Tag: Washington Capitals

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro Fri Apr 4, 2025: Caps Ovechkin 3 goals away to catch the Great One: Canadiens push to make post season since 2021 win 3rd straight game; Senators Ullmark saves 31 shots in 3-1 win over Lightning; plus more news

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Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) and the Boston Bruins defenceman Ian Mitchell (14) push each other as linesman Jonathan Deschamps (80) intervenes in the first period at the Belle Centre in Montreal on Thu Apr 3, 2025 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro Fri Apr 4, 2025

#1 It’s been a long time coming for the Montreal Canadiens as their push for a Stanley Cup Playoff birth continues. The last time the Habs were in the post season was in 2021. The Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 for their third straight win at the Belle Centre on Thursday night. Brendan Gallagher and Nick Suzuki scored a goal a piece and an assist. Sam Montembeault had 18 saves. The win gives Montreal a two point lead over the New York Rangers for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

#2  Linus Ullmark stopped 31 shots for the Ottawa Senators and put an end to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s four game win streak. The Senators came up with a 3-1 win on Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Lightning’s Brandon Hagel tried to score on a short handed break away but Ullmark stopped the shot at 5:58 in the third period to keep the score at the time to 2-1.

#3  Cale Makar had himself an evening for the Colorado Avalanche scoring his 30th goal and picking up two assists in a 7-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Thursday. Makar became the ninth defenseman to score 30 goals in a season since the Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green had 31 in 2008-09.

#4  The red hot St Louis Blues tied a franchise record with their 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Enterprise Center on Thursday night. Robert Thomas scored at 2:12 in the overtime stanza for the winning goal. The win ties the Blues with the Stanley Cup Champions Blues who won 11 in a row between Jan 23-Feb 19 2019.

#5 The Dallas Stars Wyatt Johnson got a goal in his sixth game in a row and the Stars won their seventh game in a row with a 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Thursday. In the NHL Johnson’s streak is the longest active run. The Stars Jake Oettinger saved 28 shots in the win.

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

The Chase of Great Ove Continues with a 5-1 win Against the Sharks

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Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin scored a goal at 10:54 in the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 16, 2025. Ovechkin is now just eight short from surpassing the all time goals leader Wayne Gretzky (AP News photo)

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE–Tough battle at SAP against Ovi and the great Caps.

Saturday afternoon’s contest was a contrast from Thursday night which was very special for the Sharks after getting another W in a while plus two more points in the standings. People also witnessed the first duel between two former first-round picks, Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. Saturday the Sharks got leveled by the visiting Washington Capitals at SAP Center in San Jose 5-1.

The assignment this evening, a tough one as the Sharks will try to get a second consecutive game in front of the best team in the east, the Washington Capitals.

The team is not just the best team in the east, but also has one of the greatest players in the history of the sport of Ice Hockey, Alex Ovechkin, who is in the chase to surpass Wayne Gretzky for most goals.

The first period was absolutely dominated by the Capitals, scoring three goals in the period. Dylan Strome put the first of the visitors seven minutes in from the start of the period. Then, two back-to-back goals by Aliaksei Protas two minutes apart.

During the second period, the game did not see any scoring, however, the game was plagued with fights, penalties, tension, and frustration by the Sharks for not finding ways to score. Tom Wilson, a familiar heavyweight, dropped the mitts with Zack Ostapchuk, soon after Brandon Duhaime will do the same against Noah Gregor.

Mario Ferraro picked up a penalty against Pierre Luc-Dubois.

The teal recorded only ten shots whereas the visitors managed to get 22 attempts on goal. The Sharks towards the end of the period got their minds locked in again and tried to set up plays, which neither one ended in goal. The team was clearly overwhelmed by the quality of the Capitals hockey.

In the second period, Macklin Celebrini opened up the scoring for the Sharks, and again, putting the team on his shoulders, setting the tone for more scoring. The Caps turned off any spark of shine for the Teal as 30 seconds apart, Trevor Van Riemsdyk netted the fourth goal in weird fashion.

Last time, Coach Ryan Warsofsky addressed having a special preparation to avoid any scoring from Alex Ovechkin, but the attempts did not work as thought. The Great Ove as he is known, scored the final goal of the game while also scored his 887th goal of his career, putting him just eight goals away from passing the Great One Wayne Gretzky.

The Sharks will have a few days off to brush off the loss and recover some energy to face another playoff team in the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes on Thu Mar 20, 2025 at SAP Center.

San Jose Sharks podcast Charanbir Mahal Sat Mar 15, 2025: Graf big help in last Sharks win over Blackhawks; Capitals Ovechkin nine away from becoming goal king

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Alexander Ovechkin is nine goals short of the all time goals record held by Wayne Gretzkey here is Ovechkin skating against the Los Angeles Kings on Thu Mar 13, 2025. Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals face off with the San Jose Sharks Sat Mar 15, 2025 at SAP Center in San Jose (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast with Charinbir Mahal (INDTVUSA):

#1  Colin Graf made headlines on Thursday night for the San Jose Sharks. Graf an undrafted rookie showed his handy work scoring twice. Will Smith scored a goal and an assist as the Sharks defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2.

#2 Talk about the job that Sharks goaltender Alexander Georgiev did between the pipe stopping 24 shots and allowing two goals and holding Chicago just enough for the Sharks to come away with a two goal win.

#3 The Sharks Tyler Toffoli added the scoring with an empty netter for insurance in the win. Toffoli was fired up needless to say after scoring. It’s goals like these that can get a team motivated?

#4 Smith opened up the game in the first period with a goal at 3:48 getting a pass from Macklin Celebrini. Smith now has seven goals, 12 assists and 19 points in his last 19 games.

#5 The Sharks in a Saturday matinee will host the Washington Capitals at SAP Center for a 2:00pm faceoff. Needless to say the all the attention will be on the Capitals Alexander Ovechkin who needs nine more goals to pass all time NHL scoring leader Wayne Gretzky to achieve his 895th goal.

#6 Big day today it’s the celebration of the South Asian Culture, celebrating diversity in the South Bay. On had local color artist Suhita Shirodkar. The celebration included a Bollywood dance, drama, and entertainment company based in Milpitas. Free henna tattoo art.

Charinbir Mahal is a reporter for INDTVUSA and podcasts San Jose Sharks hockey at http://www.sportsradioservice.com