Countdown to Playoffs and Caps on the Mend

The Capitals had mixed results in the last two Canadian stops on their 11-game road trip this weekend, with a loss (with lots of help from the heinous officiating crew) in Ottawa and a 2-0 blanking of the chippy Canadiens (which saw Braden Holtby notch his second career shut out). And note to self, the win in Montreal came as a result of increased defensive pressure on the Habs' steely shooters and again, without having stars Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green and Jason Arnott in the lineup.

Now the boys come home to face the Carolina Hurricanes, who are still clinging onto shards of hope that they can earn that 8th place playoff spot. Rumour has it that Ovi and Arnott are expected to participate in full practice tomorrow and may return to action this week. Good timing, as the team can now look forward to perfecting the chemistry and nailing down the lines for the playoffs, which are less than three weeks away. Start prepping for the post-season by checking out the very witty and resourceful Blonde Girl's Guide for your comprehensive guide (in blondespeak) to understanding the NHL playoff seedings. Here's how things shake out if the playoffs started today.

But before we get too caught up in playoff frenzy and Hockey Mom places her Caps car flags on the red rocket (prompting people to mistake me for the pizza delivery dude this time every year), be sure to get your tickets for the third annual Capitals Convention. The 2011 Capitals Convention will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, September 24, 2011.


The popular event will return to the Washington Convention Center for the second straight year. Caps Con has been a tremendous success in its first two years, attracting sold-out crowds of more than 6,500 to the day-long interactive and informational celebration of the Capitals, which features the entire roster of current players and a number of prominent alumni. The day will include player autographs and photos with fans. There will be a wide array of activities on hand such as hockey interactives, panel sessions, hockey displays and much more.


Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 am, to season-ticket holders and Tuesday, March 29 at 10 a.m. to the general public at WashingtonCaps.com. Ticket prices are $40 for adults and $25 for children 14 and younger if purchased by May 31 (adult price increases to $45 on June 1). Two other ticket options are available: a $600 golden ticket with special access to every autograph session and VIP room and a $30 ticket without autograph access. Be sure to get your tickets soon as they sell as fast as Alex Semin on a sick breakaway!