The Washington Capitals superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin continues to write his name in the NHL history books. By scoring two goals in a 2-5 win over the Calgary Flames, Ovechkin became just the third player ever to have 19 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.

Ovechkin now has 21 goals in the 2023-24 NHL campaign and has added 31 assists for a total of 52 points in 64 games.

Besides Ovechkin, only Gordie Howe and Brendan Shanahan managed to have 19 straight 20-goal seasons. Howe actually had 22 seasons with at least 20 goals, from 1949-50 to 1970-71. However, Ovechkin is the only player in NHL history to start the streak in his first season in the league.

The two goals also got Ovechkin closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record. His goal tally in the NHL now stands at 843 goals, and he needs to score 52 more to jump over Gretzky.

“There’s not many things that hasn’t been said about him, but he keeps doing it, even at age 38. It’s fun to be a part of, fun to watch,” said Capitals’ Dylan Strome about Ovechkin.

Ovechkin himself focused on the importance of the win, their third straight, which moved the Capitals into a wild-card spot.

“We know it’s not going to be easy. We keep fighting, keep playing,” said Ovechkin. “We still can do it. We’re still in the battle. Every point counts.”

The post Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin Becomes Third Player in NHL History With 19 Consecutive 20-Goal Seasons appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Reigning Stanley Cup champions the Vegas Golden Knights added more depth to their roster as they prepare to embark on another deep playoff run. They acquired veteran forward Anthony Mantha in a trade with the Washington Capitals, confirming the move on Tuesday.

According to the announcement, Vegas gave up a second-round pick in 2024 and a 2026 fourth-rounder to get Mantha.

The Athletic reports that the deal between Vegas and Capitals will see Washington retaining 50% of Mantha’s salary. Mantha is set to earn $5.7 million in 2023-24. This is significant for the Golden Knights as they will be able to make more additions before the trade deadline wraps up.

Golden Knights have been on the market for an offensive-minded addition since losing captain Mark Stone to a season-ending injury. Stone suffered a lacerated spleen in February and has been placed on a long-term injured reserve.

Mantha made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2015–16 season. He spent five and a half years with the franchise before being traded to the Capitals midway through the 2020-21 campaign. This season, Mantha has 20 goals and 14 assists for a total of 34 points in 56 games.

Vegas Golden Knights are currently sitting third in the Pacific Division with a 33-22-7 record and 73 points. They are currently holding onto a wild-card spot but have Nashville Predators and LA Kings breathing down their neck.

The post Vegas Golden Knights Acquire FW Anthony Mantha in a Trade with Capitals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan revealed that center Nicklas Backstrom is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. This update comes as Backstrom continues to struggle to cope with his surgically repaired left hip.

“It’s emotional for everybody. He’s been such a big part of the organization,” MacLellan explained. “It’s a tough situation, and eventually everybody’s got to move on.” The 36-year-old player is expected to be placed on long-term injured reserve.

Behind captain Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom is the longest-serving player on the Capitals’ roster. His 762 career assists are the most in the franchise’s history. After returning from his surgery in the summer of 2022, Backstrom has only managed to appear in eight games.

The post Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom Likely Out for Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has decided to take some time away from the team due to ongoing health issues, the team confirmed on Wednesday. The player has struggled to find his form as he battles with a hip injury.

“Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game,” Backstrom announced. “This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and fans for their unwavering support throughout this process. I ask for privacy at this time as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward.”

Backstrom underwent surgery on his left hip in June 2022, only to return to action in January this year. While he scored seven goals and 21 points in 39 games last season while averaging just 17 minutes per game, he has only scored one point in eight games this season.

The post Capitals Center Nicklas Backstrom Takes Break Due to Personal Reasons appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals announced on Friday that they had parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette. The team described the decision as “mutual.”

Laviolette leaves the franchise after a disappointing 2022-23 campaign that saw the Capitals miss the playoffs for the first time in nine years. The team finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 35-37-10 record.

“We are grateful for Peter’s leadership and dedication to our organization for the last three seasons,” Capitals’ general manager Brian MacLellan said in a team-released statement. “Peter is a first-class individual who has represented our club with integrity and guided our team through many difficult circumstances in his tenure as our head coach. We wish him all the best moving forward.”

The Capitals brought in Laviolette in 2020 as a replacement for Todd Reirden. He led the team to Stanley Cup playoffs in his first two seasons at the helm but failed to progress past the first round. Laviolette compiled a record of 115-78-27 during his time with Washington.

MacLellan is expected to take some time during his search for the franchise’s new head coach, but there are already several names being mentioned as potential candidates. The list includes Todd Nelson, head coach of Capitals’ AHL affiliate Hershey Bears, Tampa Bay Lightning’s assistant Jeff Halpern and Toronto Maple Leafs’ assistant Spencer Carbery.

Laviolette, on the other hand, is expected to receive serious consideration from other NHL teams. The Anaheim Ducks and the Columbus Blue Jackets are among franchises with a head coach opening at the moment.  

The post Washington Capitals Part Ways With Head Coach Peter Laviolette appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is set to spend an extended period away from the team as he spends time with his family attending to the health of a loved one. He will be away for the rest of the week and could be unavailable for even longer.

General manager Brian MacLellan informed the team of Ovechkin’s absence prior to a morning skate on Tuesday. While no further details have been revealed, the team is preparing for the scenario in which they have to continue without Ovechkin over the long term.

“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette stated. “He’s going to deal with some things right now and we’re going to be supportive.”

Ovechkin’s absence will be further complicated because his family is located in Russia. With no direct flights between the United States and Moscow at present, as well as travel restrictions due to the ongoing war with Ukraine, Ovechkin’s journey to his family may be challenging. This also puts his return to the United States in jeopardy.

The post Capitals May Be Without Alex Ovechkin for Extended Period appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals right winger Tom Wilson underwent reconstructive surgery on the ACL in his left knee, ruling him out of action for 6-8 months. As a result, Wilson will most likely miss the first month of the upcoming NHL season.

“My summer sucks now. It’s going to be a grind for me. I’ve got to start my recovery,” Wilson stated during an exit interview. The 28-year-old injured his left knee while attempting to avoid a hit during the Capitals’ playoff opener against the Florida Panthers.

On Wednesday, the Capitals announced that Wilson’s ACL replacement surgery had been successfully completed the previous day. Still, Wilson’s absence due to his extended recovery time will be a major blow to the Capitals, who are already without veteran center Nicklas Backstrom due to his persisting hip injury and doubtful playing future.

Should Wilson’s recovery go according to schedule, he will most likely miss around 20 games in the upcoming season, making it that much more challenging for the Capitals to advance to the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup back in 2018.

Prior to incurring his ACL injury, Wilson excelled in his performance during the regular season, setting career high figures of 24 goals, 28 assists, and 52 points.

The post Capitals’ Tom Wilson to Miss 6-8 Months Through Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Veteran center Nic Dowd did enough so far in the 2021-22 NHL season to extend his stay with the Washington Capitals for years to come. Three, to be exact.

The Capitals made an official announcement on Sunday to confirm that Dowd inked a new three-year extension with the franchise. The 31-year-old got a healthy raise and will earn $1.3 million through 2024-25. He is currently playing on a $750,000 salary.

Speaking with reporters after the news out, Dowd said the Capitals are “a great spot to play” and explained that he feels at home with the organization. Another major reason for his decision was the uncertainty of the free agency in recent years.

“Free agency hasn’t been as friendly in the last couple of years to a lot of people,” Dowd added. “You see, some guys that don’t sign big deals, and that kind of surprises you, so I think the risk assessment was the biggest [part of the] decision-making process.”

Nic Dowd previously also played with the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. He arrived in Washington as a free agent ahead of the 2018-19 NHL season. Dowd’s career stats include 35 goals and 43 assists for a total of 78 points in 307 NHL career games.

The post Center Nic Dowd Receives 3-Year Extension from the Capitals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals will be without left winger Alex Ovechkin after the 36-year-old star suffered a lower-body injury during his team’s match against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night. According to the Capitals, Ovechkin’s injury will be further examined soon.

Ovechkin bumped into Flyers forward Travis Konecny in the first period, after which he collapsed on the ice. After being slow to arise, Ovechkin was unable to place his weight on his left leg and had no choice but to sit out of the remainder of his team’s 3-5 victory.

Capitals coach Peter Laviolette had the following to say on the incident: “Any time a player leaves the ice you’re concerned. They’re going to re-evaluate him tomorrow and assess him for practice the next day. I think that’s where it’s at right now.”

In addition to Ovechkin, the Capitals are expected to be without top center Nicklas Backstrom at the start of the season due to the player suffering from a hip injury.

Ovechkin is at the start of a brand new, $47.5 million, five-year contract. He also happens to be the fifth-highest point scorer on the NHL career goals list.

The post Alex Ovechkin Injured In Capitals’ Preseason Finale appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals didn’t wait for too long before taking advantage of the league’s approval of jersey advertisement. The Capitals announced on Friday that they teamed up with Caesars Entertainment and will feature the Caesars Sportsbook logo on their jerseys starting the 2022-23 NHL season.

The logo will be displayed in the form of a 3 x 3.5-inch jersey patch and will be part of the Capitals’ home and third jerseys. The away jersey will be ad-free due to different regulations on sports betting in different markets.

The NHL previously allowed the teams to sell advertisements on their helmets, introducing the program for the first time during the 2019-20 NHL season. After a successful launch, the league decided to expand it by allowing the teams to also sell advertising space on their jerseys. The announcement was made this summer, but jersey sponsorships won’t come into effect until the 2022-23 season.

NHL will become the third major sports league in the United States to allow jersey sponsorship. NBA introduced jersey sponsorships in the 2017-18 season while the MLB followed in the 2020 season. Currently, only the NFL resisted the trend and still doesn’t allow ads on teams’ uniforms.

The post Washington Capitals First NHL Team to Land Jersey Sponsorship appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin continues to write his name in the NHL history books. By scoring two goals in a 2-5 win over the Calgary Flames, Ovechkin became just the third player ever to have 19 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.

Ovechkin now has 21 goals in the 2023-24 NHL campaign and has added 31 assists for a total of 52 points in 64 games.

Besides Ovechkin, only Gordie Howe and Brendan Shanahan managed to have 19 straight 20-goal seasons. Howe actually had 22 seasons with at least 20 goals, from 1949-50 to 1970-71. However, Ovechkin is the only player in NHL history to start the streak in his first season in the league.

The two goals also got Ovechkin closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record. His goal tally in the NHL now stands at 843 goals, and he needs to score 52 more to jump over Gretzky.

“There’s not many things that hasn’t been said about him, but he keeps doing it, even at age 38. It’s fun to be a part of, fun to watch,” said Capitals’ Dylan Strome about Ovechkin.

Ovechkin himself focused on the importance of the win, their third straight, which moved the Capitals into a wild-card spot.

“We know it’s not going to be easy. We keep fighting, keep playing,” said Ovechkin. “We still can do it. We’re still in the battle. Every point counts.”

The post Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin Becomes Third Player in NHL History With 19 Consecutive 20-Goal Seasons appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Reigning Stanley Cup champions the Vegas Golden Knights added more depth to their roster as they prepare to embark on another deep playoff run. They acquired veteran forward Anthony Mantha in a trade with the Washington Capitals, confirming the move on Tuesday.

According to the announcement, Vegas gave up a second-round pick in 2024 and a 2026 fourth-rounder to get Mantha.

The Athletic reports that the deal between Vegas and Capitals will see Washington retaining 50% of Mantha’s salary. Mantha is set to earn $5.7 million in 2023-24. This is significant for the Golden Knights as they will be able to make more additions before the trade deadline wraps up.

Golden Knights have been on the market for an offensive-minded addition since losing captain Mark Stone to a season-ending injury. Stone suffered a lacerated spleen in February and has been placed on a long-term injured reserve.

Mantha made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2015–16 season. He spent five and a half years with the franchise before being traded to the Capitals midway through the 2020-21 campaign. This season, Mantha has 20 goals and 14 assists for a total of 34 points in 56 games.

Vegas Golden Knights are currently sitting third in the Pacific Division with a 33-22-7 record and 73 points. They are currently holding onto a wild-card spot but have Nashville Predators and LA Kings breathing down their neck.

The post Vegas Golden Knights Acquire FW Anthony Mantha in a Trade with Capitals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan revealed that center Nicklas Backstrom is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. This update comes as Backstrom continues to struggle to cope with his surgically repaired left hip.

“It’s emotional for everybody. He’s been such a big part of the organization,” MacLellan explained. “It’s a tough situation, and eventually everybody’s got to move on.” The 36-year-old player is expected to be placed on long-term injured reserve.

Behind captain Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom is the longest-serving player on the Capitals’ roster. His 762 career assists are the most in the franchise’s history. After returning from his surgery in the summer of 2022, Backstrom has only managed to appear in eight games.

The post Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom Likely Out for Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has decided to take some time away from the team due to ongoing health issues, the team confirmed on Wednesday. The player has struggled to find his form as he battles with a hip injury.

“Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game,” Backstrom announced. “This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and fans for their unwavering support throughout this process. I ask for privacy at this time as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward.”

Backstrom underwent surgery on his left hip in June 2022, only to return to action in January this year. While he scored seven goals and 21 points in 39 games last season while averaging just 17 minutes per game, he has only scored one point in eight games this season.

The post Capitals Center Nicklas Backstrom Takes Break Due to Personal Reasons appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals announced on Friday that they had parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette. The team described the decision as “mutual.”

Laviolette leaves the franchise after a disappointing 2022-23 campaign that saw the Capitals miss the playoffs for the first time in nine years. The team finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 35-37-10 record.

“We are grateful for Peter’s leadership and dedication to our organization for the last three seasons,” Capitals’ general manager Brian MacLellan said in a team-released statement. “Peter is a first-class individual who has represented our club with integrity and guided our team through many difficult circumstances in his tenure as our head coach. We wish him all the best moving forward.”

The Capitals brought in Laviolette in 2020 as a replacement for Todd Reirden. He led the team to Stanley Cup playoffs in his first two seasons at the helm but failed to progress past the first round. Laviolette compiled a record of 115-78-27 during his time with Washington.

MacLellan is expected to take some time during his search for the franchise’s new head coach, but there are already several names being mentioned as potential candidates. The list includes Todd Nelson, head coach of Capitals’ AHL affiliate Hershey Bears, Tampa Bay Lightning’s assistant Jeff Halpern and Toronto Maple Leafs’ assistant Spencer Carbery.

Laviolette, on the other hand, is expected to receive serious consideration from other NHL teams. The Anaheim Ducks and the Columbus Blue Jackets are among franchises with a head coach opening at the moment.  

The post Washington Capitals Part Ways With Head Coach Peter Laviolette appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is set to spend an extended period away from the team as he spends time with his family attending to the health of a loved one. He will be away for the rest of the week and could be unavailable for even longer.

General manager Brian MacLellan informed the team of Ovechkin’s absence prior to a morning skate on Tuesday. While no further details have been revealed, the team is preparing for the scenario in which they have to continue without Ovechkin over the long term.

“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette stated. “He’s going to deal with some things right now and we’re going to be supportive.”

Ovechkin’s absence will be further complicated because his family is located in Russia. With no direct flights between the United States and Moscow at present, as well as travel restrictions due to the ongoing war with Ukraine, Ovechkin’s journey to his family may be challenging. This also puts his return to the United States in jeopardy.

The post Capitals May Be Without Alex Ovechkin for Extended Period appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals right winger Tom Wilson underwent reconstructive surgery on the ACL in his left knee, ruling him out of action for 6-8 months. As a result, Wilson will most likely miss the first month of the upcoming NHL season.

“My summer sucks now. It’s going to be a grind for me. I’ve got to start my recovery,” Wilson stated during an exit interview. The 28-year-old injured his left knee while attempting to avoid a hit during the Capitals’ playoff opener against the Florida Panthers.

On Wednesday, the Capitals announced that Wilson’s ACL replacement surgery had been successfully completed the previous day. Still, Wilson’s absence due to his extended recovery time will be a major blow to the Capitals, who are already without veteran center Nicklas Backstrom due to his persisting hip injury and doubtful playing future.

Should Wilson’s recovery go according to schedule, he will most likely miss around 20 games in the upcoming season, making it that much more challenging for the Capitals to advance to the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup back in 2018.

Prior to incurring his ACL injury, Wilson excelled in his performance during the regular season, setting career high figures of 24 goals, 28 assists, and 52 points.

The post Capitals’ Tom Wilson to Miss 6-8 Months Through Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Veteran center Nic Dowd did enough so far in the 2021-22 NHL season to extend his stay with the Washington Capitals for years to come. Three, to be exact.

The Capitals made an official announcement on Sunday to confirm that Dowd inked a new three-year extension with the franchise. The 31-year-old got a healthy raise and will earn $1.3 million through 2024-25. He is currently playing on a $750,000 salary.

Speaking with reporters after the news out, Dowd said the Capitals are “a great spot to play” and explained that he feels at home with the organization. Another major reason for his decision was the uncertainty of the free agency in recent years.

“Free agency hasn’t been as friendly in the last couple of years to a lot of people,” Dowd added. “You see, some guys that don’t sign big deals, and that kind of surprises you, so I think the risk assessment was the biggest [part of the] decision-making process.”

Nic Dowd previously also played with the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. He arrived in Washington as a free agent ahead of the 2018-19 NHL season. Dowd’s career stats include 35 goals and 43 assists for a total of 78 points in 307 NHL career games.

The post Center Nic Dowd Receives 3-Year Extension from the Capitals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals will be without left winger Alex Ovechkin after the 36-year-old star suffered a lower-body injury during his team’s match against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night. According to the Capitals, Ovechkin’s injury will be further examined soon.

Ovechkin bumped into Flyers forward Travis Konecny in the first period, after which he collapsed on the ice. After being slow to arise, Ovechkin was unable to place his weight on his left leg and had no choice but to sit out of the remainder of his team’s 3-5 victory.

Capitals coach Peter Laviolette had the following to say on the incident: “Any time a player leaves the ice you’re concerned. They’re going to re-evaluate him tomorrow and assess him for practice the next day. I think that’s where it’s at right now.”

In addition to Ovechkin, the Capitals are expected to be without top center Nicklas Backstrom at the start of the season due to the player suffering from a hip injury.

Ovechkin is at the start of a brand new, $47.5 million, five-year contract. He also happens to be the fifth-highest point scorer on the NHL career goals list.

The post Alex Ovechkin Injured In Capitals’ Preseason Finale appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Washington Capitals didn’t wait for too long before taking advantage of the league’s approval of jersey advertisement. The Capitals announced on Friday that they teamed up with Caesars Entertainment and will feature the Caesars Sportsbook logo on their jerseys starting the 2022-23 NHL season.

The logo will be displayed in the form of a 3 x 3.5-inch jersey patch and will be part of the Capitals’ home and third jerseys. The away jersey will be ad-free due to different regulations on sports betting in different markets.

The NHL previously allowed the teams to sell advertisements on their helmets, introducing the program for the first time during the 2019-20 NHL season. After a successful launch, the league decided to expand it by allowing the teams to also sell advertising space on their jerseys. The announcement was made this summer, but jersey sponsorships won’t come into effect until the 2022-23 season.

NHL will become the third major sports league in the United States to allow jersey sponsorship. NBA introduced jersey sponsorships in the 2017-18 season while the MLB followed in the 2020 season. Currently, only the NFL resisted the trend and still doesn’t allow ads on teams’ uniforms.

The post Washington Capitals First NHL Team to Land Jersey Sponsorship appeared first on SportzBonanza.