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Adam Zielonka

azielonka@washingtontimes.com

Adam Zielonka was a sports reporter for The Washington Times.

Articles by Adam Zielonka

Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen (2) tries to disrupt a pass by Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, in Washington. The Lightning won 4-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

Capitals begin preparing for Tampa Bay Lightning

After taking Tuesday off, the Washington Capitals returned to practice Wednesday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex to prepare for the franchise's first Eastern Conference Finals in 20 years. They will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team that finished the regular season atop the standings in the East.

May 9, 2018
Washington Capitals' Alex Chiasson (39) gets the puck past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray (30) and Olli Maatta (3) for a goal during the second period in Game 6 of an NHL second-round hockey playoff series, Monday, May 7, 2018. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

‘Next guy up’ not just a cliche for Capitals

"Next guy up" might belong on a list of the greatest sports cliches, but that doesn't make it any less descriptive of how the Washington Capitals pulled out a series-clinching win while missing some of their best players.

May 8, 2018
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray (30) stops Washington Capitals' Shane Gersich (63) on a breakaway during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL second-round hockey playoff series in Pittsburgh, Thursday, May 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) ** FILE **

Capitals rookies take turns with top 12 forwards

Shane Gersich, Travis Boyd and Nathan Walker all normally would be healthy scratches if the team were just that--healthy. In the spotlight of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, these rookie forwards find themselves pressed into action in the top 12.

May 7, 2018
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, looks on during the first period of Game 2 in an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

Capitals could break 20-year D.C. Sports Curse this week

Washington is the only city with at least three major pro teams to fail to reach at least one playoff semifinals since 1998. If the Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins one more time, they'll render this list a relic of history.

May 6, 2018
Washington Capitals center Lars Eller, left, from Denmark, and Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, right, from the Czech Republic, celebrate a goal by right wing Brett Connolly during the first period of Game 5 in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jakub Vrana leads Capitals to Game 5 win with top-line heroics

Rookie forward Jakub Vrana was moved from the third line to the top mid-game, recorded one of his two assists after the switch and scored the go-ahead goal. As a result, the Washington Capitals are a win away from the Eastern Conference Finals after a 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night at Capital One Arena.

May 5, 2018
Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon is out at second base on a double play on Thursday. Rendon had three hits in the home-opening loss. (ASSOCIATED PRESS) ** FILE **

Nationals reinstate Anthony Rendon from DL

Rendon, the Washington National's third baseman who finished sixth in NL MVP voting a year ago, fouled a pitch off his left big toe on April 13 and left that night's game.

May 5, 2018
Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) collides with Pittsburgh Penguins' Brian Dumoulin during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL second-round hockey playoff series in Pittsburgh, Thursday, May 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Alex Ovechkin fails to record a shot in Game 4 loss

Ovechkin did not put a shot on the net Thursday night in the Washington Capitals' Game 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-1. The captain entered Game 4 with eight goals this postseason, including one in every game of this series, and 54 total in his career.

May 3, 2018
Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) stops a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins' Jake Guentzel (59) during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL second-round hockey playoff series in Pittsburgh, Thursday, May 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Penguins even series with Capitals in Game 4 win

The Capitals lost a road game for the first time this postseason in a lackluster showing against the Pittsburgh Penguins, in Game 4 of their playoff series. Pittsburgh evened the series at two games apiece with a 3-1 win at PPG Paints Arena.

May 3, 2018