Capitals Talk

Rob, Brian, and J.J. start by telling you what happened in the 2nd preseason game vs. St. Louis before rounding out our interviews from Media Day. First, it's Nick Jensen (12:06), who the Caps recently signed to a 4 year deal. Then, Dmitry Orlov (19:52) tells Rob on how he plans to improve upon last season. Finally, 22 year old Jonas Siegenthaler (26:02).

Rob, J.J, and Brian recap the Preseason Opener vs. Chicago before continuing our series of player interviews. First, Jakub Vrana, where he definitively tells us the proper pronunciation of his first name (10:29). Then, Braden Holtby (20:11) , where of course the first question is regarding contract talks. Finally, Carl Hagelin (25:57), who signed a 4 year deal with Washington in the off-season.

On this latest edition, hear Rob's conversations with a trio of players, 2 of which are new to Washington. First up is Michal Kempny, who spent the off-season rehabbing from his torn hamstring. Then, winger Richard Panik (9:51) who signed a 4 year deal with the Caps in the offseason. Finally, its Radko Gudas (18:14), a defenceman the Capitals traded for from Philadelphia this summer.

Rob Carlin, JJ Regan and Brian McNally give their complete reaction to Evgeny Kuznetsov being handed a 3 game suspension from the NHL and how the Capitals will fare without Kuzie for the first 3 games. Both Evgeny Kuznetsov and Todd Reirden's complete press conferences are also included.

At Capitals Media Day on the brink of Training Camp, Rob sits down with 2 important players for the 2019-2020 Caps, T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson. He talks to them about having a different sort of summer this year compared to 2018, thoughts on the new season, and their opinions on what the best goal of last season actually was.

After a few nervous moments on Twitter, Alex Ovechkin is OK following an awkward fall during an informal skate. Rob is joined by Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic and Tom Gulitti from NHL.com to look at what the Caps look like as Training Camp is around the corner.

Rob sits down with one of the original Capitals goalies who was there in the mid to late 70's when the franchise was in a much different place, Bernie Wolfe. Bernie talks about what it was like to play on such a bad team and also has to great stories about his post playing career that you must stick around for (39:03).

The final leg of the Atlantic Division preview focuses on 2 teams that do not have high expectations entering this season. We start by speaking with Helene St. James from the Detroit Free Press on the Red Wings and what effect Steve Yzerman will have on his return to Hockeytown as GM. Then we wrap up with Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Sun on the rebuilding Senators (26:42).

Rob, Brian, and J.J. move their Atlantic division preview to 2 of the Capitals northern neighbors. First, Fluto Shinzawa says what's next for Boston, who came just 1 step short winning The Cup and even adds his favorite D.C. spots to eat at. Then, Bill Hoppe who covers the Sabres for The Times Herald talks Jack Eichel and more (30:12).

As the NHLPA Rookie Showcase came to the DMV, Rob and others had a chance to speak with 2018 Capitals 1st rounder Alexander Alexeyev as he prepares for the upcoming season. Then it's the dynamic Hughes brothers, 1st overall pick Jack for the Devils (10:45), and Quinn for Vancouver (17:24), as the sibling rivalry takes center stage in the NHL.

Rob, Brian, and J.J. move their Atlantic Division preview series up to Canada. First up, Kristen Shilton from TSN Sports talks about the Leafs and when will Mitch Marner sign. Then, we learn about the Canadiens from Arpon Basu from the Athletic (42:06).

Rob, J.J., and Brian move their previews to the Atlantic Division for the 2019-2020 season as this episode features Tampa Bay & Florida. First up, Lightning Insider Erik Erlendsson on how they look to bounce back after last season's early playoff exit. Finally, George Richards from The Athletic discusses the new look Panthers after hiring Joel Quenneville as Head Coach (27:46).

Rob, J.J., and Brian welcome on Taryn Bray, Digital Correspondent for the Capitals to discuss joining alongside Alex Ovechkin on his trip to China to serve as an NHL ambassador. What was the coolest part of the trip? How much did Ovi embrace the culture? All that and more on this edition of Capitals Talk.

Rob & Brian round out the comprehensive division preview by examining the latest with Carolina & Columbus. First, Sara Civian from The Athletic, joins the podcast to talk Carolina and that includes an update on Justin Williams. Then for all things Blue Jackets, Aaron Portzline from the Athletic says how they will move on without Artemi Panarin (29:01).

We continue our series of previewing the Metropolitan division as the season approaches. Here, Rob and the guys talk to Josh Yoe from The Athletic who covers the Penguins, do Pittsburgh fans think the championship window has closed? Then, over to the Flyers as they talk with Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post (27:43).

Rob & J.J. chat with some guys who cover the 3 New York area teams as the new season approaches. First up is Colin Stephenson from Newsday on the Rangers, then Cory Masisak who covers the Devils for The Athletic (23:47), and finally they are joined by Arthur Staple of The Athletic to talk about the Islanders (47:33).

Rob, J.J., and Brian round out their summer series by beginning with a look at the schedule, including having to watch St. Louis raise the championship banner.

Rob Carlin interviews Adam Kimelman of NHL.com who covered the Caps' first round draft pick Connor McMichael at an event last week. Rob and Adam go in depth on many other prospects as well, and discuss the relationship between Braden Holtby & Carter Hart.

Rob chats with former Capital Brett Connolly as he signed with the Florida Panthers this off-season. They discuss his 3 years in Washington, winning a Stanley Cup, and more.

Rob, Brian, & J.J. continue their offseason series of discussing the most important questions facing the Caps. They start off with, can Evgeny Kutznetsov return to 2018 form?