keithleonard.bsky.social
keithleonard.bsky.social
@keithleonard.bsky.social
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
The Hurricanes and Capitals are very different in the offensive zone -- shot volume versus, well, not.

If a hockey series could be a Mortal Kombat-style Mirror Match for two-thirds of the ice, Carolina-Washington would be it:

apnews.com/article/nhl-...
Capitals and Hurricanes meet in a 2nd-round NHL playoff series with 'no secrets' and 'no surprises'
The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes meet in the second round of the NHL playoffs in a series between division rivals that play the same defensively but try to score in entirely different w...
apnews.com
May 5, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Friday Caps Clips: Capitals-Canadiens Game 3 Game Day
Friday Caps Clips: Capitals-Canadiens Game 3 Game Day
The Caps head to Montreal for Game 3, where they'll be looking to lock down those third periods, Leno is shining in the playoff spotlight and more in today's Caps Clips.
www.japersrink.com
April 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
The Washington Spirit has been ravaged by injuries, to Trinity Rodman, Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt and many more. They just keep winning anyway.
The Spirit, with a ‘sad’ injury list but ‘crazy’ depth, just keeps winning
Washington is on a three-game winning streak despite the absences of Trinity Rodman, Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt and more.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 25, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
The Caps have spent several days getting reworded versions of one particular question, and the substance of their answers hasn’t changed: Nope.

Hello from Washington/Montreal.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/629...
Capitals look past late-season struggles, enjoy family time ahead of Game 1
www.nytimes.com
April 20, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Spencer Carbery said he’s optimistic that Protas will play at some point in this series
Aliaksei Protas (skate cut on foot) is on the ice in a non-contact jersey. Second morning in a row that he’s skated. Lots of discussion with the training staff as he goes out there
April 21, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Capitals announce they've signed center Nic Dowd to a two-year, $6 million contract extension (AAV of $3 million). He was eligible to become a UFA after this season.
April 16, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Capitals re-sign Nic Dowd to two-year, $6 million contract extension
Capitals re-sign Nic Dowd to two-year, $6 million contract extension
The Capitals announced they re-signed forward Nic Dowd to a two-year, $6 million contract extension on Wednesday morning. Dowd was set to…
russianmachineneverbreaks.com
April 16, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
"I tell Carbs right away, 'I don't want to do it (on an empty net).'"

As he tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin made a decision: he won't hit 895 with an empty net.

More on the #ALLCAPS legend:
Alex Ovechkin Decides He Won't Pass Wayne Gretzky On Empty-Net Goal; Capitals Respect Choice
WASHINGTON – As time ticked down against the Chicago Blackhawks, Dylan Strome asked Alex Ovechkin "about 15 times" if he was sure that he didn't want to try and score his record-breaking 895th career ...
thehockeynews.com
April 5, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
April 5, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
What a historic day in DC Sports:

-Elena Delle Donne retired
-Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky with 894 goals
-Ryan Leonard scored his first NHL goal
April 5, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Fuck. One of my favorites. So many good roles and his Doc Holiday in “Tombstone” was incredible.

Rest in peace, noble thespian.
April 2, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Being Alex Ovechkin's center requires a certain skillset and a unique personality. This is what it takes, as told by Dainius Zubrus, Nicklas Backstrom and Dylan Strome.
“Obviously, you just get him the puck,” Zubrus said. But there's more to it than that:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
They helped Alex Ovechkin climb into NHL history. Here’s what that took.
The Washington Capitals centers who have played with Alex Ovechkin know he always — always — wants the puck. They also know how to help him succeed.
www.washingtonpost.com
March 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Nicklas Backstrom is Going Home
Nicklas Backstrom is Going Home
Backstrom's father lets us in on what the future holds for the Caps' legendary center.
www.japersrink.com
March 26, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Damian Lillard is out with deep vein thrombosis. Fellow NBA star Victor Wembanyama, too. Blood clots recently affected Frederik Andersen and Brock Boeser in the NHL.

What is DVT? Are athletes more likely to have it? Talked to a trio of experts about it:

apnews.com/article/bloo...
What is deep vein thrombosis and why do so many athletes like Damian Lillard get blood clots?
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is likely out indefinitely because of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
apnews.com
March 26, 2025 at 9:37 PM
A bit more in AAV than is ideal, but the Capitals can afford it. Other than C.Hutson, there isn’t a defensive prospect in the system that can drive play like Chychrun. Combined with pretty weak FA class, a slight overpay is justifiable for an important medium-long term building block.
Capitals announce they've re-signed defenseman Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension (average annual value of $9 million).
March 25, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
My March 2025 NHL Draft ranking is out now:
- Full reports on the top 64
- 61 honorable mentions
- Player tiers

All packaged in our sleek user interface:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/619...
March 25, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
I am so grateful for the reporters who are doing the work on telling the story of the incredible negative impact of the cessation of US aid. The human toll is hard to wrap one's head around. This article is a must read.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut. That Isn’t True. (Gift Article)
A journey through the front lines of global poverty shows that when the world’s richest men slash aid for the world’s poorest children, the result is sickness, starvation and death.
www.nytimes.com
March 16, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
I think it's tough to evaluate much from the Jets last season, but clearly Adam Peters likes what he saw with Kinlaw back in the SF days.
March 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Per Schefter: The deal is 3 years, $45 million with $30M GTD.

That seems like... a lot.
The Commanders have agreed to terms with DT Javon Kinlaw, source confirms. Kinlaw played with the Jets in 2024 after spending first four seasons with the 49ers during the Adam Peters era, if you were.

@adamschefter-mirror.bluesky.bot 1st.
March 10, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Commanders start by addressing the interior DL. Big guy (6-5, 319) who's a better pass rusher than run stopper. But he can be part of a rotation and match up size wise with the Eagles OL. Solid start.
DT Javon Kinlaw has agreed to a deal with the Commanders, source confirmed (1st by Adam Schefter).
March 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
First Commanders signing. Was of course with Adam Peters in San Francisco
Kinlaw to the Commanders per Schefter. Interesting one. Thought they might give Newton the reins
March 10, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Javon Kinlaw to Commanders (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter)
March 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by keithleonard.bsky.social
Washington Commanders depth chart - updated prior to free agency negotiating window (‘legal tampering period’)
Commanders depth chart - updated prior to free agency negotiating window (‘legal tampering period’)
There are 47 players currently on the offseason roster
www.sbnation.com
March 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM