André Burakovsky

When hockey superstitions get weird: Alex Ovechkin’s latest pregame biting victim is Jakub Vrana

Back in October, Andre Burakovsky revealed one of his, uh, unconventional hockey superstitions. Before every Capitals game, Burakovsky and Alex Ovechkin take turns biting each other on the arm.

But in a video taken last month before a Capitals’ away game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Ovechkin sunk his teeth into a new victim: Jakub Vrana.

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Capitals annual Better Halves basket auction features Stanley Cup Champions buckets, survival gear, and salami

Grab your digital bidding paddles, Capitals fans. The Better Halves are back once again, auctioning off their annual themed gift baskets. As always, the baskets include autographed Capitals memorabilia, from jerseys to commemorative Stanley Cup championship merchandise, but also a few weird and wonderful surprises.

So if you’ve ever felt a desire to own signed fishing gear from Pheonix Copley, a signed four-person tent from Matt Niskanen (you’ve got to be prepared for the desert island, after all), or even some signed salami from Jonas Siegenthaler, then this is the auction for you.

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By Donya Abramo On January 15, 2019 0 Comment

We can’t stop watching this Andre Burakovsky golf trick

In the 2004 comedy Napoleon Dynamite, there’s a character named Uncle Rico. Rico can’t quite let go of his past. “Back in ’82, I used to be able to toss a pigskin a quarter of a mile,” he would tell his nephew.

We know that’s not true, but in real life, Andre Burakovsky can basically hit a golf ball to the moon.

Don’t believe us? Check out this video.

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By Ian Oland On January 3, 2019 2 Comments

Capitals players wish you a Happy New Year

While the Russian-speaking Caps were partying at Mari Vanna, other Capitals players, like Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson, rang in the New Year together at La Vie at The Wharf.

We know this because reader Taylor was there.

“When you spend all of summer 2018 trying to track down the Caps with the cup and then 15 minutes to midnight on NYE they walk into the club you are at with your friends,” Taylor wrote on Twitter.

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By Ian Oland On January 1, 2019 0 Comment

If the Caps are worried about speed and the PK, they should look closely at Devante Smith-Pelly

Amidst trade buzz, Caps forward Andre Burakovsky had not dressed for a game in nearly two weeks. But now that we’re into the holiday roster freeze and he cannot be moved, there’s less of a reason to keep Burakovsky out of the lineup. Still, considering that the Caps have won 12 of their last 15 games, it was probably not an easy decision for head coach Todd Reirden to bring him back. Tonight Burakovsky steps in as Dmitrij Jaskin and Travis Boyd will be scratches.

While it’s good to see Burakovsky back in the lineup, I wonder if the team’s anxiety over its mediocre penalty kill is sabotaging lineup decisions overall. Ideally, Burakovsky should really slot in for Devante Smith-Pelly.

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By Peter Hassett On December 21, 2018 0 Comment

Andre Burakovsky returns to lineup against Buffalo after being a healthy scratch for four-straight games

After losing 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday, Capitals’ head coach Todd Reirden is altering his lines — albeit subtly.

Andre Burakovsky will be back in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.

It will be Burakovsky’s first game in nearly two weeks — a December 8 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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By Alex Hayes On December 21, 2018 5 Comments

Evgeny Kuznetsov would get Alex Ovechkin toilet paper for Christmas

Sophia Jurksztowicz conducted a playful interview on behalf of the NHLPA with various players, and asked them what gifts they would buy for their teammates. Predictably, Evgeny Kuznetsov had the most unpredictable answers.

When asked what he would buy for his captain Alex Ovechkin, his reply was…toilet paper?

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By Brennin Weiswerda On December 19, 2018 1 Comment

The Capitals spread holiday cheer by visiting children at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Monday afternoon, the Washington Capitals made their annual visit to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Donning their red home jerseys and Christmas-themed hats, the players interacted with children, while signing autographs and taking photos.

“It’s just about whatever [kids] want us to do,” John Carlson said to the Capitals about the annual event. “As much or as little as they want us to participate in things. Whatever we can do to bring smiles – that’s our focus.”

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By Cara Bahniuk On December 17, 2018 0 Comment

About Andre

Caps forward Andre Burakovsky has missed the team’s last three games as a healthy scratch. While a missed game here or there for a bottom-six player isn’t noteworthy, three consecutive games – with the last two occurring on back-to-backs – has raised some eyebrows. For whatever reason, on Saturday Coach Todd Reirden opted to play tired players instead of a rested Burakovsky. Compounding matters, that same night we heard rumors that Vancouver is interested in trading for the 23 year old, though Washington has been cagey about the details.

I’m sure we’ll learn more about Burakovsky’s status soon; for now I think it’s safe to say he and the Caps are not on good terms.

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By Peter Hassett On December 16, 2018 0 Comment

Report: Vancouver Canucks interested in trading for Andre Burakovsky

Andre Burakovsky sat out his third-straight game as a healthy scratch Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. The struggling forward may soon be on his way out of town.

According to Hockey Night In Canada’s Chris Johnston, Burakovsky has fallen out of favor in Washington and his name has been floated on the trade market.