As the Capitals' trio of Olympians continues their quest for medals in Italy, back in Arlington, their teammates are hitting the ice with renewed vigor. Martin Fehervary, Logan Thompson, and Tom Wilson remain in the Olympic spotlight, but the rest of the Capitals are busy with full team practices, gearing up for the resumption of NHL action.
Connor McMichael made a notable return to practice, shedding his non-contact jersey in favor of full contact, signaling his readiness for the upcoming game against the Flyers. His recovery from an upper body injury seems on track, and with six days to go before facing Philadelphia, McMichael’s return could be a significant boost for the Caps.
During practice breaks, the Caps turned their attention to the Olympic quarterfinals, catching the thrilling Canada-Czechia matchup. With multiple games going into overtime, it was a day that showcased the best of Olympic hockey, much to the delight of Caps coach Spencer Carbery.
“What an entertaining day for the sport of hockey. Wow,” Carbery remarked, reflecting the excitement shared by fans and players alike.
As the team enjoys a day off on Friday, they’ll be tuning in to watch the semifinal clashes-Canada vs. Finland and Team USA vs.
Slovakia. Carbery believes the Olympics offer a unique opportunity to draw in casual fans, enhancing the NHL’s appeal worldwide.
“Watching a product like that is going to benefit the NHL long-term, I think,” he noted.
For players like Dylan Strome, the Olympics are a chance to indulge in a variety of sports, though hockey remains a focal point. Strome, a true sports enthusiast, shared how he juggles early morning games with family time, catching matches like Germany vs. Slovakia while his kids have breakfast.
Despite some early mismatches in the tournament, the level of competition is rising. Strome acknowledged the growing parity, with countries like Slovakia surprising the hockey world with their performance. “It’s just a credit to more people playing hockey and other countries playing a certain way that they feel is going to work,” he observed.
With the semifinals set and the medals soon to be decided, the Capitals eagerly await the return of their Olympian teammates. Fehervary, Thompson, and Wilson will have stories to share and experiences to recount. Carbery is excited to hear about their Olympic journey, particularly the intensity of knockout games.
As the Olympic drama unfolds, the Capitals are preparing to dive back into NHL action, ready to leverage the energy and inspiration drawn from the global stage.