Archive for ‘Washington Capitals’

Wait, there are Americans in the NHL?: Caps lose to Rangers, 2-1.

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NBC has decided that hockey needs to be a staple in their sports broadcasting portfolio. To do this they need to bring more Americans into what has been a predominantly Canadian sport. They have taken a note from CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” and created “Hockey Day in America” (What a very original title). The problem is they have gone way overboard to the point of being obnoxious and possibly distracting to some fans. Read more here.

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Capitals Volunteer For A Great Cause

Chimera poses with a lucky skater during the Dreams For Kids Event (Photo courtesy of the Capitals)

On Friday, Dreams for Kids DC held their annual Extreme Recess with the Washington Capitals for 100 children with physical and developmental disabilities. I've attended this event with my son Joshua for the past three years. It’s one of the highlights of our year. When the lockout was in progress, it looked like the event wouldn't happen. Luckily, as soon as the lockout ended, Glenda Fu, Executive Director of Dreams for Kids DC, was able to schedule Extreme Recess with the Washington Capitals. Read more about the day here.

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Opinion: GMGM for a day

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The season isn’t going well, there is no denying that. I think, however, we are all getting a little overexcited and reactionary. Luckily we have a very level-headed General Manager in George McPhee. He’s a man who likes to let teams, players and coaches work through their problems. Only when he thinks they’ve had enough time to right the ship and haven’t done so does he ever pull the trigger on moves. More here.

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Working on the Edges

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It all starts with a diamond chip being dragged slowly across the stone of a cutting wheel. That wheel is then drawn down the length of a steel blade, creating a groove, or a hollow. This creates two distinctive edges, one outside, and one inside. This is what makes skating possible. These two edges allow players to weave in and out of defenders, come to an abrupt stop, and spray snow shavings into the face of a goalie before finally putting the puck in the back of the net. Read more here.

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Late-game collapse leads to loss against Leafs

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Ready to rebound from a tough loss in Ottawa on Tuesday, the Capitals came to Toronto in desperate need of a win. In a shortened season, a slow start can doom a team come playoff time. Now is the time to start picking up points when you can, even though it’s still early in the season. Three-point (loser point, looking at you, ’11-’12 Panthers) games will have greater importance and impact on playoff standings more so than ever before. Yeah, this season is gonna be weird, to say the least. Read more here.

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Capitals acquire Casey Wellman from Florida

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According to a press release, the Capitals have acquired forward Casey Wellman from Florida in exchange for Zach Hamill. Hamill was acquired by the Boston Bruins in May of last year for Chris Bourque. Wellman, 25, has recorded 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 37 games this season with San Antonio of the American Hockey League (AHL). He ranked third in points on San Antonio at the time of the trade.

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Laich skates with team in Toronto

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Brooks Laich skated with the rest of the Capitals today in Toronto for the first time this season since training camp in early January. Laich has been sidelined with a groin injury he sustained while playing for the Kloten Flyers in the Swiss League during the NHL work stoppage. (What is it with this team and groin injuries?) He is listed as a non-roster player, but the team can activate him whenever he's ready to play, which might not be any time soon.

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Capitals giving out Backstrom gnomes for Feb. 5 game vs. Maple Leafs

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Earlier today, those on the Washington Capitals mailing list received a message saying that those in attendance of the Capitals' February 5 home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs would receive a Nicklas Backstrom gnome. I'm not sure what occasion warrants the giveaway of a miniature gnome, much less one that is supposed to be a Swedish center, but I digress. I wouldn't give this thing to my kid (if I had one). It's a bit creepy.

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