Caps Cheer on the Kids at Children's National Medical Center

Alex Ovechkin plays video games with kids at Children's National Medical Center

Washington Capitals players shared their spirit and smiles today with the young patients at Children's National Medical Center in the Caps' second visit to the hospital this month. A great time was had by all - especially the players, even though some of them found themselves on the losing end while playing video games with the children. Nicklas Backstrom, Matt Bradley, Eric Fehr, Brooks Laich, Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and David Steckel joined the kids playing Wii, Playstation and X-Box games and Hockey Mom has a feeling that the kids taught these on-ice superstars a thing or two about video gaming - all in great fun, of course!

Some of the patients at the hospital were unable to leave their rooms so after playing video games the Capitals broke up into two groups and visited the rooms, passing out calculators, cups, tattoos and signed player cards and taking pictures with the patients, who ranged from seven days old to 18 years old. The Capitals visited the Heart and Kidney Unit, Hematology/Oncology Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

“This was such a good idea to play with the children instead of just meeting them,” said Brooks Laich. “We get to play and hopefully connect with them. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up; hopefully we brought them some joy today.”

Keep spreading the smiles Caps - kudos for all the great off-ice work you do for those in need. Meanwhile, Hockey Mom sends her special wishes to all of the patients and families at Children's National Medical Center!