The Capitals rang in their 50th anniversary season in style.
The Capitals rang in their 50th anniversary season in style.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals rang in their 50th Anniversary season on Thursday in style, as alumni and current players took the stage at Capital One Arena for Caps 50 Fest.
History filled the District as members of the inaugural 1974-75 squad, select alum from other eras of Capitals hockey and a handful of members of the 2018 Stanley Cup championship team, came together to celebrate the team's milestone season.
Here were some of the top moments.
Nicklas Backstrom & T.J. Oshie take the stage
A sweet moment for the 2024-25 Capitals, as Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie took the stage to be with this year's team as it was introduced to the crowd.
The two storied names in franchise history are on the long-term injured reserve and are expected to remain there until the end of their respective tenures in D.C., as Backstrom stepped away due to hip issues while Oshie is not playing amid chronic back trouble.
Both shared part in memories and also participated on a couple of panels, reflecting on the past, present and future.
Alex Ovechkin puts Stanley Cup over Wayne Gretzky's record
When asked about his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky, in which he only sits 42 goals behind the Great One to become the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, Ovechkin said it's important to stay healthy, but also added another vital tidbit.
"The most important thing is we win another Cup," he said.
The 39-year-old is entering the final two years of his contract, and it is impressive to see that he is prioritizing another title over chasing down greatness.
Jakub Vrana flosses on stage, Cup makes a cameo
As part of a panel featuring the 2018 Stanley Cup team, Phil Pritchard, the Keeper of the Cup, was present with the storied trophy, as Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie, John Carlson, Jakub Vrana, Braden Holtby, Brooks Orpik and Devante Smith-Pelly all took part in a panel discussing the team's storied run.
At the end of it, Vrana put on a show and brought back his epic "floss" dance from the parade.
Rod Langway praises John Carlson
Rod Langway had some great things to say about John Carlson, as D.C.'s "Secretary of Defense" rated Carlson as the greatest defenseman in franchise history.
Carlson said that title "depends on who you talk to," but Langway explained what makes Carlson so good simply.
"It pisses me off," he joked, adding, "He makes it look easy."
READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS
- Dylan McIlrath reflects on making an NHL opening night roster for the first time in 8 years
- Why the Capitals sent Andrew Cristall back to juniors
- Jakub Vrana signs one-year contract, full opening night roster
- Capitals & Carbery happy to have Vrana back in the mix, excited to work with forward again
- Alex Ovechkin discusses why scoring has become so much more difficult in today's game, not stressing over Wayne Gretzky's record