Photo credit: Mitchell Layton
This year, Mathieu Perreault did a good deal to shake off the labels of streakiness and inconsistency that have plagued him, scoring at a better clip and sticking with the team all year long. Now, all he needs is a six-inch growth spurt to shut up critics altogether. We think he’s got it in him.
By 11 years ago
Photo credit: Bruce Bennett
We could write whole essays about Alex Ovechkin‘s season. We could write a three-act play, we could write a bestselling series of novels about our namesame, the Russian Machine, and the ups and downs of his career.
But don’t worry, we didn’t, so don’t be afraid to click past the jump. Mostly it’s a lot of gifs of belly patting, which accomplishes the same effect anyway.
By 11 years ago
Photo credit: Patrick McDermott
When Dale Hunter’s made his decision to resign as the coach of the Washington Capitals, the disappointment of his players was manifest as they conducted their exit interviews at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. For all the talk of Hunter’s defense-first game plan, the coach’s strategy was barely mentioned by the players. Instead, they praised something else: the accountability he brought to the team. Gone were the days of stars — or captains — getting a free pass. Every player was forced to work together, no matter what line or how much ice team they got.
By Chris Gordon 11 years ago
Dima meets the Caps Fan Club, freaks out.
Dmitry Orlov was a surprise — but unlike most of the surprises we had this year, he was a pleasant one. The Russian rookie got his chance early on in a difficult season and never looked back, shooting and checking his way to our hearts. We’re almost glad his first season is over, though, because we weren’t sure his nose was going to survive.
By 11 years ago
“Is party now!” (Photo credit: Vklybe.tv)
How do we know the hockey season’s officially over? Ovechkin’s in a speedo and partying on a boat in Turkey! We’re debating if Ovechkin is or isn’t fat. The first photos of Alex Ovechkin out on the town in Russia have surfaced!
This past Saturday night, Ovechkin and girlfriend Maria Kirilenko — fresh off their time together in Paris for the French Open — attended the premiere of a music video by Russian artists DJ Gold Sky and Vselennaya at the Premier Lounge in Moscow.
We would post the music video here, but unfortunately it has not been uploaded anywhere*. Thankfully, Vklybe.tv published some fantastic photos of Ovechkin and Kirilenko interacting with the crowd, a crowd which appears to consist mainly of ladies wearing Russian hockey jerseys and nothing else. Oh yes, they have props too.
Follow us below the jump for pictures of Ovi’s night in da club.
“How do you follow someone again?” (Photo credit: Bridget Samuels)
For those who keep asking who next coach of Washington Capitals is going to be, you can now direct your questions straight to the man making the decision: @GMMcPhee — better known as Capitals General Manager George McPhee. The Twitter account was recently created and Caps PR confirmed to us it is indeed his.
By Chris Gordon 11 years ago
Photo credit: Nam Y. Hun
Michal Neuvirth is the most patient goaltender in the world.
He had every reason to believe that he would be the starting goalie this year, and there was a slight hiccup in that plan when the team brought in veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun. Disappointing, of course, but Neuvirth didn’t pitch a fit about it, he just put his head down and tried to work harder. Neuvirth struggled this year, but when Vokoun struggled as well, Neuvirth was always there to step in.
By 11 years ago
Photo credit: sportbox.ru
Last week, highly touted Washington Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov finally put pen to paper, signing a two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk to stay in Russia through the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. While the news was a total bummer for Caps fans, it also put a merciful end to the period of time at RMNB I’m referring to as KUZNETMANIA! What’s Kuznetmania!?, you ask? An epoch in which every day brings a new Kuzya interview or an editorial from some famous hockey analyst who feels compelled to comment on if Kuznetsov’s should stay or go to the NHL.
At one point the mania spurred to words the normally tight-lipped George McPhee. On December 30th, before the Capitals took on Buffalo, McPhee weighed in on the issue, telling the Washington Post,”[Evgeny] needs to play in a better league. Sometimes when you’re not playing at the highest level you can develop bad habits. We don’t want that stuff to become engrained — so get him to the best league you can and get working with him.”
Totally. And we’re not quite done with the opining yet. In a wide-ranging interview with Sportsbox.ru, Hockey Hall of Famer and father of total babes Igor Larionov spoke about corruption in the Russian government, the Eurocup soccer tournament, the World Championships, and — of course — Evgeny Kuznetsov’s new deal to stay in the KHL.
Photo credit: Rob Carr
Brooks Laich took his jack-of-all-trades role to a new level this year, spending time on wing, center, and even playing one game on defense when the team was in a tight spot. Perhaps his most memorable moments were the ones that came between play, however — every time Laich was knocked down, he got back up. We’re not using that figuratively, this guy is resilient.
By 11 years ago
To tease you on this longish, summery offseason. Fresh out of the kitchen, it’s the 2012 Washington Capitals Preseason Schedule!
Date Opponent Location Time Tue Sep 25 vs. Boston Verizon Center 7 p.m. Wed Sep 26 vs. Columbus 1st Mariner Arena 7 p.m. Sun Sep 30 at Detroit Joe Louis Arena 5 p.m. Mon Oct 1 at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7 p.m. Wed Oct 3 at Boston TD Garden 7 p.m. Fri Oct 5 vs. Nash Verizon Center 7 p.m. Sun Oct 7 vs. Detroit Verizon Center 5 p.m.
The great news, as you can see under the jump, is that every game will be on WashingtonCaps.com.
So who’s taking me out to Baltimore for my birthday on September 26, hon?
By Peter Hassett 11 years ago
