Matthew Paras

Alex Ovechkin says Game 6 is ‘probably’ biggest of career

Facing the possibility of elimination, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin acknowledged Monday's Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning will be the biggest game of his career.

Alex Ovechkin, Capitals on brink of elimination

After his team dropped the first two games of the series, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper said it looked like Alex Ovechkin was taking out a career's worth of frustration in one postseason.

Gary Russell Jr. thrills, beats Joseph Diaz in unanimous decision

Gary Russell Jr. was disappointed. He wanted a knockout. But after having been inactive for nearly a year to the date, the Maryland native delivered an entertaining performance Saturday -- earning a unanimous decision victory over Joseph Diaz Jr. at the MGM National Harbor in a fight televised by Showtime.

Gary Russell ready for hungry, undefeated Joseph Diaz

Before then, Gary Russell Jr. (28-1, 17 knockouts) will have to get past the undefeated Joseph Diaz Jr.. The two face-off Saturday at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, televised by Showtime.

Capitals waste Nicklas Backstrom’s ‘hell of a game’

Nicklas Backstrom surprised himself. As he went to take the faceoff, the Capitals center put his stick on the ice -- and immediately won the draw.

Nicklas Backstrom a game-time decision for Game 4 once again

Nicklas Backstrom appears closer than ever to returning from a right-hand injury.

Capitals have ‘got to be desperate’ for Game 4

From the left side of the face-off circle, there was Lightning center Steven Stamkos, drifting around -- ready to unleash the fury of his one-timer. On the right side was Nikita Kucherov, armed with just as an explosive of a shot.

Tom Wilson takes issue with Anton Stralman hit

"If I'm wearing a helmet from five years ago, I think I'm probably unconscious," Tom Wilson said of a hit from Tampa's Anton Stralman.

Lightning dominate Capitals in Game 3 to get back into series

The Capitals were dominated in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are now back in this series trailing 2-1.

Michal Kepny’s ‘under the radar’ presence has helped save Capitals’ defense

Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny flicked a wrist shot from the point, finding the back of the net in the Capitals' 4-2 victory Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Capitals now favorites to win the Stanley Cup

There's a new favorite to win the Stanley Cup, according to oddsmakers: the Washington Capitals.

Nicklas Backstrom doubtful for Game 3 Capitals vs. Tampa

Nicklas Backstrom will likely miss his fourth straight game with a right hand injury.

DeAngelo Hall announces retirement after 14 seasons

On Monday, Hall made it clear: His days of being a player in the NFL are over. The former Redskins cornerback announced his retirement at Ryan Kerrigan's annual charity golf event.

Capitals have overwhelming history on side

Teams have gone on to the win the series 95 percent of the time when taking a 2-0 lead in the third round of the NHL playoffs since the 1974-75 season. That's good news for the Capitals.

Capitals stay calm, respond after questionable penalties in Game 2

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin sarcastically clapped his hands after his pleas went ignored. Despite his objections, the on-ice officials held steady with their call: high-sticking on T.J. Oshie.

Capitals stun Lightning 6-2, take 2-0 series lead

Sunday's contest turned late in the second period when Lars Eller scored from the slot to put the Capitals up 3-2.

Capitals-Lightning: Game 2, how to watch

Nicklas Backstrom game-time decision for Game 2 vs. Tampa

TAMPA -- Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom will be a game-time decision Sunday for Game 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after participating in portions of the team's morning skate.

Lars Eller seizes moment with Nicklas Backstrom injured

Capitals center Lars Eller grinned and started laughing. He confessed to having a good and friendly scoring competition with teammate Jay Beagle over the last four to five months.

Capitals power play scorching in playoffs

The Tampa Bay Lightning made two crucial, if not dumb, mistakes Friday in the Capitals' 4-2 win in Game 1: they left Alex Ovechkin open twice on the power play.