Hathaway still keeps in touch with his former Capitals linemate.
WASHINGTON — The last year and change has featured three different NHL teams for Garnet Hathaway, but one constant has remained: a friend for life in Nic Dowd, his former Washington Capitals linemate.
Even across 139 miles and even playing on different clubs — and exchanging some not-so-friendly hits on the ice, too — Hathaway and Dowd have maintained a close friendship.
"We talk a lot," Hathaway said with a smile.
While Dowd will not play when the Capitals face Hathaway's Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, the two got dinner together in D.C. on Thursday ahead of Hathaway's first game back at Capital One Arena, a critical showdown that carries heavy implications with regard to the postseason and trade deadline.
And as Hathaway caught up with Dowd and paid a visit to his family, he also got to reflect on just how important Dowd was to his growth on and off the ice.
"I have so much respect for him," Hathaway said of his linemate.
For Hathaway, 32, Dowd played a major role in his development as a player and also helped him find his identity as a fourth-line grinder and penalty killer.
"On the ice, it starts in the face-off circle, just how much work he puts in to study the game, learn the game, work on his own game. I think that fed into how successful we were on the ice," Hathaway said. "We controlled the puck most of the time, started in the D-zone a bunch, we got out of the zone because of him... he was a big part of, I think, me figuring out my own game and I think we complement each other really well."
The two spent over 1,500 minutes on the ice together, hosted an off-ice podcast together and experienced fatherhood together, with both welcoming two kids during their time in D.C.
When Hathaway was traded as part of Washington's sell-off last year, Dowd said it was difficult to say goodbye, and the two shared one more coffee together before Hathaway left for the Boston Bruins.
"Really, really tough for us and my family," Dowd said at the time. "He's my linemate, we built on each other's careers pretty well, helped each other be successful and we were there for each other when we need each other and off the ice.
"You create a good bond with a guy like that when you battle with him that long, a better part of four years," Dowd added. "Our families were close and like I said, we watched his kids be born, he's the same with us."
Now with Philly and returning for an emotional homecoming, Hathaway holds still holds Dowd close and knows just how important No. 26 remains to the Capitals roster. He also said it's "no mistake" that he's generating league-wide interest going into the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, given his top-tier defensive play and consistent nightly effort.
"He’s a big part of that team and I knew that when I was there... There’s rumors going around the league now, it’s not by mistake that people are talking about him, I think it’s a long time coming.”