Welcome to TXHT’s #Caps50Facts. Throughout the 2024-25 50th Anniversary season for the Washington Capitals, we have been posting facts about the Capitals on game days. Here we present to you all 82 Regular Season and 2 Stanley Cup Playoff #Caps50Facts.

Regular Season Edition:

Oct. 12th, 2024 v. NJ

• 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.

Oct. 15th, 2024 v. VGK

• 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.

Oct. 17th, 2024 v. DAL

• 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.

Oct. 19th, 2024 at NJ

• The Colorado Rockies lasted only six seasons before moving to New Jersey to become the Devils. The Washington Capitals were also struggling during this time, and the “Save The Caps” campaign was used to help keep the team in Washington.

Oct. 22nd, 2024 at PHI

• Bill Clement won two Stanley Cups with the Philadelphia Flyers before being traded to the Washington Capitals for the first overall pick in the 1975 NHL Draft. Clement would become the Capitals captain for the 1975-76 season, but would only play 46 games before being traded to the Atlanta Flames for two players and a 1976 1st Round Pick.

Oct. 23rd, 2024 v. PHI

• During the 1988 Patrick Division Semifinals, Dale Hunter scored in overtime to give the Washington Capitals the Game 7 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers as their rivalry would continue to grow. Hunter’s overtime goal is one of the most celebrated moments in Capitals history.

Oct. 26th, 2024 at TB

• The Tampa Bay Lightning came into the NHL during the 1992-93 season. They would later be added to the Southeast Division with the Washington Capitals during the 1998-99 season, and kicked off a rivalry between the two teams that saw them face off in the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which Tampa won the series 4-2.

Oct. 29th, 2024 v. NYR

• On October 9th, 1974, the Washington Capitals made their NHL debut on the road against the New York Rangers. The Capitals fell to the Rangers 6-3. Jim Hrycuik scored the first Capitals goal in franchise history at 5:06 of the first period, and tallied an assist in the third period to record the first multi-point game in franchise history. Ron Anderson scored the Capitals first powerplay goal while Bill Mikkelson would take the first penalty in franchise history. Ron Low made 37 saves on 43 shots faced in the loss.

Oct. 31st, 2024 v. MON

• On Halloween in 1974, the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens faced each other for the very first time. The Canadiens went on to shutout the Capitals 3-0. Ken Dryden would stop all 19 shots to earn the shutout.

Nov. 2nd, 2024 v. CLB

• In 21 games against the Washington Capitals, forward Johnny Gaudreau recorded four goals and 16 assists for 20 points during his time with both the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Gaudreau’s last game against the Capitals was on Dec. 21st, 2023.

Nov. 3rd, 2024 at CAR

• Before they were the Carolina Hurricanes, they were the Hartford Whalers. The Whalers and Washington Capitals would make a trade on September 8th, 1991 that would send defenseman Sylvain Cote to the Capitals for a 1992 2nd Round pick that turned into forward, and future Capital, Andrei Nikolishin.

Nov. 6th, 2024 v. NAS

• The Nashville Predators joined the NHL for the 1998-99 season, and with former Washington Capitals General Manager David Poile at the helm, selected forward Andrew Brunette from the Capitals in the Expansion Draft. On December 26th, 1998, the Capitals visited Nashville for the first time, but the Predators defeated them 3-1.

Nov. 8th, 2024 v. PIT

• Defenseman Yvon Labre would begin his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but was selected by the Washington Capitals in the 1974 Expansion Draft. Labre would go on to score the Capitals first ever home goal, become captain in 1976, and become the first player to have their number retired when his number 7 was retired on Nov. 22nd, 1981.

Nov. 9th, 2024 at STL

• A fourth round pick in the 1976 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, goaltender Mike Liut came to the Washington Capitals in a trade from the Hartford Whalers on March 6th, 1990 where he backstopped the Capitals to the Conference Finals for the first time after winning three straight, including two in overtime, against the New York Rangers.

Nov. 13th, 2024 v. TOR

• The 4th overall pick of the 1979 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals, forward Mike Gartner played 10 seasons with the Capitals and recorded 397 goals and 392 assists for 798 points in 758 games played before being traded to the Minnesota North Stars. Gartner would then end up with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being traded by the New York Rangers on March 21st, 1994. Gartner spent the next two seasons with the Leafs.

Nov. 15th, 2024 at COL

• The Quebec Nordiques were one of four teams to come to the NHL as part of the merger with the WHA in 1979. The Washington Capitals first game against the Nordiques took place on November 25th, 1979 at Le Colisée, Quebec City. The Capitals and Nordiques tied 2-2 with Guy Charron and Gord Lane recording the goals for the Capitals. Wayne Stephenson stopped 20 of the 22 shots he faced.

Nov. 17th, 2024 at VGK

• After winning the Stanley Cup in the 2018, the Washington Capitals traded forward Chandler Stephenson to the Vegas Golden Knights on December 2nd, 2019. With the Capitals, Stephenson recorded 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 168 games played. However, after the trade, Stephenson won a second Stanley Cup with the Knights in 2023, and in 327 games played he recorded 75 goals and 162 assists for 237 points.

Nov. 18th, 2024 at UT

• Forward Liam O’Brien signed with the Washington Capitals as an undrafted free agent, and spent six seasons with the organization. O’Brien signed with the Arizona Coyotes in the summer of 2021, and moved with the rest of the players and staff as part of the transaction that formed the Utah Hockey Club entering the 2024-25 season.

Nov. 21st, 2024 v. COL

• Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2nd Round of the 1990 NHL Draft, forward Chris Simon was traded to the Quebec Nordiques on July 21st, 1992 to complete the Eric Lindros trade that originally took place on June 30th, 1992.
  
  Simon moved with the Nordiques to Colorado, and won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Avalanche in 1996. The Washington Capitals acquired Simon along with defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn for forward Keith Jones, a 1998 1st Round Pick, and a 1998 4th Round Pick (that would later go back to the Capitals) on November 2nd, 1996.
  
  Simon spent 7 seasons with the Capitals where he recorded 72 goals and 79 assists for 151 points, and amassed 666 penalty minutes in 320 games played.

Nov. 23rd, 2024 v. NJ

• The Colorado Rockies moved to New Jersey and became the Devils for the 1982-83 season. The first time the Washington Capitals faced the Devils was on November 8th, 1982 in New Jersey. The Capitals and Devils tied 2-2, with Bobby Gould and Ken Houston scoring the goals while Pat Riggin stopped 18 of 20 shots faced for the Capitals.
  
  The Capitals would go on to defeat the Devils the remaining 6 games to take the season series.

Nov. 25th, 2024 at FLA

• The Florida Panthers entered the NHL for the 1993-94 season, and the Washington Capitals faced the Panthers for the first time on November, 20th, 1993 at Miami Arena in Miami, FL. Forward Peter Bondra scored a pair of goals for the Capitals, but they would fall to the Panthers 4-3.

Nov. 27th, 2024 at TB

• Goaltender Olaf Kolzig was the 19th overall pick of the 1989 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals, and spent 16 years with the organization before going to the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent in 2008. Kolzig only played 8 games for the Lightning, and recorded a 2-4-1 record. The 2008-09 season would be Kolzig’s final season in the NHL.

Nov. 29th, 2024 v. NYI

• Heading into the 1995-96 season, both the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders unveiled completely rebranded looks for their teams. The Islanders debuted the iconic Fisherman logo, but it was not well received when it first debuted. However, today it is more appreciated by the fans.
  
  However, the Capitals debuted the infamous Screaming Eagle, and it would last much longer than the Islanders Fisherman jerseys. The Capitals have brought back the Screaming Eagle on three occasions. Twice for the Reverse Retro Program, and this season as the 50th Anniversary alternate jersey.

Nov. 30th, 2024 at NJ

• At the 1982 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals drafted defenseman Scott Stevens 5th overall. Stevens played 8 years with the Capitals recording 98 goals and 331 assists for 429 points. After spending a season in St. Louis, Stevens would go to New Jersey and spend the final 13 years of his career with the Devils. Stevens won three Stanley Cups, and recorded 93 goals and 337 assists for 430 points with the Devils.

Dec. 3rd, 2024 v. SJ

• The San Jose Sharks debuted in 1991, and the Washington Capitals first faced the Sharks on February 9th, 1992 at the Capital Centre. John Druce had a hat trick, Mike Ridley scored a pair of goals, and Michal Pivonka had 4 assists in a 6-2 victory over the Sharks.

Dec. 6th, 2024 at TOR

• The 4th overall pick of the 1984 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected defenseman Al Iafrate. Iafrate played seven seasons with the Leafs before being traded to the Washington Capitals on January 16th, 1991. He then spent four seasons with the Capitals where he recorded 58 goals and 118 assists for 176 points in 256 games.

Dec. 7th, 2024 at MON

• On September 9th, 1982, the trajectory of the Washington Capitals would change forever as general manager David Poile traded for Rod Langway, Craig Laughlin, Doug Jarvis, and Brian Engblom from the Montreal Canadiens for Rick Green and Ryan Walter. Langway played 11 seasons with the Capitals where he recorded 25 goals and 177 assists for 202 points.
  
  He earned the Norris Trophy in 1983 and 1984, played in four All-Star Games, and had his number 5 retired on November 26th, 1997 by the Capitals. Langway was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002.

Dec. 12th, 2024 at CLB

• On December, 28th, 2009, the Washington Capitals traded forward and captain Chris Clark and defenseman Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Jason Chimera.
  
  Chimera spent seven seasons with the Capitals recording 82 goals and 115 assists for 197 points in 490 games.

Dec. 14th, 2024 v. BUF

• The 14th overall pick of the 1985 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, defenseman Calle Johansson would be traded to the Washington Capitals with a 1989 2nd Round pick for goalie Clint Malarchuk, defenseman Grant Ledyard, and a 1991 6th Round pick on March 7th, 1989.
  
  Johansson spent 15 seasons with the Capitals recording 113 goals and 361 assists for 474 points in a then franchise record of 983 games played.

Dec. 16th, 2024 at DAL

• The 17th overall pick of the 1984 NHL Draft, defenseman Kevin Hatcher became a presence on the Washington Capitals blue line for 9 seasons. In 685 games played, Hatcher recorded 149 goals and 277 assists for 426 points. Hatcher also had 999 penalty minutes while with the Capitals.
  
  On January 18th, 1995, the Capitals traded Hatcher to the Dallas Stars for forward Rick Mrozik and defenseman Mark Tinordi.
  
  Tinordi spent five seasons with the Capitals, and was a part of the team that went to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final. Tinordi played 264 games in his five seasons with the Capitals.

Dec. 17th, 2024 at CHI

• On June 24th, 2011, the Washington Capitals traded a 2011 1st Round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for forward Troy Brouwer. Brouwer, who won the 2011 Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks, spent four seasons with the Capitals recording 83 goals and 69 assists for 152 points.
  
  Brouwer also scored the game-winning goal with 13 seconds left in regulation to give the Capitals the 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks at the 2015 Winter Classic at Nationals Park.

Dec. 20th, 2024 v. CAR

• After being selected 47th overall in the 1992 NHL Draft by the Hartford Whalers, which was originally the Washington Capitals pick before the Sylvain Cote trade, forward Andrei Nikolishin was traded to the Capitals on November 9th, 1996 for defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn.
  
  Nikolishin spent six seasons with the Capitals recording 58 goals and 113 assists for 171 points.

Dec. 22nd, 2024 v. LA

• On July 8th, 1995, the Washington Capitals traded forward Dmitri Khristich and goaltender Byron Dafoe to the Los Angeles Kings for draft picks. Ironically, both would be traded again two years later to the Boston Bruins.
  
  Khristich came back to the Capitals on December 11th, 2000 in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Khristich, who was drafted by the Capitals 120th overall in 1988, spent a total of 7 seasons with the Capitals recording 140 goals and 160 assists for 300 points in 419 games.

Dec. 23rd, 2024 at BOS

• On March 21st, 1994, the Washington Capitals traded defenseman Al Iafrate to the Boston Bruins for forward Joe Juneau. Juneau spent six seasons with the Capitals playing in 312 games and recording 62 goals and 172 assists for 234 points.
  
  Juneau scored one of the most iconic goals in Capitals history as he scored the game-winning goal in overtime to advance the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 1998.

Dec. 28th, 2024 at TOR

• After starting the 1991-92 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, forward Craig Berube played in 40 games for the Leafs before being traded to the Calgary Flames in a blockbuster trade on January 2nd, 1992. During the summer of 1993, the Flames traded Berube to the Washington Capitals where he would spend the next six seasons with the Capitals before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.
  
  Berube returned to the Capitals during the summer of 2000, but was traded to the New York Islanders after only 22 games. During his time in Washington, Berube recorded 26 goals and 38 assists for 64 points in 419 games played. Berube is currently in his first season as head coach of the Maple Leafs.

Dec. 29th, 2024 at DET

• Former Washington Capitals head coach Ron Wilson’s uncle Johnny coached and played for the Detroit Red Wings, and was in attendance when the Capitals faced the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on January 11th, 1998. Ron’s father Larry, who is Johnny’s brother, also played and coached in Detroit, and both Johnny and Larry won Stanley Cups with the Red Wings.
  
  Wilson carried the hockey cards of both his father and uncle in his breast pocket every game. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for their involvement in hockey, although I never really rooted for them,” Wilson said. “I was a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.”
  
  *Quote from “Kolzig is Valiant, But Not Victorious” by Rachel Alexander for The Washington Post on January 12th, 1998.

Dec. 31st, 2024 v. BOS

• On March 1st, 1997, the Washington Capitals traded goalie Jim Carey, forwards Jason Allison and Anson Carter, and a 1997 3rd Rd Pick to the Boston Bruins for goalie Bill Ranford and forwards Adam Oates and Rick Tocchet.
  
  Tocchet would depart at the end of the season, but Ranford played one more season with the Capitals going 15-19-4 in 40 games played. Oates played 5 more seasons with the Capitals recording 73 goals and 290 assists for 363 points in 387 games played. Oates also played a pivotal role in the Capitals making it to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final, and recorded his 1000th career point during the 1997-98 season.
  
  Carey, who won the Vezina during the 1995-96 season, would fizzle out of the NHL after the trade while both Allison and Carter had respectable careers in the league.

Jan. 2nd, 2025 v. MIN

• From 1967 to 1993, Minnesota had the North Stars before they moved to Dallas. During their inaugural season, forward Bill Masterton scored the first goal in franchise history, but tragedy struck on January 13th, 1968 when Masterton fell backward and hit the back of his head on the ice leading to a “massive brain injury” and his death two days later.
  
  Following Masterton’s passing, the hockey writers established the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. In 2009-10, Washington Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore earned the Masterton after having his best season since 2001-02 following his son Chase’s death in 2009 from complications stemming from his premature birth.

Jan. 4th, 2025 v. NYR

• On November 26th, 2005, the New York Rangers hosted the Washington Capitals, and would feature the battle of the rookies as goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was establishing himself with the Rangers while forward Alex Ovechkin was off to a hot start for the Capitals.
  
  Tied at two a piece, the game required the shootout, and it went a then record 15 rounds. Rangers defenseman Marek Malik scored with a slick puck between the legs shot to beat Capitals goaltender Olaf Kolzig to give the Rangers the 3-2 victory.

Jan. 6th, 2025 at BUF

• Defenseman Phil Housley was the 6th overall pick of the 1982 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres where he spent 8 seasons. Housley would sign with the Washington Capitals in 1996, and spent two seasons with the team recording 17 goals and 54 assists for 71 points.
  
  Housley would be a part of the 1997-98 Capitals that went to the Stanley Cup Final, and also recorded his 1,000th career NHL point on November 8th, 1997, becoming the second Capital that season to hit the milestone.

Jan. 8th, 2025 v. VAN

• The Vancouver Canucks drafted forward Trevor Linden 2nd overall in 1988. The Washington Capitals acquired Linden from the Montreal Canadiens on March 13th, 2001 along with forward Dainius Zubrus for a 2001 1st Round pick and forwards Jan Bulis and Richard Zednik.
  
  Linden played 28 games for the Capitals before being traded to the Canucks on November 10th, 2001. The Capitals used the 2002 1st Round pick acquired from Vancouver to select forward Boyd Gordon.

Jan. 10th, 2025 v. MON

• Forward Dainius Zubrus spent close to 5 full seasons with the Washington Capitals after being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens. Zubrus played in 331 games for the Capitals recording 86 goals and 130 assists for 216 points.

Jan. 11th, 2025 at NAS

• After making a name for himself with the Nashville Predators, the Washington Capitals signed forward Joel Ward as a free agent on July 1st, 2011. Ward spent 4 seasons with the Capitals recording 57 goals and 64 assists for 121 points in 276 games.

Jan. 14th, 2025 v. ANA

• A member of the inaugural Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, forward Joe Sacco enjoyed five seasons with the Ducks. Sacco signed with the Washington Capitals in the summer of 1999, and spent three seasons with the Capitals that saw him record 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points in 213 games played.

Jan. 16th, 2025 at OTT

• The Washington Capitals traded for goaltender Don Beaupre from the Minnesota North Stars on November 1st, 1988. Beaupre spent the following six seasons with the Capitals playing in 269 games with a 128-96-27 record with a .886 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against average.
  
  The Capitals would trade Beaupre to the Ottawa Senators on January 18th, 1995.

Jan. 18th, 2025 v. PIT

• On July 11th, 2001 the Washington Capitals traded defenseman Ross Lupaschuk and forwards Kris Beech and Michal Sivek to the Pittsburgh Penguins for forward Jaromir Jagr and defenseman Frantisek Kucera.
  
  In 2 1/2 seasons with the Capitals, Jagr recorded 83 goals and 118 assists for 201 points in 190 games played. Jagr was a two time All Star while with the Capitals.

Jan. 21st, 2025 at EDM

• Forward Mike Grier was originally a 9th Round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 1993 NHL Draft, but did not make his NHL debut until the 1996-97 season with the Edmonton Oilers.
  
  After six seasons with the Oilers, Grier was traded to the Washington Capitals on October 7th, 2002 for a pair of draft picks. Grier would play in 150 games for the Capitals that saw him record 23 goals and 52 points before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres on March 9th, 2004 for forward Jakub Klepis.

Jan. 23rd, 2025 at SEA

• Drafted 23rd overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, forward Andre Burakovsky debuted with the Washington Capitals during the 2014-15 season, and spent five seasons with the team. Burakovsky recorded 62 goals and 145 points in 328 games, and was a part of the Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup team.
  
  Burakovsky was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on June 28th, 2019 for a pair of draft picks and a minor leaguer. Burakovsky would win a second Stanley Cup with the Avalanche before signing with the Seattle Kraken.

Jan. 25th, 2025 at VAN

• On January 1st, 1987, the Washington Capitals acquired forwards Mike Ridley, Kelly Miller, and Bob Crawford for forward Bobby Carpenter and a 1989 2nd Round pick. Ridley then spent the next 8 seasons with the Capitals recording 218 goals and 329 assists for 547 points in 588 games.
  
  Ridley was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in June of 1994, and after one season would be traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he played his last two seasons in the NHL.

Jan. 28th, 2025 at CAL

• On March 22nd, 1993, the Washington Capitals acquired goaltender Rick Tabaracci from the Winnipeg Jets for a 1993 2nd Round pick and goaltender Jim Hrivnak. After playing in 46 games with the Capitals, Tabaracci would be traded to the Calgary Flames on April 7th, 1995.
  
  Tabaracci bounced around between the Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning before coming back to the Capitals via trade on August 7th, 1998 from the Flames. Tabaracci had a 21-31-7 record in 69 games with the Capitals.

Jan. 30th, 2025 at OTT

• On February 18th, 2024, the unthinkable happened when the Washington Capitals traded forward Peter Bondra to the Ottawa Senators for a 2005 2nd Round pick and forward Brooks Laich.
  
  Bondra was drafted in the 8th Round of the 1990 NHL Draft, and went on to play 14 seasons with the Capitals recording 472 goals and 353 assists for 825 points in 961 games played. Bondra also made five NHL All Star Game appearances, and led the NHL in goals twice. Bondra also had two 52 goal seasons with the Capitals.
  
  Bondra once held the franchise record in goals (472), points (825), even strength goals (303), power play goals (137), game-winning goals (73), hat tricks (19), and still currently holds the franchise record for short-handed goals (32).
  
  Brooks Laich spent the following 11 seasons with the Capitals playing in 742 games recording 133 goals and 191 assists for 324 points.

Feb. 1st, 2025 v. WIN

• On April 7th, 1995, the Washington Capitals acquired forward Mike Eagles and defenseman Igor Ulanov from the Winnipeg Jets for a pair of draft picks in the 1995 NHL Draft.
  
  Eagles would spend the last five seasons of his NHL career with the Capitals recording 13 goals and 35 points in 266 games played. Eagles played a role on the team that made it to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final.
  
  Ulanov only played three games for the Capitals before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on October 17th, 1995.

Feb. 4th, 2025 v. FLA

• On March 9th, 1998, the Washington Capitals acquired forward Esa Tikkanen from the Florida Panthers. Tikkanen, a 5-time Stanley Cup champion, played in 20 games for the Capitals recording two goals and 12 points.
  
  During the 1998 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tikkanen played in all 21 games recording three goals and three assists for six points as the Capitals went to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.
  
  Tikkanen is famously known for missing an empty net in Game 2 that allowed the Detroit Red Wings to comeback and win the game and eventual series.

Feb. 6th, 2025 at PHI

• On April 11th, 1989, history was made when Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ron Hextall scored a goal in an NHL playoff game. In Game 5 of their Patrick Division semifinal matchup against the Washington Capitals, Hextall shot the puck from the left side of his net while shorthanded to give the Flyers 8-5 victory and the 3-2 series lead.
  
  The goal marked the first time a goaltender scored a goal in the playoffs.

Feb. 9th, 2025 v. UT

• Drafted 58th overall in the 1991 NHL Draft, forward Steve Konowalchuk became the first player born and raised in Utah to play in the NHL. Konowalchuk recorded 146 goals and 196 assists for 342 points in 693 games played for the Washington Capitals across 13 seasons.

Feb. 22nd, 2025 at PIT

• On November 22nd, 2005, rookie sensations Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby faced off for the first time as the Washington Capitals visited the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby recorded a goal and an assist in the Penguins 5-4 victory over the Capitals. Ovechkin recorded an assist in the game.
  
  Ovechkin recorded his first goal against the Penguins on January 25th, 2006, but Crosby’s goal and three assists led the Penguins to an 8-1 victory. Ovechkin’s first win against Crosby came on March 8th, 2006 when he recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory.
  
  Alex Ovechkin earned the 2005-06 Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year over Crosby, but in the 2009, 2016, and 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Crosby defeated Ovechkin to go on to eventually win the Stanley Cup all three years. In 2018, Ovechkin’s time finally came as the Capitals defeated the Penguins in the second round enroute to their first Stanley Cup.

Feb. 23rd, 2025 v. EDM

• A 3rd Round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 1996, defenseman Tom Poti signed with the Washington Capitals in the summer of 2007, and spent the last five seasons of his NHL career with the Capitals. Poti recorded 11 goals and 75 points in 230 games with the Capitals.

Feb. 25th, 2025 v. CAL

• On March 4th, 1989, the Calgary Flames acquired forward Brian MacLellan from the Minnesota North Stars, and played a role in the Flames winning the 1989 Stanley Cup. In 2014, MacLellan was named senior vice president and general manager of the Washington Capitals, and in 2018 won the Stanley Cup after four years overseeing the Capitals.

Feb. 27th, 2025 v. STL

• On July 2nd, 2015, the Washington Capitals acquired forward T.J. Oshie from the St. Louis Blues for a 2016 3rd Rd pick, forward Troy Brouwer, and goaltender Pheonix Copley. In 9 seasons with the Capitals, Oshie recorded 192 goals and 193 assists for 385 points in 567 games played.
  
  In the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Oshie recorded 8 goals and 21 points in 24 games played to help the Capitals win their first Stanley Cup.

Mar. 1st, 2025 v. TB

• After two failed attempts against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Washington Capitals defeated the Lightning in 7 games in the 2018 Eastern Conference Final. The Capitals won the first two games, but the Lightning took the next three for the 3-2 series lead. Goaltender Braden Holtby shut out the Lightning in both games 6 and 7 to lead the Capitals to their second Stanley Cup Final appearance.

Mar. 3rd, 2025 v. OTT

• Drafted 14th overall in the 1992 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected defenseman Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar spent the first ten seasons of his career with the Capitals where he recorded 144 goals and 416 points in 654 games.
  
  Gonchar was also a three time All-Star while with the Capitals, and was a part of the Capitals when they went to the Stanley Cup Final in 1998. On March 3rd, 2004, the Capitals traded Gonchar to the Boston Bruins. Gonchar later spent three seasons with the Ottawa Senators. Gonchar won the Stanley Cup as part of the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins.

Mar. 5th, 2025 at NYR

• In January of 1987, the Washington Capitals traded for forward Kelly Miller from the New York Rangers. In 13 seasons with the Capitals, Miller played in 940 games recording 162 goals and 246 assists for 408 points, and played a role in helping the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 1998.

Mar. 7th, 2025 v. DET

• Acquired in the Mike Gartner trade in March of 1989, forward Dino Ciccarelli played 3 full seasons with the Washington Capitals. In 223 games, Ciccarelli recorded 112 goals and 209 points before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in June of 1992.

Mar. 9th, 2025 v. SEA

• Drafted in the 4th Round of the 2010 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected goaltender Philipp Grubauer, and would play a pivotal role in the Capitals making it the the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. Grubauer started the first two games of the first round against Columbus, and despite giving the Capitals two solid games, they lost both in overtime. Braden Holtby would take over between the pipes, and lead the Capitals to becoming Stanley Cup Champions.
  
  Many view Grubauer starting the first two games of the playoffs as a way of getting Holtby back on track, and it worked. In 6 years with the Capitals, Grubauer played in 101 games and had a 43-31-11 record.
  
  After winning the Stanley Cup, the Capitals traded Grubauer to Colorado on June 22nd, 2018. In July of 2021, Grubauer signed with the Seattle Kraken as a free agent.

Mar. 11th, 2025 at ANA

• Originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft, forward Devante Smith-Pelly spent his first four seasons with the Ducks before being traded to Montreal.
  
  In the summer of 2017, the Washington Capitals signed Smith-Pelly to a one-year contract, and he played in 75 games recording 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points. In the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Smith-Pelly played in all 24 games recording 7 goals and 8 points, and scored one of the most crucial goals in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final when he scored the tying goal to shift the momentum the Capitals way to winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Mar. 13th, 2025 at LA

• A 2009 7th Round selection of the Los Angeles Kings, forward Nic Dowd signed with the Washington Capitals after 3 seasons with the Kings and a short stint in Vancouver.
  
  In 7 seasons with the Capitals, Dowd has played in 433 games recording 72 goals and 73 assists for 145 points*. Dowd has been a constant presence for the Capitals, both in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill, and has provided great leadership both on and off the ice.
  
  *Stats as of 3/10/25

Mar. 15th, 2025 at SJ

• Drafted 6th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1993 NHL Draft, forward Viktor Kozlov spent the first 4 seasons with the Sharks, before playing for Florida, New Jersey, and the New York Islanders.
  
  In the summer of 2007, Kozlov signed with the Washington Capitals, where he spent the last two seasons of his NHL career. In two seasons with the Capitals, Kozlov recorded 29 goals and 66 assists for 95 points in 148 games. Kozlov also played a role in helping the Capitals return to the playoffs, and for the first time in the Alex Ovechkin era.

Mar. 18th, 2025 v. DET

• In 1998 the Washington Capitals did the impossible as they made it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. However, it was not going to be an easy series as they faced the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. The Capitals but up a valiant effort, even coming close to winning Game 2, but the Red Wings experience and poise swept the Capitals in four games to claim their second straight Stanley Cup.

Mar. 20th, 2025 v. PHI

• Drafted in the 4th Round of the 1991 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, forward Mike Knuble won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 1998. Knuble was traded to the New York Rangers in October of 1998, and played with Wayne Gretzky in what was his final NHL season. Knuble scored two goals that were assisted by Gretzky that season.
  
  After 4 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Knuble signed with the Washington Capitals in July of 2009. Knuble spent 3 seasons with the Capitals playing in 220 games recording 59 goals and 52 assists for 111 points. Knuble assisted on 14 goals scored by Alex Ovechkin during his time with the Capitals.
  
  Knuble is the only player in NHL history to be teammates with both Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin.

Mar. 22nd, 2025 v. FLA

• Richard Zednik was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 10th Round of the NHL Draft in 1994, and in his rookie season played a pivotal role in the Capitals making it to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final. Zednik was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in March of 2001, and then traded back to the Capitals by the Canadiens in July of 2006 before being traded to the New York Islanders in February of 2007.
  
  Zednik played a combined 289 games recording 69 goals and 134 points with the Capitals. Zednik signed with the Florida Panthers during the summer of 2007 and spent his last two seasons in the NHL with them.

Mar. 25th, 2025 at WIN

• Defenseman Nate Schmidt signed with the Washington Capitals as an undrafted free agent in April of 2013. Schmidt spent the next four seasons with the Capitals recording 43 points in 200 games before being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft.
  
  Schmidt spent three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

Mar. 27th, 2025 at MIN

• Drafted 24th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft, forward Marcus Johansson spent his first 7 seasons with the Washington Capitals before being traded to the New Jersey Devils in July of 2017. In March of 2022, Johansson was traded back to the Capitals by the Seattle Kraken.
  
  Johansson’s second stint did not last long as he was traded to the Minnesota Wild in February of 2023. In 9 years with the Capitals, Johansson recorded 118 goals and 206 assists for 324 points in 579 games played.

Mar. 30th, 2025 v. BUF

• Originally drafted by Hartford in 1983, defenseman Joe Reekie was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1985, and spent 4 years with the Sabres. Reekie was later traded by Tampa Bay to the Washington Capitals on March 21st, 1994, and he spent the next 9 years with the Capitals until being traded to Chicago on January 17th, 2002.
  
  Reekie recorded 75 points in 515 games played with the Capitals, and was a part of the team that went to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final.

Apr. 1st, 2025 at BOS

• Originally drafted by Philadelphia in 1977, goaltender Pete Peeters was traded to the Washington Capitals by the Boston Bruins in November of 1985. Peeters spent 4 seasons with the Capitals that saw him go 70-41-15 with a .887 save percentage and a 3.06 goals against average.

Apr. 2nd, 2025 at CAR

• After winning 3 Stanley Cups with the Carolina Hurricanes (2006) and Los Angeles (2012 & 2014), forward Justin Williams signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent in 2015. In his two seasons with the Capitals, Williams scored 46 goals and 54 assists for 100 points in 162 games.

Apr. 4th, 2025 v. CHI

• Acquired from Chicago on February 19th, 2018, defenseman Michal Kempny helped solidify the Capitals blueline as they went on to win the 2018 Stanley Cup. In 4 seasons with the Capitals, Kempny recorded 48 points in 166 games.

Apr. 6th, 2025 at NYI

• Drafted 11th overall in 1993, defenseman Brendan Witt spent the first 10 years of his career with the Washington Capitals playing in 626 games recording 83 points. Witt played a role in the Capitals making it to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final, and was captain during the 2001-02 season.

Apr. 10th, 2025 v. CAR

• Drafted 26th overall in 2010, forward Evgeny Kuznetsov came to the Washington Capitals during the 2013-14 season, and made an impact right away. In 11 seasons with the Capitals Kuznetsov recorded 171 goals and 397 assists for 568 points in 723 games played.
  
  During the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kuznetsov led the NHL with 20 assists and 32 points in 24 games played. Kuznetsov’s most iconic goal came in Game 6 against Pittsburgh when he scored in overtime to help the Capitals advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in 20 years, and played a key role in the Capitals winning their first Stanley Cup that same year.

Apr. 12th, 2025 at CLB

• A 3-time Stanley Cup winner with Detroit, forward Sergei Fedorov was traded to the Washington Capitals by Columbus in February of 2008. Fedorov played in 70 games for the Capitals in parts of two seasons recording 33 assists and 46 points.

Apr. 13th, 2025 v. CLB

• To start the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Washington Capitals faced the Columbus Blue Jackets, and after dropping the first two games in overtime at home to Columbus, the Capitals went back to Braden Holtby between the pipes, and with a double overtime victory in Game 3 thanks to a Lars Eller game-winning goal, the Capitals did not look back as they went on to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. And the Cup clinching goal? Lars Eller.

Apr. 15th, 2025 at NYI

• On April 18th, 1987, the Washington Capitals played in their first ever Game 7 as they battled the New York Islanders in a six-hour four overtime epic over Easter Weekend. The fifth longest game in NHL history at the time was ended by a Pat LaFontaine shot from the blue line to give the Islanders the 3-2 victory.

Apr. 17th, 2025 at PIT

• On April 24th, 1996, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh battled in a four overtime epic. The Capitals led the series 2-1, and had a 2-1 lead going into the third period after some fireworks ended the second period that saw Penguins superstar Mario Lemieux ejected from the game. In the third period Petr Nedved tied the game at two, and then with 44.6 seconds left in the fourth overtime, Nedved scored again to give the Penguins the 3-2 victory and tie the series at 2.

Playoffs Edition:

Round 1 – v. Montreal Canadiens

• 2025 marks the second time in franchise history the Washington Capitals face the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only other time was in 2010, which saw both teams trade overtime victories to split the series in DC then the Capitals taking both Games 3 and 4 in Montreal. However for the Capitals, they ran into goaltender Jaroslav Halak who became red hot and stole the remainder of the series and giving the Canadiens the 4-3 series victory, eliminating the Capitals from the Playoffs.

Round 2 – v. Carolina Hurricanes

• 2025 will mark the second time the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the last time being in 2019. The First Round series saw both teams win their respective games at home, but things got heated in Game 4 when Capitals forward TJ Oshie was injured. At home for Game 5, the Capitals responded with a dominating 6-0 victory that featured a penalty shot goal from Nic Dowd.
  
  In Game 7, the Capitals fell to the Hurricanes 4-3 in double overtime, ending their bid to become back to back Stanley Cup Champions.

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.

#Caps50Facts

This was a fun thing to do this season. To be able to dig into the history of the Washington Capitals, and be able to use these historical facts to promote Capitals game days was really fun, and also very time consuming too.

Thoughts on the Season

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBDDOLVMCCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIZxmuXAORH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIudqVOuVQE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJsQOpJA1w2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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.

It’s Game 5 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Washington Capitals faceoff with the Carolina Hurricanes.

#Caps50Facts

2025 will mark the second time the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the last time being in 2019. The First Round series saw both teams win their respective games at home, but things got heated in Game 4 when Capitals forward TJ Oshie was injured. At home for Game 5, the Capitals responded with a dominating 6-0 victory that featured a penalty shot goal from Nic Dowd.

In Game 7, the Capitals fell to the Hurricanes 4-3 in double overtime, ending their bid to become back to back Stanley Cup Champions.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

Facing elimination for the first time in these playoffs, the Washington Capitals look to stay alive against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the last time, and only time, where I’ve been at a Capitals game where they are facing elimination was in 2008 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Also down 3-1 in the series, the Capitals had an inspiring Game 5 at home to force Game 6. That also marked the first time I’d ever gone to a Stanley Cup Playoff game.

Going into the first period, the Capitals had some pep in their game as they were generating some good possession time with the puck, but the Hurricanes would strike first as Jordan Staal would net his first of the playoffs for the 1-0 Carolina lead. However, later in the period, Anthony Beauvillier would score to tie the game at one for the Capitals. This was a great response after giving up the first goal.

In the second period, we almost had a Matt Roy goal for the lead, but after Carolina challenged for offsides, it was deemed that Connor McMichael was offsides, so the goal would not count. The rest of the period was ok for the Capitals. Some penalty woes, but they never came back to haunt them.

Then, in the third period, the Capitals played a hard fought period, but a very late tally by Andrei Svechnikov, and an empty-netter by Seth Jarvis would give the Hurricanes the 3-1 victory over the Capitals and take the series 4-1.

I have a lot of thoughts right now, and it’ll be released in a special blog this weekend. Stay tuned.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJsQOpJA1w2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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.

It’s Game 2 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Washington Capitals faceoff with the Carolina Hurricanes.

#Caps50Facts

2025 will mark the second time the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the last time being in 2019. The First Round series saw both teams win their respective games at home, but things got heated in Game 4 when Capitals forward TJ Oshie was injured. At home for Game 5, the Capitals responded with a dominating 6-0 victory that featured a penalty shot goal from Nic Dowd.

In Game 7, the Capitals fell to the Hurricanes 4-3 in double overtime, ending their bid to become back to back Stanley Cup Champions.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

Here we are, back at Capital One Arena for Game 2 between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes, and hopefully, this tome around tue Capitals play a lot better.

In the first period, the Hurricanes controlled the play more against the Capitals, but this time around, albeit later in the period, the Capitals would fight back and start sustaining pressure in the Hurricanes zone. Logan Thompson played another strong period to keep the Hurricanes off of the board.

Heading into the second period, the Capitals had some powerplay time leftover but were not able to capitalize on it. However, a Connor McMichael breakaway goal would spark the Capitals as they played a much more solid game and controlled the play and created a lot more solid scoring chances. Frederik Andersen made some spectacular saves to keep the Hurricanes in the game and only down by one.

Then, in the third period, the Capitals struck on the powerplay less than two minutes in when John Carlson would net his first of the playoffs to grow the Capitals lead to two. However, later in the period, Shayne Gostisbehere would score on the powerplay to bring the Hurricanes back withing one, but Tom Wilson would score the empty netter to give the Capitals the 3-1 victory over the Hurricanes and even the series at one.

This was a much better game for the Capitals. They controlled the play better, and they made their scoring chances count. There are still some things to work out, but at least the series is tied now.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJaOaLfgpiD/?igsh=YWVhd3ZvbXY1Mno3

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.

It’s Game 1 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Washington Capitals faceoff with the Carolina Hurricanes.

#Caps50Facts

2025 will mark the second time the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the last time being in 2019. The First Round series saw both teams win their respective games at home, but things got heated in Game 4 when Capitals forward TJ Oshie was injured. At home for Game 5, the Capitals responded with a dominating 6-0 victory that featured a penalty shot goal from Nic Dowd.

In Game 7, the Capitals fell to the Hurricanes 4-3 in double overtime, ending their bid to become back to back Stanley Cup Champions.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

It’s time for Game 1 of Round 2, and this is a first for me. All of the playoff games I’ve been to so far have all been in the first round, so this is a special one for me, and who better than against the last team I saw in the playoffs back iin 2019, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Note: Before I became a season ticket holder, the last time I went to a playoff game was in 2019.

Heading into the first period, I felt some nerves, but as the game went on, they went away. Even when the Hurricanes were controlling the play and outshot the Capitals 12-5, I felt the Capitals were weathering the storm very well. Especially coming out of the first period scoreless.

In the second period, the Capitals woke up, and Aliaksei Protas scored his first goal of the playoffs to give the Capitals the 1-0 lead. Logan Thompson made some key saves and received some fortunate bounces to keep the Hurricanes off the board after 40 minutes of play.

In the third period, the Capitals did not look good at all. They would be outshot 11-3, and despite a strong early penalty kill that saw Nic Dowd make some really solid blocks, the Hurricanes would still strike as Logan Stankoven scored to tie the game at one. A late penalty kill by the Capitals would keep the Hurricanes off the board and force overtime with the 1-1 tie.

However, in overtime, the Hurricanes made quick work of the Capitals as Jaccob Slavin scored 3:06 into the extra frame to give the Hurricanes the 2-1 victory and the 1-0 series lead over the Capitals.

This was a disappointment, to say the least. The Capitals were out muscled and outplayed throughout the game. Game 2 needs to be a better showing for the Capitals.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJVFPd3gd71/?igsh=MW4xODdlcmtrMjhheQ==

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.

It’s Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Washington Capitals look to move past the Montreal Canadiens.

#Caps50Facts

2025 marks the second time in franchise history the Washington Capitals face the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only other time was in 2010, which saw both teams trade overtime victories to split the series in DC then the Capitals taking both Games 3 and 4 in Montreal. However for the Capitals, they ran into goaltender Jaroslav Halak who became red hot and stole the remainder of the series and giving the Canadiens the 4-3 series victory, eliminating the Capitals from the Playoffs.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

Back home for Game 5, the Washington Capitals look to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens for the first time this series, plus win their first series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, and eliminate a team at home for the first time since 2015 (v. NYI).

The nerves going into this game after watching both Game 5’s the night before between Toronto and Ottawa and New Jersey against Carolina were warranted. Toronto failing to close out Ottawa for a second straight game, and then Carolina needing to erase a 3 goal deficit to win in double overtime to eliminate New Jersey, you knew tonight was going to be a tough one.

Going into the third period, the Canadiens took control for a while, but the powerplay showed up as Alex Ovechkin sniped one right off the faceoff to give the Capitals the 1-0 lead. Then, shortly after, Jakob Chychrun scored to grow the Capitals lead to two. That gave us the breathing room we needed. Add Tom Wilson’s powerplay tally in the second period, and you had that sense that it was going to happen.

Going into the third period, I definitely had some nervousness going through me. When Montreal scored to cut the Capitals lead to two, I had every right to be nervous, but when Andrew Mangiapane got a quality scoring chance right away, those nerves began to disappear. When the Canadiens pulled Jakub Dobes, you felt the icing on the cake was coming, and Brandon Duhaime delivered it with the empty netter as the Capitals took Game 5 4-1 and eliminate the Canadiens 4-1.

My hat is off to the Canadiens. They played a hell of a series, and Game 3 was their night to shine. They have a bright future ahead of them. Now it is time to prepare for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJFoeYxg1IM/?igsh=MW5sYmxrc3d0czd6cg==

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.

It’s Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Washington Capitals

#Caps50Facts

2025 marks the second time in franchise history the Washington Capitals face the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only other time was in 2010, which saw both teams trade overtime victories to split the series in DC then the Capitals taking both Games 3 and 4 in Montreal. However for the Capitals, they ran into goaltender Jaroslav Halak who became red hot and stole the remainder of the series and giving the Canadiens the 4-3 series victory, eliminating the Capitals from the Playoffs.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

We’re back at Capital One Arena for Game 2 of the Washington Capitals first round series with the Montreal Canadiens, and it would be a more tempered game compared to Game 1 on Monday night. The Capitals were still physical, but were not as aggressive as they were the previous game.

After a scoreless first period the Canadiens would strike first, but goals from Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome a minute apart brought the excitement back into Capital One Arena. The third period was very fast moving, and McMichael’s second of the game with the empty netter would clinch the game for the Capitals 3-1 for the 2-0 series lead over the Canadiens.

However, also in the third period, the Canadiens did press a bit more, and Logan Thompson stood on his head to keep the Canadiens at bay. Honestly, there was one huge save that was scary as the puck almost rolled into the net. Luckily it went wide. Thompson was spectacular once again, and let’s hope they keep it going in Montreal for Games 3 and 4.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIzmthxuLGX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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.

It’s Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Washington Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens to begin their first round matchup.

#Caps50Facts

2025 marks the second time in franchise history the Washington Capitals face the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only other time was in 2010, which saw both teams trade overtime victories to split the series in DC then the Capitals taking both Games 3 and 4 in Montreal. However for the Capitals, they ran into goaltender Jaroslav Halak who became red hot and stole the remainder of the series and giving the Canadiens the 4-3 series victory, eliminating the Capitals from the Playoffs.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

For the first time as a Season Ticket Holder I get to experience playoff hockey, and man was it a fun one. It was great to see Alex Ovechkin remaining hot as he scored the first goal of the game, and then in the second period assisting on Anthony Beauvillier’s tally to give the Capitals the 2-0 lead.

However, the third period was not one to be desired as the Canadiens were able tie the game and send it to overtime. But to paraphrase one entertaining professional wrestlers catch phrase:

SAY HIS NAME
AND HE SCORES GOALS
I BELEIVE IN OVI! *Clap Clap*

Great moment for me. Before the overtime period began I said to my STH seat neighbor that Ovechkin has never scored a playoff overtime goal, and low and behold moments later he scored to send us home with the 1-0 series lead.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIudqVOuVQE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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 Washington Capitals play their final home game of the season as they host the Columbus Blue Jackets.

#Caps50Facts

To start the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Washington Capitals faced the Columbus Blue Jackets, and after dropping the first two games in overtime at home to Columbus, the Capitals went back to Braden Holtby between the pipes, and with a double overtime victory in Game 3 thanks to a Lars Eller game-winning goal, the Capitals did not look back as they went on to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. And the Cup clinching goal? Lars Eller.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

It’s the Home Finale, and I’m really proud of myself as I’ve been to all 41 home games this season. I didn’t think it was going to be possible, but I made it happen and I’m really proud that I did.

For the game itself, a great start for the Capitals as Alex Ovechkin scored his 896th career goal to give the Capitals the 1-0 lead, but after that the Blue Jackets scored four unanswered goals to sweep the back-to-back. Definitely not the way you’d want to have your home finale go, especially with two games left before the playoffs. One can only hope the Capitals get their acts together and end the season strong before starting the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIZxmuXAORH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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 Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes in their second to last home game of the regular season.

#Caps50Facts

Drafted 26th overall in 2010, forward Evgeny Kuznetsov came to the Washington Capitals during the 2013-14 season, and made an impact right away. In 11 seasons with the Capitals Kuznetsov recorded 171 goals and 397 assists for 568 points in 723 games played.

During the 2018 #StanleyCup Playoffs, Kuznetsov led the NHL with 20 assists and 32 points in 24 games played. Kuznetsov’s most iconic goal came in Game 6 against Pittsburgh when he scored in overtime to help the Capitals advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in 20 years, and played a key role in the Capitals winning their first Stanley Cup that same year.

Jersey Tracking

Thoughts on the Game

The time has finally come as the Washington Capitals honored Alex Ovechkin at home in front of their fans to celebrate Ovechkin’s record breaking 895 goals. It felt really good to see the Capitals do the pregame ceremony. Though it was a bummer that both Wayne Gretzky and Gary Bettman were not on hand for it, but I guess their commitment was only for when he scored the goal.

Once the celebration was over it was time for the game, and in the first period the Capitals were flat against the Carolina Hurricanes. However, a late tally from Pierre-Luc Dubois got the Capitals back on track. In the second period the Capitals woke up as Dylan Strome, Nic Dowd, and Tom Wilson all scored hard fought goals to give the Capitals the 4-2 lead. The third period felt like a dud, but it was the shootout to give the Capitals the 5-4 victory and clinch 1st place in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs.

Overall, a fun experience, but now the Capitals need to get back to business and get ready for the Playoffs.

Photos and Reels/TikToks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DISMiPXgUwr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.