another stinker from the Washington Capitals against a Southeast opponent at home when they are trying to stake their claim to the division lead.

Six days after allowing...

In The Driver's Seat

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 18:09:51 +0000

The Washington Capitals enter probably the biggest game of the season thus far with their fate in their own hands for the first time. It is more than a bit early to be talking magic numbers (which is 52 points by the way,) but the Capitals are alone in first and have played fewer games than the teams that are chasing them.

The Caps got some help last night from...

Feeling the Love

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 03:33:46 +0000

Check out this FRONT PAGE snapshot from ESPN.com. The shot was taken at 10:00 PM on the site's front page, NOT the hockey front page. The entire sports nation is becoming enraptured with the Capitals and the astonishing turnaround that has been led by our lovable Bruce Boudreau. Note that ALL FOUR sub-headlines are also Washington related. Below the snapshot, I have linked to all five stories. Enjoy!

Can You Say First?

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 06:37:56 +0000

First place in the Southeast Division. Sure seemed like a pipe dream less than three months ago, but here we are, three weeeks before the trading deadline and the Washington Capitals have gained sole possession of first place in the division.

This is what it looks like folks...

Bad Luck, No Problem

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 06:45:22 +0000

Somewhere, veteran referee Bill McCreary is resting comfortably. The 24 year veteran who has called nearly 1700 games in his career committed an officiating blunder the equivalent of scoring on your own goal or Jim Marshall's wrong way touchdown. Much like these scenarios, McCreary's takedown of Cap defenseman Shaone Morrisonn won't soon be forgotten.

With the score tied at two in the third period, Rick Nash gained...

Long-Awaited Season Debut

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 16:45:27 +0000

Eric Fehr, the 6'4" 215 pound right wing who is 10 days older than Alex Ovechkin, makes his return to the Washington Capitals for the first time in nearly a year. Having scored just 2 goals and 1 assist in 25 career games, Fehr last played in the NHL on February 21, 2007.

In Hershey, Fehr scored twice and added four helpers in 10 games since returning to...

Worst...Pain...Ever

Sun, 3 Feb 2008 17:00:45 +0000

I ended up in the hospital yesterday for some pretty bad chest pains that I thought may have been gall stones. Well, it's not and they don't know what it is at the moment. Add the result of the Capitals game last night and it just hasn't been a fun few days. I will keep my analysis brief so I can get back to resting (and quite frankly there's not a whole to say anyways.)

Offensively, Washington looked nearly...

Another Career Night for Ovechkin

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 08:35:59 +0000

Alexander Ovechkin was held in check by the Montreal Canadiens a mere two evenings ago. It was not to happen two games in a row as Ovechkin turned in his second four goal, five point performance of the season, vaulting himself to the top of the NHL leaderboards.

Ovechkin increased his league-leading goal total to 43, just three shy of...

Misplaced Anger

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:33:40 +0000

The final minute of Washington's loss to Montreal has drawn much debate over the past two days. People (mainly in the Washington camp) are upset that the Canadiens put their top power play unit on the ice in the final minute when they were up 3-0.

This is the National Hockey League, full of professional athletes that are...

This Is A Problem

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:31:03 +0000

For the second game in a row against Washington, Cristobal Huet made 35 saves. Seven weeks ago he faced 37 shots, tonight it was exactly 35. Suffice to say, the guy has the Capitals' number (and we now know exactly what that number is.)

That said, the most significant number for the Caps right now is...

...And Down the Stretch They Come

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:04:56 +0000

The All-Star break has come and passed, leaving 32 games for the Capitals to stake their claim to a playoff spot. It won't come easily as the Eastern Conference is clogged with tightly packed teams all vying for playoff position.

With the trading deadline less than a month away, no team has established...

Loving the Limelight

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:52:33 +0000

Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals' lone All Star, was a hit in the skills competition the night before the 2008 All Star Game. He stood by for the first four skills events (which included a new, much worse version of the faster skater competition) and the YoungStars Game (featuring teammate Nicklas Backstrom) before taking the stage in the hardest shot competition.

Ovechkin's two tries registered...

Goaltending (Yes, Goaltending) Leads Capitals to Win

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:37:34 +0000

Olie Kolzig, mired in a slump of career ending proportions, looked on as "backup" Brent Johnson gave Leafs' netminder Vesa Toskala a taste of his own medicine. A day after leading Toronto to a victory with stellar goaltending, Toskala was good -- but not as good as Johnson.

Adding fuel to an ever-intensifying goaltending debate...

Can't Win 'Em All

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:48:53 +0000

The Washington Capitals have spoiled their followers lately, instilling an expectation that they will win every game - especially against foes that have worse records. Of course this is a silly notion. But what we have seen from this team is its ability to avoid consecutive lackluster performances, giving us plenty of hope for tonight's rematch in the District. The Caps were, dare I say it...

Capitals Begin Home-and-Home Against Toronto

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:57:02 +0000

The Washington Capitals are finally set to play a team that is BELOW them in the standings, something they have not done since November 6th when they played an Atlanta team that was trying to recover from an 0-6 start that saw the dismissal of head coach Bob Hartley.

Now that the Capitals are expected to...

Capitals Finally Shake Their Nemesis

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:32:12 +0000

For just the second time in 11 tries, Alex Ovechkin has beaten the Pittsburgh Penguins. It took a shootout, but the Capitals knocked off the Pens, 6-5, erasing a six game losing streak against the team that has had the Caps number dating back to several playoff setbacks in the early '90s.

Ovechkin did everything he could to...

Teams on Fire Set to Clash

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:29:19 +0000

Two of the hottest teams in the league face each other at the Igloo tonight. Since Thanksgiving the Pens are 19-6-1 and the Caps are 15-7-4. Both teams have been winning, but they have used very different methods.

The Penguins have been...

Caps are Right on Pace to Take Division Lead

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:44:32 +0000

The Capitals' win over Florida last night moved them to .500, the same exact winning percentage of the top teams in the Southeast Division. Atlanta, Carolina, and Washington each have a point per game, but only the Caps are moving in the right direction.

Bruce Boudreau puts the Capitals .500 record into perspective -- the way we've...

Capitals Look to Reclaim Third in the South-Least

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:42:40 -0500

The Florida Panthers overtook the Capitals' one day hold on the third spot in the division with an unlikely 2-1 win in New Jersey last night. The Caps, who hold two games in hand over Florida, are coming off a nail-biting win over Edmonton two nights back -- the same Oiler team that was obliterated last night by Carolina, 7-2.

It was an odd night all around for...

Kolzig Saves His Best for Last as Caps Move Into Third Place

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:17:34 -0500

The Edmonton Oilers were 11-2 in the shootout with 18 goals on 40 tries. The Washington Capitals were 0-2 and had allowed 7 goals in 14 attempts. Nothing had to give, but it did, and the Caps skated away with the victory after Olie stopped all 12 Oilers shooters and Matt Bradley scored for the first time in three career shootout tries.

The Caps' unlikely victory looked...

Where Are They Now? (The Recent Version)

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:09:37 -0500

I was thinking back to the post-lockout Caps and all the
journeymen that made a pit stop in Washington. I decided to check up on
a few of these familiar names and share my findings. So here we go...

Semin, Capitals Finish What They Started

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:34:28 -0500

Alexander Semin has faced more than his fair share of struggles this season. He's been criticized for his soft play and many times appeared to be in his own little world on the ice. But tonight, he was THE reason why Washington beat Ottawa, 4-2 -- finishing a four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference leaders.

The Capitals, who have accounted for a third of the Sens' regulation losses this season, got...

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:03:28 -0500

It has been a whirlwind week for the Washington Capitals organization and its fans -- one which will always be remembered with the greatest of Capitals lure. But the Philadelphia Flyers, as they have done countless times in our 34 year history, played the spoiler as they came to town and skated away 6-4 winners.