Here's What Home Ice Advantage Sounds Like

We put together some clips of the crowd reactions from the Caps huge game 5 overtime win over the New York Rangers so you can see what it is like to be in a nervous but excited arena during the NHL playoffs.  And then, at the end, it all comes together as the crowd goes insane when the Caps pull out the win on a Mike Ribeiro game winner.  Check out the video.

Impromptu Go-Go Dance Party Breaks Out On F Street After Caps Defeat Rangers

On Friday night at Verizon Center, after the Washington Capitals defeated the New York Rangers with an exciting overtime goal, a big thunderstorm broke out just as the huge crowd was exiting the Verizon Center.  That didn't stop the over-excited crowd from expressing their joy after witnessing an amazing and important victory.

A large group of fans gathered around a street performing band and a huge dance party broke out.  While many people (and the band) were packed under a small corner overhang, several were just dancing in the rain, soaking wet.  It was fun and a really cool scene.

At one point a father puts his tiny daughter on his shoulders and the crowd begins to dance with them as the little girl bounces like crazy as she holds up a "World's Biggest Caps Fan" sign.  You can see what you missed in the video below.

Mike Green Sinks Goal, Verizon Breaks My Ears

The Caps just won game 2 of the series against the Rangers in overtime on this game winning goal by Mike Green.  A tired and nervously quiet Verizon Center after 60 minutes of no scoring, goes from 0 to 11 in about 2 seconds.  Listen & watch as the roof blows off.

Caps Fans At Nats Game In Miami

A couple of Washington Capitals fans were down in Miami Rocking the Red as they watched the Washington Nationals take on the Miami Marlins.  CAPS FANS ARE EVERYWHERE!

Ladies At Caps Game Give The Camera The Tongue, Joe B Not Happy

These ladies were excited to be in front of the cameras on Saturday Night at the Caps game.  Have a look at their scandalous actions that got Joe B all riled up.

Caps Fans Sacrifice Chicken & Goat (Exclusive Video)

The Washington Capitals are currently in last place in the NHL and the players and fans don't seem to know what to do.  Jay Beagle had an interesting take on the Caps' problems and how to solve them.



No, he didn't say to practice harder, or for a Captain to show up to optional events.  He instead suggested a more bizarre plan.

“I don’t know if we have to sacrifice a cow or something. I don’t know what we have to do.” -Jay Beagle (via Wash Post)

Well a select group of Caps fans took that Beagle quote a little too literally.  On Saturday afternoon following a Capitals optional morning skate, fans gathered outside the front entrance of Kettler Iceplex to partake in a wild ritual.

Jenn & Chicken Mode Slice The Head Off Of A Rubber Cow...For The Cup

Led by Caps superfan Jenn Rubenstein (@JennRubenstein), with help from professional DC Sports animal sacrificer Hugh Kaufman (AKA Chicken Mode), both a rubber cow and rubber goat were sacrificed to the hockey gods.


But this wasn't just some quickly thrown together bit.  This sacrifice was backed by prayer.  Rabbi Leigh Ann Kopans, blessed the sacrificial rubber animals via Twitter before the ritual.  Kopans wrote the following blessing:

The Rubber Chicken man lifted the Nats curse, helping them get to the playoffs, and it will only be a matter of time before the ritual lifting of the 2013 Caps curse starts to show its power.  Stay Tuned...

More Pics at RMNB

AUDIO: Mike Knuble Calls Caps Fans Bandwagon Fans On WIP Philly Radio Show

Former Washington Capitals player Mike Knuble was on a Philadelphia radio station on Friday afternoon discussing the different hockey towns he played in. On the on 94 WIP Afternoons with Anthony Gargano & Glen Macnow show, Knuble didn't really take a shot at DC fans, but did mention how it is not as big a hockey town as some other cities.  He also threw in the word "bandwagon" when describing Caps fans.  Audio Below, Starts around 8:50:

Here are a few quotes:

"Washington you see like everybody's a new fan, nobody is from there really, there kinda just jumping on the bandwagon" 

"But the cities like Boston, NY, Philly, Detroit, its like, My grandfather was watching, my grandfather was a fan, he passed it to his son, then passes it to his son, ya know its all the way down"

Knuble played over 200 games with the Caps over the course of 3 seasons, and at one point was honored by the Caps with a Silver stick for his 1,000th career game.  I once wrote something about his declining production and Washington Capitals fans crushed me for days via Twitter and email.  They really loved Mike Knuble.

It didn't seem like Knuble was "taking shots" but I'm pretty sure that plenty of people are "from DC".  Just take a look at all the Redskins name changing controversy news that is currenly happening.  Tradition, passing on from father to son, etc...

The Sports Junkies In The Booth With Joe B And Locker

During Friday night's Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers contest, the Sports Junkies Eric Bickel and Cakes joined Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin in the booth to promote their new show Table Manners that is going to be on CSN.

Caps fans, to say the least, were outraged, voicing their anger on Twitter.  There were hundreds.  Here are a few:

EB started off by putting his arms around Joe B during the interview.  He then screamed into the mic:

"WE NEED SOME OFFENSE WHERES THE OFFENSE WHERES OVI!!!"

EB Puts his hand around Joe B's neck

He then grabbed the mic out of Joe B's Hand and talked about why he was underdressed:

"THATS BECAUSE IM WEARING A DIAPER...YOU SEE HOW HIGH THESE GUYS ARE!"

The Junkies stayed in the booth for the game call.  While Cakes tried to do his best announcer impression, EB continued to think outside the box talking about the best part of their new show:

"AND WE DRINK, DON'T FORGET THAT, WE'RE DRINKING!"

Locker tries to get back to real life, but EB doesn't let it happen.  After talking for a second about the show, EB brings up drinking again.

"I WAS COMPLETELY HAMMERED BY THE END OF THE TAPING!"

EB Grabs the mic from Joe B's hand

Cakes threw in some zings while Joe B sounded upset and disappointed saying "Ay yi yi"

"I HAVE OFFERED TO MASSAGE BROOKS LAICH'S GROIN JUST TO GET HIM BACK!"

Joe B kept saying "Easy, Easy" while he was telling the story afraid what would come next.  Then Locker had a few comments semi-jokingly.

"I'm also glad you guys have about 30 seconds on the air" and We just lost some viewers".  

Then Joe B brought the subject of wine back up, all while throwing in some Junkies lingo "sillies".

"Have you tasted any sillies at the Palm"

Then when closing it out, the Junks talked about how they may not be perfect on camera, to which Locker threw in a zing.  "Don't worry you guys have already proven that" Then EB finished with:

"THERE ARE NO RULES, JUST DRINK MORE!"

Overall, it probably did not turn out as well as it could have.  I'm a big Junkies fan so I'm biased.  I loved it.  But as seen above and by Twitter searching, not many did.  I'll still be watching Table Manners. LOVE THE JUNKS!

Mike Green, The Beard, The Lockout, and the Unemployment Look

Ever since it was reported that Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green had grown a beard (or a "lockout beard") people have been wondering what was going on.  All week long at training camp the fans were really sticking it Greeny, who shaved off his beard just in time for fan appreciation night at Verizon Center.

During a fan night interview with Elliot in the morning, the radio DJ suggested that Green start up a new, playoff themed beard right before the season.  Someone yelled "Jinxer!!!!".  Right now, Caps are 0-2.  Not Sayin...just Sayin.

Check out our quick Mike Season preview that shows a few of these fan hecklings:



You can see Elliot try to chase down Mike Green in this video and to learn more about Fan Appreciation Night.

You can also watch the entire Mike Green Elliot interview here:

Alex Ovechkin's Very Very Very Blue Car

After practice on Friday, Alex Ovechkin came out of Kettler to sign a few autographs with his dry cleaning in hand.  Unlike his teammates, Alex usually only signs a few things and then gets out of there in his awesome car (that has been documented to land more girls than me)

You can get an idea of how he gets mobbed by the fans, and how some of them even follow him to his car trying to score an autograph, while also seeing that he is a real person.  He puts his dry cleaning in the passenger seat, he has to slide his big frame into that tiny car.  Plus the car is just awesome.

Caps Long Line Fan Appreciation Night & Video

"Beer Here"

"How Much?"

"$8.50"

"Damn"

That was one of the several conversations I creepily overheard Thursday night at the Washington Capitals fan appreciation night.  The free event at Verizon Center featured a ton of free food, a Caps practice, face painting, cheerleaders, and of course overpriced beer.

The event had about 10,000 fans attend, which is insane and possibly more than actual attendance at a Washington Wizards game.



One of the first thing fans noticed if they spent any time walking around the concourse was that many people spent a majority of the night waiting in lines.  The fans arrived early and lined up outside of Verizon Center before the event began. Herding up like cattle awaiting the farmer to open the fence.  And when the gates were open fans raced to another line, where they stood and awaited free food.

And why wouldn't the fans line up, the food choices were great.  They had chili nachos, buffalo wings, hot dogs, Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, popcorn, soda, and more.  And it was all free with just one catch.  You couldn't grab a second item for your friends.

Concession Lady Letting The 10,000th Person Know The Limit Was 1 Item Per Person

You should have seen the number of sob stories at the front of lines.  Fans complaining that they could only take 1 FREE food item were coming up with all sorts of stories to try to convince the men and women at the register to break the rule for them.

My favorite instance of this was a 8 year old (ish) boy in the Dippin' Dots line.  He was sent there to pick up some ice cream of the future for him and his brother, who was waiting back at his seat.  When the guy in charge gave him the answer "no" the kid was not happy.

In a very loud and authoritative voice the little person stated his credentials as a season ticket holder.  Obviously, he was not like the other rubes in the line.  He was special.  Didn't the ice cream guy understand?

The server still refused and the child was stunned.  He just stared at the guy speechless with a Tony Kornheiser like "Do you know who I am" look on his face before heading back towards his seat dejected and angry.  In my head I heard him exclaim, "Why I neeehhhvaaaa!" in a southern woman's accent.

Other highlights of the night included Elliot in the morning being awkward, Ovechkin saying his favorite NHL player was Dale Hunter, and Troy Brouwer dancing the Gangnam Style.

SEE MORE VIDEOS FROM TRAINING CAMP

I Told You That Was Joey Crabb!

Joey Crabb is one of the new faces on the Washington Capitals this season.  All week long at Caps training camp fans have been staring at him, trying to place his face.  Most of the time, he goes unrecognized by fans until a die-hard Caps fan lets them on to the fact that Crabb is on the team.

Here is a cool little video from after Caps practice on Thursday where Crabb pretends he is Marcus Johansson's friend, and not a hockey player.  He makes it past the fans with this strategy, but I wasn't fooled.  I laughed as he escaped unbothered.

Check out the video, and then what happens when Crabb is recognized, it is quite funny.  Joe also tells us what to eat if we want to play in the NHL.  I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with Russell Fouts:

Kid Asks Braden Holtby & Michal Neuvirth For Autographs

So a little kid, maybe 6 years old has this really cool Maryland hockey goalie helmet, and he was wearing it around Kettler all day.  Later his mom takes him to get autographs from the Washington Capitals goaltenders.  See what happens in this video.

This video is great because it starts off with one of the fans screaming "Brandon" to get Braden's attention.  Later, you can hear the little kid scream "Mr. Neuvirrrrth!" in an adorable kids voice. Enjoy:

View All The DCSN At Training Camp Videos Here!

Matt Hendricks Hanging Out With Fans

After a Washington Capitals unofficial practice, Matt Hendricks took a few minutes to spend some time with a small group of fans who were gathered outside of Kettler Iceplex.  Hendy talks about the time he spent in Afghanistan this holiday season to support the troops, the impending CBA signing, and the signing of former Cap Eric Fehr.  Check it out:

While all of the Caps players were very friendly to fans and signed all requested items (and took all requested pictures) Hendricks was extremely nice, spending several minutes small talking with fans.

View All The DCSN Training Camp Report Videos Here!

Caps Fans Ceremonial Verizon Center Puck Drop

Just found this footage laying around.  It was taken back in October on what was supposed to be the Washington Capitals home opener game against the New Jersey Devils.  Despite the fact that the NHL Lockout had cancelled the game, these fans got together and met up at Verizon Center to mourn the loss of hockey with a ceremonial puck drop.

Hard to imagine that it is two months later and there is still no hockey.

The NHL Lockout Stinks! We Need Your Help!

Hey everyone!  The "season" is fast approaching and with every new story that comes out it seams that the season may not be fast approaching.  The players and ownership are looking like the season could be pushed back (or never happen) due to a lockout.

I'm going to need your help, so if you don't want to read my hockey fan story, then skip to the bottom!

As someone who started watching hockey just last year you would think that this would not be a problem.  Just pretend last year didn't happen and go back to watching replays of Wizards losses on nights when the Caps were supposed to play.

Submitted By @slapbetcomish

However, something happened last season.  Something that can not be undone.  I became a hockey fan.

I watched every game, I lived and died with every goal and goal against.  I went to games, I wrote about games, I learned about hockey, and I even almost went ice skating once.  I even have a Caps shirt...that I bought! (I never actually bought any Wizards/Redskins/Nats shirts before).

The NBA lockout was rough.  But eventually basketball returned and by the end of the season we didn't even remember there was a lockout.  Hockey however, will not be that easy.  The local team is much better, the players play much harder, and the arena is much more full.  Plus...I'm kind of obsessed with the Caps now (see me attending every day of Caps Development Camp)

Submitted By Lindsey

What is going to happen if there is a lockout for the NHL?

Well I'm going to be quite mad.  I'm not going to start a Caps Basketball Soccer blog and cover DC United.  I'm just...not.  I want my hockey.  It is not fair.  Hockey made me like hockey and they are going to take it away!?  NO! NOOOO!  But what can I (you) do!

Submitted By @CapsBN92

HELP US!

I know that most of you who read this are feeling the same anger and frustration about possibly missing the NHL season.  In fact you are probably much more upset than me.  I'm a rookie.  So don't just sit there in your room crying and eating ice cream!  Speak up!

Send us your pictures (like the ones above) of how the lockout has affected you.  Pics of signs you made, posters, chalk boards, computer screens, or anything you feel gets across the point to the NHL players and owners that they should stop F'ing around and start signing some papers.  Pics of you crying, pics of you in the hospital, or however the lockout hurt you.

We are going to use te photos in a anti-lockout video, so send them in and get in on the fun!  Be sure to have your team jersey on when you take the pics!

Email the pics to editor@DCSportsNexus.com or TwitPic them to @TheDugsSports

THANKS YOU!

PS: If you have a picture of your pet wearing Caps stuff, send those in too!

A Farewell Letter To Alexander Semin

On Thursday afternoon it was announced that Alexander Semin had signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.  Reactions to the news was different depending on who you asked: some people were happy you weren't going to be taking those ever so famous stick penalties with us, some were shocked that a team would pay you 7 million dollars a year, and some were crushed that you would be "rocking the red" with another team.

My reaction was a little different.  I became a frequent watcher of the Caps in 2006.  I was 10 years old and my father finally convinced me to start watching hockey.  At that point, you could say the team wasnt very good.  The Caps finished 14th in the Eastern Conference with only 70 points that season.

The phrase of the time was "Wait until this young Caps team grows up," but quite frankly, Washington DC was tired of waiting.  And thankfully, the waiting was soon over.  Just one year later the Caps won the 2007-08 Southeast Division title.

The Caps team was carried by 4 fledgling snipers...four "young guns"... Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green, and Mr. Alexander Semin, for whom I write the following letter:

Dear Alexander Valerevich Semin,

Around 2 PM yesterday, it was announced that you would be moving on from the Caps. Your new home would be Raleigh, North Carolina, to play for the Hurricanes.

The joy that your Capitals teams of the past 4 years brought me was indescribable.  A lot of that joy came from watching you play.  The goals, the assists, the stick penalties, the division titles and the President's Trophy, all lit up my life.

This past season, however, was different for you. You scored a career low in goals and the thought that you "don't try" was brought to a new level thanks to your ex-teammate Matt Bradley, and the fact that you were a little careless with your stick in the offensive zone.  Many people lost faith in you.

I however, did not.

Sure I got angry a few times like everyone else, but I knew for a fact that you cared much more then people thought.  It was a shame how it all ended for you in DC after all the great memories you provided for myself and the fans.

You could call me "Bad Melissa" because I don't care.  I don't care about the stick penalties.  I don't care about the perception of your attitude.  I care about the times when hope was lost and you were there to help bring it back to DC.  For that I am forever grateful.

I'm going to miss you on the ice in a Caps sweater, but I hope you have fun down in Carolina.  Just don't score on the Caps when you guys play each other...please :)  And most importantly, THANK YOU for everything you have done for the team I love.

Sincerely,


Melissa


Hopefully you understand how I feel about the former Caps forward.  And hopefully some of the new players can fill the void that he left behind.  Let's Go Caps!

Written by Melissa B, Caps Basketball's BROLO correspondent.  You can find her on Twitter @Unibrouw

Filip Forsberg & Tom Wilson Chatting With Caps Fans

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We will be live at Kettler each day at some point for Development Camp.  So follow us on Twitter @Dru90 @Camcoco10 and @TheDugsSports for live-tweets and check back all week for coverage.

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After camp on Wednesday afternoon some of the players came out to sign autographs and talk to the fans.  Those guys included the Caps 11th pick in the first round, Filip Forsberg from Sweden and the 16th pick Tom Wilson out of the OHL.

Here is Forsberg chatting it up with the crowd:

More photos after the jump