Capitals Talk

Hear from Tom Wilson, Ryan Leonard, Alex Tuch, and more Capitals players as Tarik El-Bashir and Al Koken get you ready for the 2026-27 season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"It's not a dream, it's not a desert mirage, it's Lord Stanley and he is coming to Washington!" 2018 was a magical year for the Washington Capitals, and in this season finale of "Told It Here!", Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin look back at those magical four series starting with Columbus, ending in Las Vegas and how Alex Ovechkin and his longtime teammates finally reached the ultimate prize. And for Joe and Craig, sharing their perspective on celebrating the moment separately after sharing so many moments together in the broadcast booth. A fitting completion to this debut season of "Told It Here!", thanks for listening.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the Capitals finally reached the mountaintop in 2018 and won their first ever Stanley Cup, it completed a 44-year journey that started in 1974. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have been there for so many of the team's great postseason moments but also their heartbreaking disappointments. In Episode 5 of "Told It Here!", Joe B and Locker build up to that triumphant 2018 postseason - by remembering the likes of Dale Hunter, John Druce, Kolzig and Juneau in the magical spring of '98, Ovechkin's first taste, Joel Ward and all of the rivalries that were built through playoff hockey with the Pens, Rangers and Isles. This episode will remind you why the end of the journey felt so good.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over 25 years as a play-by-pay tandem, Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have seen some things. In this episode 4 of "Told it Here!", Joe and Craig discuss some of their favorites in a host of categories, including favorite players, coaches, moments, and road cities. But as much as they agree on some things, they don't agree on many others, including the choice of dining establishments on the road, and loving beer vs wine. Hear about Craig's first encounter with future teammate Dale Hunter, stories about the "Ice Cheetah", "Gabby" and "Kono" and why does everyone like to pick on Joe? This is episode is filled with 25 years of fun.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 3 of "Told it Here!" Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin reminisce about one of the most exciting times in Caps history, the birth of the "Rock the Red" era in Washington, which has lived on at Verizon Center ever since. But before they relive the fun times, they look back at the tougher times that led to the drafting of Alex Ovechkin and everything that has happened since. You'll hear stories about the day Jaromir Jagr was traded, why Mel Anglestad was a highlight of the 2003-04 season, and how Bruce Boudreau's arrival ignited the Caps' resurgence. Later, Joe and Craig discuss many of the highlights of that time, including Sergei Fedorov's series-winner against the Rangers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To reach 25 years as a broadcasting duo, there has to be a beginning. In Episode 2 of "Told It Here!", Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin go back in time to discuss the paths they took to get to the broadcast booth together. Starting off with a story about how Locker went from his playing career to a new career as an analyst, into a conversation about the early years and working together. Later, more discussion about the players, coaches and "the men and women in the technical crew" who have been along for the ride and have made these years so special. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since 2005, Alex Ovechkin has been the face of the franchise for the Washington Capitals, and Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have had the privilege to witness his achievements first-hand for that entire time. In this debut episode of "Told it Here!", Joe and Craig look back at those 17 years from the beginning and his dynamic first game, all of the major milestones Alex has reached, and the long road to winning the team's 1st-ever Stanley Cup. Plus, Alex himself joins the guys from the road to help celebrate Joe and Craig's 25 years together as well (24:05). If you love the Great 8, this first episode of "Told it Here!" is for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin are celebrating 25 seasons of calling Washington Capitals hockey in the nation's capital, and to help commemorate that achievement, NBC Sports Washington presents "Told It Here!", a limited-edition podcast that will cover many of the major moments of the franchise since they began calling games as a pair. Within the 6-episode series, Joe and Craig will discuss having a front-row (or broadcast booth) seat to the amazing career of Alex Ovechkin (with a visit from the captain himself); how their own career paths converged onto television; their favorite games, players, moments and other memorable stories; how the Rock the Red era changed hockey in D.C. forever; and of course the long, sometimes painful chase of the Stanley Cup, which finally ended in 2018 with the team's 1st-ever championship. So sit back with a beer or a glass of wine and join Joe and Craig on a trip down memory lane, like you have for Caps games for the past 25 seasons.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Caps' postseason came to a sudden end and now face an uncertain future. Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan look back at what went wrong against the Bruins but then turn the page to the questions that need to be answered this offseason, starting with the expiring contract of Alex Ovechkin, the expansion draft and how the Caps try to retool their roster into a contender.

After 2 thrilling overtime games to start Round 1 of the playoffs, the series heads back to Boston even at 1-1... Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan discuss the play of Craig Anderson, how significant the injury to Lars Eller may be, and then welcome in Joe Haggerty of BostonHockeyNow.com to discuss the series from Boston's side of things. Find out why Tom Wilson and Brad Marchand aren't that dissimilar and why no one in Boston is ever happy with Tuukka Rask.

The Caps are shipping off to Boston... well, at least for games 3&4. But first, the 1st round series with the Bruins opens in DC Saturday night, and JJ Regan and Nick Ashooh have many questions about how this series will play out and what the Caps need to happen to make a long playoff run. Starting with the latest on Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov, and a deep dive into Vitek Vanacek as the #1 goalie, and whose style of play will dictate the outcome.

It's been a wild week for the Caps, and it all culminated Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Karl Alzner joins Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan to discuss the fight night, TJ Oshie's remarkable performance after the death of his father and the media frenzy surrounding Tom Wilson after Monday night's incident with Artemi Panarin. Plus, the guys dive into the latest with the playoff push and the goalie situation with the postseason a week away.

No rest for the 1st-place Caps, who move on from their emphatic 3-game sweep of the Islanders to another marquee matchup with the Penguins... JJ Regan and Nick Ashooh look ahead to the last 7 games of the season and also bring back the Mailbag to answer some of your questions. But stick around for their interview with ESPN's Randy Scott, a die-hard Caps fan whose personal remembrance of the 2018 Stanley Cup run is something every Caps fan can relate and will enjoy listening to.

Short break for the Caps with a huge 3-game series with the Islanders ahead, but plenty to discuss for JJ Regan and Nick Ashooh on this week's episode. The guys discuss the recent ups and downs, including the recent injuries to Zdeno Chara and Justin Schultz, plus the immediate impact Anthony Mantha has made and what that means for Washington's postseason prospects. Nicklas Backstrom's 1000 games in a Caps sweater gets their much-deserved appreciation as well, and a look ahead to that pivotal series with the Isles.

Trade Deadline 2021 has come and gone, and Caps GM made the biggest move of the day, sending Stanley Cup champion Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik and a pair of significant draft picks to Detroit for Anthony Mantha. Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan break down the trade and what it means for the playoffs and beyond, plus hear from Brian MacLellan himself on the moves he did and didn't make today.

Don't look now, but Alex Ovechkin is scoring goals at a torrid pace again, and JJ Regan and Nick Ashooh discuss how Ovi keeps doing it in his 16th season. Plus, the recent "discipline" for Connor McDavid pales in comparison to anything Tom Wilson would receive, and why do the Rangers seem to have the Caps' number? Also, don't miss Alexa Shaw's interview with Nick Jensen about his journey to the NHL and what Zdeno Chara has meant to him this season.

Cobra Kai is one of the hottest shows in television, and when Peter Laviolette brought the show into his dojo, or, the Caps locker room, the Karate Kid himself took notice. Before the last meeting against the Islanders Alexa Shaw, Alan May and Nick Ashooh got a chance to speak with Ralph Macchio about the new connection to the Caps, his love of hockey and his Islanders, and what it's been like to bring the Karate Kid franchise to a new generation of fans. Plus, Nick takes a quick look ahead to the Caps' future coming out the mini-break in the season as the Caps look to stay hot in the 2nd half.

The Caps dominated their toughest test of the season to date against the Islanders, and Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan are here to debate just how meaningful that win was, plus looking ahead to what moves might be made (or not made) by the Caps at the NHL trade deadline. Plus a preview of an interview with Tom Wilson for the upcoming NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo - to find out more head to nbcswexpo.com.

Tom Wilson has once again divided the hockey world - well at least the rest of the hockey world and Caps fans - and in this edition of Capitals Talk Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan give their takes on why the suspension was over the top. Also, hear our interview (16:28) with the Olympic gold medalists Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux about their recent retirement, the experiences of playing with Team USA and winning the gold, and their new book "Dare to Make History". Plus, an interesting discussion on how Dmitry Orlov has turned his season around (25:00), and JJ's adventures in doing radio with a young child around.

As the Caps continue a long road trip, the games get tougher as they head to Boston and Philadelphia. Jackie Redmond of NHL Network joins Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan for some national perspective on the Caps so far this season and which division rival will be left out of the playoffs. Plus, the guys examine the roller-coaster that has been the first 20-plus games of the season, and look ahead to this stretch of games that should tell us where this team stacks up in the East Division.

As the Caps continue to wait for the return of goalie Ilya Samsonov, Ben Raby of the Capitals Radio Network joins Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan to discuss the up-and-down play the team has produced since returning from their COVID hiatus. Plus, more talk about the impending goalie battle between Samsonov and Vitek Vanacek, celebrating Nicklas Backstrom's imminent 700 assist milestone, and the guys discuss Ben's cover story in The Hockey News about the ageless Zdeno Chara.

After 4 straight losses sandwiched around Covid cancellations, the Caps bounced back this week with back-to-back stellar performances against Pittsburgh and Buffalo. Karl Alzner joins Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan to discuss the recent turnaround and the upcoming goaltender dilemma the Caps will face when Ilya Samsonov returns. Plus, an appearance by JJ's son, a quick interlude for some Sabres bashing, and some discussion about pond hockey and the upcoming games in Lake Tahoe (complete with a well-placed Godfather reference).

This week's Capitals Talk podcast comes during the midst of the team's 3-game postponement pause. We figured what better time than now to talk to longtime NBC Sports Washington's Wizards Insider Chris Miller to see what we lessons the Caps can learn from how the Wizards handled their COVID-19 pause earlier this year.Before we talk to Chris, we go through why the Caps games were paused now and not when they lost the Russian quartet a few weeks back, what the Penguins new management team of GM Ron Hextall and President of Hockey Ops Brian Burke mean for Washington moving forward and why the Caps' odds (powered by our partners at PointsBet) to win the East Division are still somehow behind the Penguins.

As we celebrate Black History Month, this special Capitals Talk episode features the work of DC Mamba, a non-profit program that is aiming to introduce hockey in all neighborhoods at a low cost to the community, and now is partnering with the Capitals in a program called "Breaking the Ice". Nick Ashooh talks to Rock Ba'th, the founder of DC Mamba, about the program's philosophy of translating the game of hockey to kids, making it accessible and cost-friendly, and having a lot of fun in the process. Presented by Comcast Business.

If you predicted this start for the Washington Capitals, then give yourself a pat on the back... "What if I told you..." is the theme of this episode with Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan, as well as the 3 questions facing the team going forward, including what should we expect from surprise stars Zdeno Chara and Vitek Vanacek. Plus, why the Caps may be in the best position to survive this wildly unpredictable season.

Despite missing Ovi, Kuzy and Tom Wilson just to name a few, the Caps are back in 1st place thanks to some unsung heroes and gutsy performances. Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan discuss the upcoming goalie competition between Ilya Samsonov and the surprising Vitek Vanacek, plus who needs else needs to step up once they return. And in case you missed it our Players Only segment, two great Bruce Boudreau stories, and we'll take a look at the East Division through the early stages of the season.

In this special "Headstrong" edition of Capitals Talk, Ted Leonsis joins Chris Miller for an in-depth interview about the issues of mental health and suicide awareness in light of the current environment we're all living in, particularly with today's athletes and those who play for his teams. For more of NBC Sports Washington's series on men's and mental health, "Headstrong", go to nbcsportswashington.com/headstrong.

The Caps got 6 of a possible 8 points on their season-opening road trip, but how should they be judged after 4 games? Karl Alzner joins Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan after his first game on the other side, as an analyst on Caps Pregame and Postgame Live, to discuss Tuesday night's OT loss to the Penguins plus: Tom Wilson's emergence into a legit star, Bruce Boudreau's unique approach to "analytics", and the problems we're all facing with technology these days.

A jam-packed episode of the Capitals Talk podcast coming your way this week ahead of Thursday's opener in Buffalo. Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan are joined by senior NHL.com writer Dan Rosen, host of the Flyers Talk podcast Jordan Hall from NBC Sports Philadelphia, DJ Bean from Boston Sports Tonight on NBC Sports Boston and Seth Rorabaugh who covers the Penguins for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.The group hits on all the biggest stories around the East Division leading into the season including:division realignment and what it means for the teams in the East (3:00)best offseason addition (11:00)biggest storyline heading into the season (20:00)best and worst case scenarios for each team (29:30)

The Caps closed out 2020 with the stunning signing of former Norris Trophy defenseman Zdeno Chara. JJ Regan is joined by Joe Haggerty of BostonHockeyNow.com, one of the foremost experts on the Bruins and Chara, to break down just what the Caps are getting from the soon-to-be 44-year-old defenseman - as well as what this means for the Bruins, a team that the Caps have dominated over the years and will face 8! times this season!

On this edition of the Capitals Talk podcast, we dig into the Capitals 2020-2021 schedule which opens January 14 in Buffalo. Alexa Shaw leads Alan May, Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan in breaking down how the schedule will play out for Washington and the importance of gelling quickly under new head coach Peter Laviolette. After that, the gang talks about what Conor Sheary can bring to the middle-six forwards and if there will be any more moves before the season starts to bolster the situation between the pipes.

It's official now, the NHL has announced its plans for the 2020-2021 (really only 2021 but oh well) season which is set to start on January 13th! Alexa Shaw, Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan walk you through all the details and discuss what the East division will look like with the Bruins, Sabres, Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins and Capitals. Hockey is coming back and we've got you covered all the time at NBCSportsWashington.com and right here on the Capitals Talk podcast!

Well, this is not the news we were hoping for from the Capitals today but it's the news we've got: Henrik Lundqvist will not play in the 2021 season due to a heart condition. We're all hoping that The King gets well soon. But what next for the Capitals? Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan take a look back at Hank's career before Brent Johnson joins JJ to discuss options for Ilya Samsonov's backup and if the Caps can still be considered in the running for the Stanley Cup with Samsonov as the #1.

On this episode of the Capitals Talk podcast, Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan are joined by former Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner to discuss what's next for him after opting out of the 2020 postseason with Montreal. Alzner looks back fondly on his time in Washington and gives some behind-the-scenes details that helped a pair of his former teammates blossom into the superstars they are today.

Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan are joined by the legendary Doc Emrick to discuss everything from his favorite moments through Alex Ovechkin's illustrious career to why he thinks the 2021 Capitals will be in the mix for the Stanley Cup in the season ahead. Conversation also includes Doc's new memoir, Off Mike, a perfect gift for any hockey lover on your holiday list!

The Hershey Bears new video coach Emily Engel-Natzke joins the podcast this week to discuss her new role with the Chocolate and White and what it means to her to be the first female coach in the Capitals organization. She talks to Alexa Shaw about her journey in hockey and leaves future generations of hockey coaches with excellent advice to get where they want to go in their careers.

Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan are joined by two former Capitals goalies in Olie Kolzig and Byron Dafoe to go back in the memory bank to their scrap, tussle, dance, whatever you want to call it, which just turned 22 years old on November 22nd. We couldn't let them go without asking some current questions too as they hit on the Reverse Retro jerseys, how they would feel as players negotiating for a season right now and what to expect from the dynamic duo of Ilya Samsonov and Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes this season.

Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan dive into the latest rumblings around the start to the next NHL season and what it means for Caps fans. JJ is very upset with the early looks at potential divisions that could see the Caps and Pens playing in different divisions but is much happier about the return of the Screaming Eagle with the Reverse Retro jerseys unveiled throughout the league. The Holtbys' move from D.C. to Vancouver hit a bit of a snag and although it went slower than hoped (tortoise pun?!?), all the Holtbys are safe and sound North of the Border and you get a bonus story from Tim McDonough about traveling across the border in the trunk of a car in his youth.

Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan break down what Alex Ovechkin telling a Russian television station that he wants to end his career playing for Dynamo Moscow means for his future in Washington and the future of the Capitals franchise (1:00). Discussions then go to what Ovi might get for his next contract (15:30) and how the rest of the league views the Caps captain (22:00). Finally, JJ weighs in on why Daniel Sprong should be the answer at 3rd line RW (28:30) and the potential for Washington to move a defenseman before next season starts (33:00).

JJ Regan is joined this week by the Voice of the Hershey Bears Zack Fisch to discuss which prospects might be coming up the pipeline to Washington. Could Daniel Sprong be the answer at 3rd line right wing for the Capitals? Fisch certainly thinks so. He also lays out the rest of the forwards who could see action for the big club and what all the offseason additions on the blue line mean for Martin Fehervary and Alex Alexeyev. Plus, Fisch takes a peek between the pipes at what could be one of the best 4-deep goalie groups in hockey with Ilya Samsonov and Henrik Lundqvist in Washington and Vitek Vanecek and Pheonix Copley in Hershey.

Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan are joined by NHL.com Senior Writer Dan Rosen to discuss Henrik Lundqvist's role in Washington, where the Capitals stack up in next season's Metropolitan Division and the latest on the NHL's plans to start the coming season (7:00). The boys then take a look at the latest Eastern Conference odds thanks to our partners at PointsBet Sportsbook (19:00).

Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan got together to discuss the Caps free agency period so far and give their thoughts on the worst kept secret coming to fruition with Henrik Lundqvist signing with the team. After the discussion you will hear from Henrik as he talks about what made him pick Washington as his next team. The guys finish up the podcast discussing how else the Caps can increase their title chances for next year as well as take a look around the league to see what other teams have been up to during this busy free agency period.

On a special edition of the Caps Talk Podcast Alexa Shaw, Nick Ashooh and JJ Regan first got to sit down with Washington Captials 1st round draft pick Hendrix LaPierre to talk about being selected by the Caps, his Twitter exchange with Alex Ovechkin and how he sees himself fitting into this group of guys.The crew also sat down with Samantha Pell from The Washington Post and Ben Raby from Caps Radio to discuss some of the teams key needs in free agency and to see if their is any truth to the worst kept secret in the NHL #LundqvistToDC.