Washington Capitals Hockey

The Washington Capitals hockey team are based out of Washington D.C. and are the home of several well known players such as Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Despite not being the best team in the league, the Capitals have quite a loyal following. Many of the players are from Europe and have grown up playing the game on a larger ice rink.

In recent history Washington Capitals hockey skills seem to be improving gradually. The Capitals did not qualify for the playoffs in the 2004-2005 season or the 2005-2006 season. The following two years, they made it to the playoffs, but lost in the quarter finals in 2007-2008 and in the semifinals in 2008-2009. Back in the 1990s the Washington Capitals nearly achieved league champion status, but it has continually eluded them. The first season the Capitals played for Washington D.C. they set a record for the worst record in the league: 8-67-5. Throughout their history they have also been plagued by frequent and long lasting injuries to players.

However, with the addition of some new players to the team, the Capitals are hopeful for the 2009-2010 season. Mike Knuble was added to the team on July 1, 2009. His contract is worth $2.8 million per season but is expected to be worth it. Mike Knuble is a talented player who achieved several awards in his career before signing with the Washington Capitals, including the Yanik Dupre Memorial for the 2006-2007 season. Also, critics anticipate that the new leadership will translate to a victorious record. See Bruce Boudreau hockey for more details.