Tag: Washington Capitals

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Sharks open road trip against Capitals in amazing fashion; First of 4 game trip for SJ

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (33) puts a stop on the Washington Capitals shot in the first period at the Capital Center in Washington DC on Thu Jan 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Collin Graf had a goal and an assist in that big second-period push — what clicked for Graf and the line in that 2:46 stretch to energize the team?

#2 Pavol Regenda’s goal proved to be the eventual game-winner — can you talk about how Regenda and Macklin Celebrini connected on that play and what that means for Regenda’s confidence going forward?

#3 Alex Nedeljkovic (goaltender): Nedeljkovic made 21 saves in a tight road game — how did Nedeljkovic stay mentally sharp during Washington’s late third-period push?

#4 Zack Ostapchuk tied the game and ignited the Sharks’ comeback — what was going through Ostapchuk’s mind as he headed to the net on that play?

#5 Macklin Celebrini played a key role in setting up the go-ahead goal — how did Celebrini see his role evolving when his teammates are finding the back of the net in big moments?

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Beat Capitals 3-2 With 3 Goals in 2:46

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks right wing Colling Graf (51) celebrates his goal with teammates left wing Pavol Regenda (84) and others in the second period at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Thu Jan 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Thursday. Zack Ostapchuk, Collin Graf and Pavol Regenda scored for the Sharks. Alex Nedeljkovic made 21 saves for the win. Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard scored for the Capitals. Logan Thompson made 23 saves in the loss.

After the game, Sharks defenseman Dmitry Orlov referred to San Jose’s 7-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, saying:

“Much better game than the last game against Vegas. We managed the puck the right way. I would say in the third we kind of gave up a little bit, some pucks around the defensive zone, kind of some soft plays. So there’s always room to learn, to get better. But it’s a tough road trip and it’s good to get the first win today.”

The first period was scoreless, with the Sharks outshooting the Capitals 11-5 and a single penalty called against the Capitals.

Dylan Strome scored the first goal of the game on a power play at 10:58. Alexander Ovechkin passed the puck off the boards behind the net to Strome, who was right at the post to score with a backhand. An assist also went to Jakob Chychrun.

Zack Ostaphchuk tied the game at 13:27 with a snap shot. Dmitry Orlov crried the puck out of the Sharks zone and through the neutral zone, passed it to William Eklund and then chased it down beh8nd the net. He centered it just as Ostspchuk arrived for the shot.

Collin Graf gave the Sharks a lead at 14:53, tipping Pavol Regenda’s shot from the left boards.

Regenda scored the Sharks’ third goal at 16:13. Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf won the puck battle behind the net and Celebrini passed it up to Regenda for the shot.

The Sharks outshot the Capitals 12-4 in the second period, despite taking two penalties and only having one power play.

Ryan Leonard made it a one-goal game with a snap shot high in the slot at 9:11 of the third period. Assists went to John Carlson and Martin Fehérváry.

The Capitals outshot the Sharks 14-3 in the third period, and took the only penalty.

The Sharks next play on Friday at 4:00 PM PT in Detroit against the Red Wings.

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong: Islanders Pelech gets gamer to defeat New Jersey; Rangers clobber Capitals 7-3; plus more NHL news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Islanders Adam Pelech scores a second period goal against the Washington Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont NY on Tue Dec 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 How did Adam Pelech’s late game-winning goal lift the New York Islanders over the New Jersey Devils, and what role did David Rittich play in the victory?

#2 What sparked the New York Rangers’ offensive explosion in the third period against the Capitals, and how did Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin contribute to the win?

#3 In the Panthers’ comeback against the Hurricanes, how did Sam Reinhart’s playmaking and contributions from Anton Lundell and Sergei Bobrovsky fuel the turnaround?

#4 What impact did Steven Stamkos’ overtime goal have for the Nashville Predators in their 3-2 win over the Wild, and how did Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly factor into the game?

#5 The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3, how did William Nylander and Sidney Crosby influence the game for their respective teams?

Join Jessica Kwong for the NHL podcasts everyother Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Brutal 7-1 Loss Against Capitals on Home Ice Ovechkin gets his sixth win in a row.

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Macklin Celebrini and Dylan Strome battle for the puck during a faceoff at SAP Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 (San Jose Sharks photo)

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Sharks have undeniably improved this season, but facing the Washington Capitals proved a harsh reminder of the gap that still remains. San Jose suffered one of its toughest defeats of the year, falling 7–1 to Alex Ovechkin and the surging Capitals on Wednesday night.

The Sharks entered the matchup on a positive note after opening December with a 6–3 win over Utah (12-12-3). But Washington presented a far greater challenge. The Capitals arrived sitting second in the Metropolitan Division and riding momentum with five road victories already on the season.

Washington seized control early, scoring four times in the first period. Ryan Leonard delivered a standout performance with two goals and two assists, helping the Capitals extend their winning streak to six games.

Ovechkin added two goals of his own, boosting his career total to 911. Matt Roy recorded three assists, Brandon Duhaime scored and added an assist, Dylan Strome chipped in a goal, and goaltender Charlie Lindgren made 23 saves in a composed effort.

Pavol Regenda scored the lone goal for San Jose late in the third period. The Sharks have alternated wins and losses over their last seven games and struggled to find stability in net throughout the night. Yaroslav Askarov surrendered four goals before being replaced by Alex Nedeljkovic, who provided steadier play but little relief against Washington’s relentless attack.

The Capitals struck first at 8:25 of the opening period when Ovechkin jammed in a rebound at the left post. Sonny Milano doubled the lead less than two minutes later with a one-timer from the left circle.

Leonard opened the scoring in the third period just 1:03 in, bursting down the left wing, slipping past defenseman Timothy Liljegren, and lifting a backhander behind Nedeljkovic to make it 7–0.

San Jose broke through at 12:58 when Dmitry Orlov’s point shot deflected off Regenda’s skate and into the net. Washington challenged for goaltender interference, but the call on the ice stood.

Despite that late blemish, the Capitals left San Jose with one of their most complete wins of the season, powered by Ovechkin’s scoring touch and Leonard’s breakout performance.

The Sharks now embark on a five-game road trip (Dallas, Carolina, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia) before returning home to host Calgary on Dec. 16.

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Sharks playing .500 hockey getting solid offense from Toffoli

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Left to right the San Jose Sharks John Klingberg (3), Will Smith (2), Macklin Celebrini (71) and Tyler Toffoli (73) celebrate a goal against the visiting Utah Mammoth at SAP Center on Mon Dec 2, 2025 (San Jose Sharks photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 On Macklin Celebrini and what he’s done and what the latest report on performance.

#2 What impact did Tyler Toffoli have on the outcome of the game against the Mammoth on Monday night, given his two goals and two assists?

#3 How did Will Smith’s performance — scoring two goals and adding an assist — reflect his recent hot streak and affect the Sharks’ momentum?

#4 What role did Macklin Celebrini play in setting up scoring chances, and how significant were his three primary assists for this win?

#5 How did Yaroslav Askarov’s (8-2-0), goaltending (31 saves) 2.96 GAP, save percentage 910, contribute to the Sharks’ ability to secure a 6–3 win over the Mammoth?

#6 With the Sharks scoring three goals in the second period (including one by Adam Gaudette), how did that burst affect the flow of the game and what did it say about San Jose’s ability to capitalize on momentum?

Join Len Shapiro for the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro: Hurricanes advance to next round defeat Caps; Jets live another day defeat Stars force game 6

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin (8) and teammates are dejected after getting eliminated by the Carolina Hurricane in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup Eastern semifinals in game 5 at the Capital Center in DC (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the Washington Capitals with a 3-1 win in game 5 taking the second round series 4-1.

#2 The Hurricanes Jordan Staal scored first and Andre Svechnikov score the go ahead insurance goal as the Hurricanes head to the Eastern Conference final for the second season out of the last three.

#3 The Hurricanes are now 10-5 in elimination games and have made seven post season appearances under head coach Ron Brind’Amour. With the win the Hurricanes could face either Florida or Toronto.

#4 The Winnipeg Jets avoided elimination with a 4-0 shutout over the Dallas Stars. The Jets had home ice the Stars with their backs to the wall down 3-1 but got a some scoring and great defense from their goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who stopped 22 shots to help the Jets cut the series deficit 3-2.

#5 Jets still under pressure as game six will be played in Dallas. The Jets need to win big or go home and the Stars need to win big to advance to the next round. Dallas has home ice are the Jets trapped or confident?

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro: Caps tie series with Canes 1-1; Draisaitl scores OT gamer Oilers top Knights 5-4

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) puts the biscuit in the basket against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adam Hill (33) in overtime in game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs second round on Thu May 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 Tom Wilson scored a goal and picked up an assist. The Capitals also got scoring help from Connor McMichael and John Carlson. The Capitals are the number one seed in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference and with the win they have tied up the series 1-1.

#2 The Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson stopped 27 shots and another 16 in the third period as the Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Second Round at Capital One Arena Thursday night.

#3 Leon Draisaitl scored the game winning goal at 15:20 in the overtime stanza to help the Edmonton Oilers defeat the Vegas Golden Knights at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to take a 2-0 lead in the second round of the Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs.

#4 In order for the Knights to get back into this series they virtually will need to win two games in Edmonton and the way the Oilers have been going at it that’s a long odds shot. The Oilers can finish this up even with a split in Edmonton going back to Vegas for a game 5?

#5 In the Eastern Conference you have Toronto and Florida with the Leafs in front 2-0. How do you see the rest of this series playing out.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

‘

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa Fri Apr 25, 2025: Canadiens dominate Caps 6-3 trail series by just one game; New Jersey takes it in two OTs 3-2 vs. Canes

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Juraj Slafkovsky (20) of the Montreal Canadiens scores on the Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) as Capitals Dylan Strome (17) defends in front of Thompson at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Fri Apr 25, 2025 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa Fri Apr 25, 2025

#1 Montreal Canadiens picked up their first win in the first round of the playoffs with a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals in game 3 at the Bell Center in Montreal. The Habs Christian Dvorak broke a 3-3 deadlock and exploded for three goals in the third period to come away with the win.

#2 Dvorak took the shot from the far left side the puck deflected off Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime and deflected past goaltender Logan Thompson. The Canadiens never turned back after scoring that goal.

#3 Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin scored a goal in the contest but he much rather have the win than the goal. The Capitals and Canadiens meet again for game 4 this Sunday Apr 27th in Montreal this a chance for the Canadiens to tie the series up.

#4 The New Jersey Devils star Simon Nemec scored at 2:36 in the second overtime as New Jersey beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in game 3 of these first round NHL playoffs in a well fought game.

#5 Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer scored in regulation for New Jersey. Jacob Markstrom in goal for New Jersey saved 25 shots. The Devils with the win cut the Hurricanes lead 2-1.

Mary Lisa does the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro Fri Apr 18, 2025: Playoffs begin Saturday night; Eight games in total

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Winnipeg Jets Dylan Samberg (54), Neil Pionk (4), Cole Perfetti (91), Nino Niederreiter (62), celebrate Pionk’s goal against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period on Wed Apr 16, 2025 during the final regular season game in Winnipeg. The Jets are the favorites in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to make the finals as they face off against the St Louis Blues on Sat Apr 19, 2025. (Canadian Press photo via AP)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro Fri Apr 18, 2025:

#1 Len, lets take a run down of the the NHL Playoff series. Starting with the St Louis Blues (44-30-8) and Winnipeg Jets (56-22-4). The Jets are the winner of this year’s presidents cup do you see them as the favorites in the Stanley Cup on Saturday night?

#2 The Ottawa Senators (45-35-7) going against the Toronto Maple Leafs (52-26-4) on Sun Apr 20th.

#3 The battle of the Florida teams it’s a real rivalry going on with the Florida Panthers ((47-31-4) they’ll take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (47-27-8) starting Tue Apr 22.

#4 Mon Apr 21 it’s the Montreal Canadiens (40-31-11) going up against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals (51-22-9) at the Capital Center on Mon Apr 21st.

#5 New Jersey Devils (42-33-7) against the Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5) this Sun Apr 20th.

#6 Sat Apr 19 it’ll be the Colorado Avalanche (49-29-4) at the Dallas Stars (50-26-6).

#7 Sun Apr 20 Minnesota Wild (45-30-7) at the Las Vegas Golden Knights (50-22-10)

#8 The Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5) will be facing off against the Los Angeles Kings (48-24-9) on Monday Apr 21st at Crypto.com Arena.

Len Shapiro does the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast Len Shapiro Fri Apr 11, 2025: Blackhawks score 3 third period goals in 1:33; Panthers closing in on Lightning; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Apr 10, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) shoots and scores a goal while Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (52) defends during the second period at TD Garden. Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

NHL podcast Len Shapiro Fri Apr 11, 2025:

#1 The Chicago Blackhawks shot a barrage of four goals in the third period and scored three of those goals in a span of 1:33 against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday for a 5-2 win. The Hawks Nick Foligno scored twice and Ryan Donato picked up his 30th goal for the first time in his NHL career. It was a sweet win for the struggling Blackhawks who had lost six of their last seven games.

#2 Brad Marchand scored his first goal as a Florida Panthers as the Panthers upended the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise Florida. The Panthers Evan Rodrigues, Mackie Samoskevich, and Alexsander Barkov all scored. The Panthers are now just one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.

#3 Columbus Blue Jackets Jet Greaves saved 39 shots and the Jackets came back from behind to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Thursday night. Greaves got called up from AHL Cleveland after Elvis Merzlikins had to leave morning skate due to a undisclosed injury.

#4  The Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin was honored before the Capitals game Thursday night for setting an NHL record for most goals with his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders on Sunday. Ovechkin picked up an assist to extend his six game point streak in Thursday’s game as well.

#5 The Capitals in the game defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 at the Capital Center in DC. The Caps win clinched the number one seed in the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tom Wilson also picked up his 33rd goal of the year and the Caps are now 8-1-0 in their last nine games.

#6 The Winnipeg Jets one of the hottest teams in the NHL and the number one seed for the Presidents Cup. The Jets 54-21-4 and they pass the audition.

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com