Light The Lamp

Breaking Down the Capitals 2014 Free Agency Moves (Video)

2014-07-02T14:15:00.000-04:00

Good analysis from the Caps POV with John Walton and Mike Vogel.

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Michal Neuvirth Gets 1st Star of #CapsLeafs

2014-01-10T23:09:00.000-05:00

RT to congratulate @mneuvirth30 on being the "1st Star of the Game" for his 32 saves in tonight's 3-2 win. #CapsLeafs pic.twitter.com/ObbDhvpBZP
— Washington Capitals (@washcaps) January 11, 2014

Well done Michal! He made some outstanding saves during the game after being off the ice for nearly two (2) months.

Check Out Philipp Grubauer's Full Splits Save - Wow! (Video)

2014-01-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

The Caps bet the Tampa Bay Lighting last night in a thrilling 4-3 game. The game included this INCREDIBLE save from Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer who goes to the full splits to rob Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondrej Palat on a shorthanded odd-man rush.

Wow!

Connor Carrick Gets Recalled By The Washington Capitals

2014-01-08T15:37:00.001-05:00

I was a little surprised about this move given that the Washington Capitals put Alex Urbom on waivers. RMNB has as excellent breakdown on the young defenseman.

Via Capitals Insider

Washington recalled rookie defenseman Connor Carrick from the AHL’s Hershey Bears Wednesday afternoon ahead of a grueling stretch of six games in the next nine days beginning with back-to-back contests Thursday and Friday.

Carrick, 19, started the year with the Capitals, appearing in the first three games of the season before he was assigned to Hershey on Oct. 11. He then skated in 13 AHL games before suffering an upper-body injury that has kept him out of the Bears’ lineup since Nov. 23. But Carrick, a 2012 fifth-round draft pick, regained his health in time to play for the United States in the World Junior Championships in Malmo, Sweden, recently.

Will the Capitals Give Goalie Michal Neuvirth a Start?

2014-01-08T13:41:00.002-05:00

None of the Caps goalies have stepped up to the plate this 2013-2014 season to be the number one guy. IMHO, this is a little bit on the coaching staff and Neuvirth's injury.

Now that Philipp Grubauer has come back down to earth a little and with Braden Holtby's confidence wavering, it's time to give Michal Neuvirth a chance.

Here's hoping he makes the most of his opportunity. After all, Neuvirth was part of the Hershey Bear's back-to-back Calder Cup run.

Via PHT

Washington is currently rolling with Philipp Grubauer, Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth which, as most NHL coaches will tell you, isn’t an ideal situation — there are only two nets on the ice and with three goalies… do the math.

What’s more, none have made a solid claim for the job. Grubauer, a rookie, hasn’t been bad by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s lost four of his last five starts. Holtby‘s confidence was shaken after he allowed five goals on 11 shots on Saturday.

Washington isn’t scheduled to play again until Thursday, which gives Capitals coach Adam Oates plenty of time to mull over who he’ll start next.

“What if I go to (Neuvirth)?” Oates said, according to CSN Washington. “Neuvy deserves a start at some point, right?”

The answer, it would seem, is yes. Neuvirth, the club’s highest-paid netminder, has made only had five starts this season and has just seven total appearances, the last coming on Nov. 22 against Montreal. The former second-round pick — who, in 2010-11, posted 27 wins and four shutouts, backstopping the Caps to the second round of the playoffs — recently had his agent float the idea of a trade out of Washington, suggesting Neuvirth isn’t thrilled with the current three-goalie platoon.

As for Kolzig, he still believes Neuvirth can still emerge as a No. 1 once the situation gets sorted.

For Neuvy, I think it’s a matter of when that opportunity presents itself again take advantage of it,” he said.

Alex Urbom Claimed Off Waivers By The New Jersey Devils

2014-01-08T13:30:00.001-05:00

I really liked Urbom's game while he was here in D.C.but, this is a business and apparently, according to this Pro Hockey Talk post, the Devils weren't happy about letting him go in the first place.

The New Jersey Devils brought a familiar face back into the fold on Tuesday, claiming defenseman Alex Urbom off waivers from Washington.

Urbom, 23, was originally a third round pick of the Devils (73rd overall) at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and debuted for New Jersey during the 2010-11 season.

The Caps acquired Urbom in early October after New Jersey placed him on waivers — with great unease, per GM Lou Lamoriello — and the Swedish rearguard went on to appear in 20 games for Washington, scoring one goal and two points. But with John Erskine returning to full health and Dmitry Orlov playing his way into the defensive rotation, Urbom became the odd man out.

Alex Ovechkin & Nicklas Backstrom Make Their Respective Olympic Teams

2014-01-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

Alex Ovechkin will play for Team Russia (as if there was any doubt) and Nicklas Backstrom will play for Team Sweden at the Sochi Olympic Games.

Post by Washington Capitals.

Report: Nationals Park to Host 2015 NHL Winter Classic

2014-01-01T07:55:00.001-05:00

I am SO going to be there next year God willing.

For those wondering, the report states a scheduling conflict at FedEx Field. Now, while January 1, 2015 falls on a Thursday, NHL officials need a couple of weeks to set up the stadium for the event - hence the conflict.

Now, if they could make the game a rematch between the Caps and Penguins, that would be awesome.

Via ESPN

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The 2015 Winter Classic will more than likely be staged at Nationals Park, a source told ESPN.com on Monday.

It was announced in September that next year's Jan. 1 outdoor game would be hosted by the Washington Capitals, but a venue was not disclosed.

NHL officials recently visited three D.C.-area venues: RFK Stadium, FedEx Field and Nationals Park.

While there has still not been any official decision, the source said it's likely that Nationals Park -- home to the Washington Nationals -- will be the chosen venue because of possible scheduling issues with the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field and because Nationals Park presents a relatively new venue.

2014 NHL Winter Classic Preview (Video)

2014-01-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

I LOVE watching this game every year on New Year's Day. I especially wish I could be in Michigan stadium today to hear 100K fans watching a hockey game. It's gonna be something...

For about about the game, visit this link and see the preview from ESPN above.

Top Ten Goals of the Year in the NHL - 2013 (Video)

2014-01-01T07:28:00.001-05:00

All of these goals are well deserving of the honor by the NHL, I'm just not sure of the order. I do believe 7, 8, & 9 definitely should be ranked higher. What about you?

I'm also a little dismayed Alex Ovechkin didn't make the list. Remember this great goal against the Canadiens? While Alex has scored A LOT this year, have any of this year's goals been as super-human as the goal against Montreal?

Follow Tonight's Capitals/Senators Game Live on Twitter #CapsSens

2013-12-30T17:04:00.001-05:00

If you can't follow tonight's game between the Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators live or on radio or TV, follow it on Twitter here. Tweets about "#CapsSens"

The Washington Capitals Hosting Annual Blood Drive at Kettler Iceplex

2013-12-30T11:11:00.002-05:00

The Capitals are hosting annual Winter Blood Drive this Saturday, Jan. 4, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Click this link for details.

Capitals - Sabres Highlights 12/29/2013 (Video)

2013-12-30T10:40:00.001-05:00

ICYM the Washington Capitals/Buffalo Sabres game last night, here are the highlights. Buffalo G Ryan Miller played excellent and stymied the Caps although the Caps are at fault for that.

In the years I have watched Miller, you need to get 1) bodies in front of him and 2) move the puck side to side to keep him moving. The Caps didn't do a good job at either last night except for Troy Brower's goal and we lost in an exciting shootout. Philipp Grubauer started again for the Caps and was a stud in goal again.

Capitals - Rangers Highlights 12/27/2013 (Video)

2013-12-28T11:41:00.001-05:00

ICYM the New York Rangers/Washington Capitals game last night, here are the highlights. Alex Ovechkin didn't score but, Nicklas Backstrom had another multi-point night. The Caps had a great first period, then got dominated in the second. They pulled it out with an excellent GWG from Eric Fehr.

Enjoy.

Alex Ovechkin Flattens Brian Boyle During #CapsRangers (Video)

2013-12-28T10:56:00.000-05:00

Via Yahoo Sports, the Caps Alex Ovechkin absolutely flattened 6 foot 7 inch Brian Boyle of the Rangers during last nights Caps - Rangers game. Enjoy.

Philipp Grubauer to Start Tonight #CapsDucks

2013-12-23T15:25:00.000-05:00

As HOT as Grubsy has been lately, this makes perfect sense.

Via WaPo's Capitals Insider

Philipp Grubauer will make his fifth start of the season tonight and face the red-hot Ducks, who arrive in Washington having won eight straight. Tough matchups and environments haven’t fazed Grubauer yet in this nearly month-long stint with the Capitals, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against an aggressive team like Anaheim with several talented power forwards.

“He played good against Carolina and he’s been hot so just going to ride him,” Oates said.

Bruce Boudreau Helped Put Hockey 'Front and Center' in Washington, DC

2013-12-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

Interesting post over at Pro Hockey Talk on Ducks Coach Boudreau. If you haven't read Katie Carrera's profile on the Caps former Coach, check it out at this link.

Via PHT

Brooks Laich remembers the days when a ticket to a Washington Capitals game wasn’t exactly a hot commodity. The 30-year-old first donned a Caps uniform in 2003-04, before Alex Ovechkin was drafted and when average attendance was just 14,720 to watch a team that finished with a dreadful 23-46-10-3 record.

But Laich doesn’t just credit Ovechkin with hockey’s turnaround in DC. He also credits current Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau, who returns to the Verizon Center tonight for the first time since being fired by the Caps in late 2011.

“He turned hockey from a back-burner sport into a front-and-center, front page, exciting, real entertaining game,” Laich said, per CSN Washington. “Certainly, the players and organization have had a role in that, too, but he was one of the leading forces to putting hockey on the map in Washington.”

Read more of what Brooksie had to say at this link.

Michael Phelps Meets Alex Ovechkin Post #CapsDevils (Video)

2013-12-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

How many Washington Capitals have worn the #22 sweater? Three of my favorite all-time Caps players have.Check out the video after the jump.

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(Video via Monumental Network)

Bruce Boudreau Back at Verizon Center Tonight With the Anaheim Ducks

2013-12-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim are in D.C. and invade the 'Phone Booth' tonight for what should be an awesome game against the Caps. Click this link to read Katie Carrera's excellent profile on former Caps, now Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau.

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom Are Wearing New, Lighter Gear

2013-12-22T08:03:00.002-05:00

Has it helped propel Ovie and Nick to perform at the level they're playing this year?

Via ESPN

If Patrick Kane seems quicker and slicker on the ice than usual, the reason might be more than the Chicago star's raw talent.

Kane, second in the NHL with 46 points, is of six top NHL players -- all likely Olympians -- transitioning into Bauer Hockey's futuristic OD1N skates and protective equipment.

Unveiled Thursday in Chicago, the OD1N gear shaves pounds from the bulky head-to-toe ensemble hockey players wear and, according to Bauer, improves mobility, speed and performance.

Bauer claims the equipment, which includes skates, a form-fitting body suit and pads, and goalie leg pads, also improves protection through the use of new materials and by staying in place better. Chicago's Jonathan Toews, Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom and Philadelphia's Claude Giroux are other NHL skaters switching to the customized gear. The New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist has been wearing OD1N goalie pads.

"The (design) team set out to completely reinvent speed, to completely reinvent performance, to completely reinvent the safety of the game," Bauer President and CEO Kevin Davis said. "It's game-changing technology."

All of Alex Ovechkin's 2013-2014 Goals to Date in One Infographic

2013-12-21T13:42:00.003-05:00

I went through #caps Alex Ovechkin's all 29 goals this season and looked at spots he scores from. Very interesting. pic.twitter.com/kyDijF5LHV
— Roman Jedlicka (@jedli) December 21, 2013

Tweet of the Day - Michael Latta of the Washington Capitals

2013-12-21T13:22:00.000-05:00

congrats to @ovi8 on his 400th goal... pretty special moment... only 399 more for me and we're tied #ohcaptainmycaptain #stayhot
— Michael Latta (@Latta17) December 21, 2013

Watch the 2014 Winter Classic Build Out - Live Web Cam (Video)

2013-12-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

Very excited to see this myself. We are 11 days from the 2014 Winter Classic. Reminder, the Caps will be hosting the 2015 edition. For more about the Winter Classic, click this link.

Congrats Alex Ovechkin on Goal #400!

2013-12-21T12:44:00.002-05:00

ICYMI: Welcome to the 400 Club. http://t.co/mUYgAm3pOs pic.twitter.com/pSKGuNaYCX
— Monumental Network (@MonumentalNtwrk) December 21, 2013

Live Tweets of Tonight Capitals - Flyers Game #CapsFlyers 12/17/2013

2013-12-17T18:24:00.001-05:00

If you can't follow this afternoon's game between the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers live or on radio or TV, follow it on Twitter here. Tweets about "#CapsFlyers"