Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of October 14th through 20th.
First Star – Sam Reinhart (C – FLA)
Reinhart led the NHL with 4-5—9 and a +7 rating in four games to lift the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers (4-2-1, 9 points) to a 3-0-1 week as they moved into first place in the Atlantic Division. He opened the week with a pair of go-ahead goals, one on the power play and one shorthanded, in a 4-3 victory against the Boston Bruins Oct. 14. Reinhart then registered 1-2—3, including the go-ahead goal and an assist on the eventual game-winner, in 4-3 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets Oct. 15. He added one helper in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks Oct. 17 before collecting three more points (1-2—3) – highlighted by assists on the tying goal in the third period as well as the overtime winner – in a 4-3 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights Oct. 19. The 28-year-old Reinhart, who signed an eight-year contract with Florida this offseason after ranking second in the League with a career-high 57 goals in 2023-24 (57-37—94 in 82 GP), has found the score sheet in six of his seven appearances thus far in 2024-25 to place second in the NHL with 5-7—12.
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Second Star – Artemi Panarin (LW – NYR)
Panarin finished second in the League with 4-4—8 in three contests to extend his season-opening point streak to five games (6-6—12) and propel the Rangers (4-0-1, 9 points) to a perfect week. Panarin recorded three helpers, his 37th career three-assist performance and 27th since joining New York in 2019-20, in a 4-1 triumph over the Detroit Red Wings Oct. 14. He then became the first player in Rangers history to begin a season with four consecutive multi-point games, notching 3-1—4 (highlighted by his eighth career hat trick) in a 5-2 victory against the Red Wings Oct. 17. Panarin potted another goal in a 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Oct. 19 to maintain his early position atop the 2024-25 Art Ross Trophy race (6-6—12 in 5 GP). The 32-year-old Panarin, who set a career high and ranked fourth in the League with 49-71—120 in 2023-24 (82 GP), places fifth in the NHL with 271-522—793 in 677 games since making his debut in 2015-16.
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Third Star – Filip Gustavsson (G – MIN)
Gustavsson became the 15th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal – and the third to do so on the power play – as he went 2-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .962 save percentage to guide the Wild (3-0-2, 8 points) to a pair of wins. He turned aside 27 of 28 shots before becoming the first goaltender in franchise history to register a goal as part of a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues Oct. 15. Gustavsson then made 23 saves on 24 shots, coming 1:25 shy of a shutout, in a 3-1 triumph against the Columbus Blue Jackets Oct. 19. The 26-year-old Gustavsson, who improved to 3-0-1 through four games in 2024-25, places among the early season League leaders (minimum: 3 GP) in goals-against average (4th; 1.49), save percentage (4th; .950) and wins (t-4th; 3). He owns a 55-40-15 record in 115 career NHL appearances (2.68 GAA, .913 SV%, 6 SO).
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*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild.
*Player Profiles written by NHL PR Staff.
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After failing to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 years, the Washington Capitals moved on from general manager David Pile and head coach Jim Schoenfeld. Following an extensive search, the Capitals hired George McPhee as general manager, and Ron Wilson as head coach. The new duo for the Capitals got to work to prepare for the 1997-98 NHL season.
Focusing on Oates
As the new Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee failed to come to terms with forward Rick Tocchet on a new contract, he shifted his focus to forward Adam Oates. Oates, who was promised by team president Dick Patrick in March to renegotiate his contract, had his agent impose a deadline after claiming the team reneged on its promise. “The situation we are being offered has changed dramatically since March,” said Oates’ agent Brian Cook after speaking with McPhee. “We’re giving them until Wednesday [June 25th, 1997] at 5 p.m. to rethink their decision, or Adam will not be playing for the Washington Capitals again.”
McPhee, at the time, was in New York for the NHL’s Board of Governors meetings, but said to reporters he would not be held to any deadlines while bargaining. “I have discussed the whole issue with [owner Abe Pollin], Mr. Patrick, and David Poile. They are all in agreement that they agreed to revisit the situation in the summer, but there were no promises on specifics and no numbers floated. Look, this is the fun and games of negotiating. I personally don’t believe in ultimatums – players putting a gun to the team’s head.”
Cook would not specify what Oates would do if a deal was not reached. With two remaining years on a contract that would pay him $2.15 million a year, his options were limited. One option for Oates would be to hold out when the season began in October. Another would be for him to request a trade, and a stickier option would be to ask the league to have his contract voided. For the league doing so was highly unlikely.
When acquired on March 1st, 1997, Oates held out over this issue and missed one game before meeting with Cook, Poile, and Patrick to discuss his contract. While with the Boston Bruins, Oates negotiated his contract at the time to make sure his former teammate, Ray Bourque, who was the team captain, would have the highest salary on the Bruins. Now that Oates was no longer with Boston, he wanted a new salary.
Agent Turning Up the Heat
On June 25th, 1997, Cook claimed the Capitals reneged on their agreement from March 3rd. “I think because of all the recent activity relating to the Capitals’ front office and coaching staff, there has been some confusion as to what was and was not agreed to,” Cook said. “In March, the Capitals coach management and ownership met with us and reviewed our proposal of what it would take for Adam to end his holdout. It was our position then and it is our proposition now that the Capitals agreed to those terms.
“Our feeling is that a deal was completed in the Capitals’ office before he put his jersey on,” Cook continued, “Would Adam really have given that leverage up if he didn’t think we had an understanding on a deal?” Cook went on, “I would like to give the Capitals the opportunity to refresh their memories by presenting them with all the materials related to that commitment. If they choose to honor it, then Adam looks forward to playing for the Capitals at the new MCI Center. Adam sacrificed himself for the good of the team, he could have just held out for another few games. I’m hoping the Capitals will remember that. I’d like to give them the benefit of the doubt.”
19 Nov 1996: Center Adam Oates of the Boston Bruins chases after the puck during a game against the Washington Capitals at the US Air Arena in Landover, Maryland. The teams tied at 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
Following a week of accusations and threats, the Capitals and Oates’ agent met face-to-face. “We had some lengthy discussions that I think went well, and we’ll continue to talk until we have a deal or we don’t,” McPhee said. “We made some progress, but there are some elements that we still have to discuss, and I don’t know if those are going to be deal breakers for either side or not. We’re both going to have to go back and talk it over.”
“My goal was to get us as close to what Adam believed we had agreed in March,” Cook said. “I have to take a closer look at what we talked about before I can really tell, though. We threw a lot of things out there. It was a creative session. We’re close on the terms, now we have to figure [out] what he’s worth. I do think there is a recognition by the Capitals that Adam is worth more than he is getting paid now.”
Hitting a Roadblock
On July 24th, 1997, talks between the Capitals and Oates’ camp hit a standstill. “The deal should have been done,” said Cook. “I left a message today saying that I’m done talking to them. We’ll be talking after the first game of the season, and that’s the next time we’re talking to them.” McPhee on the other hand felt differently. “I don’t think we’re that far apart. “I would expect that [a deal] would be done sometime in September or October. I’ve been negotiating for several years now, and I don’t get too worried in the middle of summer. This is when we’re supposed to enjoy life a little bit.”
Capitals center Adam Oates #77 sets for the faceoff in a game at the Molson Centre during the 1996-97 season (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images)
On July 29th, 1997, the Capitals offered Oates a 3-year deal with a slightly less than $3 million a year salary, but would top $3 million annually if Oates met certain bonus clauses. This was close to what Oates and his agent wanted back in March, but per Cook, Oates soured over the deal with the Capitals due to the weeks of public disagreements. Cook also notes that Oates retained a Washington litigation firm, Miller & Chevalier, to review the documents and to help them evaluate their next move. “What they have done proves that players are just better off holding out, because when you take people at their word and a a handshake, you get burned,” Cook offered. “It’s nice that they are trying to take the high road right now, but what they have not accepted is that Adam will not be in a Capitals uniform at the season opener. He’ll retire before he plays for the Washington Capitals again.”
Capitals team president Dick Patrick, who up until then had refrained from commenting publicly throughout the process, denied Cook’s claim. “I’ve seen him say those things but it’s not the case. [On Monday] we were getting ready to fax them another proposal, and later we got a call [from Cook] saying not to bother, [Oates] wants to be traded. I’d really like to see Adam play for Washington. I really like Adam Oates, and I think we’ve acted completely honorably.”
Turning a Corner
On August 6th, 1997, things took a positive turn with Oates, who had not spoken publicly during the renegotiation process, when he let people know he was signing a new contract with the Capitals. The change of heart for Oates came after a series of conversations he had over the previous few days with McPhee and Capitals owner Abe Pollin. Speaking of his relationship with the Capitals, Oates said, “I think we’re back square. I think it’ll be done soon, in the next few days. That’s what I’m hoping and that’s what I think. I’m looking forward to coming in and getting a place [to live]. I want to be there at the start of training camp and get to work.”
However, McPhee presented a more cautious response regarding the contract talks. “I don’t know if [a new contract] will happen in a few days or in September, but at least now there are no impediments,” he said. “Negotiations are never easy. Sometimes they’re close and it all slips away, sometimes you’ve lost all hope and it comes back to you.”
One thing that did create sour feelings was the Capitals pursuit of free agent forward Mark Messier.
Oates stated, “Going after Messier may have been a great business move for the team, but where does that leave me? I felt, oh, now I know why the Capitals haven’t been so eager to sign me even though they made promises in March – they just wanted to get Mark Messier so they could trade Adam Oates. I felt like, if you want to move me, just move me and get it over with. But I talked to Abe [earlier this week] and he said that wasn’t the case. It was just a lack of communication. And after we cleared that up, talking to Abe was great. I mean, how many owners talk to the players?”
Oates continued, “I really don’t think it’s going to be a problem. We’ve had some miscommunications in a couple of areas, some ours, some theirs. But I’ve talked to [Pollin and McPhee], and I think we’ll be able to work it out.”
Getting Oates Locked In
On Friday, August 14th, 1997, reports came out that the Capitals and Oates were close to signing a new contract, and it could be signed by the following Tuesday. When Tuesday, August 18th, 1997 came around, reports noted both sides agreed to the terms. Oates agreed to a 3-year deal worth $3 million per year, which came with the option for a fourth year. “We’ve agreed on terms, now it’s drafting the thing that can be difficult,” McPhee said. “The agent has to sign off on it [today] by fax, then we’ll courier the original contract to the player. He’ll sign six copies and send them back to us to sign.”
With Oates taken care of, fellow Capitals forward, Peter Bondra, was also looking to renegotiate his contract, and fears of Bondra’s new deal prompted Oates to want to renegotiate again. However, Oates’ agent put water on that. “Adam’s reviewed the contract and it matches what we’d discussed,” said Cook. “There’s no reason he’d want to renegotiate after this. There was a number we thought was the right number, and we got to the right number and we’re done.”
On August 21st, 1997, the Capitals announced they sent the contract to Oates for signature. On August 22nd, 1997, Oates signed the contract to end the months-long negotiations
To learn about the Capitals first training camp under the new regime, stay tuned for Chapter 3 – Training Camp.
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RESOURCES
Alexander, Rachel. “Oates’s Agent Sounds Ultimatum,” June 24, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/06/24/oatess-agent-sounds-ultimatum/0229baa7-c97d-4dfc-8d50-c064db160aea/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Oates’s Agent Says Capitals Reneged on Agreement,” June 26, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/06/26/oatess-agent-says-capitals-reneged-on-agreement/f270f6ff-96ab-4348-b74a-73b582dae164/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Oates Breaks Off Talks With Capitals,” July 25, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/07/25/oates-breaks-off-talks-with-capitals/7459d2d6-86e2-4340-87d9-0034516077f7/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Caps Make New Offer To Oates,” July 30, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/07/30/caps-make-new-offer-to-oates/fe41fb4b-e0f5-4000-846f-d7751db4af5e/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Oates Says He, Capitals Close to Deal,” August 7, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/07/oates-says-he-capitals-close-to-deal/3c80f25d-a704-474b-96d6-e94f2322cf11/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Capitals, Oates May Sign New Contract Tuesday,” August 15, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/15/capitals-oates-may-sign-new-contract-tuesday/29f9a3ee-580a-462d-aec8-4ed0614ec898/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Capitals, Oates Come To Terms,” August 19, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/19/capitals-oates-come-to-terms/48621cc8-2c5b-43db-83cc-e45c98e0fe12/.
Alexander, Rachel. “Oates’s Contract Sent,” August 22, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/22/oatess-contract-sent/d03684bf-618d-4055-9d64-e2152f0732f5/.
Welcome to Mike’s Season Ticket Holder (STH) Xperience!
This season is my first one as a Season Ticket holder for the Washington Capitals, and in place of doing Caps Game Recaps, I’ll be sharing my experience being a STH during the 2024-25 season. Here I’ll be sharing all of the photos that I take during pregame warmups, along with any FB/IG Reels and TikToks I create at the games.
I will also be doing this for any other games I may go to, whether it’s in Hershey for the Bears, or at other NHL venues for games.
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It’s the third and final game of their opening homestand as the Washington Capitals host the Dallas Stars.
#Caps50Facts
Originally in Minnesota as the North Stars, the Stars moved to Dallas in 1993. In their first visit to Washington as the Dallas Stars, the Capitals would fall 6-3. Forwards Joe Juneau recorded a goal and an assist, and Dmitri Khristich recorded two assists in the loss.
Jersey Tracking
Thoughts on the Game
This game was definitely a battle. I felt this was going to be a long one for the Caps after how they played in the first period. In the first period, the Caps looked very disjointed, but they turned it around in the second period.
Tom Wilson scoring to extend his goal scoring streak to three games was beautiful. Wilson with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Connor McMichael is hands down the Caps best line after three games.
Charlie Lindgren looked solid and, in the third period, got amazing buy-in by his team to defend the 3-2 lead and turn it into a victory.
Coming to you from Philadelphia, PA join Michael Lindenbaum, Ben Taylor, and Sasha Kaplan as they cover the 2024 edition of Ranger Station featuring multiple moderated panels and interviews. In today’s edition, VFTG interviews Hien Nguyen, Christopher Khayman Lee and Justin Nimmo, and Claire Blackwelder.
Hien Nguyen (Stunt Actor – MMPR)
Chrstopher Khayman Lee and Justin Nimmo (Andros/In Space Red Ranger and Zhane/In Space Silver Ranger)
Claire Blackwelder
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TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.
Welcome to Mike’s Season Ticket Holder (STH) Xperience!
This season is my first one as a Season Ticket holder for the Washington Capitals, and in place of doing Caps Game Recaps, I’ll be sharing my experience being a STH during the 2024-25 season. Here I’ll be sharing all of the photos that I take during pregame warmups, along with any FB/IG Reels and TikToks I create at the games.
I will also be doing this for any other games I may go to, whether it’s in Hershey for the Bears, or at other NHL venues for games.
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
It’s the second game of the season as the Washington Capitals hosted the Vegas Golden Knights.
#Caps50Facts
The 2017-18 season marked the inaugural season of the Vegas Golden Knights as they made history as an expansion franchise. However, the Cinderella story came to an end in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final when the Washington Capitals clinched the series and their first ever Stanley Cup.
Jersey Tracking
Thoughts on the Game
This was a much better game than what we saw on Saturday night against New Jersey. The Capitals got the hop on the Golden Knights, and you could really see they wanted it. Especially Alex Ovechkin.
Ovechkin had two assists to give him 700 career NHL assists (which means he’ll start scoring goals now?), six hits, and a takeaway. He looked like a man on a mission.
Logan Thompson looked solid in goal. The two goals against were tough ones that we really can’t blame him for. But overall, he had a really solid game to earn his first win as a Capital.
Speaking of firsts as Capital, Jakob Chychrun would score his first goal as a Cap, and Andrew Mangiapane would record his first assist/point as a Capital when he assisted on Jakub Vrana’s first of the season.
There are a few things the Capitals still need to work on, but if they keep playing this way, they should have another big game in them against Dallas on Thursday.
Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of October 4th through 13th.
First Star – Dylan Guenther (RW – UT)
Guenther topped the NHL with five goals in three games (5-0—5) to help Utah Hockey Club (3‑0‑0, 6 points) post a perfect opening week, making them the second franchise in League history to win each of their first three contests (also VGK in 2017-18). Guenther ignited Utah’s inaugural game with a pair of goals – including the first in franchise history 4:56 after the opening face-off – en route to a 5-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks Oct. 8. He again scored twice, highlighted by his second career overtime goal (also March 22, 2024 vs. SEA), as Utah rallied from three separate deficits for a 5-4 triumph over the New York Islanders Oct. 10. Guenther became the fifth player in NHL history to record multiple goals in each of a franchise’s first two games – and the first to achieve the feat since the League’s inaugural season (1917-18). He added another goal in a 6-5 overtime win against the New York Rangers Oct. 12 as he and teammate Barrett Hayton became the fifth and sixth players in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) to score in each of a franchise’s first three contests. The 21-year-old Guenther, who signed an eight-year contract extension with Utah on Sept. 20, has compiled 29-26—55 in 81 career NHL appearances since being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
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Second Star – Connor Hellebuyck (G – WIN)
Hellebuyck stopped 81 of the 83 shots he faced, going 3-0-0 with a 0.66 goals-against average, .976 save percentage and one shutout to lift the Jets (3-0-0, 6 points) to an unblemished start to the season. The reigning Vezina Trophy and William M. Jennings Trophy winner began 2024-25 with a 30‑save shutout – the 38th clean sheet of his career – as part of a 6-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers Oct. 9. He then yielded one goal in consecutive 2-1 overtime wins, turning aside 25 shots against the Chicago Blackhawks Oct. 11 and making 26 saves versus the Minnesota Wild Oct. 13. The 31-year-old Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy recipient (also 2019-20), ranks second in the NHL with 278 victories in 508 career appearances since making his League debut in 2015-16 (278-173-41, 2.61 GAA, .917 SV%, 38 SO).
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Third Star – Jack Eichel (C – VGK)
Eichel led the NHL with six assists and seven points in three games (1-6—7) to power the Golden Knights (3-0-0, 6 points) to their third straight 3-0-0 start to the season (7-0-0 in 2023-24 and 3-0-0 in 2022-23). He opened the campaign with four helpers, his second career four-assist performance (also March 31, 2018 at NSH: 0-5—5), in a 8-4 triumph over the Colorado Avalanche Oct. 9. Eichel then posted 1-1—2 in a 4-3 win versus the St. Louis Blues Oct. 11 before assisting on Tomas Hertl’s tiebreaking goal in the third period of a 3-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks Oct. 13. The 27-year-old Eichel has produced nearly a point per game since being selected with the second overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, totaling 212-309—521 in 542 career NHL contests.
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*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL, Utah Hockey Club, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights.
*Player bios written by NHL PR Staff.
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Welcome to Mike’s Season Ticket Holder (STH) Xperience!
This season is my first one as a Season Ticket holder for the Washington Capitals, and in place of doing Caps Game Recaps, I’ll be sharing my experience being a STH during the 2024-25 season. Here I’ll be sharing all of the photos that I take during pregame warmups, along with any FB/IG Reels and TikToks I create at the games.
I will also be doing this for any other games I may go to, whether it’s in Hershey for the Bears, or at other NHL venues for games.
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
For my first game as a STH it’s the Home Opener for the Washington Capitals as they host the New Jersey Devils!!
#Caps50Facts
When the Washington Capitals debuted in 1974, the New Jersey Devils were not in New Jersey yet. They were in Kansas City as the Scouts, who also debuted in the NHL during the 1974-75 season. The Scouts stayed in Kansas City for two seasons before moving to Colorado.
Jersey Tracking
Thoughts on the Game
Overall I thought it wasn’t a bad game for the Caps. Yes, they did lose 5-3 to the Devils, but this was also the Devils fourth game of the season and the Caps first. So the Devils were a much more well oiled team than the Caps were.
I will admit that the Sonny Milano-Hendrix Lapierre-Aliaksei Protas line was not very good, and I wasn’t big on having John Carlson with Jakob Chychrun on the ice together either. That’s definitely something Spencer Carbery is going to need to address going into their next game.
I thought Charlie Lindgren was good in goal, and was truly let down by the team breakdowns on defense. Pierre-Luc Dubois I also felt had a strong game too.
Alex Ovechkin had no shots on goal, but did produce an assist, and is now two assists away from 700 career NHL assists.
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Key Losses
Darcy Kuemper (G), Beck Malenstyn (F), Nick Jensen (D), Max Pacioretty (F), Nicolas Aube-Kubel (F), TJ Oshie (F – LTIR), Nicklas Backstrom (F – LTIR)
Key Additions
Pierre-Luc Dubois (F), Andrew Mangiapane (F), Logan Thompson (G), Jakob Chychrun (D), Matt Roy (D), Brandon Duhaime (F), Taylor Raddysh (F)
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2024-25 Preview
Going into the 2024-25 season, the Washington Capitals come in as a different team. With changes done at all three positions, the Capitals brass is hoping that these changes can push the team into the playoffs for a deep run. Also, the brass hope that it will take pressure off of star forward and captain Alex Ovechkin as he continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, which sees Ovechkin sit 42 goals from breaking the record.
Forwards
Starting on offense, the Capitals would move on from forwards Beck Malenstyn (trade with Buffalo), Nicolas Aube-Kubel (signed with Buffalo), and Max Pacioretty (signed with Toronto), and enter the season with both TJ Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom on long term injured reserve (LTIR). Coming to DC would be forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois (trade with Los Angeles), Andrew Mangiapane (trade with Calgary), Brandon Duhaime (free agent signing), and Taylor Raddysh (free agent signing).
When looking at these new additions it’s rather simple to see where these four will fit into the lineup. Both Duhaime and Raddysh will comprise the new fourth line with Nic Dowd at center. As for Dubois and Mangiapane, that’s where things can become interchangeable. Mangiapane, who I’ve always liked from his time with the Calgary Flames, is a suitable replacement to Oshie and will be able to fill that right wing spot very well throughout the lineup.
Now for Dubois, who Elliotte Friedman had been reporting as part of a trade with the Los Angeles Kings for goalie Darcy Kuemper since January, he is an interesting factor. Dubois has all of the talent in the world, but I’m not one hundred percent sure with him. He’s projected to be the number one center, but I can see him be on the second line too. We saw the magic head coach Spencer Carbery did with Anthony Mantha last season. Will Carbery be able to do it again this season with Dubois?
Defense
On defense the Capitals shipped Nick Jensen to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun, and then signed Mat Roy via free agency from Los Angeles. Roy is definitely a top four pairing shut down defenseman, and will help with the penalty kill. For Chychrun, he becomes the second player the Capitals picked up that only lasted a season with their new team. Questions will surround Chychrun like they do with Dubois, but we shall see how he fits into the mix.
One thing I will say though is that it will be interesting to see how Alexander Alexeyev and Ethan Bear will fit into things. Alexeyev really showed promise during the later part of the season when injuries hit the Capitals defensive core. For Bear, he is looking to re-establish himself after having a really difficult 2023-24 season that saw him miss the beginning of the season due to shoulder surgery, then after 24 games played, he would enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to help him with depression and anxiety. I’m really pulling for Bear. I want this season to be a great one for him.
Goaltending
Moving between the pipes, Charlie Lindgren solidified himself as the number one goalie for the Capitals, and with Kuemper being traded to Los Angeles for Dubois, the brass had a decision to make. Do they let Hunter Shepard and Clay Stevenson battle it out to be Lindgren’s backup, or do they go outside the organization? They chose to go outside the organization and picked up Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights.
Thompson, who won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023, comes to the Capitals already familiar with the organization having previously played for the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL in the Capitals farm system. Thompson also gives the Capitals a credible 1B option to split time with Lindgren so neither goalie gets overworked. I personally view this as a win0win scenario for the Capitals, and with both goalies entering the final season, the competition between the two of them will be fun to watch.
Projected Lineup
Forwards
8 – Alex Ovechkin
80 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
43 – Tom Wilson
29 – Hendrix Lapierre
17 – Dylan Strome
88 – Andrew Mangiapane
15 – Sonny Milano
24 – Connor McMichael
21 – Aliaksei Protas
22 – Brandon Duhaime
26 – Nic Dowd
16 – Taylor Raddysh
Defense
6 – Jakob Chychrun
74 – John Carlson
38 – Rasmus Sandin
3 – Matt Roy
42 – Martin Fehervary
57 – Trevor van Riemsdyk
Goalies
79 – Charlie Lindgren
48 – Logan Thompson
Additional Players
63 – Ivan Miroshnichenko (LW)
27 – Alexander Alexeyev (D)
LTIR
19 – Nicklas Backstrom (C – Hip)
77 – TJ Oshie (RW – Back)
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On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, the Washington Capitals kicked off their 50th Anniversary with Caps 50 Fest.
Caps 50 Fest featured the 2024-25 Capitals team, along with 70+ alumni, special panels hosted by Joe Beninati, and a concert by Third Eye Blind. We would also be treated to a special appearance by the Stanley Cup as well.
Overall it was good event. Third Eye Blind put on a spectacular show, and the panels were fun and insightful. The only downside was the lack of interaction I got to have with the Alumni, especially since they were the ones I was looking forward to meeting the most. I got to meet Olaf Kolzig very briefly before he did an interview, and I got my picture with Aaron Volpatti (who is a really cool dude). I really wish the alumni were more accessible than they were. (Note: I had a General Admission Floor ticket. I understand that the alumni were more accessible to the VIPs, but for General Admission ticket holders I felt was a bit more restrictive.)
Caps 50 Fest Slideshow:
*I do plan on updating the photos when I have more time to go through them this afternoon. I just wanted to get this out this morning. – Mike
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Record: 27-50-5 59pts; 7th place in Pacific Division
Playoffs: Did Not Qualify
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Key Losses
F Jakob Silfverberg, F Max Jones, D Gustav Lindstrom
Key Additions
F Robby Fabbri, F Jansen Harkins, D Brian Dumoulin
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Overview
It’s a rebrand in Anaheim with the Mighty Ducks logo back with some minor changes and the long awaited colour change to orange, which should make things look a little brighter. The Ducks have not been in the postseason since the 2017-18 season and with the young line-up, the hope is that Anaheim can exit the rebuild soon.
Anaheim entered the start of free agency with cap space north of $20 million, only to come away with none of the big names signing for a team that badly needed veteran prescence. Anaheim has a lot of great young talent, but it’s not a great sign when the rebuild has taken a lot longer than it should.
Offense
Anaheim has been in last place in the last five consecutive seasons when it comes to scoring. Teams would be foaming at the mouth due to the amount of young talent they contain. F Leo Carlsson showed a lot of skill last season, scoring 29 points in his 55 game rookie campaign. LW Cutter Gauthier, acquired from Philadelphia, very well may join Carlsson’s line, which could make for a dangerous and exciting line.
Trevor Zegras does need to return to a form as last season he was only available for 31 games due to injuries while learning two-way hockey. Frank Vatrano does return after topping the Ducks scoring leaders with a 60 point campaign in 2023-24 and Troy Terry looks to have his fourth straight 20-goal season.
Defense
Anaheim had a slight improvement with their blue liners but there is still work to be done. The new name on defence is Brian Dumoulin, and while he is a solid D man, he does not bring that much of a change. Cam Fowler and newly named captain Radko Gudas will lead the way with Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zelleweger, and Jackson LaCombe looking to improve on their young careers/
Goaltending
The job is John Gibson’s to lose but Lukas Dostal is looking to be the top goalie for the Ducks. Gibson does need to have a better season or he could be back on the trade block, if a team is willing to add on his $6.4 million cap hit that is set to expire upon the conclusion of the 2026-27 season
Special Teams
Anaheim badly needs to improve on both these metrics. They were 25th on the power play, scoring 42 PPG, and 31st on the pentaly kill, allowing 91 goals. With hopefully an improved special teams unit, both of these metrics can be back in the top half of the league.
Overall
Anaheim is still a young-ish squad and with even more improvements, Anaheim may still miss the postseason but the season will be better than last.
Prediction
6th place in Pacific Division
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