Capitals Insider - Katie Carrera on everything Washington Capitals.

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 02/28/2014

Alex Ovechkin will host Evgeny Kuznetsov, help his transition to North America

By Katie Carrera

Ovechkin: “I’m going to show him around, going to show him the team and welcome him to the team. It’s going to be good for him.”

By Katie Carrera | 02:50 PM ET, 02/28/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, KHL, Prospects

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 02/28/2014

Mikhail Grabovski returns to Washington for evaluation, will not face Bruins

By Katie Carrera

The veteran center aggravated his sprained left ankle against the Panthers on Thursday.

By Katie Carrera | 12:53 PM ET, 02/28/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Bruins, Injuries, Mikhail Grabovski

Posted at 08:37 AM ET, 02/28/2014

Five thoughts on the Capitals’ win over the Panthers

By Katie Carrera

Notes and observations on Thursday night’s win in South Florida.

By Katie Carrera | 08:37 AM ET, 02/28/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Braden Holtby, Brooks Laich, Caps-Panthers, Five thoughts, Mike Green, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 12:03 AM ET, 02/28/2014

Mikhail Grabovski aggravates ankle injury against Panthers

By Katie Carrera

The veteran center likely wasn’t 100 percent heading into the game against the Panthers.

By Katie Carrera | 12:03 AM ET, 02/28/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Injuries, Mikhail Grabovski

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 02/27/2014

Open thread: Capitals at Panthers

By Katie Carrera

Discuss the game as the Capitals ramp up their season again with a Thursday night matchup at the Panthers.

By Katie Carrera | 05:05 PM ET, 02/27/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Panthers, Lineups, Open Thread

Posted at 02:39 PM ET, 02/27/2014

Adam Oates: Caps need John Erskine ‘to be able to move’

By Katie Carrera

After sitting out the final two games before the break as a healthy scratch, John Erskine is back in the mix.

By Katie Carrera | 02:39 PM ET, 02/27/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Caps-Panthers, John Erskine

Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 02/27/2014

Marcus Johansson rejoins Capitals, expects to play against Panthers

By Katie Carrera

The last of the Capitals’ Olympians has finally rejoined the team.

By Katie Carrera | 01:19 PM ET, 02/27/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Marcus Johansson, Sochi 2014

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 02/27/2014

Capitals eager to kick off stretch run

By Katie Carrera

After 19 days since their last game, the Caps are glad to be back in a game-day routine.

By Katie Carrera | 12:29 PM ET, 02/27/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Brooks Laich, Caps-Panthers, Eric Fehr, Lineups

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 02/26/2014

Martin Erat still wants the Capitals to trade him

By Katie Carrera

With a week to go before the deadline, the veteran forward is still hoping to be traded.

By Katie Carrera | 01:17 PM ET, 02/26/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: George McPhee, Martin Erat, Trade deadline

Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 02/26/2014

Jack Hillen doesn’t think a return in Florida is ‘realistic’; Marcus Johansson a game-time decision

By Katie Carrera

Hillen says he’s very close to a return but doesn’t expect to play against Panthers.

By Katie Carrera | 12:33 PM ET, 02/26/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Injuries, Jack Hillen, Marcus Johansson

Posted at 07:12 AM ET, 02/26/2014

Martin Erat’s newborn daughter overshadows his early Olympic exit

By Katie Carrera

The veteran forward’s second child, Victoria Bella, was born on Feb. 19 while he was in Sochi.

By Katie Carrera | 07:12 AM ET, 02/26/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Martin Erat, Sochi 2014

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 02/25/2014

Alex Ovechkin on Olympic disappointment: ‘I have to handle it. I have to fight through it’

By Katie Carrera

Capitals star appears upbeat after he returns to practice with Washington.

By Katie Carrera | 03:08 PM ET, 02/25/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, Sochi 2014

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 02/25/2014

Nicklas Backstrom trying to focus on Capitals amid fallout from failed IOC doping test

By Katie Carrera

The Caps’ center says he won’t know for two weeks whether he gets his silver medal from Sochi.

By Katie Carrera | 02:24 PM ET, 02/25/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Martin Erat, Nicklas Backstrom, Sochi 2014

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 02/25/2014

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom back on the ice for Capitals’ practice

By Katie Carrera

Four of the Caps’ five Olympians are back at practice offering a look at what to expect when the season starts back up.

By Katie Carrera | 11:14 AM ET, 02/25/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Marcus Johansson, Martin Erat, Nicklas Backstrom, Practice update, Sochi 2014

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 02/25/2014

Jack Hillen assigned to Hershey for conditioning stint

By Katie Carrera

The defenseman takes the next step in recovery from a fractured tibial plateau.

By Katie Carrera | 10:47 AM ET, 02/25/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: AHL, Hershey Bears, Injuries, Jack Hillen

Posted at 04:32 PM ET, 02/23/2014

Alex Ovechkin is traveling back to Washington

By Katie Carrera

The Caps’ Olympians are all on their way back to Arlington, though, Marcus Johansson will be delayed.

By Katie Carrera | 04:32 PM ET, 02/23/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, Marcus Johansson, Sochi 2014

Posted at 04:07 PM ET, 02/23/2014

Should NHL players continue to participate in the Olympics?

By Katie Carrera

The debate on whether NHL players should continue playing in the Olympics is at full steam.

By Katie Carrera | 04:07 PM ET, 02/23/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Gary Bettman, George McPhee, Olympics, Pyeongchang 2018, Sochi 2014

Posted at 08:05 AM ET, 02/23/2014

Updated: Nicklas Backstrom sits out gold-medal game after testing positive for banned substance

By Katie Carrera

The Caps’ center violated the IOC’s anti-doping policy because of a substance found in his allergy medication.

By Katie Carrera | 08:05 AM ET, 02/23/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nicklas Backstrom, Sochi 2014

Posted at 07:25 PM ET, 02/21/2014

Caps in limbo between Olympic break, NHL stretch run

By Katie Carrera

With so many practice days before the Caps play again, Adam Oates is trying to not overwhelm players in the early stages.

By Katie Carrera | 07:25 PM ET, 02/21/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Braden Holtby, Sochi 2014

Posted at 08:34 AM ET, 02/21/2014

Capitals not counting on Evgeny Kuznetsov

By Katie Carrera

Despite numerous signs that the first-round pick may finally arrive in North America this spring, GM George McPhee says that’s “not my expectation“.

By Katie Carrera | 08:34 AM ET, 02/21/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Evgeny Kuznetsov, George McPhee, Prospects

Posted at 01:40 PM ET, 02/20/2014

Alex Ovechkin’s father in stable condition after undergoing heart surgery

By Katie Carrera

The Caps have told the star winger to stay with his family as long as he needs.

By Katie Carrera | 01:40 PM ET, 02/20/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, George McPhee, Mikhail Ovechkin

Posted at 11:49 AM ET, 02/20/2014

Mike Green passed neuropsychological test, cleared for contact

By Katie Carrera

A Capitals injury update.

By Katie Carrera | 11:49 AM ET, 02/20/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Aaron Volpatti, Adam Oates, Concussions, Injuries, Mike Green, Mikhail Grabovski

Posted at 08:37 PM ET, 02/17/2014

All signs point to Evgeny Kuznetsov joining Capitals this spring

By Katie Carrera

Evgeny Kuznetsov, the Capitals’ 2010 first-round draft pick, tweets that he will be leaving Russia “very soon“.

By Katie Carrera | 08:37 PM ET, 02/17/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Prospects

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 02/09/2014

Oates’ Olympic advice to Ovechkin: ‘Be the fastest, hardest working guy’

By Katie Carrera

With so much pressure on Ovechkin and the Russian men’s hockey team, Oates wants the star winger to focus on what he can control.

By Katie Carrera | 11:01 AM ET, 02/09/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Russian Olympic team, Sochi 2014

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 02/09/2014

Capitals hope Olympics ‘energize’ John Carlson

By Katie Carrera

It’s been a grueling season for the Caps’ defenseman but Coach Adam Oates isn’t worried about the Olympics having a negative impact.

By Katie Carrera | 10:00 AM ET, 02/09/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Defense, John Carlson, Sochi 2014, U.S. Olympic men's hockey team, USA Hockey

Posted at 08:03 AM ET, 02/09/2014

Five thoughts on the Capitals’ win over the Devils

By Katie Carrera

Notes and observations from the win against the Devils.

By Katie Carrera | 08:03 AM ET, 02/09/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Braden Holtby, Caps-Devils, Five thoughts, Martin Erat, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 12:04 AM ET, 02/09/2014

Julien Brouillette’s first NHL goal fuels Capitals’ win over Devils

By Katie Carrera

The 27-year-old’s parents were in the stands at Verizon Center to celebrate the milestone.

By Katie Carrera | 12:04 AM ET, 02/09/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Devils, Hershey Bears, Julien Brouillette

Posted at 05:54 PM ET, 02/08/2014

Open thread: Capitals vs. Devils

By Katie Carrera

Discuss the game as the Caps host New Jersey in their final game before the Olympic break.

By Katie Carrera | 05:54 PM ET, 02/08/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Devils, Lineups, Open Thread

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 02/08/2014

Capitals need focus for final game before Olympic break

By Katie Carrera

News and notes from the morning skate.

By Katie Carrera | 12:45 PM ET, 02/08/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Caps-Devils, John Erskine, Lineups

Posted at 08:37 AM ET, 02/08/2014

Mikhail Grabovski hopeful he’ll be ready when NHL resumes after Olympic break

By Katie Carrera

The veteran center expresses his disappointment in not being able to help the Caps climb back into the playoff race.

By Katie Carrera | 08:37 AM ET, 02/08/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Injuries, Mikhail Grabovski

Posted at 12:59 PM ET, 02/07/2014

Which Capitals can play in the AHL during the Olympic break?

By Katie Carrera

Here’s an explainer on which Capitals can and can’t play in the AHL during the NHL’s two-week Olympic break.

By Katie Carrera | 12:59 PM ET, 02/07/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: AHL, Casey Wellman, connor carrick, Dmitry Orlov, Hershey Bears, Jack Hillen, Julien Brouillette, NHL Olympic Break, Patrick Wey, Roster moves, Sochi 2014

Posted at 08:56 AM ET, 02/07/2014

Marcus Johansson named to Swedish Olympic team as injury replacement

By Katie Carrera

The 23-year-old forward will be the fifth Capital making a trip to Sochi for the Olympics.

By Katie Carrera | 08:56 AM ET, 02/07/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Marcus Johansson, Sochi 2014, Swedish Olympic team

Posted at 07:59 AM ET, 02/07/2014

Five thoughts on the Capitals’ win over Winnipeg

By Katie Carrera

Notes and observations from Washington’s win.

By Katie Carrera | 07:59 AM ET, 02/07/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Caps-Jets, Five thoughts, Julien Brouillette, Patrick Wey, Tom Wilson, Troy Brouwer

Posted at 11:28 PM ET, 02/06/2014

Alex Ovechkin’s 40th goal of the season propels Caps to win over Jets

By Katie Carrera

Ovechkin reaches the 40-goal plateau for the sixth time in his career.

By Katie Carrera | 11:28 PM ET, 02/06/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Jets

Posted at 07:03 PM ET, 02/06/2014

Michal Neuvirth ill; Braden Holtby to face Jets

By Katie Carrera

For the second time this season, Neuvirth will be unable to make a scheduled start.

By Katie Carrera | 07:03 PM ET, 02/06/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Braden Holtby, Goalies, Michal Neuvirth

Posted at 05:12 PM ET, 02/06/2014

Open thread: Capitals vs. Jets

By Katie Carrera

Discuss the game as the Caps host the Jets Thursday night.

By Katie Carrera | 05:12 PM ET, 02/06/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Jets, Lineups, Open Thread

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 02/06/2014

Surging Winnipeg poses another challenge for Capitals

By Katie Carrera

Winnipeg has won nine of its last 11 games heading into Thursday’s contest against the Caps.

By Katie Carrera | 01:30 PM ET, 02/06/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Jets, Lineups

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 02/06/2014

Capitals will have inexperienced defense against Jets

By Katie Carrera

Washington’s third pairing against the Jets will have a combined one game of NHL experience.

By Katie Carrera | 12:36 PM ET, 02/06/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Jets, Defense, Injuries, John Erskine, Julien Brouillette, Mike Green, Patrick Wey, Roster moves

Posted at 09:50 AM ET, 02/05/2014

Five thoughts on the Capitals’ loss to the Islanders

By Katie Carrera

Notes and observations from the Capitals’ loss to the Islanders Tuesday night.

By Katie Carrera | 09:50 AM ET, 02/05/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Caps-Isles, Dmitry Orlov, Five thoughts, Metropolitan Division, Power play, Tyson Strachan

Posted at 12:07 AM ET, 02/05/2014

Caps continue to struggle in low-scoring games, fall to Islanders

By Katie Carrera

Washington hasn’t won a game this year in which it hasn’t scored three or more goals.

By Katie Carrera | 12:07 AM ET, 02/05/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Caps-Isles, Karl Alzner

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 02/04/2014

Open thread: Capitals vs. Islanders

By Katie Carrera

Discuss the game as the Capitals host the Islanders Tuesday night at Verizon Center.

By Katie Carrera | 05:07 PM ET, 02/04/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Isles, Lineups, Open Thread

Posted at 01:21 PM ET, 02/04/2014

Martin Erat named to Czech Olympic team as injury replacement

By Katie Carrera

In the middle of a tough NHL season, Erat gets some good news in that he will be playing for the Czech Republic in Sochi.

By Katie Carrera | 01:21 PM ET, 02/04/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Czech Olympic team, Martin Erat, Sochi 2014

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 02/04/2014

Mike Green will miss third straight game with concussion

By Katie Carrera

News and notes from the morning skate.

By Katie Carrera | 11:39 AM ET, 02/04/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Brooks Laich, Caps-Isles, Concussions, Injuries, Lineups, Mike Green

Posted at 03:19 PM ET, 02/03/2014

How much has inconsistent goaltending cost the Caps this season?

By Katie Carrera

George McPhee said that the Capitals would have 10 more points with better goaltending this season.

By Katie Carrera | 03:19 PM ET, 02/03/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Braden Holtby, George McPhee, Goalies, Michal Neuvirth

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 02/03/2014

Injuries piling up for Capitals

By Katie Carrera

With three games left before the Olympic break the Capitals suddenly see their injured list growing rapidly.

By Katie Carrera | 01:04 PM ET, 02/03/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Aaron Volpatti, Adam Oates, Brooks Laich, Eric Fehr, Injuries, Mike Green, Mikhail Grabovski, Practice update

Posted at 07:15 AM ET, 02/03/2014

Five thoughts on the Caps’ win over the Red Wings

By Katie Carrera

Notes and observations from Washington’s 6-5 overtime win on Sunday.

By Katie Carrera | 07:15 AM ET, 02/03/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Caps-Red Wings, connor carrick, Five thoughts, Jason Chimera, Joel Ward, Michal Neuvirth

Posted at 05:24 PM ET, 02/02/2014

Watch: Alex Ovechkin’s overtime game-winner against Detroit

By Katie Carrera

Alex Ovechkin is now tied for the third most overtime winners in NHL history with 15.

By Katie Carrera | 05:24 PM ET, 02/02/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Red Wings

Posted at 12:24 PM ET, 02/02/2014

Open thread: Capitals vs. Red Wings

By Katie Carrera

Discuss the game as the Capitals host Detroit in the second half of a home-and-home.

By Katie Carrera | 12:24 PM ET, 02/02/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Red Wings, Lineups, Open Thread

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 02/02/2014

Michal Neuvirth to start against Red Wings

By Katie Carrera

Mike Green and Brooks Laich are both game-time decisions.

By Katie Carrera | 11:02 AM ET, 02/02/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Brooks Laich, Caps-Red Wings, Injuries, Michal Neuvirth, Mike Green

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 02/01/2014

Ben Scrivens’s 59-save game masks bigger issue

By Neil Greenberg

A closer look at the record-setting performance by the OIlers goalie on Wednesday shows shots that, while far too numerous in quantity, were largely lacking in quality.

By Neil Greenberg | 04:00 PM ET, 02/01/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Ben Scrivens, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, Statistical analysis

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 02/01/2014

Brooks Laich misses practice Saturday

By Chelsea Janes

The Capitals forward misses practice Saturday after leaving Friday’s game with tightness in his groin.

By Chelsea Janes | 02:31 PM ET, 02/01/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Brooks Laich, Caps-Red Wings, Casey Wellman, Injuries

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 02/01/2014

Adam Oates expects Mike Green to play in Sunday’s Capitals-Red Wings game

By Chelsea Janes

The Caps defenseman skated Saturday after missing most of the week with a head injury, and his coach expects him to play Sunday.

By Chelsea Janes | 01:56 PM ET, 02/01/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Caps-Red Wings, Injuries, Mike Green

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 02/01/2014

Five thoughts on the Capitals’ 4-3 shootout loss in Detroit

By Katie Carrera

Notes and observations from the loss in Detroit.

By Katie Carrera | 10:54 AM ET, 02/01/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Brooks Laich, Caps-Red Wings, Casey Wellman, Injuries, Jason Chimera, Mike Green, penalties

Posted at 01:01 AM ET, 02/01/2014

Watch: Alex Ovechkin’s game-tying goal with seven seconds left in Detroit

By Katie Carrera

With seven seconds left the Capitals managed to secure a point.

By Katie Carrera | 01:01 AM ET, 02/01/2014 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Caps-Red Wings, Joel Ward

Stats, scores and schedules

Capitals Insider: February, 2014