Washington Capitals News

No, really. It's National Hockey Card Day. The shoebox next to my desk rejoices.

New York Rangers All-Star defenseman Dan Girardi is part of a group that is committed to sacrificing their bodies on the defensive end.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has no timetable for return after suffering a head injury on an elbow to the head Jan.

Nicklas Backstrom spoke for the first time in English since January 6th as the Capitals held practice today as they prepare for two pivotal games, first in New York against the Rangers then they come home and host the San Jose Sharks on Monday.A The Caps are tied points wise with the Florida Panthers for first in the Southeast Division, but because ... (more)

Mike Knuble has been a productive player throughout his years in the NHL , averaging 52 points since the 2002-2003 season.

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.

"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill." "The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill." I only wish there'd be some fireworks between Walton and Milbury.

Turns out it was a very dubious penalty call by referee Rob Martell, who whistled Jets defenceman Toby Enstrom for slashing.

Anyone who's watched NHL Network this season has seen our very own Matt Hendricks featured in ads for Defending the Blue Line A . A It's a nonprofit whose stated intent is to help the children of armed service members stick with hockey programs, and every year it touches the lives of thousands of families.

At 39 years old, there are some rumblings his career might be over. I hope not, because his lack of performance is not all on his shoulders.

Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's shootout loss from us , Caps365 video , Vogs , NHL.com , WaPo , WashTimes , CSNW , 106.7 The Fan , SB Nation DC , Peerless , Frankovic , KOL , RMNB , DSP , OFB , RtR , Hockey Hourly , Sick Unbelievable , and clydeorama .

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.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin , of Russia, misses a shot against Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec , of Czech Republic, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Washington, on Thursday, Feb.

Jan 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Tyler Kennedy moves behind the net as Washington Capitals defensemen Dennis Wideman and Karl Alzner pursue during the second period at Consol Energy Center.

Hockey fans sure are creative and passionate and at times a little zany. There are a ton of these videos out there, but we selected a few that show hockey fans' musical range.

For the first time in Mike Knuble's three-year tenure with the Washington Capitals, he will be a healthy scratch based on his performance.

Duke: Austin Rivers drills three-pointer at buzzer to vault No. 10 Blue Devils to stunning 85-84 win Got Plans? On Love columnist Ellen McCarthy joins the Going Out Gurus to discuss dating ideas, relationships, Valentine's Day and the Washington D.C. scene.

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.

Florida Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen looks a save into his glove during third-period action against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, February 7, 2012.

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.