Photo: @CapitalsPR
On a nightly basis every season, Washington Capitals fans have the voices of television Play-by-Play announcer Joe Beninati and Color analyst Craig Laughlin enter their living rooms, narrating the ups, downs, and in-betweens of every game. On Saturday night, the duo celebrated 25 years of calling games together, the longest-tenured broadcast duo in the NHL.
Beninati and Laughlin first began as a tandem in the 1996-97 season, and have been an integral part in the game day experience of fans at home ever since.
Congrats on 25 years together in the @NBCSWashington booth, @JoeBpXp and @Laughlin18. Thank you for representing the organization with class and constantly going above and beyond the call of duty to share the story of the Washington @Capitals. pic.twitter.com/j3QOJwo6RO
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) November 6, 2021
Prior to the team’s Saturday night game against the Philadelphia Flyers, the two were presented with custom third-jerseys emblazed with the number “25” and their respective nicknames adorning the nameplate.
Sweet jerseys! Thank you @Capitals Catch the Caps and Flyers coming up next in @NBCSWashington pic.twitter.com/ldcYqOQqyE
— Craig Laughlin (@Laughlin18) November 6, 2021
During the first period of the Capitals’ game against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Capitals paid tribute to the duo’s longevity and contributions to the team with a video montage highlighting their antics over the last 25 years.
As someone with a front row seat during those 25 years , I can’t begin to describe how much hard work goes into making their jobs look so effortless and fun.
Congrats @JoeBpXp and @Laughlin18. You both are indeed,simply sensational. Enjoy your much deserved evening ! https://t.co/JRtsqrivZa
— Al Koken (@RealSmokinAl) November 5, 2021
Joe B and Locker have been on the air for many memorable moments in the last two decades of Capitals hockey, and their chemistry and ability to inform and entertain viewers have made them beloved figures in the Capitals community.
Fans and others took to social media to give tributes of their own in honor of 25 years:
GROWING UP A BRUINS FAN IN CAPS COUNTRY I HAVE WATCHED A TON OF CAPS GAMES. THESE TWO HAVE CALLED THE CAPS GAMES FOR 25 YEARS AND ARE 2 OF THE BEST IN THE NHL…CONGRATS TO LOCKER & JOE B ON 25! @Capitals @NBCSWashington pic.twitter.com/sOZSwPqYgU
— TED HEINBUCH (@REDSOXBMORE) November 6, 2021
nah that was so wholesome. joe b and locker forever.
— regular (season) tweeter (@OVECHKlN) November 6, 2021
As we honor @JoeBpXp and @Laughlin18 tonight for 25 years together in the booth, remembering that time Locker wanted to launch Joe B out of the cannon in Columbus. Happy 25 years, fellas. May the laughs continue for 25 more. pic.twitter.com/ewV7xFvWZ1
— John Walton (@JohnWaltonPxP) November 6, 2021
Can’t wait to celebrate this two tonight! @JoeBpXp @Laughlin18. Love you guys!! Congrats on 25 years in the booth together #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/TqlPQWW8oY
— Courtney Laughlin (@CourtneyL_Caps) November 6, 2021
The duo sat down with NBC Washington yesterday and discussed their career together, Alex Ovechkin, and “secrets” about the other:
Over 25 years, Joe and Craig have provided in-depth commentary and narration for moments that have been monumental ones in the history of the franchise, which was acknowledged by the Capital One Arena faithful after the video tribute.
A standing ovation for @JoeBpXp and @Laughlin18 after 25 years at the helm of @Capitals broadcasts
🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/f1gmfHYXc6— NBCSports Washington (@NBCSWashington) November 6, 2021
A trip down memory lane:
Washington Capitals
This game in the stands for the boys is the gift that keeps on giving. @Laughlin18 @JoeBpXp pic.twitter.com/3ImbzL4qHm
— John Walton (@JohnWaltonPxP) March 17, 2017
Congratulations Joe B and Locker on 25 fantastic and memorable years! Here’s to many more!
Congratulations Joe B and Locker! 25 more!