tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175826662012-02-02T22:04:33.680-05:00A Washington Capitals Fan who has a lot to write, but is he saying anything?Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.comBlogger12451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-82956819117253697242012-01-03T10:53:00.001-05:002012-01-04T09:12:00.300-05:00

The Washington Capitals enter the new year in pretty good shape. Just five points from the lead in the division and a point out from the 8th place spot in the Eastern Conference. They are also riding a three game win streak. It is not the worst position the Caps could be in. It's not the best spot for the Capitals either as the All Star Game looms in the distance at month's end. The Capitals are

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-35380146363890050192011-12-09T21:25:00.001-05:002011-12-09T22:30:56.843-05:00

Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 2 Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) After stifled for a good portion of the season, the Capitals power play was a non-producer. Tonight, thanks to Dennis Wideman, the Caps could do no wrong with the extra man. The Capitals' power play carries them over the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. Wideman scored three of the four goals on the power play that went four

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-89560780475528817522011-12-08T00:56:00.001-05:002011-12-08T02:19:56.105-05:00

Capitals 5, Senators 3 Game Summary (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) The words uttered by play by play John Walton on Alex Ovechkin's goal and Troy Brouwers tally just :15 seconds later were, "That's more like it." Besides a few late flubs that made the game a bit more interesting, the Capitals seemed to find some success with head coach Dale Hunter's system and

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-10404895785841417942011-12-05T22:50:00.001-05:002011-12-05T23:17:09.862-05:00

NHL.com Good-bye two conferences, eight divisions. Hello four conferences. The NHL Board of Governors approved a new look alignment for the league next year. What does that mean for the Capitals? How about a conference that features the Capitals with the likes of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Rangers and Islanders, the New Jersey Devils, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Carolina

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-1668071283161731332011-12-05T22:16:00.001-05:002011-12-05T22:49:34.033-05:00

Capitals 4, Panthers 5 Game Summary AP The Washington Capitals could always count on being the dominant team with in their division in the past. But the Florida Panthers put some serious doubt into the Capitals ability to get easy points from their division with a 5-1 effort through the first half of the game. The Capitals made it a game late by some hard work and tightening their own zone

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-37317282846981310412011-11-30T06:04:00.001-05:002011-11-30T06:06:22.981-05:00

Well, that didn't take long. After some question on whether the assistant coaches would remain the same, GM George McPhee assured reporters the assistants weren't going anywhere. That lasted for a day. Bob Woods will be replaced by Jim Johnson, another ex-Cap. I am not sure if Woods was let go, or he quit the team. But per Caps PR: ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have named Jim Johnson

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-19536143710414286132011-11-29T21:35:00.001-05:002011-11-29T22:06:49.753-05:00

Capitals 1, Blues 2 Game Summary (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Dale Hunter had one practice and a morning skate to work with his new team. Not much time to turn the team on its rear and start playing like the Washington Capitals should. It was clear that not much changed as the players took the ice and dropped Hunter's coaching debut to the St. Louis Blues and their new head coach Ken

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-36288628429709316312011-11-28T10:05:00.001-05:002011-11-28T10:40:00.969-05:00

With the coaching change for the Washington Capitals, Bruce Boudreau out and Dale Hunter in, a lot of things will change as this team struggles to find identity. Lately there has been a lot of talk lately of Alex Ovechkin's under performance over the past two years as a part of the Caps' failures. Some draw that under-achievement to the C that rests on the wingers left shoulder. In some ways, I

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-25205587261117051172011-11-28T09:30:00.001-05:002011-11-28T10:45:25.183-05:00

A shocker, but not really. The Washington Capitals fire head coach Bruce Boudreau after what General Manager George McPhee cites as Boudreau's poor performance over "the last few weeks". The Capitals go in a different direction by hiring ex-Caps captain Dale Hunter. Per Caps PR: ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have named Dale Hunter the team’s head coach, replacing Bruce Boudreau,

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-18964063774477122492011-11-26T21:31:00.001-05:002011-11-26T22:15:11.043-05:00

Capitals 1, Sabres 5 Game Summary AP You hear that noise? That is the sound of Bruce Boudreau's job security hitting the rocks. The Capitals can not seem to right the ship as they fall hard to the limping Buffalo Sabres 5-1. Facing a team mainly consisting of rookies due to nine injured players out of their normal lineup, the Capitals couldn't even muster a forecheck on the young defenders.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-7443398707207665632011-11-25T18:22:00.001-05:002011-11-25T19:18:15.208-05:00

Capitals 3, Rangers 6 Game Summary AP If you thought getting a face full of pepper spray on "Black Friday" because you thought you might miss out on a smoking hot deal was hard to swallow, how about a lackluster performance by the Capitals against the New York Rangers? Out-hustled, out-goaltended, out-witted, out-played, just about out everything as the Rangers embarrass the Capitals at home

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-40895799714062061442011-11-23T22:17:00.000-05:002011-11-23T23:14:01.715-05:00

Capitals 4, Jets 3 OT Game Summary AP Ondrej Pavelec has been nothing short of a brick wall against the Capitals of late. But the Caps finally solve the pesky goaltender and put forth an inspired effort to earn a 4-3 overtime win against divisional foe the Winnipeg Jets. Jason Chimera had himself a game scoring a pair of goals (his seventh and eighth of the season) including the game winner

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-9279587835535101362011-10-28T00:47:00.003-04:002011-10-28T00:47:53.714-04:00

Capitals 1, Oilers 2 Game Summary AP The Capitals stormed out in the first period jumping on the young Oilers early with a 1-0 lead and out shooting them 6-1. But then they just could not stay out of the penalty box. The Caps were whistled for 9 penalties and gave up two goals to the Oilers' power play to see their best start in organization histroy halted at seven games. Edmonton jumps on

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-15662217704065571432011-10-08T22:45:00.000-04:002011-10-08T22:47:15.594-04:00

Capitals 4, Hurricanes 3 OT Game Summary AP It was not pretty at times, but the Washington Capitals win their home opener in dramatic fashion with an overtime goal by Mike Green to beat division rivals Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Alex Semin scored his first of the season when he got behind the defense and John Carlson zipped a pass to break him open and alone on Brian Boucher. Semin scored a

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-55928370158938000092011-10-07T14:25:00.004-04:002011-10-07T14:25:58.759-04:00

5 Things The Caps Must Improve The Hockey News may have put the expectation of a Stanley Cup Championship on the shoulders of the Washington Capitals, but the Caps will have fix some demons that plagued them (and seem to continue to plague them) last year. 1. Power Play Production The power play is an effective tool for a team that wants to find success in the regular season and in

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-30035200792454802372011-09-24T21:47:00.000-04:002011-09-24T21:47:58.270-04:00

Francois Bouchard, Kyle Greentree and Zack Miskovic were put on waivers Saturday according to TSN.ca. Hershey Bears are set to start their training camp Monday and Keith Aucoin and Dany Sabourin were sent down. They join players Andrew Carroll, Jacob Micflikier, Joel Rechlicz, Brett Flemming and Julien Brouillette. Bouchard was signed about the same time as Mathieu Perreault but has failed to be

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-28843384258332502412011-09-21T22:31:00.002-04:002011-09-21T22:31:57.860-04:00

Capitals 3, Blue Jackets 4 OT Game Summary #25 Jason Chimera wears the captain's C in preseason action The Washington Capitals came out with a bit more urgency in their second preseason game. Out shooting the Blue Jackets in their home preseason opener 6-1, the Capitals looked like they might have found an offensive groove. But some flubs on special teams again confound the Caps and they

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-6274078025196390202011-09-20T21:42:00.000-04:002011-09-20T21:42:58.991-04:00

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Capitals 0, Predators 2 It should have been about the amazing skill of the players on the ice inside the 1st Mariner Arena at the 2011 Baltimore Hockey Classic. Or how great it was to see a Caps' sweater in Baltimore for a preseason match up with the Nashville Predators. But instead, the poor ice conditions overshadowed what should have been a great

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-4133333442231333612011-09-19T09:16:00.001-04:002011-09-19T09:18:42.211-04:00

This is not how I got snubbed or how unfair the Capitals PR staff is (I actually think they are pretty cool). Rather this is one blog that is struggling just to keep up this summer and has come to the proverbial fork in the road.  The Washington Capitals officially denied credentials to puckheadsthoughts.com. Hey, I would have done the same thing based on the last few months. Truth is, life has

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-7487342907183805282011-09-08T09:22:00.001-04:002011-09-08T09:27:59.509-04:00

Those were the tweeted words of Russian phenom Alexander Ovechkin upon hearing about a plane crash the took the lives of several Russian and Czech hockey players. TSN.ca has the entire story here. Not only were they just KHL players, but some notable NHL players and prospects as well. It hit the Ranger organization the hardest. It tops one of the saddest off season for the NHL. The loss of

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-78254502556325804842011-09-08T05:30:00.000-04:002011-09-08T05:30:01.325-04:00

The Washington Capitals might have made the Southleast Division into one of the toughest divisions in the NHL. After winning the division title for the last 4 years (regular season eastern champs for the last two), the division is wising up and bettering their teams to make the playoff push. The influx of better talent into the division makes this year's division champ a toss up. But all the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-28335174222917358192011-09-07T00:20:00.000-04:002011-09-07T00:23:05.650-04:00

The Washington Capitals might have made the Southleast Division into one of the toughest divisions in the NHL. After winning the division title for the last 4 years (regular season eastern champs for the last two), the division is wising up and bettering their teams to make the playoff push. The influx of better talent into the division makes this year's division champ a toss up. But all the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-44578942941753625042011-09-02T03:00:00.000-04:002011-09-02T03:00:09.984-04:00

The Washington Capitals might have made the Southleast Division into one of the toughest divisions in the NHL. After winning the division title for the last 4 years (regular season eastern champs for the last two), the division is wising up and bettering their teams to make the playoff push. The influx of better talent into the division makes this year's division champ a toss up. But all the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-84424383595066267112011-09-01T09:36:00.002-04:002011-09-01T09:42:44.135-04:00

The Washington Capitals might have made the Southleast Division into one of the toughest divisions in the NHL. After winning the division title for the last 4 years (regular season eastern champs for the last two), the division is wising up and bettering their teams to make the playoff push. The influx of better talent into the division makes this year's division champ a toss up. But all the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-61799632263538149962011-07-18T01:18:00.000-04:002011-07-18T01:18:00.588-04:00

In the words of an assistant coach, "Development camp is... development camp". It is no more or less of what you make of it. For the Capital brass, it is more about inventory. What do they have and what can they use down the line. Rosters are not set because of last week, and no eyebrows were really raised. Take from it what you want, but it is simply a gauge that some players will be measured at

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-6124425301030239372011-07-15T11:54:00.000-04:002011-07-15T11:54:54.058-04:00

The Washington Capitals wrapped up some RFA business by signing Karl Alzner to a two year contract. The estimated contract is worth $2.57 million ($1.3 this season, $1.27 next, cap hit just under $1.3 million). Per Wash Caps PR: The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Karl Alzner to a two-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-25500674754860436622011-07-02T20:10:00.003-04:002011-07-02T20:17:12.549-04:00

The Washington Capitals looked like they had goaltending set. But George McPhee thought bringing in some veteran presence wouldn't hurt either. The Caps sign Tomas Vokoun to a one year contract worth $1.5 million. Vokoun, rumored to be traded at the deadline last year to the Capitals now signs a contract with them. "We are excited to add an elite veteran goaltender to the Capitals," said McPhee.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-36397951153820233742011-07-01T23:59:00.000-04:002011-07-01T23:59:48.176-04:00

The Washington Capitals' general manager George McPhee is a pretty simple kind of team builder. He pushed through NHL drafts stockpiling his farm team as he goes. When a hole opens up, he simply looks down his depth chart in Hershey and systematically fills positions with players he has observed and players he knows well. Very rarely has he gone outside that system unless there is a missing piece

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-66979618221972448832011-06-28T13:17:00.000-04:002011-06-28T13:17:36.784-04:00

I guess we can stop trending Brooks Laich's name on twitter and endless blog post on whether we should keep him or dump him, because the Washington Capitals have resigned him to a 6 year contract (people who get flat tires after game 7 enter cheers here). Per Caps PR: ARLINGTON, VA. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed center Brooks Laich to a six-year contract, vice president and general

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-49679356353218491912011-06-24T22:02:00.000-04:002011-06-24T22:02:56.114-04:00

The Capitals never picked a player in the first round of the NHL Draft at Excel Energy Center in St. Paul Minnesota. But they did get a player that can be infused to the line up right now in Troy Brouwer. Brouwer, a right winger that has a ring, scored 17 goals, had 36 points last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. He also had 8 playoff points during Chicago's Stanley Cup run. The Capitals

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-71145763613537156372011-06-02T16:47:00.000-04:002011-06-02T16:47:27.193-04:00

The Caps make another move. This time a trade with Nashville. Per Caps PR: ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have acquired left wing Taylor Stefishen from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.   Stefishen, 20, spent last season with the Prince George Cougars of the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-29204501766040048002011-06-01T13:46:00.004-04:002011-06-01T13:56:42.953-04:00

6:00 am is much too early for some, but not for Japer's Rink who broke the story that the Washington Capitals have signed Swedish center/right winger Mattias Sjögren as daylight crept upon the metro area. The Caps who might be looking to add some size up the middle have signed the forward to the maximum amount a team can pay for rookies at $1.8 million. Sjögren is a physical player at 6'2", 214

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-38477399513749783992011-05-31T16:06:00.003-04:002011-05-31T16:10:43.794-04:00

You know all those fortune cookie fortunes sound better with the ending "in bed." At least the adult version (or if you get a fortune like I did, "You will get caught", not fun reading in front of the wife). When it comes to the NHL, there is no doubt it is better with the post saying: "In the Playoffs". The Hockey News is a magazine someone subscribed to me eons ago and it normally finds a home

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-25421169184242879292011-05-18T14:41:00.000-04:002011-05-18T14:41:59.048-04:00

Capitals announced today the resigning of Zach Miskovic. A young prospect defenseman that has enough potential to be tagged along for one more year. Per Hershey Bears PR: HERSHEY – The HERSHEY BEARS announced today in conjunction with the NHL’s Washington Capitals that defenseman Zach Miskovic has been signed to a contract for 2011-12. The announcement was made today by BEARS President/GM Doug

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-76175406000364359512011-05-13T05:29:00.001-04:002011-05-13T14:10:09.998-04:00

All week we have taken a look at the Caps that are unrestricted free agents. There are a few more of note, but it is likely that they will be resigned or will be dumped. We can take a quick look at all the minor notes for the Capitals that can change this team in the coming summer months. RFA: Karl Alzner - The Capitals would be stupid not to sign the rookie defenseman to an extension. At this

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-155306671522218202011-05-12T05:58:00.001-04:002011-06-01T13:14:11.795-04:00

Traded for during the Capitals 8 game losing streak for potential prospect Tomas Fleischmann, Scott Hannan was brought in to bring some muscle to the blue line. He was a band-aid on a beat up blue line with Tom Poti struggling to stay healthy. Hannan had a single goal this season and four assists in 55 games for Washington. Total numbers is 11 points with six more assists with the Avalanche.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-76182139992321213192011-05-11T05:11:00.000-04:002011-05-11T05:11:00.199-04:00

Another player picked up at the trade deadline, not because of a trade however. Instead he was picked up off of waivers. Marco Sturm was brought in to bolster the offense for the playoffs. Sturm definitely added some punch, but his numbers were low. He was apart of the Joe Thornton trade which sent the all-star forward to San Jose from Boston. Boston traded him to LA and he missed most of the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-21558227753032664402011-05-10T05:39:00.000-04:002011-05-10T05:39:00.283-04:00

Face offs are so important. It can lead to a great offensive chance or fend off an attack in the defensive zone. The Capitals did away with the league's best face off guy in David Steckel. So Boyd Gordon picked up the reigns and was the Caps go to guy on the face off dot. He proved a useful face off man in the post season. He was first in the league up to the point the Caps were swept by the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-90089063245833254252011-05-09T05:09:00.002-04:002011-05-09T05:09:00.220-04:00

Some may joke that when Matt Bradley bleeds, the Caps find a way to win. A role player that doesn't mind dropping the mitts. Bradley was a choice by McPhee had to make at the end of the '07-'08 season when the Caps lost to the Flyers in seven games. It was either the young Bradley or the agitator Matt Cooke. McPhee stuck with Bradley and hind sight being 20/20, it was a good call. Bradley

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-19373063332634235722011-05-08T05:49:00.000-04:002011-05-08T05:49:00.123-04:00

Acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for David Steckel, the Caps needed to bolster their center position with a leader like Jason Arnott. He came in and changed the dynamic of the team on the very first day he stepped in the locker room. Added to the second line with Alex Semin, his words and actions seemed to help the Caps become a more complete team as they did not lose a game in

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-64350667207855453942011-05-07T05:10:00.002-04:002011-05-07T05:10:00.456-04:00

AP It wasn't a career season for Brooks Laich, but it was a solid season for the center/winger. Laich played all 82 regular season games for the Capitals but only racked up 16 goals and 32 assists. A little off from the season before where he netted 25 goals and 34 assists in the '09-'10 season. Laich is not a player that the Capitals depend on heavily for points, but when he is producing

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-247475127431056192011-05-06T12:59:00.000-04:002011-05-06T12:59:22.439-04:00

AP It was a quick exit for the Caps. Apologies to fans from the owner, some job security for a coach by a general manager and all around bad feeling for just about everyone else. What is done, can not be undone so all there is left to do is look to the future of the franchise. Where do the Capitals go from here? The first thing they have to do is analyze what went wrong. The Capitals thought

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-15101261547848346982011-05-05T03:07:00.002-04:002011-05-06T04:22:09.317-04:00

Capitals 3, Lightning 5 (Tampa wins 4-0) Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) And just like that the season ends for the Washington Capitals. It wasn't even a question whether the Caps could make a dramatic comeback. The Tampa Bay Lightning were just too good. The Caps showed signs of a comeback but again failed to score first. They would be swept in just four games by a score of

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-23436549439027700612011-05-03T22:12:00.001-04:002011-05-03T22:16:06.412-04:00

Capitals 3, Lightning 4 (Tampa leads 3-0) Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) The Washington Capitals looked at game three as a must win game to stay in the series. But their first power play goal did not help. Their first lead in the series did not help. A lead going into the third period once was chalked up as a win, but that did not help. Instead the Capitals have a mental

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-69584416416208087442011-05-01T22:57:00.001-04:002011-05-03T22:15:29.895-04:00

Capitals 2, Lightning 3 OT (Tampa leads 2-0) Game Summary (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) The Washington Capitals just kissed their home ice advantage good bye. Again the Caps could not come up with the first goal and found them selves trailing or tied in this series thus far. Vincent Lecavalier would be the hero scoring the early first period goal on the power play then ending the game

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-50569281978005988562011-04-30T21:44:00.001-04:002011-05-03T22:14:54.432-04:00

Often in the playoffs, even the minor plays make quite the difference. That was ever more prevalent in game one between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Caps lost game one due to the little things the Lightning were able to accomplish. A lesson Tampa learned and carried over with them from the seven game win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Caps were rested and a bit

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-13893940261663731122011-04-29T22:34:00.003-04:002011-05-03T22:15:07.057-04:00

Capitals 2, Lightning 4 (Tampa leads series 1-0) Game Summary AP Bruce Boudreau alluded to what the press would decide on the result of game one. If the Caps won they would be rested, if they lost it would be considered rust. The later would be true. The Tampa Bay Lightning fresh off their series win over the Pittsburgh Penguins would put the Caps behind in the series by a game winning 4-2.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-6993792312710862452011-04-27T23:36:00.001-04:002011-04-29T22:41:21.654-04:00

#1 Washington Capitals (4-1)vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3) Round two is set. The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Washington Capitals. The Lightning were down three games to one to the depleted Pittsburgh Penguins to win in game seven 1-0. What has been surprising about the Bolts win is they did it with their defense, a soft spot during the regular season. And having Dwayne Roloson in net

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-70917752449378646372011-04-27T22:40:00.001-04:002011-04-29T22:40:57.283-04:00

The first round of the NHL playoffs had just about everything. And age old rivalry, some new foes in post season play and more game sevens than you can shake a hockey stick at. This is what the playoffs should be, right? Some games have been whoppers of games, while others have been snoozers. So let's get to it, the first round winners and losers: The Winners Versus - Over the last couple of

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-74177254072454586342011-04-23T22:46:00.001-04:002011-04-28T00:03:26.666-04:00

Capitals 3, Rangers 1 (Washington wins series 4-1) Game Summary (Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images) All the questions about being up in a series and unable to finish, all the doubt through out the year that a defensive system wouldn't suit this team, all the concerns about Ovechkin's low numbers in the regular season, all seemed to be answered for the Washington Capitals in the first series

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-5912117491239027402011-04-21T08:59:00.002-04:002011-04-28T00:04:49.188-04:00

Capitals 4, Rangers 3 2OT (Washington leads 3-1) Game Summary  AP What appeared to be a rout, the team with the perfect record taking a lead into the third period looked poised to tie up the series at two games apiece. The New York Rangers and their fans seemed to finally get under the skin of head coach Bruce Boudreau and the Capitals. But the raucous crowd turned deftly silent when Jason

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-80846427277375673782011-04-17T23:18:00.001-04:002011-04-21T09:22:30.627-04:00

Capitals 2, Rangers 3 (Washington leads 2-1) Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Playing desperation hockey, Brandon Dubinsky and the New York Rangers proved they could play close games too. Out working the Capitals, the Rangers claw their way back into the series thanks to a late third period goal despite the Caps rallying twice to tie up the game. They feel better about

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-75912008879669375032011-04-15T23:29:00.001-04:002011-04-17T23:35:20.074-04:00

Capitals 2, Rangers 0 (Washington leads 2-0) Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) In what would be their best period of the series, the Capitals scored a pair of goals while their net minder Michal Neuvirth came up with the shutout. The only response the New York Rangers could come up with was Sean Avery's antics with seconds left in the game. It would do little to prevent Jason

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-1495382173938618292011-04-13T23:58:00.005-04:002011-04-17T23:34:34.926-04:00

Capitals 2, Rangers 1 OT (Washington leads series 1-0) Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) The playoffs have returned to Chinatown, Washington, D.C. And it returned in dramatic fashion. The Capitals open their post season march to Lord Stanley's Cup by coming from behind. The New York Rangers seemed to have the game at hand, scoring in the third period and Henrik Lundqvist

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-21655138938104714262011-04-12T23:28:00.002-04:002011-04-17T23:36:02.446-04:00

#1 Washington Capitals (48-23-11, 107 pts.)  vs. #8 New York Rangers (44-33-5, 93 pts.) The only team the Capitals have beaten in post season play comes back for revenge. Two seasons ago, the New York Rangers were not considered contenders against a offensive powerhouse that were the Capitals in the first round. The Caps had won their second divisional title with more authority that season. But

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-81968951430175235842011-04-12T04:33:00.000-04:002011-04-12T04:33:00.414-04:00

Whoa Nelly! Are you ready for the up for grabs Eastern Conference? No team has shown true dominance through out the dominance. In fact, it took to the last handful of games for each of the division champs to secure their crown. But even the pundits can't seem to agree if division champs Boston, Philadelphia or Washington is strong enough to take the Conference. Which makes the field wide open,

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-72310082146500961202011-04-11T15:03:00.000-04:002011-04-11T15:03:48.247-04:00

Before we go into the Caps/Rangers Series A, let's take a look at the big picture and go through what will be some dynamite series as we roll to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Before I have done the Eastern Conference before the Western. This year I am flipping it. As always, you can leave your thoughts below in comments. In the Western Conference things took a while for the final 8 to settle into

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-75676107810510179382011-04-09T22:55:00.000-04:002011-04-09T22:55:50.753-04:00

Capitals 0, Panthers 1 Game Summary AP There is some good news and some bad news. Good news, no new injuries and the Caps safely sail into the post season relatively safe. Bad news, it was a frustrating game for an offensive power house struggling to find itself. The Capitals fall in game 82 as the Florida Panthers score late in the third period to ice the last game with a 1-0 win. At times

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-52449077132600451582011-04-02T23:00:00.000-04:002011-04-02T23:00:51.876-04:00

Capitals 5, Sabres 4 OT Game Summary AP Alex Ovechkin can still prove to be dangerous in overtime. He recorded is franchise leading 11th overtime game winning goal in his career. It was a goal he would dance to as he defeated a team that may come to call in the post season in the Buffalo Sabres with a deflected shot that would sneak past Jhonas Enroth for the final score of 5-4. For Ovechkin

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-34898091861447477192011-03-26T22:31:00.000-04:002011-03-26T22:31:25.618-04:00

Capitals 2, Canadiens 0 Game Summary AP When Marco Sturm put in a rebound past Carey Price, no one would have known that is all it would take for the Washington Capitals to outlast the Montreal Canadiens 2-0. The goaltending duel between Braden Holtby, called up from Hershey as Michal Neuvirth was feeling under the weather and Semyon Varlamov had played the night before in Ottawa, and Carey

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-87759307386744215222011-03-11T22:56:00.000-05:002011-03-11T22:56:55.628-05:00

Capitals 2, Hurricanes 1 Game Summary Coming into this game the Carolina Hurricanes were solid with a lead after two periods. 21-0-0 this season, their late goal in the second period could have spelled out doom for the Capitals just looking to keep their win streak alive. The Capitals answered the challenge when Alex Ovechkin netted his 28th goal of the season early in the third and Matt

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-34417538384565963762011-03-01T22:05:00.000-05:002011-03-01T22:05:11.852-05:00

Capitals 2, Islanders 1 OT Game Summary (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) The Capitals nearly wasted a really good start at home. It looked like the New York Islanders were going to weather the early flurry of shots by the Caps and walk away with a 1-0 win. But the Caps complete a second rally to come from behind on a last minute goal and some magic left in the captain in overtime as the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-70593865980790587972011-02-28T22:13:00.003-05:002011-02-28T22:27:41.472-05:00

The Washington Capitals' general manager George McPhee faced what could be his toughest trade deadline of his career. How can he spark a struggling offense without giving up too much in return? While it remains to be seen how the newly acquired players will form into the collective, one thing is certain; McPhee certainly got the most bang for his buck. Acquisition #1 Claimed LW Marco Sturm off

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-50916795151285022702011-02-21T23:39:00.000-05:002011-02-21T23:39:11.278-05:00

Capitals 1, Penguins 0 Game Summary AP Some would call it boring, others would call it old time hockey. The Washington Capitals call it two points. Even though the Penguins were with out superstars Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and were half way through a trade sending a solid defensemen to Dallas, the Caps didn't take many chances and played their tough defensive style to clip the Pens 1-0.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-67429284586569618752011-02-20T21:03:00.000-05:002011-02-20T21:03:04.895-05:00

Capitals 2, Sabres 1 Game Summary It looked like the Capitals' power play was going to make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. But Mathieu Perreault sparked a late power play goal to lift the Caps over a team pressuring for a playoff spot, the Buffalo Sabres 2-1. Perreault would only get a goal, but he figured in on both tallies. The first goal was one of opportunity as the dump in by

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-83618887482247416132011-02-17T18:03:00.003-05:002011-02-17T18:07:49.041-05:00

You know when the Washington Post's Capitals Insider is listing trade prospects for the upcoming NHL trade-deadline coming up on February 28th, rumors are going to start flying. Some border on the ridiculous, others might rise an eyebrow or two. For the most part I am going to stay away from posting links to where the most ridiculous ones come from. They at least get an A for effort. Salaries are

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-87207140652058807372011-02-15T13:32:00.000-05:002011-02-15T13:32:31.319-05:00

The Philadelphia Flyers made a trade in what some think is way to much to acquire a solid third line player. The Toronto Maple Leafs traded Kris Versteeg to Philly for a first round and third round picks in next year's draft. Considering a first rounder has only been traded once times in the past two years at the trade deadline. It's not like the Flyers need the extra help. They are playing the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-75088479967590638972011-02-14T14:07:00.000-05:002011-02-14T14:07:44.402-05:00

The fate of the Washington Capitals, head coach Bruce Boudreau and even general manager George McPhee could change drastically. As the Caps talk of a trade that could spark the team's sudden lack of offense could be found in getting just the play for the job. But February 28th is fast approaching, the NHL's trade deadline. And McPhee could put his team in a position for a run at the Cup, or their

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-48016377867272002262011-02-06T23:30:00.000-05:002011-02-06T23:30:51.817-05:00

Capitals 3, Penguins 0 Game Summary (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) On Super Bowl Sunday, the Caps stole the early thunder from Pittsburgh. Green Bay would finish the job later in the day. The Capitals follow up their perfect game on Friday against Tampa Bay with a 3-0 stone wall of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brooks Laich scores for the second straight game. His first period goal would

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-73096735777011193552011-02-04T23:37:00.001-05:002011-02-05T09:58:49.178-05:00

Capitals 5, Lightning 2 Game Summary AP The Tampa Bay Lightning are a tough team to beat at home with a 17-5-2 record at St. Pete Times Forum. Winners of six straight going into this divisional battle with the Capitals, the Bolts were looking to put some distance between the two. But Nick Backstrom had other plans as his two goals propel the Caps to a solid win on enemy ice, 5-2. In a game

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-38328634989068060232011-01-31T09:38:00.000-05:002011-01-31T09:38:12.442-05:00

I didn't get a chance to comment on the resigning of Alex Semin last week due to time constraints. As I look at his one year, $6.75 million contract, I don't see a long term commitment to Semin for the Capitals. What I do see is a more attractive trade option for other teams to consider. Probably the biggest problem with trading for a player whose contract ends by the summertime is losing not

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-73693008933281409402011-01-30T21:50:00.003-05:002011-01-30T21:59:38.204-05:00

Team Staal 10, Team Lidstrom 11 Game Summary (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green certainly did not stand out in this All Star game, but they didn't necessarily played badly either. Ovi had a fluke goal just :50 seconds into the game when a pass deflected off Duncan Keith's stick and trickled past Marc-Andre Fleury. He would add an assist in the second period but

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-62456851164002644052011-01-22T23:08:00.000-05:002011-01-22T23:08:33.735-05:00

Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 1 Game Summary AP Alex Ovechkin had to answer a lot of questions about his lack of offensive production before his Hockey Night in Canada debut. His response was a three goal outburst, his first hattrick since October. His three goals and Braden Holtby's almost epic goaltending helped the Capitals defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. This would be Ovechkin's second

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-41860020015102861662011-01-20T22:57:00.000-05:002011-01-20T22:57:50.737-05:00

Capitals 2, Islanders 1 Game Summary (Photo by Lou Capozzola/Getty Images) The Capitals might be struggling with their offense, but they are showing they can finish a strong game with the score tight. They are also still able to put points on the standings and stay even with their divisional foes Tampa Bay. The Capitals would slip away from Long Island with a win over the New York Islanders 2

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-12530191171436111702011-01-14T23:25:00.003-05:002011-01-15T01:37:04.078-05:00

Was Daniel Sedin's game winning goal offside? It appeared that way to me. Let me state my case through the majesty of photo evidence taken from the Comcast Sportsnet Mid Atlantic's feed. First lets take a look at Chimera getting poked checked by Jannik Hansen. That is reason enough to probably miss what is happening at the top left of the screen at the Vancouver bench. What you will see is #15

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-40922990484185000872011-01-14T23:07:00.003-05:002011-01-14T23:42:49.143-05:00

Capitals 2, Canucks 4 Game Summary (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) The Washington Capitals got off to a good start, but some key miscues after taking a rare lead lead to a Vancouver Canuck dominated game as they defeat the Caps 4-2. Matt Hendricks played the game of his career as a Capital scoring the first goal and playing solid all game long finishing with a +1, four shots and 2 hits.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-74078819578338078962011-01-12T22:21:00.000-05:002011-01-12T22:21:55.612-05:00

Capitals 0, Lightning 3 Game Summary AP Whatever the Capitals learned from their losing streak in December, they soon forgot it in Tampa Bay. In an important game for the Caps to retain the lead in the Southeast Division, they allow the Lightning a 3-0 lead and could not recover. They would give up the two points to Tampa Bay and lose the game 3-0. Dwayne Roloson made the Bolts' general

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-54770928171825625622011-01-11T22:39:00.005-05:002011-01-11T22:54:54.483-05:00

Capitals 3, Panthers 4 OT Game Summary AP The Capitals would pull a point out of this game, but it would be the wrong way to get a point against a Southeast Division foe. After taking some ill advised penalties and giving the Panthers a pair of 5 on 3 opportunities, the Capitals would not be able to make a comeback. The fall in overtime to the Florida Panthers 4-3. The Capitals, who have

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-90596229259752723922011-01-08T22:39:00.000-05:002011-01-08T22:39:11.501-05:00

Capitals 3, Panthers 2 Game Summary (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) It would be another slow start for the Washington Capitals allowing the first goal against. Then Bruce Boudreau threw out the line changes and the Caps stop the bleeding enough for them to find their offense. Besides a late goal by the Florida Panthers, the Caps stop enough to take home two much needed standings points by

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-1581934803137002522011-01-04T22:11:00.000-05:002011-01-04T22:11:18.153-05:00

Capitals 0, Lightning 1 OT Game Summary Steve Yzerman knew what he was doing when he brought some goaltending muscle in Dwayne Roloson in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Tampa Bay Lightning play the perfect road game against the flat Washington Capitals who were coming off of an emotional Winter Classic win. When the Caps finally got their legs moving, it would be too little, too late

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-5313760858696076072011-01-02T02:13:00.002-05:002011-01-02T02:19:51.406-05:00

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) The Washington Capitals learned their lesson; simplicity is the best weapon in the face of adversity. The Caps utilized that in the NHL's Winter Classic to win against their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. December started as a tough month for the Caps. They had suffered through a eight game losing streak. It was two weeks with out a win and earning

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-73428303018028739892011-01-02T00:43:00.000-05:002011-01-02T00:43:04.975-05:00

In some division news, the Tampa Bay Lightning make a trade to pull in better goaltending. The Bolts trade for Dwayne Roloson from the New York Islanders. The trade bolsters the Bolts' goaltending core and may make things interesting for the Capitals. In 13 games played, Roloson is 6-4-3 against the Capitals with a 2.40 goals against average and a save percentage of .909. A much better record

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-56528882952380721282011-01-02T00:04:00.001-05:002011-01-02T00:14:10.449-05:00

Capitals 3, Penguins 1 Game Summary (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) Even with a light drizzle falling down and poor ice conditions, the Washington Capitals proved they could deal with a different kind of adversity. In what had to be the most hyped game with an HBO documentary crew following both teams, the league and networks revving up the rhetoric of the rivalry of the teams and both

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-28017378055744792692011-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002011-01-01T06:16:57.156-05:00

From Puckhead's Thoughts

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-77964082239842910662010-12-27T00:17:00.001-05:002011-01-14T23:35:02.683-05:00

Capitals 3, Hurricanes 2 Game Summary Perhaps it was the break for Christmas, but both teams had sloppy starts the day after the December 25th holiday. But the Washington Capitals got the lucky bounces and they edge the Carolina Hurricanes for their fourth straight win against the Hurricanes and an important two points in a much tougher division. The 3-2 win would also end a long scoreless

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-81741335549754567002010-12-25T09:58:00.001-05:002010-12-25T10:02:46.618-05:00

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season. May you get what you want this year. I know that I have, a happy wife and a beautiful baby girl. Enjoy the preparations of Heinz Field for the Winter Classic: Let's Go Caps!

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-83368146760679942512010-12-23T23:23:00.000-05:002010-12-23T23:23:09.013-05:00

Capitals 2, Penguins 3 OT/SO (1-2) 7th round Game Summary It seemed only fitting that two rivals, soon to be Winter Classic participants and new stars of HBO's 24/7 sports documentary would fight tooth and nail to the very end.  It would take seven rounds of the shoot out as these two teams take the rivalry to a whole new level as the NHL Winter Classic draws near. Pascal Dupuis would score the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-87534041009603831412010-12-22T00:01:00.004-05:002010-12-22T00:14:51.555-05:00

Capitals 5, Devils 1 Game Summary The Washington Capitals looked to continue their hard work ethic after winning in Ottawa a few nights ago. That was apparent by the strong first shift where a returning Alex Semin joined in an aggressive forecheck and kept the New Jersey Devils inside their own zone for almost the entire first minute of the game. The hard work would pay off as the young guys

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-68239166252608381062010-12-17T13:08:00.001-05:002010-12-17T13:10:12.342-05:00

The Washington Capitals have announced their contract extension for John Erskine. It is a good resigning as Erskine brings an edge to the Caps' blue line. He was a good pick up to begin with when the Caps picked him up from Dallas. Per Caps' PR: ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman John Erskine to a two-year contract extension, vice president and general manager George

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-79099293491853655902010-12-17T06:34:00.003-05:002010-12-17T06:46:40.509-05:00

The recent losing stretch the Capitals find themselves on hasn't just relinquished the lead in the Eastern Conference, it has also given an opportunity in the Southeast Division for teams to make a run to knock off the defending divisional champs. The seven game losing skid has the Caps on the ropes with teams like the Atlanta Thrashers and Tampa Bay Lightning playing the role of spoilers. At

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-83393228655102460042010-12-15T23:55:00.000-05:002010-12-15T23:55:35.066-05:00

HBO's award winning series 24/7 premiered tonight that featured teams the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals as they face off in this year's NHL Winter Classic. The premiere was a fantastic look at the sport and the trials and tribulations of a NHL season. An inside look at team meetings, practices and the lives of NHL players was an awesome behind the scenes access. While it was good

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-56965870393344251992010-12-15T23:21:00.001-05:002010-12-15T23:31:12.211-05:00

Capitals 1, Ducks 2 OT Game Summary It was a far better effort by the Capitals but the result wasn't what they were hoping for. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim come into Verizon Center and beat the Caps with just 56.6 seconds left in overtime. The loss stings the Caps who know find themselves with just 2 points in their last seven games. "We executed the game plan we wanted," centerman David

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-59170275384988503252010-12-12T22:31:00.003-05:002010-12-12T22:36:30.462-05:00

Capitals 0, Rangers 7 Game Summary I am not sure how to write this post with out going into a rant about the Capitals' poor play of late. But the 7 to nothing shelling by the New York Rangers, makes it hard to do anything but. Poor play, followed by an unwillingness to work hard leads to a serious problem for the Washington Capitals. The Caps drop their sixth straight game, a team worse under

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-74281103765142183972010-12-02T23:33:00.003-05:002010-12-03T01:39:57.930-05:00

Capitals 1, Stars 2 Game Summary It would be a difficult ending for the Capitals to swallow. In a game where they dominated much of the play, outshot the Dallas Stars 38 to 21 and seemed to have every bad bounce go their way, the Capitals could not complete the rally and the Stars stop the Caps win streak at 4 games. Even an apparent late goal by John Carlson was waved off after what looked like

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-5431052635640839372010-12-02T10:28:00.000-05:002010-12-02T10:28:18.408-05:00

One of the cool things about getting updates from the Capitals Public Relations staff is the occasional gem of an opportunity for fans to connect with players in cool mediums. This one caught my attention as a pretty cool way to interact with some Capitals' players. Per Caps PR: ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals players Karl Alzner, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson and Marcus Johansson along

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-25805447492972085992010-12-01T03:12:00.002-05:002010-12-01T03:20:23.467-05:00

Before the season started, I sat at a table in the upper level between two ice rinks at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. The Caps were having their media luncheon and John Keeley, founder and writer of On Frozen Blog, sat next to me and we talked shop. He asked me questions about how the Caps would fare, if this was a championship team. I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I don't think George McPhee is

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-73401811485040762932010-11-30T14:30:00.001-05:002010-11-30T14:31:09.376-05:00

The Capitals wanted to address their depth on defense and improve on their grit on the blue line. They did that when GM George McPhee traded Tomas Fleischmann to Colorado for 11 year vet, Scott Hannan. Per Caps PR: ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have acquired defenseman Scott Hannan from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Tomas Fleischmann, vice president and general manager

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-3822080010112964242010-11-28T20:52:00.000-05:002010-11-28T20:52:18.130-05:00

Capitals 3, Hurricanes 2 OT/SO (1-0) Game Summary When these two divisional rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals always seem to play one another very tough. Tonight was no exception. Even with a 2-0 Caps' lead, the 'Canes would make things interesting scoring a last second goal in the third. But the deciding factor is a goaltender that was on only his fourth start of the

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-81711050717949154732010-11-25T21:55:00.005-05:002010-11-25T22:03:16.504-05:00

HBO's The Buzz takes a look at the new series of 27/7 Penguins/Capitals: Road to the NHL Winter Classic: The Buzz Also ask a question and get it answered by a Cap or Pen.

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17582666.post-36108937025880701182010-11-25T06:57:00.001-05:002010-11-25T07:02:49.543-05:00

It's the holiday season and with a new one here, it gonna be harder to do recaps and updates. The Capitals played a pretty good game last night. Of course it wouldn't be complete with out a little drama toward the end. But the important thing is the Caps big guns had a confidence booster of a night and the if they can figure out secondary scoring and get the all-stars going, this team could be

Garretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11800895036782553601noreply@blogger.com0