Latest news with #Capitals'
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First Post
06-06-2025
- Sport
- First Post
'Time will tell with repercussions': Mitchell Starc issues first statement after pulling out of IPL 2025 midway
Mitchell Starc explained why he didn't return to the IPL 2025 after its resumption. Starc said due to safety concerns after Operation Sindoor, he decided not to go back. The Australian pacer added that he remains committed to Delhi Capitals and is ready to face the repercussions. read more London: Mitchell Starc is still 'heavily committed' to his Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals but only 'time will tell the repercussions' after he decided not to return after the resumption of the tournament unlike some of his other Australian colleagues. Starc decided against returning to India when IPL resumed on May 17 following a 10-day break after country's armed forces executed Operation Sindoor, a military operation in response to Pakistan-backed terrorists killing 26 civilians in Pahalgam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Starc, who was a vital cog in the Capitals' bowling line-up, took 14 wickets in 11 matches, featured in the contest against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on May 8 when lights abruptly went off in the stadium and the game was abandoned. Starc's wife and Australia Women's captain Alyssa Healy was also attending the game when the game was stopped and the stadium was urgently evacuated due to Dharamsala's proximity with the international border. The 35-year-old Starc said he had his doubts heading into that IPL game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings given the tensions. 'I'm comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and how it was handled,' Starc was quoted as saying by The Age. 'That's why I made my decision post-that, and my focus changed to red-ball cricket for about a week prior to coming over here (the UK).' 'Time will tell with repercussions or how it looks with guys that didn't return. But I've had my questions and concerns leading into that game, and obviously we saw what happened, which played a part in my decision,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Starc said for the same reasons he had decided not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy with the Australian team earlier this year. 'There was a little bit of that to my decision around the Champions Trophy (in Pakistan) and then once the tournament (IPL) was delayed, you start to think about guys' preparation for the Test match,' he said, referring to Australia's World Test Championship final against South Africa to be played at Lord's from June 11. Starc said things were 'handled differently for different players and different teams' in Dharamsala. Both the teams along with broadcast crew had returned to Delhi from Pathankot in a special train. 'Things were handled differently for different players and different teams, the guys up in Dharamsala, the Punjab guys were part of that, and while both teams had similar experiences up there, all those guys returned for Punjab, and Jake (Fraser-McGurk) and I chose not to,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It was a very individual decision, and I'm happy to live with whatever comes of that." 'I'm still heavily committed to the Delhi group, and I'm not someone that's gone into tournaments and pulled out after being picked up in an auction or whatever that looks like. These are different circumstances,' Starc said. Starc, who won the IPL last year with Kolkata Knight Riders, said having lack of information was also among the reasons he chose not to go back to India. 'It was more a question of not having enough information leading into making a decision (about) things of that degree. I had a discussion back home then came to a decision, and whatever comes from that I'm comfortable with that and we move forward,' he said. 'We will stick to the way we've been playing' Starc said irrespective of the talk about the WTC final against South Africa, Australia will look to play the brand of cricket they've been playing. 'We'll stay true to how we've been playing our cricket, the way we've been playing to get into this final, the way we've been playing it the previous two years to get to that final (in 2023),' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We'll have our tactical meetings and whatnot, but ultimately this team has shown over a period of time that we'll stick to the way we play our cricket.' Starc added, 'Close followers of the team would have a different opinion to South Africa about how we're going to play this week.'
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Inside the Alex Ovechkin email blunder: What it says about the Capitals, their future, and fan anxiety
Photograph: Nick Wass/AP For a few chaotic hours, Washington Capitals fans thought the unthinkable was happening: Alex Ovechkin, the face of the franchise and one of hockey's greatest goal scorers, was retiring. But then came the clarification, it was all a mistake. A sales email from the team's marketing department had accidentally described the 2025–26 season as Ovi's 'final year,' sparking a frenzy online and sending the Capitals' front office scrambling for damage control. While the Capitals were quick to say there's no truth to the rumor, the emotional storm this blunder unleashed offers a powerful glimpse into just how much Ovechkin means to the team, the city, and the sport and why his eventual retirement will hit so hard. What exactly happened with the Alex Ovechkin email? According to reports, the Capitals' ticketing department sent out a routine email blast encouraging fans to secure their seats for the 2025–26 season. But in the message, there was one huge problem: it implied that season would be Ovechkin's final year. Fans immediately took to social media, asking if the legendary winger was about to hang up his skates and whether this was how the team chose to break the news. The team rushed to correct the record, releasing a statement that the wording was an internal error and that Ovechkin has not made any decision about retirement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo But by then, the emotional wave was already rolling. Ovechkin isn't just a superstar; he's a once-in-a-generation player whose name is basically synonymous with the Capitals. Since being drafted first overall in 2004, Ovi has smashed scoring records, brought Washington its first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018, and become the NHL's second all-time leading goal scorer, chasing Wayne Gretzky's legendary mark. To Caps fans, Ovechkin represents consistency, loyalty, and greatness, so the thought of him stepping away, even if only hinted at in an email, hit hard. For many, the panic wasn't just about losing a player, it was about facing the end of an era. As of now, Ovechkin has made no official statements about when he plans to retire. He's under contract through the 2025–26 season, and all signs point to him wanting to finish that deal especially with his quest to break Gretzky's all-time goal record still alive. Also read - Veteran Jonathan Toews ready for NHL return with Maple Leafs reportedly in the mix
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Alex Ovechkin set to return for 21st NHL season — Can the Capitals' GOAT break more records at 40?
After two decades of electrifying hockey fans worldwide, Alex Ovechkin is gearing up for his 21st NHL season and he's doing it with the Washington Capitals once again. The 39-year-old superstar, who recently shattered Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record, shows no signs of slowing down. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As he prepares to lace up for another campaign, the hockey world is buzzing: what can we expect from Ovechkin's next chapter, and how much longer will the Capitals' iconic captain keep chasing glory? Alex Ovechkin's 21st NHL season: The next chapter in an epic legacy Alex Ovechkin's return to the Capitals for a 21st NHL season cements his status as one of the most enduring and prolific goal scorers in hockey history. Signed through the final year of his current five-year, $47.5 million contract, Ovechkin remains an essential figure for Washington. Despite facing injuries, including a fractured fibula last season, he still managed to net 44 goals, tying Gordie Howe for the most goals in a season by a player aged 39 or older. The Capitals' recent season was historic in many ways. Ovechkin led the team to a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference, a massive leap from their previous wild-card status. Although the playoff run ended in disappointment against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin's leadership and relentless scoring ability remained evident throughout. Will Alex Ovechkin's 21st season be his last or his greatest? Alex Ovechkin: The Greatest NHL Goal Scorer Of All Time As he approaches his 40th birthday, Ovechkin's future remains an open question. 'To be honest with you, I haven't thought about it yet. Obviously, I'm going to try to do my best to be able to do well next year and we'll see,' he admitted when asked if he would play beyond this contract. His teammates and coaches, however, are confident he can continue to perform at an elite level, with some even envisioning Ovechkin hitting the 50-goal mark next season, a feat that would break another NHL record. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: Whether this will be the final NHL chapter for Ovechkin or just another milestone in his extraordinary career, the Washington Capitals will once again rely heavily on their captain to chase new heights and chase that elusive second Stanley Cup . Fans everywhere will be watching closely as Ovechkin continues to defy age and expectations in his 21st season.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are redefining modern hockey
Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Credit: Getty Image) Goal Explosion Changes Playoff Hockey Forever This may be an unbeatable NHL Playoff record Injuries Reveal Hidden Playoff Heroes Toronto Maple Leafs scores winning goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Credit: Getty Image) Capitals' Retool Proves Genius The 2025 playoffs are highlighting hockey's evolution For decades, the Maple Leafs have been defined by postseason collapses. This year, they look different. Coach Craig Berube has instilled a calm, resilient mindset in a team known for panic. The Core Five; Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, and Knies; are producing when it matters first-round win over Ottawa showed maturity. In past years, a Game 5 home loss would have spiraled into disaster. This time, they responded with a decisive Game 6 victory. Their second-round opener against Florida further proved their growth. They held off a furious Panthers rally to secure a 4-3 low-scoring playoff games are becoming rare. This postseason is averaging over six goals per game, the highest since the early 1990s. Power plays are converting at a staggering 24.9% success rate, up from 20.6% last and Colorado's seven-game series was a showcase. Game 7 ended 4-2, far from the traditional tight-checking battle. Even overtime games are seeing more offense. Winnipeg and St. Louis played a 4-3 double-OT thriller in their decisive NHL's regular-season scoring boom has carried into the playoffs. Rule enforcement, improved skill, and aggressive strategies are driving the change. Teams can no longer rely solely on defense and goaltending. Offense wins star players should derail a team's chances. Instead, it's creating unexpected heroes. Dallas advanced without Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen, thanks to Mikko Rantanen's dominance. He tallied 11 points in the final three games against faced a similar challenge. Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey were sidelined for critical games. Yet, depth players stepped up. Cole Perfetti scored twice in Game 7, and Haydn Fleury logged over 33 minutes on performances prove that playoff success isn't just about top-end talent. Teams with adaptable rosters and next-man-up mentalities thrive. The best squads aren't just built for the regular season; they're built for was supposed to be in decline. Instead, they're a playoff threat again. GM Brian MacLellan rebuilt the roster without a full teardown. Dylan Strome, a Blackhawks castoff, leads the team in playoff scoring. Anthony Beauvillier, acquired at the deadline, has been a perfect Alex Ovechkin has adapted. He's no longer carrying the offense alone. The Capitals' mix of veterans and reclamation projects has created a balanced, dangerous team. Their first-round dismantling of Montreal showed their success is a blueprint for contending without bottoming out. Smart trades, underrated signings, and strong development keep them competitive. They might not be the favorites, but they're proving doubters more: 2025 NHL draft lottery, how to watch, odds, and key details Toronto's mental toughness, skyrocketing offense, depth resilience, and savvy roster builds are the new keys to success. The game is faster, more skilled, and less predictable than ever. Teams that adapt will lift the Cup; those that don't will watch from home. This isn't just a postseason. It's a glimpse into hockey's future.
New York Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
For the Capitals, ‘10 days in July' really did change everything
WASHINGTON — Spencer Carbery was sitting at a table in Capital One Arena, not long after leading the Washington Capitals to their first Stanley Cup playoff series win in seven calendar years, and he knew how he got there. There was no code to crack. There was no mystery. The Capitals' season — what came before Wednesday night, what took place in the 60 minutes of successful hockey Carbery's team had just played to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens, and whatever comes next — was a direct result of their offseason work. Success in the spring, fueled by success in the summer. Advertisement 'There's been stories written about it, 'the 10 days in July' or whatever it is,' Carbery said. ''Who they were able to acquire and the moves they were able to make.' And that put us in the spot we are today.' The Game 5 stat lines told the story: four players, none of whom were around last season, playing crucial roles in the biggest moments, successfully grafted onto a talented core that in recent years had lost its playoff touch. President of hockey operations Brian MacLellan and general manager Chris Patrick didn't think their team was good enough, so they made it better. Imagine that. Pierre-Luc Dubois. Logan Thompson. Jakob Chychrun. Brandon Duhaime. You're going to read and hear plenty in the coming days about the resilience of the 2024-25 Washington Capitals, and none of it will be wrong. It's easier to be resilient, though, when you're good — and Carbery, more than anyone, knows it. 'What has changed? One, games we find ways to win,' he said. 'But you also need a certain level of players that we were able to acquire and bring in. Those guys have their handprints all over where we are today.' That shouldn't be viewed as any real slight against the Capitals' warhorses, either. They still employ the greatest goal scorer in the history of the sport, and Alex Ovechkin did Alex Ovechkin stuff Wednesday night. They still employ one of the sport's true unicorns (Tom Wilson) and a No. 1 center who continues to improve year over year (Dylan Strome). Those guys, though — Ovechkin and Wilson, in particular — know how things have gone in the postseason since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. They remember how things went last year, when they scraped their way into the postseason with a minus-37 goal differential and were summarily stomped by the New York Rangers. And they will tell you things have changed. Advertisement 'You always want to get to the playoffs, and you always want to win as many games as you can. You want to win the Cup. Obviously, the last couple of years, we haven't been able to advance,' Wilson said. 'But the group in there, it doesn't — I guarantee you, if you ask a bunch of those guys, they're not thinking back to two, three years ago. They're not thinking about five years ago. 'Obviously, it's on the guys that have been here to lead the way. But the pieces that we've added and what they brought to the group, they've been huge adds. And they've contributed huge. So we have a great culture and a great core here. But all those pieces that have come in this offseason and built this team is kind of what it's all about.' It's fitting that Ovechkin scored Washington's first goal Wednesday. The second, though, was Chychrun using the offensive-defenseman instincts he'd flashed for years in Arizona and — briefly and less frequently — with the Ottawa Senators. Coming off the best season of his career, after years' worth of uncertainty and misuse, he has found a long-term home. He cost Washington a 2026 third-round pick and Nick Jensen, a 33-year-old defenseman who'd maxed out as half-decent. Jensen certainly didn't make a habit of doing what Chychrun did Wednesday. As Dubois wound the puck from behind the net back up to the right circle, Chychrun saw a clear runway in front of Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobeš. Dubois fired the puck across the slot, past two Canadiens and on to Chychrun's stick. Dobeš didn't have a chance. 'I know (Dubois is) a high-end player that wants to make plays, and I just try to find seams for him,' Chychrun said. 'That was just a play where I exploited an opening and he made a heck of a pass.' Dubois isn't just a high-end player; he might be the most successful reclamation project in recent league history. The Los Angeles Kings acquired him in the summer of 2023 and signed him to a contract extension they almost immediately regretted. Dubois played his only season in Los Angeles largely on the bottom six —with an $8.5 million cap hit that had yet to take effect — and bottomed out. Washington acquired him for goalie Darcy Kuemper, a problem contract of their own. Advertisement The upside was easy to see on both sides, even if it seemed unlikely to come to pass. Los Angeles got a goalie with some pedigree. The Caps got a center who — at least theoretically — was capable of giving them the substantive two-way play they'd lacked in 2023-24. And hey, it worked: He had just finished a 66-point season while playing largely shutdown minutes. On the other end of the ice was Thompson, dumped by the Vegas Golden Knights a few hours before he was scheduled to sign autographs at the NHL Draft. He gave the Caps, quite nearly, best-in-class goaltending for the first half of the season, and he seems to have regained his form at the right time, putting up a .923 save percentage and saving nearly three goals above expected against the Canadiens. A chunk of that came after a bizarre collision with Strome chased him from Game 3. 'He's a rock. He kind of did what he did all year. We feel really confident with him back there,' Strome said. 'I thought he was awesome all series, including when I ran him over. He bounced back pretty good from that.' At the end of the game, with Washington holding a 3-1 lead, Duhaime scored an empty-netter and functionally ended things. He's the kind of fourth-liner every good team has — the kind who ends up on the ice in five-on-six situations and has the kind of dressing room presence that ends up eating lineup sheets as a motivational tactic. He'd scored twice in Game 4, a necessary bounce back after a brutal Game 3 that saw him take bad penalties and score an own goal in Washington's only loss of the series. 'I love him like a brother,' Chychrun said. 'Obviously, so happy for him. I know he wasn't happy with one of his games this series, but it's nice to see him not get too down or too high on himself. He's really come a long way, and he's a guy we're going to rely on a lot here.' Through it all, there's Carbery. He's going to win the Jack Adams Award, and the vote shouldn't be close. We'll save that for another time, though. Wednesday night was about the new guys — the '10 days in July' guys. Time to see if they can be good for 10 days in May. (Top photo of Logan Thompson and Brandon Duhaime: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)
