Washington Capitals
Ahead of their Stadium Series contest against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, the Washington Capitals took to the ice at Carter-Finley Stadium at North Carolina State University for a skate with their families on Friday.
In addition to some quality time with their families, the Caps’ players and coaches posed for a team picture.
Lights 🔛 pic.twitter.com/xejSKbr22m
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 17, 2023
Many of the Capitals’ wives (and girlfriends) joined them on the ice, along with their children. T.J. Oshie was joined by wife Lauren, daughters Lyla and Leni, and son Campbell.
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Osh #CapsDads content here to bring you joy pic.twitter.com/293W0RBsq4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 18, 2023
Conor Sheary and Dylan Strome stopped for refreshments with their daughters Mila and Weslie, respectively.
There is always time for a juice box pic.twitter.com/GTWZh8NACu
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 18, 2023
Nicklas Backstrom and son Vince:
Backy skating with his kid ahead of the #StadiumSeries 😍 pic.twitter.com/r9EgYxwmmh
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 17, 2023
Nic Dowd was joined by wife Paige and son Louie as well as new daughter Ruby (whom the couple welcomed a few weeks ago).
Paige is a natural!! We love the Dowd’s 😍#StadiumSeries | @MayHockeyNBCS pic.twitter.com/s2qJNOyvmD
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2023
Nick Jensen, wife Jenner, and sons Enzo and Leo:
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The Stromes:
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The Capitals take on the Hurricanes at 8 PM ET on ABC or ESPN+, however NBC Sports Washington conducted their pre-game coverage on Friday night. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper took on the task of interviewing his teammates, with mixed results.
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“I’m not really sure what to do but I’m just kinda floating around.” 😂#StadiumSeries | @Capitals | @alexalandestoy pic.twitter.com/CDUIlufKEM
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2023
Given the grueling NHL schedule, the opportunity for players to spend time on the ice with loved ones, particularly their children, is extremely valuable and meaningful. Garnet Hathaway, who was joined by his son Luke and is keeping a blog of his experience for NHL.com, is playing in his first outdoor with Washington and in his NHL career.
When you try to interview Hath but his son steals the show (and the mic) 😂#StadiumSeries | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/aH3lbMxIlk
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2023
Tom and Taylor Wilson stopped to talk to NBC Sports Washington’s Al Koken:
Tom and Taylor, a dynamic duo on the sand AND the ice!! 🤩#StadiumSeries | @RealSmokinAl pic.twitter.com/UPzJWGTrPd
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2023
The Capitals’ coaches also took in the scene at Carter-Finley ahead of Saturday night’s tilt, and reflected on the memories that come with the outdoor spectacle.
“I think the football stadium is an even bigger, grander experience … It’s pretty amazing to walk out here and get that feel.”#StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/5rZhmqwuRE
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2023
Almost 20 years ago, Coach Lavi and Kevin McCarthy made a pretty great team as Canes coaches, bringing Carolina a Cup. Now they work side-by-side on the @Capitals bench.#StadiumSeries | @RealSmokinAl pic.twitter.com/NhkEJ82bLl
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 18, 2023
While the hard work begins tomorrow evening, a night of family fun and bonding with their teammates is sure to be a memory the Caps and their families won’t soon forget.
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A fine night for a skate with the family pic.twitter.com/yL7XrCUlfU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 18, 2023
By Michael Fleetwood