2011–12 Washington Capitals season

NHL hockey team season March 2026 August 2023 NHL 2011–12 2011 Washington Capitals Eastern 7th Southeast 2nd 42–32–8 26–11–4 16–21–4 222 230 George McPhee Bruce Boudreau (Oct.–Nov.)Dale Hunter (Nov.–May.) Alexander Ovechkin Nicklas BackstromMike KnubleTroy Brouwer (Feb.–May.)Brooks Laich (Feb.–May.) Verizon Center 18,506 (100%) Alexander Ovechkin (38) Dennis Wideman (35) Alexander Ovechkin (65) Karl Alzner (+12) Matt Hendricks (93) Tomas Vokoun (25) Tomas Vokoun (2.51) The 2011–12 Washington Capitals season was the franchise's 38th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). Washington finished the year as the seventh place team in the Eastern Conference. In the opening round of the playoffs, they matched up with the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. Due to injuries, the Capitals were forced to play rookie goaltender Braden Holtby. Washington's defeat of the Bruins marked the first time in NHL history in which all seven games of a series were decided by one goal. Facing the East's top seed in the Conference Semi-finals, Washington was defeated in seven games by the New York Rangers. Holtby was lauded for his playoff performance, where he recorded a .935 save percentage and was credited with putting Washington in a position to win each game. Washington won their first seven games, setting a franchise record for consecutive victories to start a season. Shortly after, however, an early season slump prompted the benching of offensive star players Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin in separate games. The moves failed to produce results, and Head Coach Bruce Boudreau was eventually replaced by Dale Hunter. Boudreau's firing came seven days after he won his 200th game as an NHL head coach, achieving the feat faster anyone in NHL history. Under Hunter, the Capitals battled the Florida Panthers for the Southeast Division title, ultimately losing out on their fifth-straight division title on the final day of the season. Two days after Washington's playoff elimination, Hunter stepped down as head coach; Adam Oates was hired as his replacement. Individually, Alexander Ovechkin and Dennis Wideman were named to the All-Star Game. Due to a suspension for a reckless hit, however, Ovechkin elected not to attend the game to avoid being a distraction. Four Capitals were named one of the NHL's weekly three stars – a total of five times throughout the season. Three players made their NHL debut, while Mike Knuble played in his 1,000th game. Off-season left|thumb|175px|Alexander Semin was the subject of Matt Bradley's comments During the off-season, the Capitals made several player changes. One of the players that was not retained by the team, Matt Bradley, started a controversy with his comments from a radio interview in Ottawa. In the interview, Bradley said his former team was "a little bit too nonchalant and guys weren't disciplined the way they should have been," which he claimed were the two biggest reasons why the team was not able to advance past the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He later stated that Head Coach Bruce Boudreau did not give the most ice time to players who were playing well, but went with his star players. He further noted that Boudreau was a "great coach" who had been put in a tough position. When asked to point out examples, Bradley stated that Alexander Semin "could easily be the best player in the league," but he "just doesn't care," further noting, "When you've got a guy like that, you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn't show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia." Semin's agent came to his client's defense, stating he "always cares."https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/former-capitals-winger-matt-bradley-alexander-semin-just-doesnt-care/2011/08/17/gIQA40sELJ_blog.html Former Capitals winger Matt Bradley: Alexander Semin 'just doesn't care' The Washington Post 2011-08-17 2011-11-02 Applebaum Lindsay Teammate Mike Knuble noted that because Semin speaks limited English, the language barrier affects the way that he is perceived, further noting that the interview comments were something Bradley regretted.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/18/capitals-mike-knuble-defends-matt-bradley-praises-/ Capitals' Mike Knuble defends Matt Bradley, praises Alexander Semin's talent The Washington Times 2011-08-18 2011-11-02 Whyno Stephenhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/13/capitals-quiet-man-semin-speaks-hockey-loud-and-cl/ Capitals' quiet man Semin speaks hockey loud and clear The Washington Times 2011-04-13 2012-11-19 Whyno Stephen When asked about the comments, former Capitals forward Dave Steckel stated that, "It's not like he went out and told lies."https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/former-capital-david-steckel-on-matt-bradleys-comments-sidney-crosbys-concussion/2011/08/31/gIQAMWR4rJ_blog.html Former Capital David Steckel backs up Matt Bradley's comments about Alexander Semin, team's lack of discipline The Washington Post 2011-08-31 2011-11-02 Applebaum Lindsay Bradley later apologized for his comments in an interview with the Sun Sentinel.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/matt-bradley-apologizes-for-comments-about-alexander-semin/2011/10/17/gIQA3Uj2rL_blog.html Matt Bradley apologizes for comments about Alexander Semin The Washington Post 2011-10-17 2011-11-02 Applebaum Lindsay Including Bradley, the Capitals lost six players who played for them in the playoffs, as well as back-up goaltender Semyon Varlamov.note 1 [note 1] To replace some of the departed players, Washington traded its 2011 first-round draft pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for veteran winger Troy Brouwer, who was a member of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup championship team in 2010.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567136 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233231/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567136 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Acquire Right Wing Troy Brouwer from Chicago Washington Capitals 2011-06-24 2011-11-02 They then signed Joel Ward as a free agent, adding grit and the hopes that he could duplicate his 2011 playoff success.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/1/capitals-joel-ward-roman-hamrlik-nhl-free-agency/ Caps ink winger Joel Ward, defenseman Roman Hamrlik The Washington Times 2011-07-01 2011-11-04 Whyno Stephen Ward scored seven goals and 13 points in 12 playoff games with the Nashville Predators, after scoring 10 goals and 29 points in 80 regular season games.https://www.nhl.com/player/joel-ward-8468208 Joel Ward player profile National Hockey League 2011-11-04 In net, they added veteran Tomas Vokoun, who was considered to be one of the top goaltenders in the 2011 free agent class. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract, well below his believed market value, to have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/washington-capitals-sign-goalie-tomas-vokoun/2011/07/02/AGVIJWvH_blog.html Washington Capitals sign goalie Tomas Vokoun The Washington Post 2011-07-02 2011-11-04 Applebaum Lindsayhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1191046/1/index.htm https://archive.today/20120716200637/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1191046/1/index.htm dead July 16, 2012 Southeast Sports Illustrated 2011-10-10 2011-11-04 Cazeneuve Brain After making these and other off-season moves, the Capitals were over the NHL salary cap. The expectation was that defenseman Tom Poti would not be able to play due to injury and Washington would be forced to place him on long-term injured reserve, where his $2.9 million salary would not count against the cap total. Unexpectedly, Poti told the Capitals that he would be ready to play by training camp.http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/22/capitals%E2%80%99-cap-dilemma-tom-poti-working-to-return-for-training-camp/ Capitals' cap dilemma: Tom Poti working to return for training camp? NBC Sports 2011-07-22 2011-11-04 Reitz Matt Poti, however, failed his medical exam prior to training camp and was placed on long-term injured reserve.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/tom-poti-fails-medical-exam-is-placed-on-long-term-injury/2011/09/17/gIQApabyZK_blog.html Tom Poti fails medical exam, is placed on long-term injury The Washington Post 2011-09-17 2011-11-06 El-Bashir Tarik Regular season October – November thumb|175px|Tomas Vokoun, show here with the Florida Panthers, was named the third star of the week in October. In the season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes, Boudreau made a "surprise" decision to start goaltender Michal Neuvirth.http://www.csnwashington.com/hockey-washington-capitals/news/Neuvirth-to-start-Caps-opener?blockID=573758&feedID=6458 https://archive.today/20120728174129/http://www.csnwashington.com/hockey-washington-capitals/news/Neuvirth-to-start-Caps-opener?blockID=573758&feedID=6458 dead 2012-07-28 Neuvirth to Start Caps Opener CSN Washington 2011-10-07 2011-11-06 Hughes Chase Boudreau stated that the reason behind his decision was a reward for Neuvirth's hard work in training camp.http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/07/michal-neuvirth-swipes-caps-opener-start-from-tomas-vokoun/ Michal Neuvirth swipes Caps' opener start from Tomas Vokoun NBC Sports 2011-10-07 2011-11-06 O'Brien James Prior to the Capitals' second game, Neuvirth sustained a bruised foot and was unable to play.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/michal-neuvirth-still-sore-listed-as-day-to-day-with-lower-body-injury/2011/10/17/gIQAM9jjrL_blog.html Michal Neuvirth has bruised foot, listed as day-to-day with lower-body injury The Washington Post 2011-10-17 2011-11-06 El-Bashir Tarik In his Capitals debut, Vokoun struggled, allowing five goals on 28 shots, but nevertheless Washington won the game 6–5 in a shootout. In the post-game interview, Vokoun blamed himself for the high number of goals and thanked his teammates for getting him the win in a game he should have lost.http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/oct/11/tomas-vokoun-quick-face-music-after-rough-capitals/ https://web.archive.org/web/20111012170341/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/oct/11/tomas-vokoun-quick-face-music-after-rough-capitals/ dead 2011-10-12 Tomas Vokoun quick to face music after rough Capitals debut The Washington Times 2011-10-11 2011-11-06 Whyno Stephen Vokoun rebounded in his second game, making 39 saves in a 3–2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/13/tomas-vokoun-washington-capitals-penguins/ Tomas Vokoun repays his teammates with 39 saves in win: After mediocre debut, Vokoun comes up big in Pittsburgh The Washington Times 2011-10-13 2011-11-06 Whyno Stephen He continued his strong play and was named the NHL's third star of the week ending October 23 and helped the Capitals to a franchise-record seven game winning streak to start a season.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597238 https://web.archive.org/web/20111025045700/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597238 dead October 25, 2011 Quick's dominance earns him NHL's 'First Star' National Hockey League 2011-10-24 2011-11-06https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/capitals-vs-oilers-penalties-hinder-washington-in-its-first-loss-of-the-season/2011/10/28/gIQArZ09NM_story.html Capitals vs. Oilers: Penalties hinder Washington in its first loss of the season The Washington Post 2011-10-27 2011-11-06 Carrera Katie After losing two straight games, Washington was down 4–3 to the Anaheim Ducks in the final minutes of the game.http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap/_/id/400047721/washington-capitals-vs-vancouver-canucks https://web.archive.org/web/20150222215934/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap/_/id/400047721/washington-capitals-vs-vancouver-canucks dead February 22, 2015 Alex Edler scores twice to help Canucks deal Capitals second straight loss ESPN 2011-10-29 2011-11-07 Associated Press https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/bruce-boudreau-benches-alex-ovechkin-in-final-minute-of-regulation/2011/11/01/gIQAkhtUeM_blog.html Alex Ovechkin benched in final minute of regulation The Washington Post 2011-11-02 2011-11-07 Carrera Katie With the goaltender pulled, Boudreau decided to play the third line of Joel Ward, Brooks Laich and Jason Chimera with Nicklas Backstrom as the extra attacker. Boudreau stated that he was "playing a hunch" by leaving star forward Alexander Ovechkin on the bench. The move paid off, however, as Backstrom scored to force overtime. He also scored the game winner in overtime assisted by Ovechkin.https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/7182644/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-upset-late-game-benching-supports-decision Alex Ovechkin understands decision ESPN 2011-11-04 2011-11-18 Associated Press When asked about being left on the bench in a post-game interview, Ovechkin stated that Laich's line deserved to be on the ice – though the video showed Ovechkin visibly upset about being left on the bench. The following day, Ovechkin stated that he was upset about not being on the ice in the final minutes, but that he understood Boudreau's decision. The Hockey News Ken Campbell applauded the benching of Ovechkin stating that in the past Boudreau had shown a willingness to continually put his star players out on the ice despite how they were playing and accepted the consequences. Campbell noted the move was Boudreau "addressing his most glaring problem as a coach". Campbell Ken Game Changer The Hockey News 65 10 58 2011-11-21 Following the benching incident, the Capitals went 2–5–0 leading up to their November 21 game against the Phoenix Coyotes.note 2 [note 2] For the game, Boudreau again made headlines for not playing one of his star players, this time making Alexander Semin a healthy scratch (a non-dressing player).http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/21/boudreau-raises-stakes-makes-semin-a-healthy-scratch/ Boudreau raises stakes, makes Semin a healthy scratch NBC Sports 2011-11-21 2011-11-22 Halford Mike Semin led the team in penalties-in-minutes (PIMs), as well as being tied for second in the NHL with 14 minor penalties. Boudreau previously benched Semin for the second half of a game against the New Jersey Devils after the winger had taken two minor penalties and was deemed not focused.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/alexander-semin-to-be-healthy-scratch-against-phoenix/2011/11/21/gIQAZlxwiN_blog.html Alexander Semin to be healthy scratch against Phoenix The Washington Post 2011-11-21 2011-11-22 Carrera Katie Washington defeated Phoenix in the game 4–3.http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/nov/22/alexander-semin-day-after-being-capitals-healthy-s/ https://web.archive.org/web/20111123181702/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/nov/22/alexander-semin-day-after-being-capitals-healthy-s/ dead 2011-11-23 Alexander Semin: Day after being Capitals healthy scratch The Washington Times 2011-11-21 2011-11-22 Whyno Stephen NBC's Mike Halford echoed Campbell's statement when discussing the benching of Semin, commenting that it was a "bold move" and the latest in a series of messages sent by Boudreau. Halford further questioned if the new stance would eventually cost Boudreau his job. The benchings did not produce the desired results, however, as the Capitals lost six of eight games, with Ovechkin scoring only one goal during the same stretch. As a result, Washington fired Boudreau on November 28 and replaced him with former Capitals captain Dale Hunter. Hunter was the head coach of the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) London Knights when he was hired. During his time with London, he set an OHL record for fastest coach to 300 and 400 career wins.http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=381460 https://web.archive.org/web/20111130222951/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=381460 dead 2011-11-30 Capitals Fire Head Coach Boudreau, Name Hunter Replacement TSN 2011-11-28 2011-11-28 The Associated Press The Capitals lost Hunter's coaching debut 2–1 to the St. Louis Blues. The following day, Boudreau spoke to the media about being fired, stating that general manager George McPhee made the "right decision at the time" and that despite speculation, he did not feel that Ovechkin was a problem, stating that he "worked as hard and tried as hard as he could."https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=381590 https://web.archive.org/web/20111202212829/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=381590 dead 2011-12-02 Boudreau not Surprised by Firing; Doesn't Blame Ovechkin TSN 2011-11-28 2011-11-28 The Associated Press December – January The Capitals did not give Hunter his first NHL win until his third game, a 3–2 win over the Ottawa Senators that broke a four-game losing streak.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/4/dale-hunters-first-win-a-morale-boosterfor-capital/ Dale Hunter's first win a morale booster for Capitals 2011-12-04 2011-12-08 The Washington Times Whyno Stephen Brooks Laich scored the game-winning goal just 12 seconds into the overtime period.Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals Box Score — December 3, 2011 | Hockey-Reference.com The goal would prove to be the fastest overtime goal scored during the 2011–12 NHL regular season.2011-12 NHL Schedule and Results | Hockey-Reference.com In the rematch four days later, Ovechkin appeared to spear Senators forward Chris Neil. Following a Neil hit on Ovechkin, the pair skated up the ice, whereupon Neil fell to the ice following the alleged spear. Neil was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for diving.http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/40623-capitals-dump-sens Capitals dump Sens 2011-12-08 2011-12-08 The Chronicle Herald The Canadian Press A spearing penalty, if called, would have resulted in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382268 https://web.archive.org/web/20111208215140/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382268 dead 2011-12-08 Fraser: On Ovechkin's Spear and Sutton's Hit to the Head 2011-12-08 2011-12-08 TSN Fraser Kerry Later in the game, Ovechkin scored the eventual game-winning goal, his first goal in six games. When asked about the incident after the game, Neil described it as a "pitchfork in the gut," while Ovechkin stated he was "not the type of guy who spears players." The following day, a league spokesman stated that Ovechkin would not be suspended or fined for the incident.http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/8/will-alex-ovechkin-get-punished-spearing-chris-nei/?cache https://web.archive.org/web/20150222223942/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/8/will-alex-ovechkin-get-punished-spearing-chris-nei/?cache dead 2015-02-22 No discipline for Alex Ovechkin after spearing Chris Neil 2011-12-08 2011-12-08 The Washington Times Whyno Stephen The December 28 game against the New York Rangers marked the return of fourth line forward Jay Beagle, who previously missed 31 games with a concussion suffered in a fight against the Pittsburgh Penguins' Arron Asham.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/29/jay-beagles-return-capitals-lineup-concussion-succ/ Jay Beagle's return to Capitals' lineup from a concussion a success 2011-12-29 2011-12-30 The Washington Times Whyno Stephen The fight itself had generated a minor controversy, as Asham, an experienced fighter, made celebratory gestures after knocking out Beagle, who was in his first career NHL fight. Several Capitals expressed their displeasure with Asham after the game, while Asham himself later called his actions "classless."https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/1070318--penguins-asham-dodges-suspension-for-bout-with-caps-beagle Penguins' Asham dodges suspension for bout with Caps' Beagle 2011-10-14 2011-12-30 Toronto Star Zwolinski Markhttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=595886 https://web.archive.org/web/20111015015227/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=595886 dead October 15, 2011 Caps' Beagle injured in fight with Asham 2011-10-13 2011-12-30 National Hockey League Masisak Corey Beagle's work ethic in his return was called contagious by teammate Matt Hendricks, and he helped the Capitals to a 4–1 victory. thumb|left|Alexander Ovechkin was suspended and chose not to attend the NHL All-Star Game In late December, Ovechkin went on a seven-game point streak that featured the two-point games in the final four games of the streak. In conjunction with the point streak, he scored eight goals in nine games.note 3 [note 3]http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/nhl/preview.asp?lg=NHL&g=2012010718 Capitals-Sharks Preview 2012-01-06 2012-01-13 NBC Sports Huston Brett https://web.archive.org/web/20150222210417/http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/nhl/preview.asp?lg=NHL&g=2012010718 2015-02-22 dead Washington went 5–1–1 during the streak, which was eventually snapped in a 5–2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on January 7.http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/01/sharks-extend-home-hex-over-capitals-with-5-2-win-71170.html Sharks extend home hex over Capitals with 5–2 win 2012-01-08 2012-01-13 ABC Associated Press February 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150222202409/http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/01/sharks-extend-home-hex-over-capitals-with-5-2-win-71170.html dead In the game prior to the streak being snapped, Capitals' defenseman Mike Green returned from a groin injury that had kept him out of the lineup for 23 games.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/capitals-vs-flames-green-returns-ovechkin-scores-as-washington-wins-fourth-straight-3-1/2012/01/03/gIQAf8YLZP_story.html Capitals vs. Flames: Possible injury to Nicklas Backstrom overshadows Washington's 3–1 win, return of Mike Green 2012-01-03 2012-01-13 The Washington Post Carrera Katie Washington defeated the Calgary Flames 3–1 in the contest, which moved their record to 9–0–0 with Green in the line-up.http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/caps-win-fourth-straight/ Caps Win Fourth Straight 2012-01-03 2012-01-13 CBS Kerstein Sky However, the news coming out of the game was not all good. During the game, the Capitals' leading scorer, Nicklas Backstrom, was elbowed in the head by the Flames' Rene Bourque.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/nicklas-backstrom-elbowed-to-the-head-by-calgarys-rene-bourque/2012/01/03/gIQAPrvhZP_blog.html Nicklas Backstrom elbowed to the head by Calgary's Rene Bourque 2012-01-04 2012-01-13 The Washington Post Carrera Katie Backstrom underwent concussion testing, which proved inconclusive; he suffered from what was described as "concussion-like symptoms" and was eventually placed on the injured reserve.http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/4/nicklas-backstrom-may-be-forced-from-lineup-due-to/ Nicklas Backstrom may be forced from lineup due to head injury 2012-01-04 2012-01-13 The Washington Times Whyno Stephenhttp://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/sports/story.html?id=9fe1bc1f-717f-4308-8c30-c3ec891cb13a&p=2 Concussion symptoms sideline Bouchard 2012-01-12 2012-01-13 Calgary Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20150222204849/http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/sports/story.html?id=9fe1bc1f-717f-4308-8c30-c3ec891cb13a&p=2 2015-02-22 dead For his actions, Bourque was suspended five games for delivering the elbow.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/calgarys-rene-bourque-receives-five-game-suspension-for-elbowing-nicklas-backstrom/2012/01/04/gIQAqrKMbP_blog.html Flames' Rene Bourque suspended five games for elbowing Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom 2012-01-04 2012-01-13 The Washington Post Carrera Katie Compounding the Capitals' injury problem was the loss of Mike Green in just his second game back; he re-injured his groin during the contest and was placed on the long-term injured reserve.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/12/bothersome-groin-lands-mike-green-on-long-term-ir/ Bothersome groin lands Mike Green on long-term IR 2012-01-12 2012-01-13 The Washington Times Whyno Stephen During a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ovechkin delivered a hit to Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek. On the hit, Ovechkin launched himself into Michalek's shoulder, where the force of the hit caused Ovechkin to make contact with Michalek's head. Later in the game, Michalek delivered an elbow to the back of Matt Hendricks' head, driving it into the glass. The following day, it was announced that Ovechkin was suspended for three games for the reckless hit despite not receiving a penalty on the play during the game. Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan stated the length of the suspension took into account that Ovechkin was a repeat offender, having been suspended twice before and fined twice as well. It also took into consideration that Michalek was not injured on the play. Despite his own actions, Michalek avoided a fine or suspension.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin-suspended-three-games-for-illegal-hit/2012/01/23/gIQA6VzAMQ_story.html Alex Ovechkin suspended three games for illegal hit on Zbynek Michalek in Caps' loss 2012-01-23 2012-02-13 The Washington Post El-Bashir Tarikhttp://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/22/dirty-hits-ovechkins-charge-on-michalek-and-michaleks-elbow-to-hendricks/ Dirty hits? Ovechkin's charge on Michalek and Michalek's elbow to Hendricks 2012-01-22 2012-07-19 NBC Sports Yerdon Joe Without Ovechkin, Backstrom or Green, Washington nonetheless defeated defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins in the final game before the All-Star break to move into first place in the Southeast Division.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/capitals-at-the-all-star-break-taking-reader-questions/2012/01/26/gIQAYJv1SQ_blog.html Capitals at the All-Star break: Taking reader questions (updated) 2012-01-27 2012-02-13 The Washington Post Applebaum Lindsay Washington had two players named to the NHL All-Star Game. Despite having a poor season by his standards, Alexander Ovechkin was named to the Game.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/on-hockey-alex-ovechkin-shows-flashes-of-his-old-self-but-capitals-need-him-back-for-good/2011/12/21/gIQAnGdW9O_story.html On Hockey: Alex Ovechkin shows flashes of his old self, but Capitals need him back for good 2012-01-21 2012-02-03 The Washington Post El-Bashir Tarikhttp://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=76666 https://web.archive.org/web/20120115005259/http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=76666 dead January 15, 2012 All-Star Game and Skills Competition Roster 2012-02-03 National Hockey League However, due to his suspension, Ovechkin announced that he did not want to be a distraction at the game; he was "not comfortable" going, and declined to attend the All-Star weekend.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/alex-ovechkin-wont-attend-nhl-all-star-game/2012/01/24/gIQATzykNQ_blog.html Alex Ovechkin won't attend NHL All-Star Game following suspension 2012-01-24 2012-02-03 The Washington Post Carrera Katie Dennis Wideman was the Capitals' other All-Star representative. He recorded 34 points heading into the break while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/dennis-wideman-makes-first-nhl-all-star-game-appearance-after-remarkable-comeback-from-injury/2012/01/26/gIQA1R97VQ_story.html Dennis Wideman makes first NHL All-Star Game appearance after 'remarkable' comeback from injury 2012-01-27 2012-02-03 The Washington Post Carrera Katie February – April Washington started the second half of the season with a 2–2–1 record.http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/team-schedule/23/washington-capitals Washington Capitals Schedule 2011–12 Sporting News 2012-07-23 May 2, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120502112531/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/team-schedule/23/washington-capitals dead In their next game, against the Winnipeg Jets, the Capitals lost a two-goal lead late in the game, eventually losing in a shootout. The loss knocked the Capitals out of first place in their division and they dropped from third to ninth in the conference.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wpg-vs-wsh/2012/02/09/2011020805 https://web.archive.org/web/20120323123704/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020805 live 2012-03-23 Postgame Notebook: Jets 3, Capitals 2, SO Washington Capitals 2012-07-23 Vogel Mike Washington lost their next two games before defeating the Southeast Division-leading Florida Panthers 2–1. The game marked goaltender Tomas Vokoun's first game in Florida after leaving the team as a free agent in the off-season. With the win, Washington moved two points behind the Panthers.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-fla/2012/02/17/2011020861 https://archive.today/20130111071152/http://panthers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020861 live 2013-01-11 Capitals 2 Panthers 1 SO Florida Panthers 2012-07-23 2012-02-17 Despite being close, however, Washington could not build any momentum, later losing their next three games before closing out the month of February on a three-game win streak. thumb|Nicklas Backstrom returned from a concussion late in the season helping the Capitals clinch a playoff spot. Washington continued its inconsistent play into the month of March, losing three games before going on a four-game winning streak leading up to another game against the Winnipeg Jets. During the loss to the Jets, Vokoun re-aggravated a reoccurring groin injury; he had been dealing with the injury since late February, and it forced him out of the lineup.http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/mar/18/braden-holtby-recalled-joins-capitals-chicago/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120321013900/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/mar/18/braden-holtby-recalled-joins-capitals-chicago/ dead 2012-03-21 Braden Holtby with Capitals in Chicago as Tomas Vokoun aggravated injury The Washington Times 2012-07-26 2012-03-18 Whyno Stephen https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/tomas-vokoun-leaves-game-against-bruins-with-injury/2012/03/29/gIQAGXFvjS_blog.html Tomas Vokoun leaves Capitals-Bruins game with injury The Washington Post 2012-07-26 2012-03-29 Carrera Katie Braden Holtby was recalled to serve as the team's back-up. During Vokoun's absence, Ovechkin began a goal-scoring streak, notching nine goals in seven games, culminating in a two-goal performance during a 3–0 victory over the Minnesota Wild. The scoring steak helped Ovechkin to be named NHL's third star of the week. The win moved the Capitals into the eighth and final playoff spot.https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-stays-hot-as-caps-move-back-into-8th-place-1.1228368 Ovechkin stays hot as Caps move back into 8th place CBC 2012-07-26 2012-03-25 They did not remain there long, however, as their next game was a lost 5–1 to the Buffalo Sabres, who passed Washington for eighth place.http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-03-27/sabres-beat-capitals-5-1-to-move-into-8th-place https://web.archive.org/web/20120330212828/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-03-27/sabres-beat-capitals-5-1-to-move-into-8th-place dead 2012-03-30 Sabres jump over Capitals in race for 8th place in East Sporting News 2012-07-26 2012-03-27 The following game, against the Boston Bruins, Vokoun returned to action, but played only 18:25 before the same injury forced him from the game. Although the Capitals won the game, it was Vokoun's final game of the season as well as his last as a Capital, with Vokoun later describing the injury as a "pretty severe [groin] tear."http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/apr/19/tomas-vokoun-had-pretty-severe-groin-tear/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120420221630/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/apr/19/tomas-vokoun-had-pretty-severe-groin-tear/ dead 2012-04-20 Tomas Vokoun had 'pretty severe' groin tear The Washington Times 2012-07-26 2012-04-19 Whyno Stephenhttp://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/articles/2012/04/11/caps_g_vokoun_wont_travel_to_boston_for_game_1/ Caps G Vokoun won't travel to Boston for Game 1 The Boston Globe 2012-07-26 2012-04-11https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/8007677/pittsburgh-penguins-acquire-goalie-tomas-vokoun-washington-capitals Penguins acquire Tomas Vokoun ESPN 2012-07-26 2012-06-04 LeBrun Pierre Washington's final game of March marked the return of Nicklas Backstrom, who had missed 40 games with a concussion. The Capitals won the game 3–2 in a shootout, moving them back into eighth place.https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/capitals-beat-canadiens-in-shootout-for-crucial-victory-1.1135282 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145945/http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/sports/nhl/story/2012/03/31/sp-nhl-montreal-canadiens-washington-capitals-highlights.html live 2015-09-24 Washington sits in 8th place, 2 points ahead of Buffalo Sabres CBC 2012-07-26 2012-03-31 Entering April, the Capitals had a chance to clinch a playoff spot against the Tampa Bay Lightning.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/race-to-the-postseason-how-the-capitals-can-clinch-a-playoff-spot/2012/04/02/gIQAoMCjqS_blog.html Race to the postseason: How the Capitals can clinch a playoff spot The Washington Post 2012-07-26 2012-04-02 Carrera Katie The game was tied 2–2 with 1:03 remaining when Steven Stamkos scored, leading Tampa to the eventual 4–2 victory.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-tbl/2012/04/02/2011021187 https://web.archive.org/web/20120404222630/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011021187 live 2012-04-04 Postgame Notebook: Lightning 4, Capitals 2 Washington Capitals 2012-07-26 2012-04-02 Vogel Mike Facing the Division-leading Panthers in their next game, Washington succeeded in clinching a playoff spot with a 4–2 win of their own. The victory also gave the Capitals a chance at winning their Division in their final game.http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-04-05/washington-capitals-clinch-2012-nhl-playoffs-florida-panthers-michal-neuvirth Capitals clinch playoff spot, can still win Southeast Sporting News 2012-07-26 2012-04-05 April 7, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120407162648/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-04-05/washington-capitals-clinch-2012-nhl-playoffs-florida-panthers-michal-neuvirth dead During the game, Neuvirth was hurt when former Capital Marco Sturm fell on top of him while he was making a save. Neuvirth left after the incident and did not return.http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/apr/5/michal-neuvirth-leaves-game-vs-panthers/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120406163354/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/apr/5/michal-neuvirth-leaves-game-vs-panthers/ dead 2012-04-06 Michal Neuvirth injured vs. Panthers The Washington Times 2012-07-26 2012-04-05 Whyno Stephen Neuvirth suffered a lower body injury and was not ready to return for the final game or the start of the playoffs.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/apr/10/capitals-vokoun-neuvirth-rehabbing-both-are-still-/ Capitals' Vokoun, Neuvirth rehabbing, but both are still a ways away from returning The Washington Times 2012-07-26 2012-04-10 Whyno Stephen Washington won its final game of the year behind a 35-save performance from Holtby, clinching at least the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference pending the outcome of Florida's game.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/capitals-vs-rangers-washington-clinches-seventh-playoff-seed-in-east-with-4-1-victory/2012/04/07/gIQAG6Vl2S_story.html Capitals vs. Rangers: Washington clinches seventh playoff seed in East with 4–1 victory The Washington Post 2012-07-26 2012-04-07 Carrera Katie A win by the Panthers in their final game, however, prevented Washington from winning their fifth-straight Division title and moving into the third playoff seed.http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/04/07/playoff-bound-panthers-clinch-first-division-title/ Playoff Bound Panthers Clinch First Division Title CBS 2012-07-26 2012-04-07https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/04/06/capitals-remain-in-reach-of-southeast-title-third-seed-in-east/ Capitals remain in reach of Southeast title, third seed in East The Washington Post 2012-08-21 2012-04-06 Carrera Katie Playoffs 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs thumb|left|Braden Holtby received praise for his playoff performance. Finishing the regular season as the seventh seed, Washington was matched up with the defending champion Boston Bruins.https://www.espn.com/boston/nhl/story/_/id/7790154/2012-stanley-cup-playoffs-five-questions-facing-boston-bruins-washington-capitals Bruins-Capitals: Five key questions ESPN 2012-04-08 2012-08-20 McDonald Joe Murphy James As Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth were still injured, the Capitals were forced to start Braden Holtby in Game 1.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=627114 https://web.archive.org/web/20140813212151/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=627114 dead August 13, 2014 We have no choice: With Vokoun and Neuvirth still ailing, Holtby on pace to start for Caps National Hockey League 2012-04-10 2012-08-18 Through the first two periods, Boston was in control of the game, out-shooting Washington 26–7. Despite the disparity in shots, the game remained tied 0–0 after regulation.Carrera Katie https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2012-stanley-cup-playoffs-capitals-fall-to-bruins-in-overtime/2012/04/12/gIQAwR70DT_story_1.html 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs: Capitals fall to Bruins in overtime The Washington Post 2012-04-12 2012-08-09 Washington lost the game shortly into overtime.Fluto Shinzawa https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/04/13/kelly-finally-gets-one-for-bruins-win/XtJP2fLiEWNmlVwfhkALQP/story.html Bruins win playoff opener: Kelly finally gets one in for OT win The Boston Globe 2012-04-13 2012-08-09 They rebounded to tie the series when Nicklas Backstrom scored in double overtime of game two.Golden Jimmy http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/14/capitals-bruins-game-2-double-overtime_n_1426055.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120416183106/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/14/capitals-bruins-game-2-double-overtime_n_1426055.html dead 2012-04-16 Capitals Beat Bruins in Game 2: Nicklas Backstrom Scores Game-Winner in Double Overtime The Huffington Post 2012-04-14 2012-08-09 Through the first two games of the series, Holtby stopped 72 of 74 Bruins' shots.Applebaum Lindsay https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/behind-braden-holtbys-pregame-holtbyisms/2012/04/16/gIQAZURaKT_blog.html Behind Braden Holtby's pregame "Holtbyisms" The Washington Post 2012-04-16 2012-08-10 In Game 3, the two teams again looked to be heading to overtime tied 3–3 late in the third when Backstrom took a penalty. Zdeno Chara scored on the man advantage with under two minutes remaining, giving Boston the win. After the game ended, Backstrom was given a match penalty for intent to injure following a cross-check to Rich Peverley.Masisak Corey https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-wsh/2012/04/16/2011030123 Chara's late goal gives Bruins a 4–3 win National Hockey League 2012-04-16 2012-08-10 Backstrom received a one-game suspension for his actions.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=628388 https://web.archive.org/web/20120421093012/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=628388 dead April 21, 2012 Capitals' Backstrom suspended for one game National Hockey League 2012-04-17 2012-08-10 Without Backstrom in Game 4, the Capitals evened the series with a 2–1 victory that featured a 44-save performance from Holtby.Fendrich Howard http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/19/capitals-bruins-game-4-holtby-semin_n_1439323.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120420054826/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/19/capitals-bruins-game-4-holtby-semin_n_1439323.html dead 2012-04-20 Capitals Beat Bruins in Game 4: Semin Scores Game-Winner, Holtby Makes 44 Saves The Huffington Post 2012-04-19 2012-08-11 The Capitals took their first lead in the series thanks to a Troy Brouwer power-play goal with 1:27 left in regulation of game five.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-bos/2012/04/21/2011030125 Brouwer's late tally gives Caps 3–2 series lead National Hockey League 2012-04-21 2012-08-11 Kalman Matt Facing elimination, Boston did not trail throughout Game 6 and was in position to win late in the third. However, an Alexander Ovechkin goal led to overtime, where Tyler Seguin scored to force a seventh and deciding game.Ginsburg David http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/22/bruins-beat-capitals-game-6-overtime_n_1444384.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120423123248/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/22/bruins-beat-capitals-game-6-overtime_n_1444384.html dead 2012-04-23 Bruins Beat Capitals 4–3 In Overtime To Force Game 7 The Huffington Post 2012-04-22 2012-08-11 Game 7 went to overtime, where a dump-in attempt was blocked by Mike Knuble, giving him a breakaway. He took a backhand that was stopped by Boston's Tim Thomas. Joel Ward followed the play and scored the game-winning goal on the rebound.Masisak Corey https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-bos/2012/04/25/2011030127 Capitals stun Bruins in OT to win Game 7 National Hockey League 2012-04-25 2012-08-11 With Washington's victory in the series, Holtby became just the third rookie goaltender in NHL history to defeat the reigning Stanley Cup champions.Golen Jimmy http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/47182984/ns/nhl/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120427075722/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/47182984/ns/nhl/ dead 2012-04-27 NHL Playoffs: Bye, bye Bruins! Caps KO Champ Bruins in 7 Games MSNBC Associated Press 2012-04-25 2012-08-11 It was also the first playoff series in NHL history which all seven games were decided by one goal. In the second round, Washington was matched up with the top-seeded New York Rangers.McNally Brian http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/540901#.UC8jzKNVVBM Capitals to face Rangers once again The Washington Examiner 2012-04-26 2012-08-18 After losing Game 1 by giving up two goals in a 1:30 span, Washington took a 2–0 lead in Game 2, only to have the Rangers come back and tie the score in the third period. The Capitals, however, won the game on an Ovechkin power-play goal late in the third.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-nyr/2012/04/28/2011030211 Rangers top Capitals 3–1 in Game 1 National Hockey League 2012-04-28 2012-08-18 Lozo Davehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/capitals-rangers-game-2-alex-ovechkin_n_1466327.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120504121508/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/capitals-rangers-game-2-alex-ovechkin_n_1466327.html dead 2012-05-04 Capitals Edge Rangers 3–2 In Game 2: Alex Ovechkin Scores Game-Winner The Huffington Post 2012-04-30 2012-08-18 Podell Ira Game 3 was a triple-overtime contest that ended when Marian Gaborik scored to give New York a 2–1 win.Brooks Larry http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/gaborik_the_hero_in_ot_thriller_XsOo6F83VBZdVlYkGDYJOJ Rangers defeat Capitals in third OT on Gaborik goal New York Post 2012-05-03 2012-08-18 The 114:41 game was the 20th longest game in NHL history, and Washington's third-longest game in franchise history.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2012-stanley-cup-playoffs-capitals-fall-to-rangers-in-game-3-on-marian-gaboriks-goal-in-the-third-overtime/2012/05/03/gIQAp4y1xT_story.html 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Washington Capitals falls to New York Rangers in Game 3 on Marian Gaborik's goal in third overtime The Washington Post Carrera Katie 2012-05-02 2012-08-18 2012-05-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20120504014951/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2012-stanley-cup-playoffs-capitals-fall-to-rangers-in-game-3-on-marian-gaboriks-goal-in-the-third-overtime/2012/05/03/gIQAp4y1xT_story.html deadhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/rangers-marathon-win-is-20th-longest-game-in-nhl-history/article4104351/ Rangers' marathon win is 20th longest game in NHL history The Globe and Mail 2012-05-03 2012-08-18 Mirtle James Washington evened the series in Game 4 with a one-goal win.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2012-05-05/capitals-rangers-game-4/54771370/1 Capitals clip Rangers in Game 4 to even series USA Today 2012-05-05 2012-08-18 Associated Press In the win, Ovechkin was benched for the majority of the third period, where after the tilt, he noted that the most important thing was that the Capitals won the game.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/apr/20/alex-ovechkin-benched-playoffs-third-bruins-capita/?page=all Benched in the 3rd, Alex Ovechkin is more concerned with winning than ice time The Washington Times 2012-04-20 2012-08-20 Whyno Stephen Washington looked to be heading for their first series lead as Game 5 was coming to an end. The Capitals were leading 2–1 with 21.3 seconds remaining when Joel Ward took a double minor penalty for high-sticking. On the ensuing power play, Brad Richards scored with 6.6 seconds left in regulation to tie the game. The Rangers remained on the power play to start the overtime period, with Ward serving the second half of his double minor when Marc Staal scored to give New York the win.http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/stunner-rangers-win-in-ot-3-2-1.3704920 https://web.archive.org/web/20140815003219/http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/stunner-rangers-win-in-ot-3-2-1.3704920 dead August 15, 2014 Stunner! Rangers win in OT, 3–2 Newsday 2012-05-07 2012-08-18 Zipay Steve Facing elimination in Game 6, Washington took the lead 1:28 into the game on an Ovechkin power play tally. They did not trail in the game and won 2–1 to force Game 7. Ovechkin's goal was the 30th of his post-season career, which tied him for the Capitals all-time franchise record with Peter Bondra.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/2012-nhl-playoffs-ovechkin-scores-as-capitals-force-game-7-against-rangers/2012/05/09/gIQAgo8LEU_story.html 2012 NHL playoffs: Alex Ovechkin scores as Capitals force Game 7 against Rangers The Washington Post 2012-05-09 2012-08-18 Carrera Katie In the deciding game, Brad Richards scored 1:32 into the first period helping New York to the eventual 2–1 victory and the series win.https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/sports/hockey/rangers-beat-capitals-will-meet-devils-in-conference-finals.html Rangers Win Game 7, Setting Up Series With the Devils The New York Times 2012-05-12 2012-08-18 Klein Jeff Z. Holtby finished the playoffs with a 1.95 goals against average, a .935 save percentage and was praised for his "breakout" performance while being credited with giving the Capitals a "chance to win every game."https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/braden-holtby-gave-caps-a-chance-to-win-every-night/2012/05/13/gIQAfGvZMU_blog.html Braden Holtby gave Caps 'a chance to win every night' The Washington Post 2012-05-09 2012-08-18 Carrera Katiehttp://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=629694 https://web.archive.org/web/20120428072516/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=629694 dead April 28, 2012 Victorious Holtby steps into the spotlight National Hockey League 2012-04-26 2012-08-18 Masisak Corey Post-season Two days after the loss, Head Coach Dale Hunter stepped down for personal reasons.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=631654 https://web.archive.org/web/20120516040806/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=631654 dead May 16, 2012 Dale Hunter steps down as Capitals coach National Hockey League 2012-05-14 2012-08-19 Raby Ben General Manager George McPhee announced that he would take his time considering candidates to replace Hunter.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/george-mcphee-capitals-finished-interviewing-coaching-candidates/2012/06/22/gJQA8UIWwV_blog.html Updated: George McPhee says Caps 'might' wrap up coaching search this week The Washington Post 2012-06-22 2012-08-19 Carrera Katie The search lasted a month and a half before the team hired former NHL and Capitals star, Adam Oates.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/reports-adam-oates-to-be-next-capitals-coach/2012/06/26/gJQA9VVX4V_blog.html Adam Oates named Capitals coach The Washington Post 2012-06-26 2012-08-19 Carrera Katie The intention was to have a coach that combined the up-tempo style implored by Bruce Boudreau and the "defense first" system of Hunter.http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/31/how-will-the-caps-play-under-oates/ How will the Caps play under Oates? NBC Sports 2012-07-31 2012-08-21 Brough Jasonhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/matt-hendricks-troy-brouwer-weigh-in-on-adam-oates-and-how-caps-may-play-next-season/2012/07/31/gJQAvU7hMX_blog.html?wprss=rss_capitals-insider Matt Hendricks, Troy Brouwer weigh in on Adam Oates and how Caps may play next season The Washington Post 2012-07-31 2012-08-21 Carrera Katie McPhee said of the hiring "you try to get the smartest guy in the room" and he believed Oates was that person.https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/8105423/new-washington-capitals-coach-adam-oates-favors-same-style Capitals introduce Adam Oates ESPN 2012-07-27 2012-08-21 Ovechkin noted that he was excited to play under a coach he believed would bring more offense back to Washington's system.http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/jun/26/alex-ovechkin-excited-about-more-offense-adam-oate/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120627190047/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/jun/26/alex-ovechkin-excited-about-more-offense-adam-oate/ dead 2012-06-27 Alex Ovechkin 'excited' about more offense with Adam Oates The Washington Times 2012-06-26 2012-08-21 Whyno Stephen Oates' hiring came on the same day that he was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/adam-oates-elected-to-hockey-hall-of-fame/2012/06/26/gJQA23Kp4V_blog.html Adam Oates elected to Hockey Hall of Fame The Washington Post 2012-06-26 2012-08-19 Carrera Katie Standings Divisional standings WSH Conference standings + Eastern Conference http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20112012&type=CON https://web.archive.org/web/20111009041059/http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20112012&type=CON dead October 9, 2011 2011–2012 Standings by Conference National Hockey League April 2, 2012 R Rank Div Division GP Games played W Wins L Losses OTL Overtime losses ROW Regulation + Overtime Wins GF Goals for GA Goals against Pts Points 1z – New York Rangers AT 82 51 24 7 47 226 187 109 2y – Boston Bruins NE 82 49 29 4 40 269 202 102 3y – Florida Panthers SE 82 38 26 18 32 203 227 94 4x – Pittsburgh Penguins AT 82 51 25 6 42 282 221 108 5x – Philadelphia Flyers AT 82 47 26 9 43 264 232 103 6x – New Jersey Devils AT 82 48 28 6 36 228 209 102 7x – Washington Capitals SE 82 42 32 8 38 222 230 92 8x – Ottawa Senators NE 82 41 31 10 35 249 240 92 8.5 9 Buffalo Sabres NE 82 39 32 11 32 218 230 89 10 Tampa Bay Lightning SE 82 38 36 8 35 235 281 84 11 Winnipeg Jets SE 82 37 35 10 33 225 246 84 12 Carolina Hurricanes SE 82 33 33 16 32 213 243 82 13 Toronto Maple Leafs NE 82 35 37 10 31 231 264 80 14 New York Islanders AT 82 34 37 11 27 203 255 79 15 Montreal Canadiens NE 82 31 35 16 26 212 226 78Divisions: AT – Atlantic, NE – Northeast, SE – Southeastx – Qualified for playoffs, y – Clinched division, z''' – Clinched conference (and division) Schedule and results Pre-season 2011 Pre-season: 3–3–1 (Home: 3–1–0; Road: 0–2–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record Attendance Recap 1 September 20 (in Baltimore, MD) Nashville Predators 2–0 Washington Capitals -Neuvirth0–1–011,082 Recap 2 September 21 Washington Capitals 3–4 Columbus Blue Jackets OT Grubauer 0–1–18,264 Recap 3 September 23 Washington Capitals 2–3 Chicago Blackhawks -Vokoun0–2–119,798 Recap 4 September 26 Columbus Blue Jackets 1–3 Washington Capitals -Neuvirth 1–2–118,025 Recap 5 September 28 Washington Capitals 1–4 Nashville Predators -Vokoun 1–3–113,437 Recap 6 September 30 Buffalo Sabres 3–4 Washington Capitals SO Vokoun 2–3–118, 356 Recap 7 October 2 Chicago Blackhawks 1–4 Washington Capitals - Neuvirth3–3–118, 405 Recap Regular season October: 7–2–0 (Home: 5–0–0; Road: 2–2–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record PointsAttendance Recap 1 8 Carolina Hurricanes 3–4 Washington Capitals OT Neuvirth 1–0–02 18, 506 Recap 2 10 Tampa Bay Lightning 5–6 Washington Capitals SO Vokoun 2–0–0 4 18,506Recap 3 13 Washington Capitals 3–2 Pittsburgh Penguins OT Vokoun 3–0–0 6 18,512Recap 4 15 Ottawa Senators 1–2 Washington Capitals Vokoun 4–0–0 8 18,506Recap 5 18 Florida Panthers 0–3 Washington Capitals Vokoun 5–0–0 10 18,506Recap 6 20 Washington Capitals 5–2 Philadelphia Flyers Vokoun 6–0–0 12 19,658Recap 7 22 Detroit Red Wings 1–7 Washington Capitals Vokoun 7–0–0 14 18,506 Recap 8 27 Washington Capitals 1–2 Edmonton Oilers Vokoun 7–1–0 14 16,839Recap 9 29 Washington Capitals 4–7 Vancouver Canucks Neuvirth 7–2–0 14 18,860Recap November: 5–8–1 (Home: 3–3–1; Road: 2–5–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record Points Attendance Recap 10 1 Anaheim Ducks 4–5 Washington Capitals OT Vokoun 8–2–0 1618,506Recap 11 4 Washington Capitals 5–1 Carolina Hurricanes Neuvirth 9–2–0 1814,589 Recap 12 5 Washington Capitals 3–5 New York Islanders Vokoun 9–3–0 1814,812Recap 13 8 Dallas Stars 5–2 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 9–4–0 1818,506 Recap 14 11 Washington Capitals 3–1 New Jersey Devils Vokoun 10–4–0 20 15,230 15 12 New Jersey Devils 3–2 Washington Capitals SO Neuvirth 10–4–1 21 18,506 16 15 Washington Capitals 1–3 Nashville Predators Vokoun 10–5–1 21 14,863 17 17 Washington Capitals 1–4 Winnipeg Jets Neuvirth 10–6–1 21 15,004Recap 18 19 Washington Capitals 1–7 Toronto Maple Leafs Vokoun 10–7–1 2119,594Recap 19 21 Phoenix Coyotes 3–4 Washington Capitals Vokoun 11–7–1 23 18,506Recap 20 23 Winnipeg Jets 3–4 Washington Capitals Vokoun 12–7–1 25 18,506Recap 21 25 New York Rangers 6–3 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 12–8–1 25 18,506Recap 22 26 Washington Capitals 1–5 Buffalo Sabres Vokoun 12–9–1 25 18,690Recap 23 29 St. Louis Blues 2–1 Washington Capitals Vokoun 12–10–1 25 18,506Recap December: 8–5–1 (Home: 5–2–0; Road: 3–3–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record PointsAttendance Recap 24 1 Pittsburgh Penguins 2–1 Washington Capitals Vokoun 12–11–1 25 18,506Recap 25 3 Ottawa Senators 2–3 Washington Capitals OT Neuvirth 13–11–1 27 18,506Recap 26 5 Washington Capitals 4–5 Florida Panthers Neuvirth 13–12–1 27 16,337 Recap 27 7 Washington Capitals 5–3 Ottawa Senators Vokoun 14–12–1 29 17,771 Recap 28 9 Toronto Maple Leafs 2–4 Washington Capitals Vokoun 15–12–1 31 18,506Recap 29 13 Philadelphia Flyers 5–1 Washington Capitals Vokoun 15–13–1 31 18,506 Recap 30 15 Washington Capitals 1–0 Winnipeg Jets Neuvirth 16–13–1 33 15,004 Recap 31 17 Washington Capitals 1–2 Colorado Avalanche Neuvirth 16–14–1 33 16,011 Recap 32 20 Nashville Predators 1–4 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 17–14–1 35 18,506 Recap 33 23 Washington Capitals 3–4 New Jersey Devils SO Neuvirth 17–14–2 36 14,043 Recap 34 26 Washington Capitals 2–4 Buffalo Sabres Neuvirth 17–15–2 36 18,690 Recap 35 28 New York Rangers 1–4 Washington Capitals Vokoun 18–15–2 38 18,506 Recap 36 30 Buffalo Sabres 1–3 Washington Capitals Vokoun 19–15–2 40 18,506 Recap 37 31 Washington Capitals 4–2 Columbus Blue Jackets Vokoun 20–15–2 42 18,199 Recap January: 6–4–2 (Home: 5–1–0; Road: 1–3–2) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record Points Attendance Recap 38 3 Calgary Flames 1–3 Washington Capitals Vokoun 21–15–2 44 18,506 Recap 39 7 Washington Capitals 2–5 San Jose Sharks Vokoun 21–16–2 44 17,562 Recap 40 9 Washington Capitals 2–5 Los Angeles Kings Vokoun 21–17–2 44 18,118 Recap 41 11 Pittsburgh Penguins 0–1 Washington Capitals Vokoun 22–17–2 46 18,506 Recap 42 13 Tampa Bay Lightning 3–4 Washington Capitals Vokoun 23–17–2 48 18,506 Recap 43 15 Carolina Hurricanes 1–2 Washington Capitals Vokoun 24–17–2 50 18,506 Recap 44 17 New York Islanders 3–0 Washington Capitals Vokoun 24–18–2 50 18,506 Recap 45 18 Washington Capitals 3–0 Montreal Canadiens Neuvirth 25–18–2 52 21,273 Recap 46 20 Washington Capitals 0–3 Carolina Hurricanes Vokoun 25–19–2 52 17,507 Recap 47 22 Washington Capitals 3–4 Pittsburgh Penguins OT Neuvirth 25–19–3 53 18,565 Recap 48 24 Boston Bruins 3–5 Washington Capitals Vokoun 26–19–3 55 18,506 Recap 49 31 Washington Capitals 3–4 Tampa Bay Lightning OT Vokoun 26–19–4 56 17,754 Recap February: 6–7–1 (Home: 3–2–1; Road: 3–5–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record PointsAttendance Recap 50 1 Washington Capitals 2–4 Florida Panthers Neuvirth 26–20–4 56 15,231 Recap 51 4 Washington Capitals 3–0 Montreal Canadiens Vokoun 27–20–4 58 21,273 Recap 52 5 Boston Bruins 4–1 Washington Capitals Vokoun 27–21–4 58 18,506 Recap 53 7 Florida Panthers 0–4 Washington Capitals Vokoun 28–21–4 60 18,506 Recap 54 9 Winnipeg Jets 3–2 Washington Capitals SO Vokoun 28–21–5 61 18,506 Recap 55 12 Washington Capitals 2–3 New York Rangers Neuvirth 28–22–5 61 18,200 Recap 56 13 San Jose Sharks 5–3 Washington Capitals Holtby 28–23–5 61 18,506 Recap 57 17 Washington Capitals 2–1 Florida Panthers Vokoun 29–23–5 63 17,779Recap 58 18 Washington Capitals 1–2 Tampa Bay Lightning Vokoun 29–24–5 63 19,204Recap 59 20 Washington Capitals 0–5 Carolina Hurricanes Vokoun 29–25–5 63 16,837 Recap 60 22 Washington Capitals 2–5 Ottawa Senators Vokoun 29–26–5 63 18,357Recap 61 24 Montreal Canadiens 1–4 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 30–26–5 65 18,506Recap 62 25 Washington Capitals 4–2 Toronto Maple Leafs Neuvirth 31–26–5 67 19,577Recap 63 28 New York Islanders 2–3 Washington Capitals OT Neuvirth 32–26–5 69 18,506Recap March: 8–5–3 (Home: 4–3–2; Road: 4–2–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record PointsAttendance Recap 64 2 New Jersey Devils 5–0 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 32–27–5 69 185,06Recap 65 4 Philadelphia Flyers 1–0 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 32–28–5 69 18,506 Recap 66 6 Carolina Hurricanes 4–3 Washington Capitals OT Neuvirth 32–28–6 70 18,506 Recap 67 8 Tampa Bay Lightning 2–3 Washington Capitals OT Vokoun 33–28–6 72 18,506Recap 68 10 Washington Capitals 4–3 Boston Bruins Vokoun 34–26–6 74 17,565Recap 69 11 Toronto Maple Leafs 0–2 Washington Capitals Neuvirth 35–26–6 76 18,506Recap 70 13 Washington Capitals 5–4 New York Islanders SO Neuvirth 36–26–6 78 11,488Recap 71 16 Washington Capitals 2–3 Winnipeg Jets Vokoun 36–27–6 78 15,004Recap 72 18 Washington Capitals 2–5 Chicago Blackhawks Neuvirth 36–28–6 78 21,561Recap 73 19 Washington Capitals 5–3 Detroit Red Wings Holtby 37–28–6 80 20,066Recap 74 22 Washington Capitals 1–2 Philadelphia Flyers SO Holtby 37–29–7 81 19,948Recap 75 23 Winnipeg Jets 4–3 Washington Capitals OT Neuvirth 37–29–8 82 18,506Recap 76 25 Minnesota Wild 0–3 Washington Capitals Holtby 38–30–8 84 18,506Recap 77 27 Buffalo Sabres 5–1 Washington Capitals Holtby 38–31–8 84 18,506Recap 78 29 Washington Capitals 3–2 Boston Bruins SO Neuvirth 39–31–8 86 17,565Recap 79 31 Montreal Canadiens 2–3 Washington Capitals SO Neuvirth 40–31–8 88 18,506Recap April: 2–1–0 (Home: 1–0–0; Road: 1–1–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Record PointsAttendance Recap 80 2 Washington Capitals 2–4 Tampa Bay Lightning Neuvirth 40–32–8 88 19,204Recap 81 5 Florida Panthers 2–4 Washington Capitals Holtby 41–32–8 90 18,506Recap 82 7 Washington Capitals 4–1 New York Rangers Holtby 42–32–8 92 18,200Recap Playoffs Key: #ccffcc darkgray Win #ffbbbb darkgray Loss lightblue darkgray Clinch Playoff Series #9966cc darkgray Eliminated from playoffs 2012 Stanley Cup PlayoffsEastern Conference Quarter-finals: vs. (2) Boston Bruins – Capitals win series 4–3 # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Recap 1 April 12 Washington Capitals 0–1 Boston Bruins OT Holtby 17,565 0–1Recap 2 April 14 Washington Capitals 2–1 Boston Bruins 2OT Holtby 17,565 1–1 Recap 3 April 16 Boston Bruins 4–3 Washington Capitals Holtby 18,506 1–2 Recap 4 April 19 Boston Bruins 1–2 Washington Capitals Holtby 18,506 2–2 Recap 5 April 21 Washington Capitals 4–3 Boston Bruins Holtby 17,565 3–2 Recap 6 April 22 Boston Bruins 4–3 Washington Capitals OT Holtby 18,506 3–3 Recap 7 April 25 Washington Capitals 2–1 Boston Bruins OT Holtby 17,565 4–3 Recap Eastern Conference Semi-finals: vs. (1) New York Rangers – Rangers win series 4–3 # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Recap 1 April 28 Washington Capitals 1–3 New York Rangers Holtby 18,200 0–1 Recap 2 April 30 Washington Capitals 3–2 New York Rangers Holtby 18,200 1–1 Recap 3 May 2 New York Rangers 2–1 Washington Capitals 3OT Holtby 18,506 1–2 Recap 4 May 5 New York Rangers 2–3 Washington Capitals Holtby 18,506 2–2 Recap 5 May 7 Washington Capitals 2–3 New York Rangers OT Holtby 18,200 2–3 Recap 6 May 9 New York Rangers 1–2 Washington Capitals Holtby 18,506 3–3 Recap 7 May 12 Washington Capitals 1–2 New York Rangers Holtby 18,200 3–4 Recap Player statistics SkatersNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes Regular season Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM Alexander Ovechkin 78 38 27 65 −8 26 Alexander Semin 77 21 33 54 9 56 Marcus Johansson Marcus Johansson (ice hockey, born 1990) 80 14 32 46 −5 8 Dennis Wideman 82 11 35 46 −8 46 Nicklas Backstrom Nicklas Bäckström 42 14 30 44 −4 24 Brooks Laich 82 16 25 41 −8 34 Jason Chimera 82 20 19 39 4 78 Troy Brouwer 82 18 15 33 −15 61 John Carlson John Carlson (ice hockey) 82 9 23 32 −15 22 Mathieu Perreault 64 16 14 30 9 24 Dmitry Orlov Dmitry Orlov (ice hockey) 60 3 16 19 1 18 Mike Knuble 72 6 12 18 −15 32 Joel Ward Joel Ward (ice hockey) 73 6 12 18 12 20 Karl Alzner 82 1 16 17 12 29 Jeff Halpern 69 4 12 16 −1 24 Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík 68 2 11 13 11 34 Keith Aucoin 27 3 8 11 4 0 Matt Hendricks 78 4 5 9 −6 95 Cody Eakin 30 4 4 8 2 4 Mike Green Mike Green (ice hockey, born 1985) 32 3 4 7 5 12 Jeff Schultz 54 1 5 6 −2 12 Jay Beagle 41 4 1 5 −2 23 John Erskine John Erskine (ice hockey) 28 0 2 2 3 51 Sean Collins Sean Collins (ice hockey defenceman) 2 0 0 0 −1 0 D. J. King 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tomas Kundratek Tomáš Kundrátek 5 0 0 0 0 2 Joel Rechlicz 3 0 0 0 0 10 Playoffs Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM Alexander Ovechkin 14 5 4 9 −2 8 Nicklas Backstrom Nicklas Bäckström 13 2 6 8 2 18 Jason Chimera 14 4 3 7 5 6 Brooks Laich 14 2 5 7 1 6 Joel Ward Joel Ward (ice hockey) 14 1 4 5 3 6 John Carlson John Carlson (ice hockey) 14 2 3 5 −1 8 Roman Hamrlik Roman Hamrlík 14 1 3 4 8 12 Alexander Semin 14 3 1 4 −4 10 Mike Green Mike Green (ice hockey, born 1985) 14 2 2 4 5 10 Troy Brouwer 14 2 2 4 −2 8 Mike Knuble 11 2 1 3 3 6 Dennis Wideman 14 0 3 3 −7 2 Marcus Johansson Marcus Johansson (ice hockey, born 1990) 14 1 2 3 −6 0 Matt Hendricks 14 1 1 2 −1 6 Keith Aucoin 14 0 2 2 −2 2 Karl Alzner 14 0 2 2 −1 0 Jay Beagle 12 1 1 2 1 4 John Erskine John Erskine (ice hockey) 4 0 1 1 −1 0 Jeff Halpern 2 0 0 0 −1 4 Jeff Schultz 10 0 0 0 −7 2 Mathieu Perreault 4 0 0 0 −1 0 GoaltendersNote: GP = Games played; Min = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime losses; GA = Goals against; GAA= Goals against average; SA= Shots against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save percentage; SO= Shutouts'' Regular season Player GP Min W L OT GA GAA SA Sv% SO G A PIM Tomas Vokoun Tomáš Vokoun 48 2583 25 17 2 108 2.51 1299 .917 4 0 2 4 Michal Neuvirth 38 2020 13 13 5 95 2.82 976 .903 3 0 1 2 Braden Holtby 7 361 4 2 1 15 2.49 15 .922 1 0 0 0 Playoffs Player GP Min W L GA GAA SA Sv% SO G A PIM Braden Holtby 14 922 7 7 30 1.95 459 .935 0 0 0 2 Awards and records thumb|upright|Bruce Boudreau became the fastest coach to 200 wins in NHL history during the season. Entering the season, Boudreau had amassed 189 wins in 309 NHL games.http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=502 Bruce Boudreau career statistics Internet Hockey Databasse 2012-08-24 The win total put him on track to surpass Don Cherry as the fastest head coach to reach 200 NHL victories.http://m.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/capitals-coach-bruce-boudreau-closes-in-on-don-cherrys-record/article4183906/?service=mobile Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau closes in on Don Cherry's record The Globe and Mail 2011-11-18 2012-08-24 Johnston Chris After reaching 199 wins, Washington went on a four-game losing streak before finally earning Boudreau the milestone win.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/bruce-boudreau-all-i-can-do-is-come-out-and-coach-every-day/2011/11/22/gIQAmWkHoN_blog.html Bruce Boudreau: 'All I can do is come out and coach every day' The Washington Post 2011-11-23 2012-08-24 Carrera Katie Despite the losing streak, Boudreau registered his 200th win in 326 games, eclipsing Cherry's previous mark of 341 games. While Boudreau set the record, he had the advantage of overtime and shootout victories, which did not exist during Cherry's coaching career.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/phx-vs-wsh/2011/11/21/2011020292 https://web.archive.org/web/20120108090034/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020292 live 2012-01-08 Postgame Notebook: Capitals 4, Coyotes 3 Washington Capitals 2011-11-21 2012-08-24 Vogel Mike Boudreau was fired seven days after setting the record. Besides Ovechkin's March and Vokoun's third star award, Washington had players named NHL weekly stars three other times. Backstrom was named a third star after recording four points in two games. John Carlson earned third star honors with back-to-back three-point games and finishing the week with seven points. Ovechkin received the first of his two star awards by scoring eight points in six games in January. Awards Regular Season Player Award Awarded Tomas Vokoun NHL Third Star of the Week October 24, 2011 Nicklas Backstrom NHL Third Star of the Week November 7, 2011http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=599256 https://web.archive.org/web/20111108052452/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=599256 dead November 8, 2011 Wild's Harding named NHL's First Star of the week National Hockey League 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 John Carlson NHL Third Star of the Week December 12, 2011http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=606003 https://web.archive.org/web/20120620090014/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=606003 dead June 20, 2012 Iginla, Hackett, Carlson are NHL's Three Stars National Hockey League 2011-12-12 2011-12-14 Alexander Ovechkin NHL Second Star of the Week January 2, 2012http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=609382 https://web.archive.org/web/20160308002435/https://www.nhl.com/news/stamkos-ovechkin-quick-earn-three-star-nods/c-609382 dead March 8, 2016 Stamkos, Ovechkin, Quick earn Three Star nods National Hockey League 2012-01-02 2012-01-04 Alexander Ovechkin NHL Third Star of the Week March 26, 2012http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=624193 https://web.archive.org/web/20120328032648/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=624193 dead March 28, 2012 Malkin, Miller, Ovechkin named week's Three Stars National Hockey League 2012-03-26 2012-03-26 Record Regular Season name Record DateBruce BoudreauReached 200 wins faster than any coach in NHL historyNovember 21, 2011https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/the-good-ol-hockey-game-bruce-boudreau-randy-carlyle-and-the-nhl-coaching-carousel/2011/12/02/gIQAgXxNLO_blog.html The Good Ol' Hockey Game: Bruce Boudreau, Randy Carlyle and the NHL coaching carousel The Washington Post 2012-12-02 2012-07-23 Milestones Player Milestone Reached Joel Ward 100th Career NHL Point October 8, 2011http://capitals.nhl.com/v2/ext/11-12_Game_Notes/110111_vsANA.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20111112011133/http://capitals.nhl.com/v2/ext/11-12_Game_Notes/110111_vsANA.pdf dead November 12, 2011 Washington Capitals Game Notes Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 Jason Chimera 100th Career NHL Goal October 10, 2011 Jeff Halpern 800th Career NHL Game October 27, 2011http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=637582 https://web.archive.org/web/20120727101125/http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=637582 dead July 27, 2012 Rangers add veteran forward Halpern New York Rangers 2012-08-25 2012-07-10 Alexander Semin 400th Career NHL Game October 27, 2011https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-edm/2011/10/27/2011020134 https://web.archive.org/web/20111029142742/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020134 live 2011-10-29 Postgame Notebook:Oilers 2, Capitals 1 Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2011-10-27 Vogel Mike Cody Eakin 1st Career NHL Game November 1, 2011https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/cody-eakin-shakes-off-nerves-for-a-solid-nhl-debut/2011/11/02/gIQAbi5agM_blog.html Cody Eakin shakes off nerves for a solid NHL debut The Washington Post 2012-08-25 2011-11-03 El-Bashir Tarik Cody Eakin 1st Career NHL Goal1st Career NHL Assist1st Career NHL Point November 4, 2011http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=624635 https://web.archive.org/web/20120401081517/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=624635 dead April 1, 2012 Capitals Recall Cody Eakin from Hershey Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-03-28 John Erskine 400th Career NHL Game November 8, 2011https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/john-erskine-says-he-didnt-intend-to-target-trevor-daleys-head-on-hit/2011/11/09/gIQAgXy53M_blog.html John Erskine says he didn't intend to target Trevor Daley's head on hit The Washington Post 2012-08-25 2011-11-09 Carrera Katie Jason Chimera 600th Career NHL Game November 21, 2011 Dmitry Orlov 1st Career NHL Game November 21, 2011https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/bruce-boudreau-praises-dmitry-orlovs-nhl-debut/2011/11/22/gIQAbHA0jN_blog.html Bruce Boudreau praises Dmitry Orlov's NHL debut The Washington Post 2012-08-25 2011-11-22 Carrera Katie Dmitry Orlov 1st Career NHL Assist1st Career NHL Point November 23, 2011https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/dmitry-orlov-looks-like-hes-been-playing-a-hundred-games-in-nhl/2011/11/25/gIQAmPRLwN_blog.html Dmitry Orlov 'looks like he's been playing a hundred games' in NHL The Washington Post 2012-08-25 2011-11-25 Carrera Katie Brooks Laich 500th Career NHL Game December 3, 2011http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/ https://archive.today/20130209044712/http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/ dead 2013-02-09 Brooks Laich celebrates 500th NHL game in overtime style The Washington Times 2012-08-25 2011-12-05 Whyno Stephen Alexander Ovechkin 500th Career NHL Game December 3, 2011 Marcus Johansson 100th Career NHL Game December 20, 2011http://washington.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/capitals-practice-update-36/ Capitals Practice Update CBS 2012-08-25 2011-12-19 Kerstein Sky Mike Knuble 1,000th Career NHL Game December 20, 2011http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/20/mike-knuble-honored-1000th-nhl-game/ https://web.archive.org/web/20111222132436/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/20/mike-knuble-honored-1000th-nhl-game/ dead 2011-12-22 Mike Knuble honored for 1,000th NHL game The Washington Times 2012-08-25 2011-12-20 Whyno Stephen Nicklas Backstrom 100th Career NHL Goal December 30, 2011http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/16655487/roster-report https://archive.today/20130118194745/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/16655487/roster-report dead 2013-01-18 Roster Report CBS Sports 2012-08-25 2011-12-31 Tomas Kundratek 1st Career NHL Game January 11, 2012http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/jan/12/kundratek-nhl-debut-it-was-best-day-my-life/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120305123309/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2012/jan/12/kundratek-nhl-debut-it-was-best-day-my-life/ dead 2012-03-05 Tomas Kundratek on NHL debut: 'It was best day of my life' The Washington Times 2012-08-25 2012-01-12 Whyno Stephen Dmitry Orlov 1st Career NHL Goal January 15, 2012http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/15/capitals-hurricanes-score-dmitry-orlov-vokoun-semi/?page=all Dmitry Orlov's 1st NHL goal lifts Capitals to top of Southeast Division The Washington Times 2012-08-25 2012-01-15 Whyno Stephen Dennis Wideman 500th Career NHL Game January 22, 2012https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-pit/2012/01/22/2011020714 https://web.archive.org/web/20120208121621/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020714 live 2012-02-08 Postgame Notebook: Penguins 4, Capitals 3, OT Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-01-22 Vogel Mike Alexander Semin 200th Career NHL Assist February 22, 2012https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-ott/2012/02/22/2011020896 https://web.archive.org/web/20120327204823/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020896 live 2012-03-27 Postgame Notebook: Senators 5, Capitals 2 Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-02-22 Vogel Mike Joel Ward 300th Career NHL Game February 22, 2012 Troy Brouwer 300th Career NHL Game February 25, 2012https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-tor/2012/02/25/2011020918 https://web.archive.org/web/20120301232257/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020918 live 2012-03-01 Postgame Notebook: Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 2 Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-02-25 Vogel Mike Mathieu Perreault 100th Career NHL Game February 25, 2012 Karl Alzner 200th Career NHL Game March 8, 2012https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-tor/2012/02/25/2011020918 https://web.archive.org/web/20120301232257/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020918 live 2012-03-01 Postgame Notebook: Capitals 3, Lightning 2, OT Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-03-08 Vogel Mike Matt Hendricks 200th Career NHL Game March 8, 2012 Michal Neuvirth 100th Career NHL Game March 11, 2012https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-wsh/2012/03/11/2011021025 https://web.archive.org/web/20120425150502/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011021025 live 2012-04-25 Postgame Notebook: Capitals 2, Maple Leafs 0 Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-03-11 Vogel Mike Alexander Semin 400th Career NHL Point March 19, 2012https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-det/2012/03/19/2011021085 https://web.archive.org/web/20120611174704/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011021085 live 2012-06-11 Postgame Notebook: Capitals 5, Red Wings 3 Washington Capitals 2012-08-25 2012-03-19 Vogel Mike Transactions Going into the off-season, there was concern over the future of goaltender Semyon Varlamov. Washington had given the restricted free agent a qualifying offer, giving the Capitals the right to match any other NHL offers or receive draft pick compensation if they did not match.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/washington-capitals-gm-george-mcphee-discusses-semyon-varlamov-nhl-free-agency/2011/06/28/AGkMRppH_blog.html Washington Capitals GM George McPhee discusses Semyon Varlamov, NHL free agency The Washington Post 2011-06-28 2012-08-26 Carrera Katie Though Washington had control of his negotiating rights, Varlamov indicated that he would leave the NHL to play in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He stated that while he wanted to play in the NHL, he did not want to be a back-up.https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Why-Semyon-Varlamov-chose-KHL-over-Washington-Ca?urn=nhl-wp8271 Why Semyon Varlamov chose KHL over Washington Capitals Yahoo! Sports 2011-06-29 2012-08-26 Chesnokov Dmitry If Varlamov left the League, Washington would not receive any compensation but would retain his NHL rights.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/semyon-varlamovs-khl-rights-will-not-be-traded/2011/06/29/AG6dcqqH_blog.html Semyon Varlamov's KHL rights will not be traded; future with Washington Capitals still unclear The Washington Post 2011-06-29 2012-08-26 Carrera Katie In the KHL, a war for Varlamov's services was developing. Lokomotiv Yaroslav claimed to retain Varlamov's KHL rights and wanted to sign him to a contract around $2 million a season. Alternatively, SKA Saint Petersburg filed a complaint with the KHL, stating his rights were not owned because his original contract with Yaroslav predated the formation of the KHL and was therefore invalid. Before the situation could be resolved, the Capitals traded Varlamov's rights to the Colorado Avalanche for a first round pick in the 2012 NHL entry draft, along with a conditional second-round selection 2012 or 2013. Following the trade, team owner Ted Leonsis noted that Varlamov "wanted assurances that we couldn't make to him." He was disappointed, but wished Varlamov well with Colorado.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/washington-capitals-trade-semyon-varlamov-to-colorado-avalanche/2011/07/01/AGnBDqtH_blog.html Washington Capitals trade Semyon Varlamov to Colorado Avalanche for draft picks The Washington Post 2011-07-01 2012-08-26 Carrera Katie The Avalanche then signed the goaltender to a three-year, $8.5 million contract, thus keeping him in the NHL.https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/on-the-avalanche-getting-fleeced-for-semyon-varlamov?urn=nhl,wp8465 On the Avalanche getting fleeced for Semyon Varlamov Yahoo! Sports 2011-07-01 2012-08-26 Wyshynski Greghttp://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2011-09-18/semyon-varlamov-honoring-russian-team-by-playing-on Semyon Varlamov honoring Russian team by playing on Sporting News 2011-09-18 2012-08-26 September 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120908172825/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2011-09-18/semyon-varlamov-honoring-russian-team-by-playing-on dead Trades DateDetails June 2, 2011 To Nashville PredatorsConditional 7th-round pick in 2013Condition not satisfied. To Washington CapitalsTaylor Stefishenhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=564617 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233055/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=564617 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Acquire Taylor Stefishen from Nashville for Conditional Draft Pick Washington Capitals 2011-06-02 2012-08-18 June 24, 2011 To Chicago Blackhawks1st-round pick in 2011 To Washington CapitalsTroy Brouwerhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567136 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233231/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567136 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Acquire Right Wing Troy Brouwer from Chicago Washington Capitals 2011-06-24 2012-08-18 July 1, 2011 To Colorado Avalanche Semyon Varlamov To Washington Capitals 1st-round pick in 2012Conditional 2nd-round pick in 2012 or 2013Washington Capitals elected to receive 2nd-round pick in 2012.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568028 https://web.archive.org/web/20110710011809/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568028 dead July 10, 2011 Caps Acquire Colorado Picks for Varlamov Washington Capitals 2011-07-01 2012-08-18 July 8, 2011 To Winnipeg Jets Eric Fehr To Washington Capitals Danick Paquette4th-round pick in 2012http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568926 https://web.archive.org/web/20110710094132/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568926 dead July 10, 2011 Capitals Acquire a Fourth-Round Draft Pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and Right Wing Danick Paquette from Winnipeg for Right Wing Eric Fehr Washington Capitals 2011-07-08 2012-08-20 November 8, 2011 To New York Rangers Francois Bouchard To Washington Capitals Tomas Kundratekhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=599535 https://web.archive.org/web/20111113090821/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=599535 dead 2011-11-13 Capitals Acquire Tomas Kundratek from New York Rangers for Francois Bouchard Washington Capitals 2011-11-08 2012-08-20 February 2, 2012 To Philadelphia Flyers Matthew Ford To Washington Capitals Kevin Marshallhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=614962 https://web.archive.org/web/20120206033421/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=614962 dead February 6, 2012 Capitals Acquire Kevin Marshall from Philadelphia and Mike Carman from Colorado Washington Capitals 2012-02-02 2012-08-20 February 2, 2012 To Colorado Avalanche Danny Richmond To Washington Capitals Mike Carman May 26, 2012 To Boston Bruins Chris Bourque To Washington Capitals Zach Hamillhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=632874 https://web.archive.org/web/20120601224231/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=632874 dead June 1, 2012 Capitals Acquire Center Zach Hamill from Boston for Left Wing Chris Bourque Washington Capitals 2012-05-26 2012-08-20 June 4, 2012 To Pittsburgh Penguins: Tomas Vokoun To Washington Capitals: 7th-round pick in 2012http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=633707 https://web.archive.org/web/20120609064035/http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=633707 dead June 9, 2012 Penguins Acquire Goaltender Tomas Vokoun; Veteran Netminder Signs Two-Year Contract Penguins.nhl.com June 4, 2012 Free agents signed Player Former team Contract terms Mattias Sjogren Farjestad BK 2 years, $1.8 million entry-level contracthttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=564411 https://web.archive.org/web/20120305063318/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=564411 dead March 5, 2012 Capitals Sign Center Mattias Sjogren Washington Capitals 2011-06-01 2012-08-20 Jeff Halpern Montreal Canadiens 1 year, $875,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568004 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233252/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568004 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Sign Center Jeff Halpern to One-Year Contract Washington Capitals 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Joel Ward Nashville Predators 4 years, $12 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568085 https://web.archive.org/web/20110704075900/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568085 dead July 4, 2011 Capitals Sign Joel Ward Washington Capitals 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Roman Hamrlik Montreal Canadiens 2 years, $7 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568087 https://web.archive.org/web/20110705193716/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568087 dead July 5, 2011 Capitals Sign Defenseman Roman Hamrlik Washington Capitals 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Ryan Potulny Ottawa Senators 2 years, $1.05 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568219 https://web.archive.org/web/20110706074758/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568219 dead July 6, 2011 Center Ryan Potulny and Right Wing Matthew Ford Sign with Washington/Hersey Washington Capitals 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Matthew Ford Lake Erie Monsters 1 year, $525,000 Chris Bourque HC Lugano 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568287 https://web.archive.org/web/20110809072251/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568287 dead August 9, 2011 Capitals Sign Left Wing Chris Bourque Washington Capitals 2011-07-02 2012-08-20 Tomas Vokoun Florida Panthers 1 year, $1.5 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568358 https://web.archive.org/web/20110712231207/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568358 dead July 12, 2011 Capitals Sign Goaltender Tomas Vokoun Washington Capitals 2011-07-02 2012-08-20 Danny Richmond Toronto Marlies 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568436 https://web.archive.org/web/20120203175947/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568436 dead February 3, 2012 Capitals Sign Defenseman Danny Richmond Washington Capitals 2011-07-04 2012-08-20 Christian Hanson Toronto Maple Leafs 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569008 https://web.archive.org/web/20111004224954/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569008 dead October 4, 2011 Capitals Sign Center Christian Hanson Washington Capitals 2011-07-11 2012-08-20 Jacob Micflikier Charlotte Checkers 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569358 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719213631/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569358 dead July 19, 2011 Capitals Sign Forward Jacob Micflikier Washington Capitals 2011-07-14 2012-08-20 Joel Rechlicz Hershey Bears 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=614335 https://web.archive.org/web/20120210161750/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=614335 dead February 10, 2012 Capitals Sign and Recall Joel Rechlicz and Recall Cody Eakin from Hershey Washington Capitals 2012-01-30 2012-08-20 Cameron Schilling Miami University 2 years, $1.85 million entry-level contracthttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=624419 https://web.archive.org/web/20120401082054/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=624419 dead April 1, 2012 Capitals Sign Defenseman Cameron Schilling Washington Capitals 2012-03-27 2012-08-20 Free agents lost Player New team Contract terms Marco Sturm Vancouver Canucks 1 year, $2.25 millionhttp://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568141 https://web.archive.org/web/20110703072620/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568141 dead July 3, 2011 Vancouver Canucks sign left wing Marco Sturm Vancouver Canucks 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Boyd Gordon Phoenix Coyotes 2 years, $2.65 millionhttp://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568164 https://web.archive.org/web/20110706074803/http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568164 dead July 6, 2011 Coyotes Sign Boyd Gordon to Multi-Year Contract Phoenix Coyotes 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Matt Bradley Florida Panthers 2 years, $1.9 millionhttp://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568316 https://web.archive.org/web/20110703054642/http://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568316 dead July 3, 2011 Panthers Sign RW Matt Bradley Florida Panthers 2011-07-02 2012-08-20 Andrew Gordon Anaheim Ducks 2 years, $1.075 millionhttp://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568359 https://web.archive.org/web/20110706074814/http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568359 dead July 6, 2011 Gordon Agrees to Two-Year Contract Anaheim Ducks 2011-07-02 2012-08-20 Steve Pinizzotto Vancouver Canucks 1 year, $600,000http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568137 https://web.archive.org/web/20110706021450/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568137 dead July 6, 2011 Canucks sign right wing Steven Pinizzotto Vancouver Canucks 2011-07-03 2012-08-20 Jason Arnott St. Louis Blues 1 year, $2.875 millionhttp://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568734 https://web.archive.org/web/20120613074702/http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568734 dead June 13, 2012 Blues Sign Arnott to One-Year Deal St. Louis Blues 2011-07-06 2012-08-20 Brian Willsie Montreal Canadiens 1 year, $600,000http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568795 https://web.archive.org/web/20110709035427/http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568795 dead July 9, 2011 Habs sign forward Brian Willsie to a one-year contract Montreal Canadiens 2011-07-07 2012-08-20 Tyler Sloan Nashville Predators 1 year, $650,000http://predators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=585468 https://web.archive.org/web/20120610192723/http://predators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=585468 dead June 10, 2012 Preds Sign Defenseman Tyler Sloan To 2-Way Deal Nashville Predators 2011-07-29 2012-08-20 Scott Hannan Calgary Flames 1 year, $1 millionhttp://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=586054 https://web.archive.org/web/20120328024438/http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=586054 dead March 28, 2012 Flames sign Scott Hannan Calgary Flames 2011-08-13 2012-08-20 Player signings Player Date Contract terms Zach Miskovic May 18, 2011 1 year, $525,000http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/05/hershey_bears_re-signed_zach_m.html Hershey Bears: Re-signed Zach Miskovic eyes healthy summer The Patriot-News 2011-05-18 2012-08-20 Leone Tim Patrick McNeill June 15, 2011 2 years, $1.05 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=565937 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233105/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=565937 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Re-Sign Defenseman Patrick McNeill Washington Capitals 2011-06-15 2012-08-20 Dany Sabourin June 17, 2011 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=566205 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233112/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=566205 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Re-Sign Goaltender Dany Sabourin Washington Capitals 2011-06-17 2012-08-20 Brooks Laich June 28, 2011 6 years, $27 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567512 https://web.archive.org/web/20110629130431/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567512 dead June 29, 2011 Laich'ing it in Washington Washington Capitals 2011-06-28 2012-08-20 Sean Collins July 1, 2011 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568215 https://web.archive.org/web/20120305033529/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568215 dead March 5, 2012 Capitals Re-Sign Defenseman Sean Collins Washington Capitals 2011-07-01 2012-08-20 Troy Brouwer July 6, 2011 2 years, $4.7 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568673 https://web.archive.org/web/20110809071312/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=568673 dead August 9, 2011 Capitals Sign Right Wing Troy Brouwer Washington Capitals 2011-07-06 2012-08-20 Mathieu Perreault July 13, 2011 1 year, $525,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569249 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405233501/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569249 dead April 5, 2012 Capitals Re-Sign Center Mathieu Perreault Washington Capitals 2011-07-13 2012-08-20 Karl Alzner July 15, 2011 2 years, $2.57 millionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569435 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719155233/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569435 dead July 19, 2011 Capitals Re-Sign Defenseman Karl Alzner Washington Capitals 2011-07-15 2012-08-20 Francois Bouchard July 15, 2011 1 year, $770,000http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569433 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719213642/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569433 dead July 19, 2011 Capitals Re-Sign Right Wing Francois Bouchard Washington Capitals 2011-07-15 2012-08-20 Stanislav Galiev August 24, 2011 3 years, $1.855 million entry-level contracthttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=587326 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308081755/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=587326 dead March 8, 2012 Capitals Sign Forward Stanislav Galiev Washington Capitals 2011-08-24 2012-08-20 Jason Chimera September 29, 2011 2 years, $3.5 million contract extensionhttp://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=590351 https://web.archive.org/web/20111002124505/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=590351 dead October 2, 2011 Capitals Re-Sign Left Wing Jason Chimera Washington Capitals 2011-09-29 2012-08-20 2011 draft picks thumb|The stage at the 2011 NHL entry draft The 2011 NHL entry draft was held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on June 24 and 25.http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=524798 https://web.archive.org/web/20100418034411/http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=524798 dead April 18, 2010 Wild To Host 2011 NHL Entry Draft National Hockey League 2010-04-10 2012-08-12 Associated Press Heading into the draft, the Capitals had only five picks due to a variety of trades, which was tied for the fewest in franchise history.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/capitals-2011-draft-details/2011/05/10/AFTwSShG_blog.html Capitals 2011 draft details The Washington Post 2011-05-10 2012-08-23 Carrera Katie Believing that they had prospect depth in their organization and not seeing an available player who could help immediately, Washington traded their first round pick for Troy Brouwer.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/washington-capitals-pick-trio-of-ncaa-bound-players-at-2011-nhl-draft/2011/06/25/AGwSBLlH_blog.html Washington Capitals pick trio of NCAA-bound players at 2011 NHL draft The Washington Post 2011-06-26 2012-08-23 Carrera Katie With just late round selections remaining, the Capitals decided to take players that required time to develop. Three of their four picks were in, or set to attend, college. Fourth-round pick Steffen Soberg, the lone player not attending college, played in the GET-ligaen, Norway's highest level of competition. At the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships, he posted the second-highest save percentage in the tournament and was considered one of Norway's top three players, though no Norwegian goaltender has ever played an NHL game.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567382 https://web.archive.org/web/20110630200301/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567382 dead June 30, 2011 Capitals Make Four Selections on Second Day of NHL Draft Washington Capitals 2011-06-25 2012-08-23 https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/244/IHM244000_85A_9_0.pdf 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships Goaltender Statistics 2011-04-24 2012-08-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20190528155942/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/244/IHM244000_85A_9_0.pdf 2019-05-28 IIHF livehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/day-2-of-2011-nhl-entry-draft-underway/2011/06/25/AGC31bkH_blog.html Day 2 of 2011 NHL Entry Draft underway The Washington Post 2011-06-25 2012-08-23 Carrera Katie Round # Player Position Nationality College/Junior/Club team (League) 4 117 Steffen Soberg G Manglerud Star (Norway) 5 147 Patrick Koudys D Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (ECAC) 6 177 Travis Boyd C U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL) 7 207 Garrett Haar D Fargo Force (USHL) source: Draft notes The Capitals' first-round pick in the draft was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Troy Brouwer. The Capitals' second-round pick in the draft, along with Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala, was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Joe Corvo in 2010.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=519942 https://web.archive.org/web/20100307121431/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=519942 dead March 7, 2010 Capitals Acquire Defenseman Joe Corvo from Carolina Washington Capitals 2010-03-03 2012-08-23 The Capitals' third-round pick in the draft, along with Jake Hauswirth, was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Dennis Wideman.http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=554470 https://web.archive.org/web/20110307205234/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=554470 dead March 7, 2011 Capitals Acquire Dennis Wideman from Florida Washington Capitals 2011-02-28 2012-08-23 See also 2011–12 NHL season Notes note 11: Washington traded Eric Fehr and Varlamov, while Jason Arnott, Marco Sturm, Scott Hannan, Boyd Gordon and Bradley all left via free agency. All played at least five games for the Capitals during the 2011 playoffs, except Varlamov, who, as the back-up, did not play any games.http://www.nhl.com/ice/historicalstats.htm?season=20102011&gameType=3&team=WSH&position=S&country= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062316/http://www.nhl.com/stats/player dead March 4, 2016 2010–2011 – Playoffs – Washington Capitals – Skaters National Hockey League 2012-08-27https://www.nhl.com/islanders/player/semyon-varlamov-8473575 Semyon Varlamov Career Statistics National Hockey League 2012-08-28 note 22: The NHL uses a point system that awards two points for a win and one point an overtime or shootout loss. The denotation of a team's record is wins-losses-overtime/shootout losses.http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm#?navid=nav-stn-main https://web.archive.org/web/20090116105733/http://nhl.com/ice/standings.htm#?navid=nav-stn-main dead January 16, 2009 2011–12 NHL Standings National Hockey League 2012-11-19 note 33: In ice hockey a combination of a player's goals and assists are collectively called points. Though a lone goal or assist can also be referred to as a point. A point streak consists of registering a point in multiple consecutive games. References 2 Category:Washington Capitals seasons W Cap Cap