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Joel Ward Demoted to Fourth Line, Responds With Two Goals, Deposits Self in Net

After the Caps lost 3-2 to Edmonton on Wednesday, Caps coach Barry Trotz changed the lines. He broke up the Joel Ward/Jason Chimera “gang green” line (which is seriously the worst nickname for a lot of reasons).”Last couple games I can’t say they’re a great line for us,” Trotz told the Washington Post.

“Yeah, green line got blown up,” Ward said. “We got scored on last game. It was a tough loss for sure. I guess a little shake-up can’t hurt. We’ll see what happens.”

Crazy things happened. The Caps fourth line, which had been dormant all season, went nuts with Wardo on the right wing on Saturday night. Ward scored two goals (one on the power play), the latter of which was credited as the game-winning goal. And Ward would have had a hat trick, but he put himself into the net instead of the puck.

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By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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Caps beat Flames 3-1: Wardo Nets Two, Orpik Hits Everyone

Good morning! The Washington Capitals beat the Calgary Flames, and if that’s all you care about, you can now go to bed. I’d appreciate it if you read on though; this was a pretty good game.

For example, Joel Ward was gonzo. He exploited a turnover during a first-period power play to put the Caps on the board and then got his second after a strong shift by Michael Latta and the fourth line. Somewhere between those two, ex-Cap Dennis Wideman got the Flames in the game with an outside shot for which Holtby was blinded.

Nick Backstrom got career point number 501 with a sweet wrister in the third period’s first minute. Troy Brouwer shanked a chance at an empty-netter. Oh well, solid W.

Caps beat Flames 3-1!

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By Peter Hassett 9 years ago

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Brooks Orpik Gets His Stick Stuck in Josh Jooris’s Pants, Lays Him Out Twice (GIF)

Photo: @RegressedPDO

Over the offeseason, the Washington Capitals backed up a Brinks truck to Brooks Oprik’s driveway because of his physical game. So far this season, Orpik has delivered. On opening night, CSN Washington called the former Penguin the player of the game for all his big body checks. And Saturday night in Calgary, Orpik went on a hitting bonanza.

Orpik led all skaters with 10 hits. Late in the second period, the Caps defenseman made professional hockey player Josh Jooris wish he were a Mexico City sewer diver instead.

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By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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Alex Ovechkin Blocked a Shot With His Wrist; That’s a Really Bad Idea

Alex Ovechkin earns almost 9.5 million dollars against the salary cap each season, more than 13 percent of the Washington Capitals’ player budget. That’s why it’s a little worrying when Ovi risks injury– even more so when he does it blocking an inconsequential shot.

So…

On Saturday night in Calgary, Alex Ovechkin risked injury by blocking an inconsequential shot.

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By Peter Hassett 9 years ago

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Alex Ovechkin Accidentally Checks Official (GIF)

Screenshot by @myregularface

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is a league leader in hits. He got his physical game going early on Saturday night. Eighteen seconds into the contest, he levied his first body check, but it wasn’t against a Flames player. It was on the referee.

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By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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Handsome Hockey Players: Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky in Suits Before Caps-Flames Game

Photo: Angela M.

RMNB reader Angela M. (who is from our hometown of Frederick, Maryland) is doing something great. As part of her bucket list, she’s seeing a Washington Capitals game in every NHL arena. Tonight, she will be taking in a game from Calgary’s Saddledome, the 22nd venue in which she’s seen the Caps play.

Angela got a special treat before puck drop too. As she was making her way to the Saddledome, she ran into Caps rookies Andre Burakovsky and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Sadly, Kuznetsov was not in his cowboy gear. Angela asked them for a picture, saying “it’s for RMNB.” They laughed and obliged.

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By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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Which service does Brian Burke use less: statisticians or hair stylists?

Wednesday’s loss to the Edmonton Oilers didn’t “sit well” with the Washington Capitals. With all the puck possession but not enough scoarage, they’ll be trying to right that wrong with a late game against the Calgary Flames. No, seriously, it’s super late. This game is going to run your Saturday night. 10 PM on CSN.