Best Family Activities to Celebrate the 2026 Cherry Blossom Season The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 to April 12, offers a vibrant array of events for families to enjoy during the iconic cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. Beyond the official festival, there are additional activities that highlight the beauty and cultural significance of the blooming trees. From art-filled festivals to interactive experiences, these events provide opportunities for families to create lasting memories. The Tidal Basin, a central hub for cherry blossom viewing, is expected to reach peak bloom between March 29 and 31. The sight of thousands of pink and white blossoms against the backdrop of memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Davis Memorial is a must-see. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, as crowds can be overwhelming. For those interested in historical context, the KFDC tips section provides guidance on navigating the crowds and viewing the blooms effectively. Caps Cherry Blossom Night at Capital One Arena on March 18 offers a unique blend of sports and art. Fans can enjoy a hockey game featuring the Washington Capitals against the Ottawa Senators, with special perks like a Cherry Blossom-themed tumbler and a chance to contribute to an oversized puck canvas. The artwork created during the event will be displayed at The Wharf’s District Square. The Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race on March 19 is a family-friendly activity where participants can race pedal boats across the Tidal Basin. The event includes timed heats, friendly competitions, and awards for the fastest boats and best-dressed participants. Proceeds support the Trust for the National Cherry Blossom Tree Endowment Fund, ensuring the preservation of the iconic trees.#tidal_basin #national_cherry_blossom_festival #washington_capitals #capital_one_arena
Devils Projected Lineup for Capitals Game The New Jersey Devils are set to face the Washington Capitals in a matchup that promises to be a key test for both teams. The Devils, with a record of 35-31-2, will take on the Capitals, who have a slightly better record at 34-27-8. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on multiple networks including MNMT, MSGSN, SNP, and SNE. The Devils’ projected lineup includes key players such as Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer in the top line. Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, and Connor Brown form another strong line, while Arseny Gritsyuk, Cody Glass, and Lenni Hameenaho will round out the first unit. Paul Cotter, Nick Bjugstad, and Maxim Tsyplakov will form the second line, with Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton expected to play significant roles. Luke Hughes and Johnathan Kovacevic will form the third line, while Brenden Dillon and Simon Nemec will provide defensive support. Several players are expected to sit out due to injuries or scratches. Dennis Cholowski and Evgenii Dadonov are scratched, while Stefan Noesen (knee), Zack MacEwen (ACL), and Brett Pesce (lower body) are listed as injured. The Capitals’ projected lineup features Anthony Beauvillier, Dylan Strome, and Alex Ovechkin on the top line. Aleksei Protas, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Tom Wilson will form the second line, with Connor McMichael, Justin Sourdif, and Ryan Leonard expected to contribute. Brandon Duhaime, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ethen Frank will form the third line, while Martin Fehervary and Rasmus Sandin will provide defensive depth. Jakub Chychrun and Trevor van Riemsdyk will form the fourth line, with Cole Hutson and Matt Roy rounding out the roster.#new_jersey_devils #washington_capitals #spencer_carbery #timothy_liljegren #david_kampf
New Jersey Devils Set to Face Washington Capitals in Third Meeting of the Season The New Jersey Devils will take on the Washington Capitals tonight in their third matchup of the season. The Devils have already secured two victories against the Capitals this year, with both games ending in a 6-3 scoreline. The team’s offensive prowess against the Rangers has been notable, as they defeated the Rangers by the same margin on March 7th and March 18th, accumulating 12 goals in their last two games against the struggling Eastern Conference team. Despite the Rangers’ continued struggles, the Devils’ ability to dominate them remains a highlight of their season. Jack Hughes and Connor Brown led the offensive charge, each recording a hat trick of points with a goal and two assists. Jesper Bratt also contributed with a goal, marking his first consecutive game with a goal since January 27th and 29th. Sheldon Keefe, the Devils’ head coach, has shown a strong preference for Jacob Markstrom in net, starting him in nine of the last 10 games. This decision has sparked speculation that Keefe believes the Devils still have a chance to make the playoffs, relying heavily on Markstrom’s performance to keep their hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Capitals extended their playoff hopes with a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The game saw Alex Ovechkin notch his 25th goal of the season, bringing his career total to 922. Tom Wilson added his 25th goal of the year in the second period, helping the Capitals secure the win. Ottawa made a late push, cutting the deficit to one goal in the third period, but Washington sealed the victory with two empty-net goals. The win places the Capitals six points away from the final two wild-card spots, though they still have games in hand on both the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings.#new_jersey_devils #jesper_bratt #jack_hughes #washington_capitals #connor_brown
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals: Game 66 Preview The Buffalo Sabres, currently riding an eight-game winning streak, face the Washington Capitals in Game 66 of the 2025 NHL season. The Sabres, ranked first in their division with a 40-19-6 record, are positioned strongly for a playoff berth, while the Capitals, at 32-27-7, have fallen out of the postseason race. The Capitals traded their legendary defenseman John Carlson at the trade deadline, adding to their challenges. The Sabres hold the home-ice advantage and benefit from a rest day, as the Capitals lost to the Flyers 4-1 in Philadelphia the previous night. The game, set for 7:00 PM at KeyBank Center, will be broadcast on MSG-B and ESPN+. The Sabres’ recent success hinges on their balanced attack, with key contributions from multiple lines. Krebs has spent significant time with Thompson on the top line, while the McLeod line has provided secondary scoring. Primary scorers Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch have been dominant, with Tuch on a seven-game point streak and nearing a point-per-game pace. Thompson’s consecutive three-point performances against Tampa Bay and San Jose highlight his impact. However, Tuch’s lower-body injury from Tuesday’s game against the Sharks raises concerns, though he remains a game-time decision. If sidelined, Tanner Pearson could make his Sabres debut, potentially altering the lineup. The Capitals’ top producers remain their established stars. Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson lead the team in goals, each with 24, while Ovechkin edges Wilson in points with an extra assist. Jakob Chychrun, with 22 goals, also figures prominently in the scoring race. Shutting down these key players could be critical for the Sabres, as their ability to neutralize Ovechkin and Wilson may determine the outcome.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #john_carlson #alex_ovechkin #tage_thompson
Thursday Caps Clips: Playoffs Flying By; Caps-Sabres Game Day The Washington Capitals’ playoff run continued with a fast-paced game against the Buffalo Sabres, as the team navigated the high-stakes environment of the postseason. The Capitals’ right wing, Justin Sourdif, showcased his ability to control play during the first period of the matchup, highlighting the team’s efforts to maintain momentum in the series. The game took place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking another chapter in the Capitals’ pursuit of a deep playoff run. Beyond the on-ice action, the Capitals’ roster saw some off-ice celebrations as the team honored its players’ birthdays. Tyler Larter, a key forward, celebrated his 58th birthday, while Brent Johnson, another veteran, marked his 49th birthday. These milestones added a personal touch to the team’s playoff journey, reminding fans of the individual stories behind the team’s collective success. Meanwhile, the Capitals’ management and analysts took note of the team’s strategic advantages. Reports indicated that the Capitals were gaining value from several of their current contracts, suggesting that the team’s financial decisions were paying off in terms of player performance and stability. This insight was highlighted by Daily Faceoff, which praised the Capitals’ ability to balance long-term planning with immediate results. Leadership within the team also saw a shift as John Carlson, the team’s captain, stepped away for personal reasons. His absence created an opportunity for Dylan Strome to take on a leadership role, wearing the “A” for the first two games of the playoffs. However, the responsibility eventually passed to Matt Roy, who earned the captaincy in the most recent game.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #xfinity_mobile_arena #john_carlson #dylan_strome
Washington Capitals Face Hot Buffalo Sabres in Key Match as Connor McMichael Approaches 300th NHL Game The Washington Capitals will face the surging Buffalo Sabres in a crucial matchup tonight, marking the conclusion of a back-to-back set of games. The Caps enter the contest after a tough stretch, having suffered four losses in their last five contests. Meanwhile, the Sabres have been on a tear since the Olympic break, securing eight consecutive victories. All eight wins have come in regulation, with five decided by a single goal, and the Sabres have allowed two or fewer goals in six of those games. Buffalo’s dominance extends beyond their recent run. Since opening the season with 11 wins in their first 29 games, the Sabres have maintained a streak of 36 games without a point drought, posting 29 wins, five overtime losses, and two ties. Their .833 points percentage over that span is the best in the NHL, more than 100 percentage points ahead of second-place Carolina (.722). Caps coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged the Sabres’ consistent threat, noting their ability to challenge the Capitals over the past three seasons. “They’ve had our number for a while,” Carbery said. “You see their speed, their skating, and their size. It didn’t matter what their record was—they always gave us a lot of trouble.” He added that the Sabres’ recent success is a natural progression for their young team, which is loaded with first-round draft picks across all lines and pairings. “It takes time for those players to understand what it takes to win every night,” Carbery explained. “Once they figure it out, they can go on a run. That’s what’s happening with Buffalo now.” For the Capitals, the challenge is clear.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #spencer_carbery #connor_mcMichael #charlie_lindgren
Anaheim Ducks Acquire John Carlson in Trade with Capitals The Anaheim Ducks have finalized a trade with the Washington Capitals, acquiring defenceman John Carlson, the team announced on Friday. The deal sees the Capitals receive a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, along with a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, in exchange for Carlson. Carlson, 36, has contributed 10 goals and 46 points in 55 games with the Capitals this season, while averaging 22:52 of ice time per game. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defenceman is entering the final season of an eight-year, $64 million contract that carries a cap hit of $8 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the current season. Drafted 27th overall by the Capitals in 2008, Carlson has spent his entire 17-season career with Washington. Over his tenure, he has accumulated 166 goals and 771 points in 1,143 career games. A key figure in the Capitals’ first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history in 2018, Carlson recorded five goals and 20 points in 24 playoff games during that run. The Natick, Mass. native has also represented the United States internationally, finishing fourth at the 2014 Winter Olympics and seventh at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. His contributions on the global stage highlight his status as a versatile and experienced player. The trade marks a significant move for the Ducks, adding a veteran defenseman with a proven track record of production and leadership. Carlson’s ability to impact games both offensively and defensively is expected to bolster the Ducks’ defense as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.#nhl_draft #anaheim_ducks #washington_capitals #john_carlson #natick_mass
Ducks Acquire Carlson from Washington The Anaheim Ducks have acquired defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals in a trade that includes a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft and a 2027 third-round selection. The move marks a significant addition for the Ducks, as Carlson brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and offensive production to their roster. Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek praised the acquisition, stating that Carlson’s “leadership, character, high hockey IQ, and presence” will complement the team’s efforts as they aim to make a strong push in the latter part of the season. Carlson, 36, has been a consistent performer throughout his career, with a reputation for contributing both offensively and defensively. This season, he has recorded 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points, along with a +11 rating in 55 games with the Capitals. His ability to generate offense has made him a key player for Washington, as he leads all Capitals skaters in assists and ranks second in points and goals. At the time of the trade, he was 11th among NHL defensemen in points and assists, highlighting his value as a top-tier blueliner. Selected by the Capitals in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Carlson has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensemen. Over 17 seasons with Washington, he has accumulated 166 goals, 605 assists, and 771 career points, placing him 24th among all-time NHL defensemen and fifth among active blueliners. His 771 points also rank as the highest total for a Capitals defenseman in franchise history, with his contributions spanning goals, assists, power play points, and games played. Carlson’s impact on the Capitals’ success is evident, particularly during their 2018 Stanley Cup championship run.#nhl_draft #anaheim_ducks #washington_capitals #john_carlson #pat_verbeek
