The Capitals’ Swedish contingent is back together once again. While in Stockholm, Sweden, Andre Burakovsky and Nicklas Backstrom were finally reunited with former Capital Marcus Johansson at his bachelor party.
On Monday, former Capital Marcus Johansson returned to Devils practice for the first time since being elbowed in the head by Brad Marchand. Johansson has missed the last 28 games due to injury while Marchand was suspended five games for his actions.
Johansson called the hit “stupid,” and hoped that Marchand would change his game before he ends someone’s career.
Tuesday, Marchand had to a chance to respond after practice and here’s what he had to say.
Monday morning, former Capital Marcus Johansson returned to Devils practice for the first time since January 23 – a span of two months and three days.
Johansson has been suffering from post-concussion syndrome since a blatant and dirty elbow from Brad Marchand. The Bruins all-star forward was suspended five games by the NHL, but Johansson has missed the last 28 contests due to injury.
The Devils forward spoke about the devastating hit for the very first time after practice and didn’t mince his words. Johansson called the hit “stupid” and thought Marchand’s punishment was not nearly severe enough, citing the Bruins forward’s long history with the Department of Player Safety. Johansson’s main hope was that the league curbed Marchand’s behavior before the Bruin ends a player’s career.
The New Jersey Devils flipped the script on their annual Dads Trip this season and invited all of the players’ mothers for a vacation with their boys. That means that instead of Dancing Lars, former Capital Marcus Johansson has been reunited with his mother Gunilla.
Saturday, the Devils players and their mothers posed together in an adorable photo together at Nationwide Arena.
After a cursory look, Marcus Johansson appears to be having a great first season with New Jersey. The former Capital is averaging nearly a half point per game (.48). The Devils have also been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL, spending much of the season in first place in the Metropolitan Division. Last year’s Devils squad, by comparison, was the Eastern Conference’s worst team.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Johansson has either been at best unlucky or at worse cursed during the 2017-18 campaign. Johansson has missed 18 of the team’s first 47 games due to a myriad of injuries. And on Tuesday night, Johansson suffered his second concussion of the season after absorbing a brutal elbow to the face by noted pest Brad Marchand.
Wednesday night, Marchand was suspended five games for his headshot by the Department of Player Safety. It’s Marchand’s sixth career suspension. He will lose $373,475.60 of total salary.
The Washington Capitals celebrated the New Year with family and friends Sunday night. And they made sure not to forget about you, their adoring fans.
Marcus Johansson made his first visit back to DC as his New Jersey Devils took on the Capitals Saturday night. Though he didn’t get to go home with a victory, he tallied assists on both of the Devils goals. The Capitals played the Swedish forward a tribute video during a break in action.
Johansson posted an Instagram photo on Sunday thanking the Capitals organization and their fans for everything they have given him throughout his career.
During Marcus Johansson‘s first game in DC after being traded in the offseason, the Capitals played a tribute video during an early TV timeout. The video, honoring Johansson’s seven seasons and 102 goals in Washington, brought Capital One Arena to their feet with a standing ovation.
Marcus Johansson was in Sweden sleeping when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils during the offseason.
The deal was a huge shock to both Johansson and Capitals fans. While he wasn’t prepared for the trade, Johansson, months later, has finally settled into his new role with New Jersey and is looking forward to his first regular season game back in DC on Saturday.
After being a late scratch Saturday night against the Arizona Coyotes, Marcus Johansson returned from injury for the Devils Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks.
He only lasted one shift in the game.
