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What fans can expect at the Capitals’ home opener

By Will Vitka

Ovie might be questionable for the Capitals’ season opener against the Rangers on Wednesday night, but the team says there’s plenty for fans to look forward to at Capital One Arena.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Here’s some of what to expect:

Rock the Red Carpet on F Street from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Karl Alzner, Peter Bondra and Rod Langway are scheduled to appear. COVID protocols prevent players from participating, but fans can enjoy stilt walkers, bubble hockey, face painters, photo opportunities on the red carpet and more. And Northern Virginia’s Junkfood band will play in front of the arena before the game.

There will also be a virtual arrival show hosted by Caps’ radio play-by-play voice John Walton and digital host Taryn Bray. Fans can tune in to the virtual event on the Capitals’ Twitter and Facebook accounts and on MonumentalSportsNetwork.com

Capital One Fan Van: The Fan Van will be parked outside Capital One Arena starting at 5:30 p.m. Onboard the van is limited edition apparel, interactives and prizes. There’s also gonna be a mock Capital One penalty box for photos and a puck plinko game.

Meet at the Metro with the Caps: The Capitals are taking over the Gallery Place-Chinatown metro station. There will be Caps alums, mascot Slapshot and a hype squad from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fan giveaways: All fans at the game will get a 2021-2022 schedule magnet and red light sticks.

Game-time entertainment: Capital One Arena will debut new and enhanced special effects for the home opener. There will also be individual player intros and new videos.

Safety protocols: Here’s a big one. Monumental Sports is following federal, state, D.C. and NHL health requirements. That means all fans have to wear masks at games and events at Capital One Arena.

In addition to COVID protocols, bags, backpacks and purses aren’t allowed inside the arena. Wallet-sized clutches 5 inches x 7 inches or smaller are OK, as are medical and parental bags no bigger than 14 inches x 14 inches x 6 inches. There’s a bag check near 6th and F streets if you don’t meet the requirements. It costs $15 per bag.

More information is available online.

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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