Alex Ovechkin enters his 21st NHL season with the Washington Capitals, free from the pressure of chasing Gretzky's goal record. The podcast discusses expectations for Ovechkin's performance, highlighting his renewed energy and focus on team success. The return of paper tickets for season ticket holders is explored, tying into the team's 50th anniversary celebrations and potentially signaling Ovechkin's final season. A special jersey collaboration between the Capitals and Nationals is also featured, emphasizing city pride and community involvement. The host anticipates breakout seasons for young players like Connor McMichael and Andrew Cristall, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead for Capitals fans.

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The Washington Capitals made a bold move when they traded Darcy Kuemper to Los Angeles and brought in Logan Thompson from Vegas. What looked like a depth addition quickly turned into a franchise-changing move, as Thompson emerged as Washington’s new number-one goalie. At just 27 years old, he delivered elite regular-season numbers with a .910 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average, then elevated his play in the postseason with the best high-danger save percentage of any playoff goalie. The Capitals didn’t hesitate to lock him up long term, signaling confidence that Thompson is the present and future in net.

Meanwhile, Darcy Kuemper had a late-career resurgence with the Kings, posting Vezina-caliber numbers at 34 years old. His rebound raised questions about whether Washington gave up too soon. But with Kuemper nearing the end of his career and Thompson entering his prime, the Capitals’ front office clearly saw the timeline fit. By acquiring both Thompson and Pierre-Luc Dubois in the deal, Washington set themselves up for years to come. The franchise now has stability in goal and a centerpiece forward, making this one of the smartest moves in recent Capitals history.

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Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Washington Capitals face a pivotal decision heading into the new season: Who should center Alex Ovechkin? Dylan Strome delivered a career-high 82-point campaign, showcasing strong hockey IQ, smart decision-making, and proven chemistry with Ovechkin. While not the fastest or most physical player, Strome consistently generates offense, wins crucial shifts in the offensive zone, and provides the steady, reliable playmaking that Ovi thrives on.

On the other side, newcomer Pierre-Luc Dubois brings size, physicality, and elite advanced stats to Washington. With a 62% Goals For Percentage and 2.42 points per 60 minutes, Dubois has the raw upside to be a dominant force. However, penalties and consistency remain question marks. The battle between Strome’s reliability and Dubois’ high ceiling could define the Capitals’ lineup decisions this year—and may be one of the biggest storylines to follow all season.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)