News | RMNB

Alex Ovechkin says Capitals must be ‘consistent’ and ‘on the same page’ to return to playoffs under Spencer Carbery

The Washington Capitals put into motion big changes to their coaching staff over the offseason after missing the playoffs in 2022-23. The Capitals hired Spencer Carbery to replace Peter Laviolette, and added assistants Mitch Love and Kirk Muller to join mainstay Scott Allen on the bench.

Missing the dance is unfamiliar territory for both the Capitals and Alex Ovechkin since the Russian superstar first debuted in the NHL during the 2005-06 season. Washington has missed the postseason only four times during the Ovechkin Era and only twice since Ovi became captain of the team on January 5, 2010.

The Carbery administration marks Ovechkin’s eighth new coaching staff in 19 seasons. With that much change during his career, the nine-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner had some advice for his teammates on how to have success early with new leadership as players learn new systems and strategies.

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By Ian Oland 7 days ago

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Spencer Carbery’s first lines and pairings as Capitals head coach

The Washington Capitals hit the ice for their second, full on-ice session of 2023 Training Camp on Friday. The Capitals’ roster may be split into three separate groups during their skates, but the team’s new lines and defense pairings appear to already be emerging under new head coach Spencer Carbery.

Unlike Peter Laviolette who would tinker near daily with his lines, Carbery has remained consistent early as the team learns his new system and strategies. And for good reason.

The Capitals’ first preseason game is on Sunday while their season-opening matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins is only two weeks away.

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By Chris Cerullo 7 days ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov limps after first Capitals Training Camp practice, suggests he played injured last season

ARLINGTON, VA — Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov hit the ice with his teammates for the first day of Training Camp, but did not look like himself as he conducted his first press conference of the season.

Kuznetsov admitted to reporters Thursday that he was dealing with an injury after favoring one leg during his speed test and limping to the podium.

Kuznetsov further indicated that he played through an injury last season, though declined to offer specifics.

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By Katie Adler 1 week ago

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Evgeny Kuznetsov says there were ‘a lot of bad thoughts in my head’ last season, calls Spencer Carbery a ‘perfect match’

Thursday marked the official on-ice start of the Spencer Carbery Era in Washington as Capitals’ Training Camp got underway. After serving two years in Toronto as an assistant, Carbery, formerly head coach of both the Hershey Bears and South Carolina Stingrays, will lead a veteran-laden Caps group that missed the playoffs for the first time nine years.

One player that will hold special significance on if Carbery succeeds or struggles early is Evgeny Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov, 31, is headed into his eleventh season with the Caps and is coming off of his worst-scoring campaign (55 points) since his sophomore year in the league.

The Caps are hoping that a youthful, energized head coach like Carbery will be able to push the reset button on Kuznetsov and get him producing at the level he has shown he can in the past.

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By Chris Cerullo 1 week ago

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Nicklas Backstrom says he feels ‘100%’ after hip resurfacing surgery: ‘I’ve got nothing more to say about it’

ARLINGTON, VA– After suiting up in 39 games last year, Nicklas Backstrom is attempting to become the first player in NHL history to play a full season after having hip resurfacing surgery.

While returning from this procedure in the first place is a significant achievement (only he and Ed Jovanovski have done so), Backstrom’s future has remained in question for much of the offseason, with general manager Brian MacLellan previously stating that the 35-year-old center would “have to make a decision on his career.”

By the first day of 2023 Training Camp, however, Backstrom’s answer is definitive. He’s back, he’s playing, and he feels good. And now, with more than a year of recovery under his belt, Backstrom now wants to put concerns about his hip to rest.

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By Katie Adler 1 week ago

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Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom reunited on line to start Training Camp: ‘It feels like back in the day’

The Washington Capitals officially opened Training Camp on Thursday as they took the ice for their customary skating test. The team then got in their first practices under new head coach Spencer Carbery and staff.

Group A players were the first to take the ice, giving us a first possible look at Carbery’s line combinations.

Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom were notably reunited on the first line, with Anthony Mantha joining them on the right wing to complete the trio.

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By Chris Cerullo 1 week ago

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Braden Holtby spotted watching Capitals’ first Training Camp session at MedStar Capitals Iceplex

Washington Capitals goaltending legend, Braden Holtby, attended the team’s first day of Training Camp at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

The 2018 Stanley Cup champion was spotted taking in the skating session in the stands by RMNB’s Katie Adler, chatting with video coach Brett Leonhardt. He then made his way behind the benches as players from Group A, like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, left the ice.

It’s unknown why Holtby was there.

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By Ian Oland 1 week ago

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Max Pacioretty misses first day of Training Camp

The Washington Capitals returned to the ice for their first on-ice session of 2023 Training Camp, Thursday. The team invited 63 players to camp, including 36 forwards, 20 defensemen and 7 goalies. But one player was notably missing.

Offseason acquisition, Max Pacioretty, did not attend the session at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The Capitals did drills and conducted their annual skate/conditioning test.

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By Ian Oland 1 week ago

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The best and funniest moments from NHL Team Media Days

The National Hockey League is so about to be back, y’all.

A majority of teams around the league held their Media Day on Wednesday as they prepare to kick off their respective training camps and preseasons. The teams and their media partners took videos and photos for future game broadcasts, promotional content, and in-game entertainment.

And, of course, players got up to some of their usual hijinks. Here are some of the best posts.

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By Chris Cerullo 1 week ago

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