Seen and heard last night at MCI Center:
ANGELSTAD RECALLED — After 12 seasons and 702 games in the minors, 32-year-old left wing Mel Angelstad finally made his NHL debut for the Caps against the New York Rangers. Angelstad, who was recalled from Portland of the American Hockey League, has played for 11 franchises and scored 31 goals. His appearance extended the Caps’ record to 51 players used this season, four shy of the NHL mark held by the 1991-92 Boston Bruins. The Caps sent center Brooks Laich and defenseman Jakub Cutta to the Pirates.
“When [Portland coach] Tim Army told me I was coming up, I was in tears,” said Angelstad, who played 13:21. “It’s fantastic that the organization gave me this opportunity. It’s something they didn’t have to do. It wasn’t like I was tearing up the league and really deserved it. I was on cloud nine out there today. I think my heart rate was about 210 on my first shift.”
The only downside for Angelstad is that he had to sign a one-way contract, which means he can’t return to the Pirates for their playoff run.
FAN APPRECIATION DAY — The Caps honored the fans who have endured their worst season in 26 years with video tributes, posters and the chance to win autographed team jerseys. One fan won a Dodge Durango truck while others took home framed posters of Caps greats and gift certificates to area businesses. Char Rhinehart-Silberstein of Falls Church was honored as the Caps’ “Seventh Man,” giving her the chance to be named the NHL’s “Seventh Man” and “Commissioner for a Day.”
— David Elfin
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