Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Jess Belmosto (Locked On Flames), Kyle Kjer (Locked On Ducks) and Shukri Wrights (Locked On NHL Game Night) are talking about the playoffs! What are the ideal playoff match-ups this year? Should the format change to 1-8, or keep the Wildcards? Plus, if you could only choose one player to start your franchise with, who do you choose?

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Alex Ovechkin has made history by becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in NHL regular season history with 895 goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky. This achievement has sparked discussions about potential future contenders for Ovechkin's record, with Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs being highlighted as a possible challenger. Matthews remains humble about the speculation, acknowledging he has a long way to go but has impressive stats, including a goals-per-game average that challenges Ovechkin's early career pace. With projections suggesting that Matthews could reach significant scoring milestones, the hockey world will be watching closely as he and his team prepare for upcoming matchups. In addition to Ovechkin's individual achievements, he is also actively pursuing records beyond the regular season, including playoff and professional goals that encompass international play. As Ovechkin approaches the end of his contract, he remains on an impressive path to not only increase his scoring totals but also potentially add to his legacy with a chance at the 2026 Winter Olympics if international competition restrictions are lifted. Meanwhile, Evgeny Kuznetsov, another notable player, is facing an uncertain future after a tumultuous season in the KHL, where he struggled with health issues and performance, following an 11-season tenure with the Capitals.

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A significant milestone was recently achieved in Caps history when Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record. This touching moment was celebrated in the locker room with longtime teammate Nicklas Backstrom, highlighting their strong bond and shared history since being drafted together in 2006. Backstrom, who retired in 2023, emphasized Ovechkin's enduring talent and camaraderie that has solidified their status as a legendary duo in Washington D.C.'s hockey scene, particularly during their Stanley Cup victory in 2018. As the Capitals look ahead, Ovechkin's landmark goal not only sets a challenging benchmark for future players but also positions him uniquely as he approaches the final stretches of his career and contract. Despite the emergence of talented young players like Auston Matthews, Ovechkin’s remarkable durability and consistent performance set him apart. Meanwhile, the team faces an injury setback with Aliaksei Protas, who is out for an extended period due to a lower-body injury sustained during a game. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the Capitals continue to celebrate Ovechkin's historic achievements and navigate the season ahead.

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Alex Ovechkin has made history by becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's longstanding record with his 895th goal during a game against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin achieved this milestone on a power play, receiving a perfect pass from Tom Wilson and firing a wrist shot that changed the game's momentum. His record-setting goal celebrated an incredible journey that began with his debut in 2005, and was preceded by tying Gretzky's record with his 894th goal against the Chicago Blackhawks, a moment that was joyfully marked by sliding across the ice in celebration. The historical achievement was recognized with a special ceremony involving Ovechkin's family and notable figures from the hockey world, including Gretzky and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who commended Ovechkin's accomplishment. Ovechkin expressed gratitude for his teammates and family, emphasizing the importance of their support throughout his career. Meanwhile, his current season remains exceptional, as he continues to excel with 42 goals in 61 games, reflecting a career filled with remarkable milestones and an ongoing legacy in the sport. In light of the Capitals' situation, forward Aliaksei Protas is week-to-week due to a lower-body injury, which adds another layer of concern for the team as they navigate the rest of the season. Later, Dan talks about the journey that got Alex to 895. In the final segment Dan talks about what the Caps need to do to start winning games consistently again.

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In this episode of Locked On Capitals, the Washington Capitals suffered a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite the challenging game, a key highlight was Alex Ovechkin scoring his 892nd career goal on a power play, moving him closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record. Ovechkin's goal brought his season total to 39, tying him for third in the league, and marked his third consecutive game with a goal. However, the Capitals struggled significantly throughout the match, falling behind 3-0 by the end of the first period, with goaltender Logan Thompson allowing three goals before being replaced by Charlie Lindgren. Discipline was also a major issue, as the Capitals committed six penalties, directly contributing to the Hurricanes’ success with three power-play goals. The game featured some physicality, including multiple fights, but ultimately highlighted areas that the Capitals need to address moving forward.

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Tom Callahan (Locked On Utah Hockey Club) and Armando Velez (Locked On Panthers) are here to discuss the playoff races in the East and West, whether there are any teams that can make a surprise push, if the wildcard race in the West is set, and whether Ottawa and Montreal can hold on in the East!

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The Washington Capitals secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins, marking an end to their three-game losing streak. Alex Ovechkin shined by scoring his 891st career goal on the power play, bringing him within four goals of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record. The Capitals excelled in bounce-back games this season, improving to a 19-6-1 record after a loss. Notable performances included Dylan Strome, who tallied a multi-point game, and Tom Wilson, who scored a crucial insurance goal to solidify the Caps' win. Ryan Leonard also made a strong impression in his NHL debut. The game featured a spirited exchange, with Nic Dowd opening the scoring for the Capitals and Vinni Lettieri and David Pastrnak responding for the Bruins to tie the game at various points. Despite a late goal from Pastrnak that brought the game within reach, the Capitals’ defense, bolstered by Charlie Lindgren's key saves, held strong for the win. As Ovechkin continues his remarkable scoring spree with 38 goals this season and a record 322 power-play goals, anticipation builds for the upcoming milestones he might achieve in the coming games.

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The Washington Capitals have officially signed forward Ryan Leonard to a three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $950,000, extending through the 2026-27 season. Selected eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Leonard is set to make his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins. His collegiate success at Boston College, where he recorded impressive point totals and earned recognition as the Hockey East Player of the Year, set high expectations for his potential impact on the Capitals, especially as the team aims for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition to Leonard's signing, the Capitals have also enhanced their roster by signing prospect defenseman David Gucciardi and preparing Ryan Chesley for an amateur tryout with the Hershey Bears. The team is currently dealing with a tough stretch, having lost three consecutive games, but notable milestones were achieved by players like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson. As the playoffs approach, the Capitals are focused on addressing their defensive challenges while keeping an eye on the development of their young prospects.

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In the recent episode of Locked On Capitals, the Washington Capitals faced a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, resulting in an 8-5 defeat at home. Despite outshooting the Sabres and showcasing some moments of brilliance, including Alex Ovechkin's 890th career goal and Jakob Chychrun's two-goal performance, the Capitals struggled with puck management, committing 13 turnovers and surrendering five penalties. Buffalo’s young offense, led by Tage Thompson, capitalized on these mistakes, hampering the Caps' efforts to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. On a brighter note, the Capitals have seen significant milestones from players like Chychrun and Aliaksei Protas, who reached personal scoring landmarks during the game. Amidst this adversity, the episode also reflected on the impressive season performance under the partnership of general manager Chris Patrick and head coach Spencer Carbery, emphasizing their successful strategies and focus on young talent. As the Caps aim for the playoffs, they are in a strong position, eyeing both the President’s Trophy and a potential Stanley Cup victory.

5-Hour ENERGY
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Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! 
 

Gametime
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FanDuel
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