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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

NYC: Come To Our WNBA Comedy Show On May 16

10-minute-quarters-3-2-fix (1)

Live Event

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Lauren Theisen

Cole Caufield #13 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a goal

Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens – Series Game Four

There’s Nothing Like The Sound Of A Goal In Montreal

Dave McKenna

ELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 6: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with Wayne Gretzky and Gary Bettman after scoring his 895th career goal, passing Gretzky for the all-time scoring record, during the second period of a game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 6, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/NHLI via Getty Images)

Washington Capitals v New York Islanders

I’m The Idiot Who Bet Against Ovechkin

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Barry Petchesky

Alex Ovechkin Scores

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring his 894th career NHL goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Ovechkin's goal ties him with Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal scoring record. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Chicago Blackhawks v Washington Capitals

Ovechkin Skates Down Gretzky

Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals scores in overtime

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

Alex Ovechkin Is Getting All The Help He Needs

Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin during player introductions at the 2017 skills competition

NHL: JAN 28 All-Star Skills Competition

A Pittsburgh Pilgrimage

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena on November 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)

Washington Capitals v Vegas Golden Knights

Alex Ovechkin Refuses To Slow Down

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - DECEMBER 13: Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis (R) arrives for the announcement of a new sports arena for the Washington Wizards NBA basketball team and Washington Capitals NHL hockey team, December 13, 2023 in Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a tentative agreement with Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment that would move the Wizards and the Capitals from Washington, DC to what Youngkin called a new "visionary sports and entertainment venue" in northern Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Governor Glenn Youngkin Joins Ted Leonsis In Alexandria, Virginia To Make Economic Development Announcement

The Washington Capitals, You Have Made A Powerful Enemy Today

Alex Ovechkin leaves the ice after warmups

Washington Capitals v Philadelphia Flyers

There’s Not Always Next Year

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.09</p>


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Chris Thompson

Ted Leonsis talks into a Wizards-branded microphone.

Ted Leonsis

Ted Leonsis Finally Abandons Glenn Youngkin’s Doomed Virginia Gambit

Toronto Maple Leafs v Washington Capitals

The Caps Can’t Waste An Ovechkin Night Like That

Lucas Raymond celebrates his goal with his teammates

Columbus Blue Jackets v Detroit Red Wings

Who Wants To Be The Eighth Seed In The East?

Ted Leonsis’s Suburban Arena Scam Is Nearly Kaput

Washington Capitals v Pittsburgh Penguins

Alex Ovechkin’s Hand Rises From The Mud

COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 21: Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets fights Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals in a goal during overtime at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on December 21, 2023. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NHL: DEC 21 Capitals at Blue Jackets

Tom Wilson Earned A Game-Winning Assist By Getting Punched

Ted Leonsis sits at a lectern emblazoned with Wizards logos.

ted-leonsis

Ted Leonsis Is Chasing A Wad Of Public Dough Out To The ‘Burbs

Alex Ovechkin celebrates his empty net goal with Dylan Strome

Washington Capitals v New Jersey Devils

October Is A Vacuum

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Samer Kalaf

A closeup of the Qatar World Cup gold medal

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Capital

Qatar’s Interest In The Washington Wizards Is The Next Step

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders leaves the ice after obtaining an injury during a game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 10, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images)

New York Islanders v Washington Capitals

The Islanders Came Up Small

cartoonhockey

I Liked The Cartoon Hockey Game

Washington Capitals v Los Angeles Kings

The Caps Have Ovi Left To Play For

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Kelsey McKinney

World Series: Tampa Bay Rays v Philadelphia Phillies, Game 3

Life's Rich Pageant

Rooting For The Home Team

New York Rangers v Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin Wins Another Round Against The Clock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Hendrix Lapierre #29 of the Washington Capitals (L) celebrates his first career NHL goal with teammate T.J. Oshie #77 against the New York Rangers during the second period at Capital One Arena on October 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Hendrix Lapierre Was Just So Happy

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 17: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates during warm ups before the game against the Boston Bruins in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on May 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Boston Bruins v Washington Capitals – Game Two

This Isn’t Quite The Alex Ovechkin I Remember

washington capitals