Capitals Insider - Katie Carrera on everything Washington Capitals.

Posted at 04:38 PM ET, 02/28/2015

Tim Gleason excited to join Capitals, expected to debut Sunday vs. Toronto

By Alex Prewitt

Goaltender Justin Peters, who spent several seasons in Carolina with Gleason, remembered the 32-year-old as a vocal locker room presence and hard-working, physical defenseman.

By Alex Prewitt | 04:38 PM ET, 02/28/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 02/28/2015

Capitals react to trading Jack Hillen, ‘great guy, great teammate’

By Alex Prewitt

“There’s very few guys that I’ve ever met in my life that work as hard as Jack does,” defenseman Karl Alzner said.

By Alex Prewitt | 03:24 PM ET, 02/28/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 02/28/2015

Capitals acquire D Tim Gleason from Carolina for Jack Hillen and a fourth-rounder

By Alex Prewitt

Washington’s deal comes two days before the trade deadline.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:23 PM ET, 02/28/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 02/28/2015

Capitals ‘not panicking’ after third straight loss, but growing trend still ‘unacceptable’

By Alex Prewitt

“It’s not like it’s a rah-rah speech that you see in a movie or anything,” defenseman Matt Niskanen said. “it’s not like you can just snap your fingers and be like okay we’re going to be better and it happens.“

By Alex Prewitt | 11:14 AM ET, 02/28/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:52 PM ET, 02/27/2015

Postgame: Trotz puts Capitals on notice after third straight loss

By Alex Prewitt

“Some guys are giving good reasons why they should stay,” Trotz said, “and some guys are giving good reasons why maybe they should be looked at adding in their position.”

By Alex Prewitt | 11:52 PM ET, 02/27/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:48 PM ET, 02/27/2015

Capitals at Hurricanes: Game 63 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

Washington tries to break out of its current funk against Carolina, one of four Eastern Conference cellar-dwellers over its next five games.

By Alex Prewitt | 05:48 PM ET, 02/27/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:12 PM ET, 02/27/2015

Relatively soft upcoming schedule ‘a dangerous situation’ for Capitals

By Alex Prewitt

“We won’t be taking them lightly,” Coach Barry Trotz said of the Hurricanes, “and if we do take them lightly in any way, shape or form, shame on us.”

By Alex Prewitt | 03:12 PM ET, 02/27/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 02/27/2015

Capitals tweak power-play personnel to ‘reset’ amid recent struggles

By Alex Prewitt

On a 1-for-12 slide over its past three games, the top power play unit received some new faces in Carolina.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:13 PM ET, 02/27/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:43 AM ET, 02/27/2015

For Brooks Laich, 23-game goal drought ‘just frustrating’

By Alex Prewitt

With a list of possible fixes, Laich came prepared to explain what needs to happen for his streak, longest since his rookie season, to end.

By Alex Prewitt | 08:43 AM ET, 02/27/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:26 PM ET, 02/26/2015

No panic or doubts among Capitals during two-game slide

By Alex Prewitt

The Capitals believed they have fixed earlier problems before they spiraled into more worrisome trends, and now confront a similar issue with their recent slow starts.

By Alex Prewitt | 04:26 PM ET, 02/26/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:46 PM ET, 02/26/2015

Trotz: ‘Good players, just not difference-makers’ available at trade deadline

By Alex Prewitt

“You need two to dance and we’re going to the dance and there’s 30 guys and there’s only about eight girls at the dance,” Trotz said.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:46 PM ET, 02/26/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 02/26/2015

Another slow start sinks Capitals in Metropolitan Division matchup

By Alex Prewitt

Washington needed 7 minutes, 59 seconds before its first shot on goal against Pittsburgh, and needed 7 minutes, 55 seconds Sunday in Philadelphia.

By Alex Prewitt | 09:18 AM ET, 02/26/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:03 AM ET, 02/26/2015

Postgame: ‘Bad penalties’ and slow start kept Capitals from sweeping Penguins

By Alex Prewitt

Sloppy morning skate turns into a predictable result, a second straight loss and a squandered chance to leap Pittsburgh in the standings.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:03 AM ET, 02/26/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:25 PM ET, 02/25/2015

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says success of Winter Classic could help bring All-Star Game to D.C.

By Alex Prewitt

‘Winter Classic couldn’t have gone better,’ Bettman said. ‘We’re thrilled, and it would be great to come back with other events at some point.’

By Alex Prewitt | 08:25 PM ET, 02/25/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:08 PM ET, 02/25/2015

Capitals vs. Penguins: Game 62 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

Washington guns at once for the season sweep of Pittsburgh and the chance to leapfrog its rivals in the division standings.

By Alex Prewitt | 07:08 PM ET, 02/25/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 02/25/2015

Snapping goal drought makes ‘everything a little bit easier’ for Tom Wilson

By Alex Prewitt

Between pre-practice work with assistant Lane Lambert and his first goal since Nov. 29, the 20-year-old Wilson feels thing getting easier.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:44 PM ET, 02/25/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 02/25/2015

Against Pittsburgh, Schilling starts second straight, Beagle scratched for first time

By Alex Prewitt

Coach Barry Trotz explains his lineup decisions as the Capitals go for their season sweep over the Penguins.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:54 PM ET, 02/25/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:31 AM ET, 02/25/2015

Capitals ramp up special teams intensity in practice

By Alex Prewitt

Wednesday, the Capitals spent a half-hour exclusively on special teams, taking up the full ice sheet to practice draws, entries and regroups, all the things not normally done during practice.

By Alex Prewitt | 08:31 AM ET, 02/25/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:03 PM ET, 02/24/2015

Capitals still trying to ‘get a read’ on roster before trade deadline

By Alex Prewitt

The sixth defenseman spot remains open for evaluation, while Coach Barry Trotz feels confident in Washington’s current crop of 14 forwards.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:03 PM ET, 02/24/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:08 AM ET, 02/24/2015

Trotz, Capitals ‘not worried’ about goaltender Braden Holtby’s stamina

By Alex Prewitt

Tracking toward 70 games played, Holtby is maintaining better numbers than past NHL goaltenders who have reached such a high single-season workload.

By Alex Prewitt | 09:08 AM ET, 02/24/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 02/23/2015

Trotz: Capitals’ spinning right-wing carousel ‘probably not’ ideal

By Alex Prewitt

Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin still looking for a permanent buddy at right wing.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:34 AM ET, 02/23/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:19 AM ET, 02/23/2015

‘Terrible’ power play, twice-cracked penalty kill hurt Capitals against Flyers

By Alex Prewitt

The mighty power play went 0 for 5 for the first time this season, while the penalty kill allowed as many goals (two) as it had in the previous seven games combined.

By Alex Prewitt | 09:19 AM ET, 02/23/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:13 PM ET, 02/22/2015

Postgame: Capitals make ‘organizational decision’ to evaluate sixth-defenseman options

By Alex Prewitt

Coach Barry Trotz said, ‘people have asked me to do certain things ... on my timetable.’ One move came Sunday, when Cameron Schilling made his fourth career NHL start.

By Alex Prewitt | 07:13 PM ET, 02/22/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 02/22/2015

Capitals at Flyers: Game 61 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

With goaltender Braden Holtby completing the back-to-back matinee set, Washington shoots for its fifth straight win.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:15 PM ET, 02/22/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 02/22/2015

Capitals look to keep season-long winning streak on the rails

By Alex Prewitt

Washington’s last meeting against Philadelphia resulted in Coach Barry Trotz calling the performance “un-Capital.” What will a fourth meeting this season bring?

By Alex Prewitt | 08:00 AM ET, 02/22/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:32 PM ET, 02/21/2015

Postgame: Capitals survived in shootout after allowing late tying goal to division leaders

By Alex Prewitt

“That would’ve hurt tonight if we didn’t get two out of that,” defenseman Matt Niskanen said.

By Alex Prewitt | 05:32 PM ET, 02/21/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 02/21/2015

Capitals vs. Islanders: Game 60 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

The Capitals have stitched together their seventh three-game winning streak this season. With the Islanders in town, it has never reached four.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:50 AM ET, 02/21/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 02/21/2015

Nate Schmidt nearing return from broken shoulder blade

By Alex Prewitt

Plus an update on defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who continues to “feel a lot better” but still isn’t sure when he can play in a game.

By Alex Prewitt | 09:18 AM ET, 02/21/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 02/20/2015

Still rotating top-line right wingers, Capitals hope flexibility can be beneficial

By Alex Prewitt

“I think it’s worked out fine,” Coach Barry Trotz said, referring to a loose platoon system where several skaters get deployed beside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom based on scenario.

By Alex Prewitt | 03:34 PM ET, 02/20/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:18 PM ET, 02/20/2015

Capitals believe ‘a better brand of hockey’ has led to tighter lead protection

By Alex Prewitt

“I think we’ve grown as a team,” defenseman John Carlson said, and Thursday’s rout over the penalty-prone Winnipeg Jets helped demonstrate how.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:18 PM ET, 02/20/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:02 AM ET, 02/20/2015

Trotz: Nicklas Backstrom ‘making a case’ for Hart Trophy consideration

By Alex Prewitt

The admiration Backstrom holds inside the Capitals’ locker room becomes apparent after most victories. Could he get recognized by a larger audience too?

By Alex Prewitt | 09:02 AM ET, 02/20/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:08 AM ET, 02/20/2015

Postgame: No letdown for the Capitals, just a beat-down of Winnipeg

By Alex Prewitt

Nicklas Backstrom moved into a tie for the NHL’s points lead, Alex Ovechkin padded his goal’s lead and Washington walloped the Jets for its seventh three-game winning streak this season.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:08 AM ET, 02/20/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 02/19/2015

Capitals vs. Jets: Game 59 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

Washington ticks off one of two remaining teams it has not faced so far this season.

By Alex Prewitt | 06:00 PM ET, 02/19/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 02/19/2015

After season-long road trip, Capitals hope to avoid letdown upon return home

By Alex Prewitt

Coach Barry Trotz cautioned his players against slipping following a three-win road trip, especially because of “all the honey-dothings that get put on your plate.“

By Alex Prewitt | 12:53 PM ET, 02/19/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 02/19/2015

Capitals, Trotz showing more trust in Evgeny Kuznetsov

By Alex Prewitt

If Kuznetsov keeps playing like he has, Coach Barry Trotz predicted, Washington can say, ‘Mission accomplished’ on its second-line center experiment.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:44 AM ET, 02/19/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:54 PM ET, 02/18/2015

Topping Pittsburgh again sends the Capitals home after ‘a good road trip’

By Alex Prewitt

Now just five points behind the Islanders for first in the Metro Division, with 14 of 24 at home to close the season, the Capitals wrap up their four-game road trip with a third win.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:54 PM ET, 02/18/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:24 AM ET, 02/18/2015

After Capitals snatched the lead, six-on-four penalty kill secured win over Penguins

By Alex Prewitt

“Bottom line, you’ve got to find a way to get it done,” Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said. “And we did.”

By Alex Prewitt | 08:24 AM ET, 02/18/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 AM ET, 02/18/2015

Postgame: Ovechkin says hitting Letang ‘not that dirty,’ Capitals back him up

By Alex Prewitt

After their 3-1 win over Pittsburgh, the Capitals discussed the defining moment from Tuesday night.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:15 AM ET, 02/18/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:51 PM ET, 02/17/2015

Capitals at Penguins: Game 58 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

The Capitals haven’t allowed a goal in two meetings with Pittsburgh this season, and can pull within one point of their rivals.

By Alex Prewitt | 06:51 PM ET, 02/17/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:32 PM ET, 02/17/2015

Two shutout losses against Capitals have Penguins searching for atonement

By Alex Prewitt

Washington has outscored its Metropolitan Division rivals 7-0 in two meetings this season, but still sits three points behind PIttsburgh in the standings.

By Alex Prewitt | 03:32 PM ET, 02/17/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:05 PM ET, 02/17/2015

Alex Ovechkin responds to Ryan Getzlaf’s accusations of diving

By Alex Prewitt

The Penguins and Capitals are separated by three points in the division, the rivalry still burning strong, and yet the first question Washington’s captain received was about accusations made Sunday.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:05 PM ET, 02/17/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 02/16/2015

Ryan Getzlaf accuses Alex Ovechkin of ‘embarrassing’ dives

By Alex Prewitt

“I didn’t know he was going to dive tonight the way he did,” Getzlaf told reporters, after the all-star center was whistled for slashing his fellow captain.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:12 PM ET, 02/16/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:35 AM ET, 02/16/2015

‘A confidence boost’ for Justin Peters in first win since Nov. 8

By Alex Prewitt

Peters stopped at least 30 shots for the second straight outing, and felt he could build off his first regulation win with the Capitals this season.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:35 AM ET, 02/16/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 02/16/2015

Andre Burakovsky feasted on Ducks for first multi-goal game

By Alex Prewitt

“It’s was special,” Robert Burakovsky said, “especially with all the parents here.“

By Alex Prewitt | 09:30 AM ET, 02/16/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:04 AM ET, 02/16/2015

Postgame: At the end of the fathers’ trip, a ‘good team win’ over Anaheim

By Alex Prewitt

After a lackluster effort in Los Angeles, four points from Alex Ovechkin, two goals from Andre Burakovsky and goaltender Justin Peters’ first victory since Nov. 8 boosted the Capitals from California.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:04 AM ET, 02/16/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:39 PM ET, 02/15/2015

Capitals vs. Ducks: Game 57 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

Sitting at 1-1 through two California games on its current trip, Washington wraps matters up against Bruce Boudreau’s Pacific Division leaders before jetting to Pittsburgh to complete its season-long four-game tour.

By Alex Prewitt | 07:39 PM ET, 02/15/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:39 PM ET, 02/15/2015

For Capitals, no time to ‘stew’ with quick turnaround vs. Anaheim

By Alex Prewitt

With their California road trip record equalized at 1-1, the Capitals had 21 hours to bus south, flip around and face the Pacific Division-leading Ducks.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:39 PM ET, 02/15/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 02/15/2015

Postgame: ‘Hungrier’ Kings executed revenge on Capitals for shutout earlier this month

By Alex Prewitt

The comments were critical, and rightfully so after Los Angeles grabbed its tools and hacked away to spoil the first game of Washington’s father’s trip.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:00 PM ET, 02/15/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 PM ET, 02/14/2015

Capitals at Kings: Game 56 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

“They’ve hoisted the silver trophy in here,” Coach Barry Trotz said of the defending champs. “I think it’s good mojo for them.“

By Alex Prewitt | 09:00 PM ET, 02/14/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:20 PM ET, 02/14/2015

Steve Oleksy to make season debut, with his father watching

By Alex Prewitt

In a winding career filled with surprises, sharing this trip with his father, Andy, was the latest and best one for the 29-year-old defenseman.

By Alex Prewitt | 05:20 PM ET, 02/14/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 02/14/2015

On fathers’ trip, no extra motivation needed for Tom Wilson after scratch

By Alex Prewitt

Wilson hasn’t topped 13 minutes in any game since Dec. 18 and, with another healthy scratch, has found some fuel for whenever he returns.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:30 AM ET, 02/14/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 02/14/2015

How Barry Trotz’s Nashville Predators started the tradition of the fathers’ trip

By Alex Prewitt

From the food to the beer to the once-in-a-lifetime experience that soon became a league-wide practice, the Predators started something important during their inaugural season.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:54 AM ET, 02/14/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:04 PM ET, 02/13/2015

‘More consistent’ defenseman John Carlson sets career high with 38th point

By Alex Prewitt

Carlson currently leads all NHL defensemen in primary assists and could have an outside shot at 50 helpers during his fifth full season.

By Alex Prewitt | 08:04 PM ET, 02/13/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:59 AM ET, 02/13/2015

Leftovers from Lane Lambert and the Capitals’ rejuvenated penalty kill

By Alex Prewitt

The Capitals have a lower penalty-kill ranking than last season, but they’re suppressing shots at a markedly better rate thanks to assistant coach Lane Lambert’s work.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:59 AM ET, 02/13/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 02/12/2015

Secondary scoring powered Capitals on topsy-turvy night in San Jose

By Alex Prewitt

How about Jay Beagle from Brooks Orpik and Michael Latta? “Yeah, that’s about as secondary scoring as you’re going to get,” Coach Barry Trotz said.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:00 PM ET, 02/12/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:37 AM ET, 02/12/2015

Postgame: In escaping past San Jose, Capitals start road trip off right

By Alex Prewitt

Fueled by equal parts luck and resiliency, the Capitals rebounded from Sunday’s debacle against Philadelphia and opened their season-long tour with two points.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:37 AM ET, 02/12/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:30 PM ET, 02/11/2015

Discuss Capitals at Sharks

By Alex Prewitt

The puck drops at 10:30 p.m. EST. Try staying awake, please?

By Alex Prewitt | 09:30 PM ET, 02/11/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:55 PM ET, 02/11/2015

Back in the lineup, Andre Burakovsky wants to ‘go back and play my own game’

By Alex Prewitt

The rookie feels he has gotten away from what made him so successful in juniors, and what secured him an NHL spot last fall.

By Alex Prewitt | 08:55 PM ET, 02/11/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:16 PM ET, 02/11/2015

To shake aside Sunday’s clunker, Capitals must go ‘swimming with the Sharks’

By Alex Prewitt

When Washington met San Jose in its third start this season, it succumbed to a fast-starting team and saw its goaltender pulled less than 10 minutes into the night.

By Alex Prewitt | 06:16 PM ET, 02/11/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:38 AM ET, 02/11/2015

On the Bog: Is Ovechkin the best of the past half-century?

By Tracee Hamilton

Dan Steinberg makes the argument that Alex Ovechkin is the best pro athlete in D.C. in the last 50 years.

By Tracee Hamilton | 09:38 AM ET, 02/11/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:42 PM ET, 02/10/2015

An actor, a mentalist, a portal into the future and the Capitals’ father’s trip

By Alex Prewitt

For the first time, non-players were allowed to invite fathers -- or other family members -- to Los Angeles for the behind-the-scenes experience.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:42 PM ET, 02/10/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 02/10/2015

Justin Peters: Capitals recalling Philipp Grubauer ‘out of my control’

By Alex Prewitt

After the Capitals openly tested another backup option in front of him, Justin Peters says he “can’t dwell on that.“

By Alex Prewitt | 04:02 AM ET, 02/10/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:09 PM ET, 02/09/2015

Fehr, Laich, Ward working on creating more scoring chances

By Alex Prewitt

Joel Ward has gone 13 games without a goal, and Brooks Lacih has gone 15. The trio has performed well against opposing top lines, but hopes to produce more offense.

By Alex Prewitt | 03:09 PM ET, 02/09/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 02/09/2015

Three weeks from trade deadline, Caps ‘have a pretty good idea’ of needs

By Alex Prewitt

Coach Barry Trotz declined to say what the Capitals need, but general manager Brian MacLellan has been transparent about upgrading at top-six forward.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:39 PM ET, 02/09/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:08 AM ET, 02/09/2015

With four-game road trip ahead, Capitals need to regroup from loss to Flyers

By Alex Prewitt

“There’s no finger-pointing tonight. It was all of us who didn’t seem to have it, and that can’t happen,” goaltender Braden Holtby said.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:08 AM ET, 02/09/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:38 PM ET, 02/08/2015

Postgame: Futile offensive effort sank Capitals in loss to Flyers

By Alex Prewitt

For the first time since March 2011, Washington recorded fewer than 15 shots on goal, and the 3-1 loss reflected this historically sluggish outing.

By Alex Prewitt | 07:38 PM ET, 02/08/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:04 PM ET, 02/08/2015

Capitals vs. Flyers: Game 54 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

With Philadelphia clinging to its faint playoff hopes, Washington expects a desperate visitor Sunday at Verizon Center.

By Alex Prewitt | 02:04 PM ET, 02/08/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 02/08/2015

After Grubauer’s winning debut, what next for the Capitals and their backup goaltenders?

By Alex Prewitt

With only five back-to-backs remaining, it made sense to send goalie Philipp Grubauer back to Hershey.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:38 PM ET, 02/08/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 02/07/2015

Without benefit of practice, Capitals improving ‘on the fly’

By Alex Prewitt

The Capitals are on their fifth three-game winning streak over the past 10 weeks, but have never this season extended it to four.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:30 PM ET, 02/07/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:25 AM ET, 02/07/2015

Settled into role with Capitals, rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov ‘at the top of his game’

By Alex Prewitt

Another multi-point game for the 22-year-old, and several jaw-dropping dangle moves, had the Capitals reflecting on Kuznetsov’s growth during his rookie season.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:25 AM ET, 02/07/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:38 AM ET, 02/07/2015

Postgame: After move-filled pregame and win over Ducks, Capitals expect return to normal

By Alex Prewitt

With Mike Green injured, Philipp Grubauer summoned into experimental duty and Jason Chimera promoted thanks to the corresponding move, Washington toppled the Western Conference leaders in a shootout.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:38 AM ET, 02/07/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 02/06/2015

Capitals vs. Ducks: Game 53 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

Bruce Boudreau returns to the District, Philipp Grubauer gets a spot start and you can chat about it all.

By Alex Prewitt | 06:35 PM ET, 02/06/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:50 PM ET, 02/06/2015

Why the Capitals recalled Grubauer and reassigned Burakovsky

By Alex Prewitt

Explaining the moves made by the Capitals before they hosted the Western Conference-leading Anaheim Ducks.

By Alex Prewitt | 05:50 PM ET, 02/06/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 02/06/2015

Capitals call up goaltender Philipp Grubauer to start against Ducks

By Alex Prewitt

Goalie Philipp Grubauer will face NHL’s best team Friday night at Verizon Center.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:23 AM ET, 02/06/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 02/06/2015

Capitals face ‘good test’ in welcoming NHL-leading Anaheim Ducks

By Alex Prewitt

“We’ve got a good team coming into our barn,” forward Jay Beagle said, “and we have to make sure we come out and empty the tanks and go after them.“

By Alex Prewitt | 09:18 AM ET, 02/06/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:42 AM ET, 02/06/2015

Capitals again use quick-response goals to their advantage in win over Senators

By Alex Prewitt

Two quick strikes, both within two minutes of allowing a goal, gave Washington enough offense to withstand Ottawa on the road.

By Alex Prewitt | 07:42 AM ET, 02/06/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 AM ET, 02/06/2015

Postgame: Penalty kill saved the day in Capitals’ win over Senators

By Alex Prewitt

Washington allowed 13 shots on goal over three penalty kills during its last meeting with Ottawa. It learned from its mistakes, and adjusted well on the fly Thursday.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:15 AM ET, 02/06/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:50 PM ET, 02/05/2015

Capitals at Senators: Game 52 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

By Alex Prewitt | 05:50 PM ET, 02/05/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 02/05/2015

For Aaron Volpatti, a feeling of ‘finally’ in long-awaited season debut

By Alex Prewitt

The forward, healed from neck fusion surgery, had a successful -- if not uneventful -- debut, and will skate again Thursday in Ottawa.

By Alex Prewitt | 03:08 PM ET, 02/05/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:25 AM ET, 02/05/2015

As trade rumors keep swirling, defenseman Mike Green is ‘playing phenomenally’

By Alex Prewitt

Some team will draw value from Green at the deadline. Whether the Capitals keep him remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: The defenseman’s got plenty left in the tank.

By Alex Prewitt | 07:25 AM ET, 02/05/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 02/04/2015

Less than one month from trade deadline, MacLellan sees ‘still evolving’ Capitals

By Alex Prewitt

Washington’s general manager joined Al Koken on ESPN980 to discuss his team’s current makeup and trade situation increasingly muddled by up-and-down results.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:32 AM ET, 02/04/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:36 AM ET, 02/04/2015

Capitals sing Braden Holtby’s praises after third straight scoreless regulation

By Alex Prewitt

Not since April 2013 has an NHL goaltender gone three straight starts with, at the most, allowing one goal in regulation.

By Alex Prewitt | 10:36 AM ET, 02/04/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:55 AM ET, 02/04/2015

In win over Los Angeles, Capitals got results after shaking up lines

By Alex Prewitt

Coach Barry Trotz shook up the forwards, changing three of four lines after Washington had dropped six of seven. For one night, it proved successful.

By Alex Prewitt | 08:55 AM ET, 02/04/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:23 PM ET, 02/03/2015

Postgame: Blasting Kings showed Capitals ‘where we want to be’

By Alex Prewitt

From Brouwer’s two-goal milestone game to another Holtby shutout to the elixir the team needed to recover from its recent slide, everything went perfectly against the Stanley Cup champs.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:23 PM ET, 02/03/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:12 PM ET, 02/03/2015

Capitals vs. Kings: Game 51 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

The Stanley Cup champions have arrived at Verizon Center

By Alex Prewitt | 06:12 PM ET, 02/03/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 02/03/2015

Capitals activate forward Aaron Volpatti from long-term injured reserve

By Alex Prewitt

Shelved since the season began following neck surgery, Volpatti returns to the lineup to play just his second game in the past calendar year.

By Alex Prewitt | 01:17 PM ET, 02/03/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 02/03/2015

Capitals trying Marcus Johansson as latest right-winger beside Ovechkin and Backstrom

By Alex Prewitt

Johansson will become the eighth winger to start with Washington’s two stars this season.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:29 PM ET, 02/03/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 02/02/2015

Alex Ovechkin named the NHL’ s ‘First Star’ for January

By Alex Prewitt

Washington’s Alex Ovechkin led the NHL in goals last month, stormed into its overall lead and ripped past various milestones along the way.

By Alex Prewitt | 03:40 PM ET, 02/02/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 02/02/2015

Goaltender Justin Peters, after latest loss: ‘I didn’t get the results’

By Alex Prewitt

His Capitals’ teammates absolved him of blame, but Peters allowed three of four goals against St. Louis off rebounds too.

By Alex Prewitt | 11:30 AM ET, 02/02/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 02/02/2015

Stuck in slide, Capitals still feel ‘right there’ with the NHL’s elite

By Alex Prewitt

Washington has lost six of seven, including four in regulation, but saw reasons for optimism in a 0-1-1 weekend against St. Louis and Montreal.

By Alex Prewitt | 09:49 AM ET, 02/02/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:58 PM ET, 02/01/2015

Postgame: Costly mistakes again sink Capitals against St. Louis

By Alex Prewitt

Washington anticipated this rematch, juxtaposed against its last meeting with the Blues, but left Sunday’s matinee with a familiar result.

By Alex Prewitt | 05:58 PM ET, 02/01/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 02/01/2015

Capitals vs. Blues: Game 50 discussion thread

By Alex Prewitt

Talk about hockey, then finish talking about hockey just in time for the Super Bowl.

By Alex Prewitt | 12:00 PM ET, 02/01/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 02/01/2015

After ‘eye-opener’ in last meeting with St. Louis, Capitals anticipate rematch

By Alex Prewitt

“We’ve come a long way since the last time we played them,” goaltender Braden Holtby said.

By Alex Prewitt | 08:00 AM ET, 02/01/2015 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Stats, scores and schedules

Capitals Insider: February, 2015