In 2018, the Washington Capitals published a Q&A with forward Jakub Vrana in their game-day program, Breakaway. In it, Vrana revealed that his biggest fear was the “bat in the corner.”
It led to some bewildered amusement amongst Capitals fans as they pondered what kind of horrifying experience Vrana might have had with one specific bat, in the corner.
Turns out, it was a spelling error.
By Donya Abramo 1 month ago
On Monday, amidst all the Trade Deadline and pregnancy chaos, the New Jersey Devils announced a minor transaction to the Capitals.
The Devils tweeted that they are sending the net that Alex Ovechkin scored his 700th career NHL goal on to the Washington Capitals… for free. Out of the kindness of their own devil hearts.
“Some moments transcend an individual game,” the Devils wrote on social media. “Special delivery headed your way, @Capitals.”
By Donya Abramo and Ian Oland 1 month ago
The Washington Capitals’ newest acquisition, Brenden Dillon, participated in his first practice with the team, Thursday morning.
Dillon, who joined the Capitals from the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, was matched on the first pairing with John Carlson. The 29-year-old pivot will make his Capitals debut tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
Jonas Siegenthaler was the odd D-man out.
By Donya Abramo and Ian Oland 1 month ago
On Saturday, Liberty University Men’s D1 Hockey Team faced off against New York University on Star Wars night. Liberty wore jerseys styled after Darth Vader for their 6-3 victory over the Empire — yes, NYU’s team is nicknamed the Empire — but they took the Star Wars theme to another level.
After forward Quinn Ryan scored to pull Liberty even at 1-1, defenseman Basil Reynolds led a celebration with the team bench by channeling the jersey’s namesake. Reynolds put the entire Liberty bench in a “Force choke” and lifted them, before releasing his grip and letting them fall back to the bench.
By Donya Abramo 2 months ago
On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets held their annual Hockey Is For Everyone night and the hockey world met a determined and driven youth hockey player.
Charlie Cook, who plays with Columbus Special Hockey, was introduced to the crowd during the Blue Jackets’ starting lineup announcements. Charlie lined up next to captain Nick Foligno.
Charlie suffered a stroke in utero and his parents were told a decade ago it was unlikely that he would survive, and if he did, that he would have limited to no independent movement. “We were told by the doctors that he probably wouldn’t be able to walk on his own or do anything else,” Valerie Cook, Charlie’s mom said.
Now 10-years-old, Charlie plays hockey with a specially crafted walker for the Ben Kyler coached Columbus Special Hockey team.
By Donya Abramo 2 months ago
The Washington Capitals announced over the weekend that fan-favorite Joel Ward will return to Capital One Arena on February 23rd for the Capitals-Penguins game. Wardo will take part in the ceremonial puck drop for Black History Night.
The Capitals will “honor diversity in hockey with tributes throughout the game.”
By Donya Abramo and Ian Oland 2 months ago
In December 2019, Washington Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis and his wife Lynn made a commitment to their Monumental Sports partners and friends to sponsor a second service dog through the foundation in 2020.
On Thursday, that dog arrived. Everyone, meet Scout!
By Donya Abramo 2 months ago
Early in November 2019, Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reported that the NHL’s upcoming 32nd franchise team in Seattle would make an announcement on their name prior to the All-Star Break. With the break come and gone for many NHL teams, hockey fans have been wondering when that announcement might happen.
On Wednesday, John Hoven of mayorsmanor.com, joined SXM NHL Network Radio and reported that a name has allegedly been decided on: Seattle Kraken.
By Donya Abramo 2 months ago
After a strong game in net against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, Capitals head coach Todd Reirden confirmed to the media on Tuesday that Braden Holtby would be the starter for their game against the Nashville Predators. Ilya Samsonov had won five of the Capitals’ eight games before the bye week.
“Braden’s going to play again tomorrow,” Reirden said to the media on Tuesday, when asked whether Holtby would start against the Predators. “Liked his game a lot [Monday]. Think he’s definitely earned that opportunity after the last game. Want to get him right back in there. It was a response game for him after the break, and that’s as good as maybe we’ve seen him in the third [period] this year.”
By Donya Abramo 2 months ago
The Washington Post reported in November that the Washington Capitals were interested in playing an NHL regular-season game in Russia as soon as next year.
“We’ve talked about different things overseas, and we’ve talked about some in Russia or some in Sweden,” Capitals President Dick Patrick said to The Washington Post then. “We’re not sure; it’s a league decision. They’ve talked about China, too, which would be like an exhibition game. I personally wasn’t too intrigued with that. I think it is just too hard on players during training camp. It could happen next year or the year after. If we are going to do it, it would probably be one of those years.”
Tuesday, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Capitals will not play a game in Russia next season, but the NHL is still exploring the possibility of having the Capitals and Blues play there during the 2021-22 season
By Ian Oland and Donya Abramo 2 months ago
