Brooks Laich News

The New York Rangers have a short turnaround following a contentious game with a division rival.

When last summer's free agent frenzy wrapped up, many hockey writers declared the Washington Capitals winners for signing several free agents that suddenly made them playoff favorites.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, celebrates his power-play goal with teammate Marcus Johansson, of Sweden, during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Tuesday, Feb.

Someone got sent to the penalty box for playing with a broken stick, and someone else scored a goal from centre ice.

Capitals Head Coach Dale Hunter called this a "playoff" game for the second game in a row for the Caps and it felt a lot like a Caps playoff game as they fall 3-2 in a shootout to the Winnipeg Jets in a game they dominated for the most part.

Previews of tonight's joust with the Jets from Vogs , NHL.com , SB Nation DC , Peerless , VC Chillin , and CRtC , and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Arctic Ice Hockey for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up . Alex Ovechkin , Dennis Wideman , and Brooks Laich 's left knee were granted a maintenance day.

John Woods / The Winnipeg Free Press Chris Thorburn had a throng of well-wishers including Zach Bogosian , Ron Hainsey and Jim Slater Tuesday night after his second goal in five games.

Alexander Semin:A In his first 27 games this season, Alexander Semin scored five goals along with six assists, numbers that put him on track to tally a full-season career low of 33 points.

Dale Hunter was very confident that Brooks Laich was doing "good" the night after playing despite a left knee injury.

Mathieu Perreault scored with 13 seconds elapsed, Alex Ovechkin had two goals and the Washington Capitals beat the Florida Panthers 4-0 Tuesday night to take over first place in the Southeast Division.

Washington Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun , of the Czech Republic , eyes the puck on a Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL game Tuesday, Feb.

Dec 31, 2010; Pittsburgh: Washington forward Peter Bondra carries the puck away from Pittsburgh's defenseman Francois Leroux during the Winter Classic alumni game at Heinz Field.

It has been discussed repeatedly over the past 2-3 years that the Caps need a legit 2nd line center.

The injury to Jimmy Howard is a little more serious than they first let on. Originally it was that he was out for at least two games with a broken finger but now it's sounds like something closer to 4-6 weeks... this stings.

The Washington Capitals awaited word Monday on the severity of Brooks Laich's left knee injury, a setback that comes at a crucial time in the team's hopes for a fifth straight Southeast Division title.

Thirty-four saves on 37 shots against is fine , but the 88-footer Neuvirth allowed early in the second period in Sunrise followed up by a leaky power-play goal a period later were saves this team needs right now... and didn't get in Neuvirth's one appearance of the week.

Tim Thomas' return to the nation's capital was less political and more successful, with the goaltender making 35 saves Sunday in the Boston Bruins' 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

Tim Thomas' return to the nation's capital was less political and more successful, with the goaltender making 35 saves Sunday in the Boston Bruins' 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

Brooks Laich went behind the net and took a hit like he has done countless times.

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