Hockey History As Told By Cardboard - - T.J. Oshie

 

Oshie was named the NHL Third Star for the week ending January 22, 2017, after leading Washington to two wins and an overtime loss by scoring three goals - two on the power play - and dishing out three assists in three games. 

Team USA Shootout Legend!

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Hockey History As Told By Cardboard - Alexander Ovechkin

Considered one of the greatest of the modern era, Ovechkin has cemented his legacy in the annals of hockey history. Even his critics won't argue with that, now that he has the Cup on his resume.

On October 5, 2005, the Russian phenom made his NHL debut in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Ovechkin scored at least on point in each of this first eight NHL contests to set a Washington Capitals record.  His 106 points in 2005-06 ranked third all-time among NHL rookies.

Hockey History As Told By Cardboard - Steve Vickers

Steve Vickers was drafted by the Rangers in the 1971 Amateur Draft. The 6' 0", 185lb winger went on to win the Calder trophy in his first season with the club.  Vickers is probably best known as kicking off the scoring :21 seconds into the 1975 game versus the Central Red Army Team from Russia. This was the first time an NHL team faced off against the Moscow club, with the Rangers ending up losing 7-3.

  

In 1978-79, Steve held the Ranger's club record of 7 points in one game. On this date in 1976, Steve tallied 3 goals and 4 assists in a game versus the Washington Capitals.

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 Check out TheRealDFG on Twitter @therealdfg. 

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Hockey History As Told By Cardboard - Claude Giroux

Since being drafted 22nd in the 2006 NHL Draft, Claude Giroux has been a stalwart scorer for the Philadelphia Flyers and is one of the top team leaders in Stanley Cup Playoff points.  

When Philadelphia traveled to nearby rivals Washington and hammered the Capitals 7-2 on February 8, 2020, Giroux reached a milestone while playing a key role in the rout.  The Flyers' captain reached 800 career NHL points by scoring a goal and delivering two assists in the victory.  After helping set up Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny for goals, he scored his own on a power play in the third period.

The Winter Classic Just Got An Upgrade

For the last few years, the NHL's Winter Classic has featured some exciting hockey.  Not just because of the games themselves but because of the allure of playing outdoors in a stadium not necessarily equipped for hockey, in an environment that most of these players grew up learning the game they love.  There has been something magical about it that, if you are hockey fan, I think you will agree has sparked some momentum for a resurgence in the sports popularity. 

Another reason for my excitement is the fact that this years game is being played at Heinz Field between the Penguins and the arch-rival Washington Capitals.  Well the game just got more interesting.  The NHL announced that there will be an Old-Timers game.  Not just any old timers game however...this one is going to feature perhaps the best Penguins team ever assembled. 

If I was going to put this team together I can think of a few players I'd include.  For starters, no Pens team would be complete without Mario Lemieux.  They got him, of course.  I think I'd also add the likes of Ron Francis and Paul Coffey.  Shockingly enough, they got them, too.  Both of them.  Bryan Trottier, even though he only spent a couple years on the Pens, would have to be there since he was a pivotal member on a Stanley up winning team.  Well, they got him too. 

As for the rest of the lineup, it is left to be seen.  We do know that despite his recent retirement from hockey, Billy G will suit up in a Pens uniform once more.  Guerin will most certainly get a standing ovation when he takes to the ice.  I'm still waiting to see number 68 take to the ice.  Pipe dream, I know.  Although if he did, I wonder which team he would suit up for.  Either way, the fans would boo him so I guess it doesn't matter. 

The Capitals have only announced their captain, Peter Bondra.  Not too shabby.  I can't wait to see who else they choose.  Maybe Olie Kolzig, or Dale Hunter?  Possibly Brian Engblom will come out of the analyst booth.  Rod Langway, Mike Gartner, Kelly Miller...?  Who knows?

The best part about all of this...$25 bucks gets you a ticket and you get to watch the Pens practice as well.  I wish I still lived in Pittsburgh.