It’s already felt like way too long of a summer and the NHL playoffs aren’t even over yet. Thankfully for Caps fans, they can pass the time by endlessly perusing through players’ Instagram photos to see who Tom Wilson and Michael Latta have chirped lately.
The Washington Capitals have played eleven games in this year’s postseason and, so far, forward Michael Latta has been a healthy scratch in all of them.
Normally the fourth-line center, since late February Latta has basically been replaced by Mike Richards. Sitting out can be difficult, but for Latta, it’s been more of an honor. Richards was Latta’s favorite hockey player as a child.
By 7 years ago
Photo: Friends In Cold Places
TJ Oshie shares the Caps’ lead in postseason goals (5) with Alex Ovechkin. Some may say Oshie’s improved finishing ability is due to hard work or being more clutch. I think it’s due to his new pregame ritual.
Let me explain.
Photo: @loshie17
Tuesday night, TJ Oshie and Karl Alzner went to the Washington Nationals game along with their wives Lauren and Mandy, both of whom are pregnant with their couples’ second children. Lauren posted a selfie that her husband TJ took on her Instagram account.
Michael Latta in his natural habitat.
Tuesday night against the Islanders, Michael Latta got back in the line-up for the first time since February 22. During the first period, Latta made his presence felt, fighting 6’4” defenseman Scott Mayfield after teammate Mike Richards was slammed hard into the boards.
Because of Latta’s latest kerfuffle, we learned of his new nickname, courtesy of Karl Alzner.
The Caps flew to Denver Thursday afternoon ahead of their 77th game of the season against the Colorado Avalanche. It sounds like the cross-country flight was not enjoyable for Michael Latta.
That’s because his roommate Tom Wilson was annoying him the entire time.
Noted goon Marcus Johansson is at it again — wait, wrong Swede. What I meant to say was: Andre Burakovsky, the team’s player with the most penalty minutes — no, that’s not right either…
Oh. Tom Wilson and Michael Latta, penalty-box regulars, have been doing some very important work at practice recently: teaching their skill forwards how to fight. Playoff hockey is right around the corner, and even though fighting is discouraged, a player has to be ready for anything.
Unfortunately, it does not appear as if the skill forwards wanted to learn.
By 7 years ago
Graphic by Amanda Bowen
Tuesday, Tom Wilson turned 22 years old. Willy Baby got a million well wishes online by Caps fans but it was three special wishes I want to point you to. They were from Wilson’s roommate Michael Latta (2) and Andre Burakovsky.
Latta called Wilson a lot of things I’m guessing he’s not and Burakovsky brought out the old #brobeans hashtag.
On Sunday night, 41-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Academy Award, winning Best Actor for The Revenant. To date, DiCaprio has won over 40 awards and has been nominated six times for an Oscar, but he had never won Best Actor until last night.
During his acceptance speech, DiCaprio thanked his fellow nominees, the cast and crew of The Revenant, and Martin Scorcese. He also talked about climate change. Two crucial people he forgot to thank: Caps roomies Tom Wilson and Michael Latta.
Photo: @latta17
Saturday at Kettler, the Washington Capitals held a strenuous morning skate ahead of their game that night with the New Jersey Devils. After team drills, Michael Latta worked on his (surprisingly good) stick-handling at center ice, before saucing some passes with former roommate Andre Burakovsky.
Despite only playing in 40 games this season, Latta has already put up a career high in points (7) and has been a valuable contributor from the Capitals’ fourth line. When he hasn’t been on the ice, the St. Clements, Ontario, native has been one of the most fascinating players on the team, dancing with dolphins, begging for Instagram follows, and ragging on roommate Tom Wilson.
I spoke to Latta about life, hockey, and Caps Twitter on Saturday inside the locker room. It was a good chat.
