By Stephen Whyno - The Washington Times
Because the Washington Capitals were done before the final horn in Game 7 Monday night, those watching had some extra time to contemplate general manager George McPhee’s work this offseason. But after the Caps became the only NHL team to make the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of the past six years and not reach at least the conference finals, don’t expect much to look different when they open the 2013-14 season.
By Stephen Whyno - The Washington Times
Ovechkin was held scoreless for the final five games against the Rangers and said he had some "bruises" but nothing that affected his performance.
By Mike Harris - The Washington Times
Easier said than done, of course. No one is going to hand the Caps a top-level player. Can they afford to sign one? Can they put together enough of a package to trade for one, even if it might cost them someone like Braden Holtby? If they can get one, they need to make sure they do it.
By Associated Press
Paul Stastny had two goals and two assists and Craig Smith had five assists on Thursday to give the United States an 8-3 win over Russia and a spot in the semifinals.
By Stephen Whyno - The Washington Times
The Caps spent much of the past couple of weeks making officials part of the story of the series. Maybe that was the problem.
By HOWARD FENDRICH - Associated Press
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin knows full well that his playoff failures are adding up. Published May 14, 2013
By Mike Harris - The Washington Times
That the Rangers may be a smidge better is not arguable. Five-oh better? No way. That a tight series became a laugher in the finale can be, in part, blamed on the Caps' ugly playoff past. There's not an elephant in that room. There's a herd of them in there and it is not an easy thing to clear out. Published May 14, 2013
By TIM DAHLBERG - Associated Press
The lawsuit doesn't read nearly as well as the story, which laid bare the life of an NHL enforcer for all to see. The way John Branch wrote about Derek Boogaard in the New York Times should have been enough to cause even the most hardcore hockey fan to reconsider the peculiar role that goons play in the sport. Published May 14, 2013
By ASSOCIATED PRESS - Associated Press
The Dallas Stars have fired coach Glen Gulutzan after he failed to make the playoffs in two seasons at the helm. Published May 14, 2013
By JAY COHEN - Associated Press
The top of the list includes Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Patrick Sharp is coming off another great playoff series, and Bryan Bickell and Dave Bolland have come up with big postseason goals in the past. Published May 14, 2013
By Rich Campbell - The Washington Times
The Capitals crashed and burned Monday in a 5-0 loss to the New York Rangers in Game 7 on home ice. That coincided with Ovechkin’s sixth consecutive game without a goal, the longest playoff drought of his career. Published May 14, 2013
By LARRY LAGE - Associated Press
The NHL playoffs are off to a heart-pounding start with a record 17 games going to overtime in the first round. Published May 14, 2013
By Mike Harris - The Washington Times
Who knew Mike Ribeiro's overtime goal on Friday would be the Caps' last of the season and that 72 hours they'd be sitting in their locker room wondering what happened. Published May 14, 2013
By Stephen Whyno - The Washington Times
Scoring 23 goals in 23 games, he was the reason the Caps' season turned around. But totaling just a goal and an assist in seven games against the New York Rangers made him the focal point of yet another early playoff exit. Published May 14, 2013
By SCHUYLER DIXON - Associated Press
Glen Gulutzan couldn't end the longest playoff drought in franchise history for the Dallas Stars and the second-year coach didn't hold the option on the remaining season in his contract. Published May 14, 2013
By Jimmy Golen - Associated Press
Toronto opened a 4-1 lead in the third period of the decisive game, but Boston cut the deficit to two midway through the third period and then scored twice in the final 82 seconds to force overtime. Published May 13, 2013
By Stephen Whyno - The Washington Times
Given the tightness of the series, it was shocking that the Caps did not put up a fight in being eliminated. And the end unfolded in stunning fashion. Published May 13, 2013
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI - Associated Press
Joanne Boogaard watched her son Derek duke it out on the ice with other NHL tough guys for six seasons as one of the most feared enforcers in the game, a 6-foot-7 brawler who was not there to skate or score, but to defend his teammates when it was called for. Published May 13, 2013
By Will Graves - Associated Press
The Penguins should feel confident — and a bit fortunate — to escape the relentless Islanders. New York dominated for long stretches in the series, using its speed to fluster Pittsburgh's talented but sometimes plodding roster of veterans. Published May 13, 2013
