Trade Deadline day in Washington

The Caps GM George McPhee went in to today infamous for making last minute moves on the final day of the trade deadline. The first move to make was for Florida defenseman Dennis Wideman. The Caps traded prospect Jake Hauswirth and a 2011 3rd round draft pick. This was a very favorable trade for the Capitals bringing another right-handed, offensive defenseman to Washington.

In the final moments of the 3pm deadline McPhee made one final deal to complete his day. The Washington Capitals traded center David Steckel to the New Jersey Devils for Jason Arnott. Yes Arnott has experience, a Stanley Cup, and size, but in my opinion we did not need to fork over the leading faceoff guy in the league for him. We might get to see all three new additions Wideman, Arnott, and Sturm on Tuesday night vs. the Islanders. David Steckel you will be missed!

Caps acquire Dennis Wideman

The Caps have just traded prospect Jake Hauswith and 3rd round pick to the Florida Panthers for offensive defenseman Dennis Wideman. Stay tuned for other trade news.

Caps and Islanders with trade deadline news

The Washington Capitals played a very respectable hockey game vs. the Islanders on Saturday night. Early in the second period the Caps were experiencing a familiar feeling that they experienced Friday night. They trailed New York 2-0 and were being out-shot.

Brooks Laich would not be shutout again when he scored a hard-fought goal cutting the lead to one. In the third period the Capitals played admirable in attempt to draw even with the Isles. Mike Knuble answered that call putting away a pass from Brooksie tying the game with much time to play. Later on Alexander Semin put the Islanders away with a sick wrister making the Caps comeback complete. Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 299th career assist on Semin's game winning goal.

The Caps had off on Sunday and they practice today before the trade deadline. Only time will tell if GM George McPhee will make any last minute trades for the home stretch of the season. He did answer some questions when he made it very clear that neither of the Cap's young goalies (Varly, Neuvy) would be moved any time soon. McPhee also said there a small percentage chance that the Caps would be in any trade news over the weekend.

The only roster move made by the Caps was the acquiring of Marco Sturm off waivers from the LA Kings. He will join the team in Washington for tomorrow night's game vs. the Islanders. This will be the fourth meeting between the teams, the Caps having won the first three contests. Keep your eyes open for trades today; the deadline is at 3 pm. Puck drops at 7 tomorrow in the Verizon Center. Rock the Red!

Latest Caps news and Islanders preview

Caps suffered a tough shutout loss last night to the New York Rangers. This was the second time of the season that King Henrik has not allowed any goals vs. Washington. Mike Green left the game early on when he was elbowed by Derek Stepan and the Rangers scored their first goal after that.

It was all uphill from there for the Caps eventually losing 6-0 to the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 35 shots from the Capitals, 8 of them coming from Alex Ovechkin. Michal Neuvirth had a tough night but hopefully the entire team will shake off the beating by tonight.

Tonight the Caps will take on the New York Islanders at New York. Mike Green will not be on the ice tonight because he has traveled back to Calgary because of the passing of his grandmother last night. Our prayers go out to Mike Green’s family. Also the Capitals have recalled forward Jay Beagle from Hershey to play vs. the Islanders tonight.

Finally the Caps have just picked up forward Marco Sturm off waivers and put DJ King on waivers. Washington will try and turn things around tonight. The puck drops around 7. Rock the Red!!

Caps sign Hendricks and look to beat Rangers at home

The Washington Capitals have had a 3 day break since their 1-0 win over the Penguins Monday night. On Wednesday the organization decided to lock up forward Matt Hendricks to a two year extension. Hendricks has logged 7 goals and 19 points on the year. Also the trade deadline grows near as well as rumors about Alex Semin being moved. Only time will tell.

Washington will play host to the New York Rangers tonight at the Verizon Center. This will be the Capitals first home game since February 12 in the 4-1 loss vs. the LA Kings. The Rangers lead the season series 2-1 having won the last two. Both teams are coming off wins with the Rangers beating Carolina Tuesday in a shootout.

The Caps have not exactly been successful at home this year winning only 5 of its last 17 games at the Verizon Center. However it’s not all bad news in Washington; the Caps have only allowed 2.06 goals a game in that stretch of 17 games. Since the Caps and Rangers faced off last New York has only won 3 of their last 11 games. They’ve struggled to score more than 3 goals in their past 14 games only succeeding once.

Now is the time the Caps have to start playing well and they are coming off a two game winning streak in a lengthy road trip where they finished 3-2. Alex Ovechkin has accepted the role of captain and is started producing like the Great 8 we all know and love. Some would say this season for Ovi has been a disappointment. Has it? I don’t think so. He has put all the MVP and scoring awards in his rearview mirror and has his sights set on only one thing. The Stanley Cup! Alex has logged 9 goals and 17 points in his last 15 games.

The Rangers are currently in 7^th place in the Eastern Conference with 68 points. They trail the Caps by 6 points who are currently in 5^th place.  For the Rangers tonight Marc Staal (knee), Marian Gaborik (Concussion), Alexander Frolov, and Chris Drury are all out of the lineup. The Caps will still be missing Tom Poti and Eric Fehr.  The puck drops at 7 Cap's fans. Rock the Red!

Caps shutout the Pens for second time this year

The Capitals headed to the Consol Energy Center for their final matchup of their five game road trip. The Caps had taken the last two contests with 3-1, and 3-0 wins. Michal Neuvirth got the start for Washington because he had shutout the Pens two weeks ago.

The Penguins came out firing on Neuvy out-shooting the Caps 18-7 in the first period. This went along with the Capitals getting three penalties, but killing all of the chances. The Caps also had one extra man opportunity and failed to execute on it.

Washington came out in the 2^nd period with a different, more offensive mentality. Neither team capitalized on some early penalties taken by both teams. Then Matt Bradley pumped up his team and possibly every Caps fan watching when he threw down the gloves with Ryan Craig. Brads landed numerous shots in one of the most exciting fights I’ve seen all year.

Alex Ovechkin and the Caps were given one more chance on the power play in the second period when Joe Vitale was called for tripping. Ovi answered the call with a high cheesoline missile beating Marc-Andre Fleury. His slap shot came from the pass of Marcus Johansson on the extra man giving the Caps a 1-0 lead.

The third period was a tremendous defensive effort by the Capitals. Neuvy played spectacular in the contest stopping all 39 shots. Recording his second shutout of the season vs. the Penguins he has proven himself. There were no goals or penalties in the third period of the game. Ovi’s goal ended up being the only goal of the game making it the game winner. It was his eighth game winning goal of the season tying him for 1^st in the league.

This win overall was a great team effort and a positive way to end this 5 game road trip. The Caps went 3-2 over the past week on the road which is respectable. They now have a three day break and play the Rangers at home on Friday. Finally, Caps will be home sweet home at the Verizon Center. The pucks drops at 7 Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Michal Neuvirth (30 save shutout)

Stat of the Game: GWG (Alex Ovechkin)

Unsung Hero: Matt Bradley

Caps overcome Sabres in Sunday matchup

The Capitals faced off against Buffalo this Sunday in their fourth straight road game. In the first period the Capitals had numerous power play chances after the 10 minute mark, but couldn’t seem to finish. Ryan Miller owned his crease, robbing Nicklas Backstrom twice on the extra man. Miller helped his team to a 0-0 score killing all 4 power plays in the opening period.

Mathieu Perreault started the scoring when he wristed in a lucky bounce of the back wall from Matt Hendricks. It was his seventh goal of the season ending a seven game goalless drought. Two minutes later Brooks Laich would pick up the first Washington penalty of the game with goalie interference. Jason Pominville struck 30 seconds in when Semyon Varlamov was screened by teammate Scott Hannan tying the score at 1-1.

The Capitals logged 18 shots in the second period, but wouldn’t score again in the second. Ten minutes into the third period former Cap Shaone Morrison took his second penalty of the game putting the Sabres man down. Alex Ovechkin split the defense and wristed a shot on goal which lead to the Marcus Johansson tip-in off Perreault’s shot. This score would not change throughout the third period with the Capitals eventually prevailing over the Sabres 2-1.

Varly played spectacular in this contest saving 28 0f 29 shots. The Caps also outshot the Sabres 39 to 29 which was vital in beating Ryan Miller twice. Ovi had his third straight game with an assist making it 38 on the season. The Capitals will have their second back-to-back game in a week tomorrow vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game will be in Pittsburgh tomorrow at 7:30. Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Semyon Varlamov (28 saves, 1 ga)

Stat of the Game: Game winning goal (Marcus Johansson)

Hit of the Game: Alex Ovechkin on M. Weber (1^st period)

Unsung Hero: Mathieu Perreault

Semin gets the hat trick; Caps overcome Ducks

It was an action packed night in Anaheim with the Caps facing the Ducks for the 2^nd time this season. Ryan Getzlaf didn’t waste any time in getting on the board when he notched one passed Varlamov on the power play. Alex Ovechkin then took a sweet pass from Nicklas Backstrom and made the Anaheim defense pay with a snap shot that beat McElhinney five hole. Shortly after Brooks Laich made Teemu Selanne pay by intercepting a pass and slotting one in for a 2-1 lead.

The final two minutes of the first were not kind to the Caps because they let up 2 quick goals leaving them trailing 3-2 going in to the locker room. Varly was pulled after letting in 3 goals on 9 shots. The Caps first power play was spoiled by a Corey Perry shortie six minutes in to the second making it 4-2. However the scoring had just begun in this contest.

David Steckel and then Alex Semin would respond back with a goal each tying the score up. It was Semin’s first goal since November 28^th. Late in the 2^nd period Andy Sutton put a cheap hit on Matt Hendricks which sparked a fight with John Erskine. Sutton walked away with a cut on his face and a 2 minute boarding penalty. Visnovsky, a defenseman for the Ducks would score on a deflection before the period was over giving the Ducks a one goal lead.

The Caps begun the 3^rd period on the penalty kill and were successful. Immediately after the kill Nicky B found Mike Knuble for a beautiful breakaway goal tying the score back up. The Duck’s first line would later undress the Caps D when Bobby Ryan slapped one passed Neuvy.

After that goal it was the Alex Semin show for the people of Anaheim. He would tie the game and eventually score the game winner for his fourth hat trick of the year. Semin put the team on his back! Neuvirth did not play the best two periods, but he made the saves that were needed in the end. The Caps took advantage of the backup goaltender tonight firing 31 shots on net and beating the Ducks 7-6. This was not a good defensive game on either side. However it was an exciting game and it was good to see the Caps end the scoring drought with a 7 spot.

The Capitals do not have long to relax from this win because they play the Sharks in San Jose tonight at 10:30. The Caps were shut out by the Sharks two weeks ago, so hopefully they will seek revenge on Antti Niemi. Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Alex Semin (3 goals, +4)

Stat of the Game: Offense (31 shots, 7 goals)

Hit of the Game: Alex Ovechkin on Cam Fowler (3^rd period)

Unsung Hero: John Erskine

Power play woes continue; Caps fall to the Coyotes

Well I hate writing recaps for losses and it seems to be a routine as of late. The Caps fell to the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2 tonight for their third straight loss. This loss dropped the Capitals to sixth place in the Eastern Conference behind the Montreal Canadiens.

The first period was scoreless with both teams registering only 5 shots each. Marcus Johansson would be the first on the board when he scored off a lucky deflection beating Ilya Bryzgalov. However 49 seconds later Martin Hanzal would tie things up as the Caps 4^th line was caught watching the puck. Later in that period Scott Hannan would take a questionable roughing call and Ray Whitney would make the Caps pay making it 2-1 at the end of the 2^nd period.

Vernon Fiddler would put the Caps away with an early goal in the third. Matt Bradley would answer rather quickly, but the Capitals couldn’t seem to find another to even the score before time expired. The Caps lost to the Coyotes 3-2.The most disappointing part of the game was the Caps going 0 for 5 on the power play.

Ovi and Backstrom had numerous chances that just didn’t pass the goal line on the extra man. I think it improved from the last few games, but the Caps still have to crash the net and things will start happening. The positives? We outshot Phoenix 31-18. Michal Neuvirth did not have his best showing only saving 15 of 18 shots. I would blame Neuvy for only one of the goals. The other two goals were simply defensive breakdowns.

The Caps next game doesn’t get any easier facing the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. The Ducks have won 4 straight and beat the Caps back in December 2-1 in OT. Hopefully Washington will have more luck against goaltender, Jonas Hiller. The Capitals are struggling and we are depending on the big guns to carry us through the drought. The puck drops at 10 on Wednesday in Anaheim. Keep the faith and Rock the Red!

On the Road Again

Let’s forget about the past 2 games. Tomorrow night will be the third game in a row versus a Western Conference opponent for the Caps. The next three games are on the west coast where they will be facing: Phoenix Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks. The Washington Capitals start their 5 game road trip tomorrow against the Phoenix. None of the games on this road trip will be a cake walk for the Caps so we better bring our A game.

This season the Capitals have answered the critics by playing better defense, but seem to have lost that offensive edge. The Capitals have all the fire power necessary to light the lamp more than they are doing right now. The thing I have been looking for in the last couple contests is heart. Lately some of the Cap have been lacking it in the third period when the games on the line, where we look for that extra effort that changes games.

Something must change on this road trip because each game we struggle to find our game, the farther the Southeast division title gets from us. There are 26 games left in the season and it’s about damn time we start playing like a Stanley Cup caliber team. The Caps have to start getting to the net more and throwing the puck on net for chances.

The last meeting between the Caps and Coyotes Washington prevailed with a 4-2 win. The Coyotes come into this game on a four game winning streak after beating Chicago in a shootout Saturday. The Caps haven’t won in their last 6 meetings with Western Conference opponents. Hopefully we will change that and shake up a hot goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov.

The past 2 games have been frustrating Caps fans, but we must not give up. I know Ovi won’t. Tune into Versus tomorrow night at 8 to watch the Caps turn their season around on the road. Rock the Red!

Player Profile: Matt Hendricks

The Washington Capitals have had a decent season so far this year, but there is one player who leaves everything he has on the ice night after night. That player is #26 Matt Hendricks. The Capitals signed Hendricks on September 27, 2010, to a one year contract after he went to the team’s training camp for a tryout.

Matt Hendricks started his NHL career with the Nashville Predators; the team he was drafted by out of high school in 2000. He then made his way through a couple AHL teams including the Hershey Bears for the 2006-2007 season.

The Boston Bruins would sign him after that and he would eventually make his way to the Colorado Avalanche where he would play in his first ever NHL game. Matt played only 4 games that season and did not record a point. Next season with the Avs, Hendricks would score his first career goal in the first game of the season vs. the Blackhawks. He would play 56 games logging 9 goals and 16 points in the 2009-2010 season.

This year it has been a pleasure to watch Matt Hendricks play in Washington in only his 2^nd career NHL season. He has taken the role of the team tough guy, dropping the gloves 12 times for the Caps this year. Hendricks has 7 goals and 16 points in 52 games this season. Night in and night out this man is nonstop hitting and making an effort towards the puck. He truly is a coach’s dream player. Without a doubt he is the best roster move the Caps have made this season.

I look forward to watching Matt Hendricks the rest of the season fighting, hitting, and scoring flashy goals (like his breakaway goal vs. Toronto Maple Leafs) siiicckkk! Through blood, sweat, and determination this 29 year old hockey player has proven that hard work pays off eventually. The Washington Capitals organization is lucky to have you!

Niemi blanks Caps

Well there’s no doubt that the Caps were out-played, out-shot, and out-hustled in this game vs. the Sharks. Antti Niemi held the Caps scoreless for their 8^th shutout loss of the season. The Sharks destroyed the Caps in the shot category 36-25 with the Caps only logging 4 shots in the 2^nd period. Four shots in a period will simply not do the job against a team like the San Jose Sharks.

The Caps came out hard in the first period with some close scoring chances, but couldn’t seem to beat Niemi. Midway through the 1^st the Capitals scored a goal when Alex Semin squeezed one over the goal line. This was never counted because the below average refs blew the whistle when Niemi didn’t freeze the puck! Each team failed to execute power play chances in the 1^st period.

Michal Neuvirth played a great game in goal, despite one bad 5 hole let up from Logan Couture. Neuvy saved 34 out of 36 shots and let in both goals in the 3^rd period. Dan Boyle scored the second goal only two minutes after Couture’s goal. This goal would seal the deal crushing the hopes of a three game winning streak. Washington would have one more power play chance late in the 3^rd period but could not capitalize.

The Capitals have a three day break before they face off against another Western Conference team, the Los Angeles Kings. This game Saturday will be the last home game in almost 2 weeks, so it will be crucial for the Caps to pull out a win. This three day break will hopefully give Mike Green time to heal if he doesn’t have a concussion. Let’s shake this one off Caps fans and get ready for 12:30 Saturday. Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Michal Neuvirth (34 saves)

Stat of the Game: 4 shots (Alex Semin)

Unsung Hero: Scott Hannan

Caps look for third victory in a row hosting Sharks

The Capitals play host to the Sharks tonight in a battle of two teams trying to return to the top of their respective conferences. Last season, the Capitals won the President’s Cup with best record in the NHL and the Sharks finished at the top of the Western Conference, but fell to the Blackhawks in the conference finals.

After a big shutout win over the Penguins Sunday, Washington seems to be hitting its stride of late and is poised to make a run back to the top of the East. Despite two shutout losses to the Rangers and Canadiens, and a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Thrashers, the Capitals defense has been solid. 

Bottom line: if the Caps can score they will win. Five goals against the Lightning and three (albeit an empty netter) are the types of offensive outputs that Washington needs.

With Green, Schultz, Hannan, and Carlson locking up the back, the Caps are solid in the defensive zone.

San Jose is doing the same and has won seven of its last 10 games. 

The Sharks have had their fair share of adversity this season, but are a tough team to beat on any night.

In an interview with NHL.com, Alex Ovechkin admitted to leaving some in the tank during the fall stretch to be ready for a Cup push following the All-Star break. He has started to put the personal accolades and pursuit of outlandish scoring marks in pursuit of Lord Stanley.

Ultimately, his goal, like it should be, is to win the Stanley Cup. So if his relative lack of production bothers you, take a look at our CapsDaily sign off line and reorganize your priorities. Also Alexander Semin will be back in the lineup tonight vs. the Sharks, so expect some toe-drags and twine tickling. Mike Green will be a game-time decision for the Caps. Rock the Red!

In Ovi we trust.

Caps shutout the Pens with Neuvy in net

Today the Penguins tried to avenge their terrible hangover from the Winter Classic in Washington. The Caps did not allow that to happen playing a hard-fought 60 minute game. The scoring started late in the 1^st period when Brooks Laich put in a rebound off a John Erskine shot. Also late in the 1^st Mike Green took a shot to the side of the head from Brooks Orpik, and did not return to the game.

A goal was taken away from Mike Knuble early in the 2^nd period because of a goalie interference call on teammate Matt Hendricks. This would send the Penguins on their first power play of the contest. However the Caps took it to Pittsburgh on the man down. Marcus Johansson scored a shortie on one of the nicest back-hand goals I’ve ever seen to put the Caps up 2-0. The 2^nd period ended with a few power play chances for the Caps but they couldn’t capitalize.

In the 3^rd period, Penguins player, Tim Wallace, had some unfinished business with my man David Steckel for his hit on Sidney Crosby on New Year’s Day. The two players dropped the mits and squared off with neither side landing any big punches. Also in that period Mike Knuble was high-sticked in a no call and his face was bleeding for the rest of the game. Matt Cooke tripped Alex Ovechkin starting some commotion between teams late in the 3rd. This almost caused another fight with Ovi and Nicky B wanting some vengeance.

Michal Neuvirth in his first game back was unbeatable stopping all 22 shots for his second shutout of the season. In the end it was Mike Knuble with a bloody face that put the nail in the coffin scoring an empty netter. It was The Garbage Man’s 13^th goal of the season. I have to point out the Caps D to go along with the stellar play by Neuvy. From the 1^st period on the Caps had a 5 defenseman rotation with Mike Green out of the game. Scott Hannan, John Carlson, Karl Alzner, Jeff Schultz, and John Erskine congrats on the win; you stepped up big in this win.

This shutout win vs. the Pens has to be a huge confidence boost for the Capitals. The last two wins vs. the Lightning and Pens might be the best 2 games I’ve seen us play in a long time. I think everyone is starting to find out their role on the team, and that is why we are seeing results defensively and offensively. The Caps will face the San Jose Sharks in their next contest Tuesday at the Verizon Center. Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Caps D (allowed only 22 shots, 0 goals)

Stat of the Game: 22 save shutout (Michal Neuvirth)

Unsung Hero: David Steckel (Crosby is still out from that hit)

Hit of the Game: David Steckel on Sidney Crosby (Winter Classic)

Caps vs. Lightning Preview

The Caps face-off against the Lightning tonight in possibly the biggest divisional game of the season. If the Caps win they will draw closer to Tampa trailing only 3 points, but if they fail the Caps will be in a 7 point hole. The positives going in tonight are the defense and goal tending of the Capitals. They have only allowed 37 goals in the last 20 games. However the offense has only scored 52 goals in 26 games.

The Caps and Lightning have faced off 4 times this year splitting the season series 2-2. Tampa bay has won the last two thanks to mid-season pick up Dwayne Roloson. The Lightning have won 6 straight opposed to the Caps losing 3 straight. The caps have to crash the net, and score some goals to aggravate Tampa's impressive home record this year.

Alex Semin is not returning tonight and he has had much success against this divisional foe this year. He has logged 2 hatricks in back to back games vs the Lightning. Hopefully Semin will return to the lineup soon; we sure could've used him tonight. Expect to see Varly in the nets; puck drops at 7:30. Rock the Red!!!

Habs overcome deficit to beat Caps in shootout

The Caps started off the game with an impressive start with Matthieu Perreault scoring early. Later in the first period Montreal went down a man and the Capitals made them pay. Mike Green toe-dragged a defender and setup Mike the Garbage man Knuble for a tap-in. Ten minutes into the game the Caps were up 2-0 in the first period.

The 2nd period was the downfall for the Capitals last night. They logged 15 shots on goal, but could not beat Carey Price. The captain of the Canadiens, Brian Gionta, went on to score 2 goals 8 minutes apart to tie it up by the end of the 2nd period. There was not much action in the 3rd period on the scoreboard, but Alex Ovechkin threw one of the most bone-jarring hip checks I've ever seen on P.K. Subban. Subban retaliated with a roughing penalty because he was clearly embarrassed by Ovi.

Regulation ended in a 2-2 tie putting a scare in Caps fans because they have lost seven straight games past regulation. The game eventually went to a shoot out where the Habs bested the Caps 1-0. The Capitals have to play a full game if they're going to beat teams.

The Caps killed all six penalties making it 24 straights kills. Brooks Laich had three out of the 6 penalties and in my opinion did not play well. Varly played outstanding again saving 27 of 29 shots. The Caps outshot the Habs 38-29.

The Caps are now 5 points behind Tampa Bay in the Southeast division. They will face each other Friday at 7:30 in Tampa in a must win game for Washington. Hopefully Alex Semin will make his return to the ice because we could use his offensive presence. The playoffs are around the corner; let’s start playing like we are Stanley Cup bound! Rock the Red.

Player of the Game: Matthieu Perreault (1 goal, 1 assist)

Stat of the Game: 6 for 6 on PK

Hit of the Year: Alex Ovechkin on P.K. Subban (3^rd period)

Unsung Hero: Semyon Varlamov

Caps vs. Canadiens Preview

Hershey Bears all-star, Andrew Gordon, set a record in the AHL all-star game when he scored 14 seconds in to the contest. He also added another goal in the 3^rd period giving him 2 goals for the game. We hope to see him in a Caps sweater again this season.

The Caps are to take on the Montreal Canadiens tonight at the Verizon Center. These two teams have only faced each other once this season and the Caps prevailed over the Habs 3-0 in December. This will be the first night of games after the all-star break. Hopefully we will light the lamp more than a few times tonight against a hot goaltender, Carey Price.

In other news it was reported that Eric Fehr, Alex Semin, Tom Poti, and Michal Neuvirth all practiced Monday. However Poti and Fehr are out but Semin could make an appearance tonight depending on how he feels. It will be good to see #28 back in uniform, but he hasn’t scored in 14 games. Maybe Semin sparks the team for a must needed win over Montreal tonight. The Habs will be missing Cammallieri, Andrei Markov and Josh Georges with both the defensemen out for the season. I expect to see Varly in the nets, and the puck drops at 7:30 in DC. Rock the Red!