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Articles by Brian McNally

Washington Nationals' Ian Desmond hits a solo home run in the third inning of a spring exhibition baseball game against the New York Mets, Wednesday, March 5, 2014, in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Nationals have at least two years - and maybe more - to enjoy Ian Desmond

For now, Ian Desmond hopes to make the most of the next two seasons in Washington. He is not guaranteed any more than that after signing a two-year extension in January worth $17.5 million. Unless he signs a long-term deal with the club, Desmond can hit free agency and the lucrative open market after the 2015 season.

March 6, 2014
Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak (41), of Slovakia, shakes hands with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, after the Canadiens eliminated the Capitals from the NHL hockey playoffs with a 2-1 win Wednesday, April 28, 2010, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Now a Capital, Jaroslav Halak will try to make new memories for D.C. fans

The goaltender once ruined the greatest season in Capitals history. Even four years later his name still evokes shivers from Verizon Center denizens. Those same fans must swallow their bitter memories from the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs and do the unthinkable: cheer for Halak.

March 5, 2014
The Capitals took Russian forward Evgeny Kuznetsov (center) with the 26th overall pick in the 2010 draft. His playmaking ability has earned comparisons to countrymen Alexander Semin and Evgeni Malkin. (Associated Press)

Hurdles to clear before Evgeny Kuznetsov joins Caps

The 21-year-old Russian, Washington's first-round draft pick in 2010, played in his final regular season game with his hometown club, Traktor Chelyabinsk. Traktor missed qualifying for the KHL playoffs with a loss on Tuesday.

March 4, 2014
Philadelphia Flyers center Vincent Lecavalier, left, celebrates his game-winning goal with defenseman Kimmo Timonen during overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals on Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Washington. The Flyers defeated the Capitals 5-4. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Dmitry Orlov loses cool, Caps lose lead and game to Flyers

Orlov scored two goals and had his team on the verge of moving into a playoff position for the first time in six weeks. But then his career day suddenly turned into a nightmare and there was no one to blame but himself.

March 2, 2014
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, left, and center Nicklas Backstrom do sprints during a Capitals hockey practice, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom back with Caps and in need of quick recoveries

Capitals stars Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom returned to Kettler Iceplex on Tuesday for their first practice with their NHL teammates as the league returns to action following a three-week Olympic break. But with a Stanley Cup playoff push looming, each man must find a way to quickly recover.

February 25, 2014
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning of a baseball game on Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg transitioning from phenom to veteran

Knowing his way around isn't a problem for Stephen Strasburg anymore. This week marks his fifth spring training in Viera, which makes him, if not a veteran, at least a comfortable presence as Washington begins preparations for the 2014 season. He's been through this before.

February 16, 2014
Secretary of State John Kerry, right, poses for a photograph holding the team USA hockey jersey with Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, in the locker room before their game with the Winnipeg Jets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2014, in Washington. Kerry was greeting players that have been selected for their country's Olympic hockey team. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

John Carlson, teammates can finally focus on trying to win Olympic gold

For weeks his focus was on helping the Caps stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. But once the final horn sounded in Saturday's 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils at Verizon Center, John Carlson could finally look toward Sochi and the Winter Olympics, where he will play for Team USA.

February 10, 2014
Washington Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin, center, celebrates his goal with defenseman Karl Alzner, left; left wing Martin Erat (10), from the Czech Republic; center Nicklas Backstrom (19), from Sweden; and defenseman John Carlson (74) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, in Washington. It was Ovechkin's 40th goal of the season. The Capitals won 4-2. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Ovechkin scores his 40th goal, lifts Capitals to 4-2 win over Winnipeg

The expected happened for the Capitals on Thursday night. Star winger Alex Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal in a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Verizon Center. It was the 66th time Ovechkin has scored a game winner in his career, tied for eighth among all active NHL players. But it took the unexpected to even give him the chance.

February 6, 2014