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Preseason Ends, Fans Anxious for Season to Start

Red Rockers Tori, Kaila and Jennifer. (Caps Outsider)

It was all fun and excitement at the Washington Capitals’ last preseason game Sunday afternoon as the boys in red took on the Carolina Hurricanes. Fans were treated to a glimpse of what to expect from the Caps and the fine folks at the Verizon Center and Monumental Sports in preparation for the home opener on Thursday.  Amid the smiles, nachos, beer, and the screams of “Let’s Go Caps!” echoing throughout the venue, it was clear that everyone was more than ready for the season to start.

Red Rocker Ashley, a four year veteran on the Caps’ elite Red Rocker spirit squad commented on the anticipation. “Of course, we’re ready!” she said.  “It always feels good to be back.  We’re ready for that feeling of excitement for the first game.”

Avid Caps’ fans Dylan Kirkland and Katie Pritchard, originally from Richmond, VA, were in town from Missouri to take in the game.  “I hope the Caps are ready,” said Kirkwood, “I think Trotz moving Ovi back to the left wing will be a good thing.”

After the first period, Bob Freeze and Rick Weyrick of Fairfax, VA, has some positive things to say about how the team was progressing toward opening day.  “The Caps are looking better today.  Their passing looks a lot better,” said Freeze.

“The new players are doing very well,” added Weyrick. “And I like the Caps’ good control and making use of center ice.”

Britanny Vanderhoof was checking out the Caps’ merchandise like a lot of other fans at the team store.  A native of Arlington, VA, Vanderhoof has attended two preseason games this year. “I think the Caps are looking pretty good. They are getting increasingly better with each game and that’s going to make a big difference.”

Hundreds of pint sized fans were at the game as well.  The 3:00 p.m. matinee game was perfect for a fun-filled afternoon that didn’t interfere with homework or bedtime.  Eight-year-old Christopher Valko of McLean, VA, was one of those in attendance.  “I think the Caps are ready because they have good players and a new coach,” said Valko.

After the game, defenseman, Brooks Orpik spoke about the team’s readiness to compete in the new season. “We are ready to go.  We definitely have to continue working on the 5-on-5 and our PK.  After all, they scored two goals and that’s two too many, but it’s all coming together,” said Orpik  “You could see a little more chemistry tonight, a little more comfort with certain guys, as opposed to previous games.”

Brooks Laich talked about the need to cut down on the number of penalties.  “I don’t think we can take as many penalties as we do.  I think it’s something we have to have pride in. And it’s a new system, for the most part our guys have done a pretty good job grasping it.  We’ll certainly be better on Thursday.”

Coach Barry Trotz also addressed the media and had this to say about Sunday’s performance and the future.  “We were good 5-on-5 but we had too many penalties.  We need to be disciplined to compete in this league,” said Trotz.  “We are starting to create a family.  We’ve made good strides.  The foundation is there.  You’ll see a more cohesive team with more people around the puck.”

It looks like everything is in place for the Capitals’ opening night at Verizon Center against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 9.  It will mark the anniversary of the franchise’s first game at the New York Rangers on Oct. 9, 1974. To commemorate the occasion, Capitals legends will participate in a ceremonial puck drop, and the Capitals will wear white alternate uniforms during the home opener.

The 2014-15 season also will include a number of special events and promotions, including a 40th anniversary schedule magnet giveaway on Opening Night at Verizon Center on Oct. 9 and an Alex Ovechkin bobblehead giveaway featuring the commemorative patch on Jan. 20. Additional promotions will be announced at a later date.

So, stay tuned Caps’ fans.  It looks like it’s going to be a great season on and off the ice.

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(Caps Outsider)
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(Caps Outsider)
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(Caps Outsider)

Barbara Banks

Barbara Ann Banks is a freelance writer out of Rockville, MD.

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