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The best moments of Devante Smith-Pelly as a Washington Capital…so far

By Brennin Weiswerda

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February 27, 2019 4:32 pm

Last week, the Capitals put forward Devante Smith-Pelly on waivers. Smith-Pelly went unclaimed and will likely play his first game for the AHL Hershey Bears this evening against the Hartford Wolfpack.

DSP’s time with the Capitals wasn’t long, signing the summer before the 2017-18 season after the New Jersey Devils bought him out. But in that short time, Smith-Pelly’s impact on his teammates, his contributions during the playoffs, and his work in the community have endeared him to DC forever.

Here are some of the best moments from Stanley Cup Champion Devante Smith-Pelly’s time with the Washington Capitals–with the hope that there are more moments to come in this year’s postseason.

Stanley Cup Game 5 Goal

Diving to the ice for the shot, Smith-Pelly scored the game-tying goal in the last game of the Stanley Cup Final. It was one of seven goals he scored in a magical postseason.

Devante Shimmy-Celly

One game earlier, and with infinite confidence, DSP showed off this move after scoring a big goal.

Metro Maple Leafs Visit

He and John Carlson invited the Metro Maple Leafs to a game after their experience with racism.

2017-18 Review

Peter wrote about Smith-Pelly’s style — a workaday fourth-liner whose offensive gifts let him transcend his role at time– at length in the review, but here’s one pull quote: “In the space of one year, Devante Smith-Pelly went from a washout to a fan-favorite champion who will be a DC legend forever.”

Speaking Out Against Racist Fans

During a game in Chicago, Blackhawks fans shouted racist slurs at DSP while he was in the penalty box.

DSP responded thoughtfully and eloquently, explaining why it is crucial to call out racism.

Todd Reirden started DSP the next time the Capitals played in Chicago.

Masterton Nomination

For his charity efforts after the events in Chicago, and his continuing worth with Fort Dupont, Smith-Pelly was nominated for the Masterson Award in 2018.

“It’s a minority hockey program,” he said of Fort Dupont. “I am a minority. For them to see someone that looks like them playing down the street, I think that would be a positive and show them that if that’s something they really want to do they can get to this level if they put their mind to it and work hard. If one kid looks up to me and it changes their life and that they end up playing in the NHL or like I said getting a scholarship, I did my job I think.”

No White House Visit

DSP is one of two Capitals who said they would not attend a White House visit were they to be invited.

He also considered kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality and racism. While that did not happen, the rest of the team said they would whole-heartedly support him.

Looked like Bambi That One Time

No one looks graceful on the ice after losing a skate blade, and DSP was no exception.

Eventually, Kempny gave him a tow.

Offered to Pay for the Connolly Tattoo

When Capitals fan Tyler Duchaine announced he would get a tattoo of Brett Connolly getting a tattoo (and eating a slice of pizza), Smith-Pelly offered to pay for it.

Elementary School Hero

One teacher at Aiton Elementary school had his students write letters to DSP, who they saw as a hero who was like them.

DSP got the letters and surprised them with a visit.

He also hosted a children’s winter coat drive as part of his visit.

Wore an Awesome Championship Belt

WWE executive and 14-time champion, Triple H, congratulated Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals with a championship belt.

DSP wore it during the parade and looked so good Sports Fan Island made a bobblehead about it.

Put a Pup in the Cup

DSP put a pup in the Stanley Cup. ‘Nuff said.

DSP Really Loved DC

Smith-Pelly had better offers from other teams, but he chose to stay in DC with the Capitals. “This team is just incredibly close, so I’m incredibly comfortable there. And then the city, obviously the city has embraced me. It’s a beautiful place to live, so, like I said, the money, to me personally, is not that important if I’m not going to be happy somewhere else.”

(Warning: get some tissues for this next quote.) “It would be nice just to stick into one place for a couple years and, hopefully, if it works out longer than just this one next year.”

The Hershey Bears are really lucky to have him, and we wish him all the best. Maybe we’ll see him back up here before too long.