In a city like Washington, DC, the US Armed Forces are never far from our thoughts. It’s a side-effect of being the nation’s capital – the Pentagon is located just outside the beltway, and there are military memorials scattered all throughout the city. Every Caps game features a “Salute to the Troops,” and several current members of the Capitals are involved in non-profit work involving military families. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green both donate tickets to service member-specific charities. Matt Hendricks is known for his work with Defending the Blue Line, which works with the children of active service members.
The Caps as a team honor the military tonight, wearing special jerseys during warmups which are then auctioned off with a percentage of the proceeds going to Our Military Kids. Clearly, the jerseys were the right call tonight, as the Caps broke their home ice scoreless streak with a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at 10:46 in the first period (Troy Brouwer, assisted by Keith Aucoin). A second goal joined the first early in the second, giving Jay Beagle his first of the season (assists to Dmitry Orlov & Dennis Wideman).
While the game has been tied up as of the posting of this article, the fact remains that the Caps have come out strong and successful for the first time in what feels like forever. Everyone is breathing a quiet and tentative sigh of relief to see that kind of fire in them again.
Moment of Hershey Pride: Both primary assists on Capitals goals so far have been members of the Hershey Clear Day Roster (those eligible to play with the Bears in the playoffs).
End-of-Game Update: Well, it was nice while it lasted. And there was definitely a silver lining on the night, with the Caps closing out the night with a point to add to their collection. Unfortunately, it was a single point for reaching overtime rather than a win. Brooks Laich gets credit for tying it up after the Caps allowed the ‘Canes to catch up and then subsequently earn a 3-2 lead. The Caps lasted 3:38 into OT before giving up the game-winning-goal. Final Score: 4-3 (OT Loss).
Photos! Below, find a few more images of the Washington Capitals in their version of specialty jerseys. You’ll note, they’re much more sedate than similar items up in Hershey. A more complete gallery from the warm-up and game can be found later this evening here, on the author’s flickr.
