Brian McNally

Published: Wed, Mar 6, 2013

It was a memorable night for Caps rookie defenseman Steve Oleksy. At age 27 he made his NHL debut at Verizon Center against the Boston Bruins. Just over 24 hours earlier he was watching ‘Jack the Giant Slayer” at a movie theatre in central Pennsylvania while his phone – on silent during...

Brian McNally

Published: Wed, Mar 6, 2013

1. Considering a one-goal lead in the third period was no sure thing for the Caps earlier this season, you wouldn’t have found many folks in Verizon Center on Tuesday night who saw them rallying from 3-0 down to beat the Boston Bruins. But there you go. That’s hockey. Tomas Kundratek, Mike...

Brian McNally

Published: Tue, Mar 5, 2013

The Capitals have placed veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik on waivers, the organization confirmed on Tuesday. The news was first reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger. Hamrlik, 39, is in the second year of a two-year, $7 million contract that has an annual salary-cap hit of $3.5 million. He has...

Brian McNally

Published: Mon, Mar 4, 2013

The Capitals have recalled defenseman Steven Oleksy from AHL Hershey and he is expected to play on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. Oleksy, 27, is an enforcer with 151 penalty minutes this season with the Bears in just 55 games. Only three AHL defensemen have more penalty minutes....

Brian McNally

Published: Thu, Feb 28, 2013

The Capitals claimed forward Aaron Volpatti off waivers on Thursday and added him to their NHL roster. Volpatti, 27, had been with the Vancouver Canucks the past three seasons. He was placed on waivers on Wednesday. Volpatti is a rugged customer despite a 6-foot, 215-pound frame. He has...

Brian McNally

Published: Thu, Feb 28, 2013

1. Schedule loss! Okay, not really. The Capitals can’t use that as an excuse in their lethargic effort in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Yes, they had just played 24 hours earlier and the Flyers had a day off. But that’s not going to fly when every team in the NHL will have nights like...

Brian McNally

Published: Wed, Feb 27, 2013

1. Let’s be honest – Carolina goalie Cam Ward is the only reason that wasn’t a 5-0 or 6-0 win for the Capitals on Tuesday night at Verizon Center. His glove save on Joel Ward with an entire net to shoot at was one of the NHL’s best of the season. Washington goalie Braden Holtby wasn’t...

Brian McNally

Published: Tue, Feb 26, 2013

Caps (6-10-1, 13 points) vs. Carolina (9-7-1, 19 points) Game » 18 When » Tuesday, Feb. 26 Where » Verizon Center TV » Comcast SportsNet HD Radio » WJFK-FM 106.7; WFED-AM 1500 The Capitals recalled forward Casey Wellman from AHL Hershey as a precaution in case Nicklas Backstrom...

Brian McNally

Published: Mon, Feb 25, 2013

There have been few more polarizing figures in Washington sports over the years than former Capitals forward Alexander Semin. He is an all-world talent, arguably the most skilled players in the NHL, but one with a penchant for frustrating lapses of concentration that infuriated some teammates as...

Brian McNally

Published: Mon, Feb 25, 2013

The Capitals on Monday signed goalie Braden Holtby to a two-year contract extension worth $3.7 million. They also have signed defenseman John Erskine to a two-year contract extension worth $3.925 million with a $25,000 signing bonus. Holtby, 23, was set to be a restricted free agent this...