Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals bought right into a festive temper early and infrequently in a late-afternoon New 12 months’s Eve matinee Saturday towards the Montreal Canadiens. By the top of a 9-2 win, hats made an look on the Capital One Area ice as Ovechkin notched his second hat trick of the season.
Washington, D.C
Caps close out the year by putting up nine goals in rout of Canadiens
Ovechkin was hardly the one Capital offensive weapon to toy with Montreal goalie Jake Allen (31 saves) — he was merely probably the most prolific. He now has six objectives in his previous 4 video games and 26 on the season.
Goaltender Charlie Lindgren continued his sturdy month of December, making 31 saves whereas incomes his eleventh win as a Capital. The Capitals gained for the sixth time in seven video games and wrapped up an 11-2-2 month.
“This entire December, how we performed reveals how good we’re,” mentioned Erik Gustafsson, who opened the scoring together with his sixth purpose. “And if we are able to hold this rolling — you understand, we’ve got large gamers coming again, too, quickly — it’s a enjoyable stretch we’ve got right here, and we simply should hold rolling.”
Washington (21-13-5) took a 2-0 lead into the second interval earlier than the fireworks actually began. The groups mixed for 5 objectives within the center body, with three of them going to the hosts, the final a power-play strike from Dylan Strome with 39 seconds remaining within the interval.
Ovechkin then began the third interval together with his second purpose of the sport, approaching the facility play simply 82 seconds in. Ovechkin has 37 objectives in 53 video games towards Montreal. Requested afterward if there’s something concerning the Canadiens that conjures up him, the captain deflected. “I simply take pleasure in to play hockey,” he mentioned.
Marcus Johansson scored the Capitals’ seventh purpose about 4 minutes later and appeared to attain once more simply 25 seconds later earlier than it was overturned after the Canadiens efficiently challenged for offside.
Anthony Mantha scored on a breakaway at 15:43 of the third earlier than Ovechkin accomplished the hat trick with 3:25 remaining, leaving officers to take away followers’ donations to the staff’s hat assortment from the ice floor.
Gustafsson’s purpose got here simply 32 seconds into the sport, giving a powerful indication of the avalanche to return. Gustafsson has all six of his objectives and 7 assists previously seven video games.
“Gus actually appears to be spreading his wings proper now,” Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette mentioned. “Getting a chance to play loads of large minutes. … It’s simply one thing that he’s completed in his previous that possibly simply has not been there for him, and there’s a chance out there for him now, and he actually is hovering with that.”
4 minutes after Gustafsson’s purpose, Garnet Hathaway deflected a shot from Aliaksei Protas in entrance to present the house staff a 2-0 benefit. It was Hathaway’s fourth purpose of the season.
“Scoring on the primary shift, it’s good to see,” Lindgren mentioned. “All of us knew we needed to have a bounce-back recreation after [Thursday’s loss in overtime to Ottawa]. I don’t suppose anybody was actually pleased with their recreation. I believed we performed fairly nicely tonight. Proud of two factors.”
Cole Caufield bought the Canadiens on the board by burying a one-timer from the weak aspect on the facility play at 4:02 of the second interval earlier than Nic Dowd restored the Capitals’ two-goal lead, scoring on the doorstep with 11:29 left within the second.
Washington’s subsequent recreation is Tuesday at residence towards Buffalo.
Here’s what to know from Saturday’s recreation:
Martin Fehervary performed his first recreation since an upper-body damage sidelined him Dec. 3. Fehervary was nonetheless sporting a light-weight brace on his left arm Friday, however he was medically cleared to play towards the Canadiens after a 12-game absence.
Fehervary recorded an help in 18 minutes of ice time, paired with Matt Irwin. Laviolette mentioned earlier than the sport that Washington would most likely “hold a watch” on Fehervary’s minutes to ensure the defenseman wasn’t getting overworked.
“I wouldn’t have identified [he was out]. I believed Marty performed a very good recreation,” Laviolette mentioned. “His skating appeared good. I believed him and Matty I. had been actually sturdy defensively. That was actually good to get him again in there. You could possibly simply inform his velocity and physicality, getting again in there was actually good for us.”
Washington despatched down defenseman Lucas Johansen to the staff’s American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey, Pa.
Snively in for Aube-Kubel
Ahead Joe Snively slotted into the lineup for the primary time since Nov. 15. It marked Snively’s sixth recreation of the season. Snively had a main scoring alternative early, hitting the crossbar with 8:40 remaining within the first interval.
“It was a chance to get him in there, and I believed he performed very nicely,” Laviolette mentioned. “He was pushing offensively, arrange that purpose that bought referred to as again. He had a pair possibilities in entrance, so I believed it was good he got here again in there and he was a superb, optimistic contributing issue for our staff.”
Snively changed Nicolas Aube-Kubel within the lineup. Aube-Kubel had performed in Washington’s earlier eight video games and recorded 4 assists. Aube-Kubel was on the ice for warmups towards the Canadiens however left the ice early after he didn’t take part in any line rushes. The Capitals introduced Aube-Kubel as a wholesome scratch.
Lindgren’s sturdy December play has been essential for a staff that entered the season with two new goaltenders. Lindgren and starter Darcy Kuemper (10-9-3) are the one tandem within the NHL by which every goaltender has 10 or extra wins.
“[Lindgren] has performed extraordinarily nicely for us; I believe everybody is aware of that,” Laviolette mentioned Saturday. “When Darcy was out, he actually stepped up large. And Darcy has been in there for a couple of video games now, and I believed it was a fantastic spot for Charlie to return again in. However actually the boldness we’ve got in each goaltenders proper now could be actually excessive.”
Washington, D.C
DC gets ready to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary – WTOP News
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and America250 Chair Rosie Rios joined students at a bilingual elementary school to kickoff D.C.’s chapter of the commission preparing to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and America250 Chair Rosie Rios joined students at a bilingual elementary school to kickoff D.C.’s chapter of the commission preparing to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Students at Powell Bilingual Elementary School in Petworth greeted Bowser with a rousing introduction, as she introduced them to a new vocabulary word: “Semiquincentennial.” The word describes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Bowser told the students D.C.’s 250th celebration should be the biggest and the best, and said, “Throwing a big party for thousands of people is a big task. But in Washington, D.C., we welcome visitors for big events all the time.”
D.C.’s festivities, though, will be part of a nationwide effort to throw a celebration of America like none other.
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to involve Americans from every state and U.S. territory in the Semiquincentennial, which will be in 2026.
Rios told the students about “America’s Field Trip,” explaining it’s a contest for those in “grades 3-12 who get to answer the question, ‘What does America mean to me?’ The beauty of this program is that the award recipients get to choose from a series of backstage experiences with our federal agencies, most of which have never been offered to the public before.”
Those field trip sites include a variety of historic and cultural landmarks across the country.
Rios recalled the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, when she was just 10 years old. Her parents had come to the U.S. from Mexico in 1958, and she said the evening of July 4, 1976, “was a cloudy night in Heyward, California, but those fireworks were never brighter.”
“On that night, I felt I had the whole world in front of me. I did feel that anything was possible,” Rios said.
She said she’s eager to hear from others about their family histories and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Another feature of the America250 celebration is “Our American Story,” which includes a chance for residents to nominate someone they know to share their histories, which, if selected, will be preserved at the Library of Congress.
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Washington, D.C
Inauguration Day: Timeline of key inaugural events
WASHINGTON – Nearly a quarter million ticketed guests are expected to attend Donald Trump’s second inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025, in the nation’s capital. The festivities begin over the weekend and continue until the Tuesday following Inauguration Day.
On Monday, the ceremony will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Security screening gates are expected to open at 5 a.m. Ticketed guests should arrive by 11:30 a.m.
Here are some key events on the schedule if you are planning to attend:
Timeline:
Saturday, January 18
Trump will attend a reception and fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.
Vice President-elect JD Vance will participate in a reception for incoming Cabinet members and host a dinner.
READ MORE: Inauguration Day: Security tightens in DC one week before Trump takes office
Sunday, January 19
Trump will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump will hold a MAGA Victory rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., at 3 p.m., with a performance by the Village People.
Trump will host a candlelight dinner with campaign donors.
Monday, January 20 (Inauguration Day)
Trump will attend a worship service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown D.C.
Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump will join the Bidens for tea at the White House.
Inauguration Day Forecast: Slight chance for snow showers early Monday
What we know:
Inaugural Ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol
The ceremonies will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Security screening gates open at 5 a.m., music begins at 9:30 a.m. Ticketed guests should arrive by 11:30 a.m.
The theme, “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” recognizes the Founders’ commitment to preserving democracy.
Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” before Trump takes the oath of office at 12 p.m. Former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton are expected to attend.
A farewell to former President Biden and Vice President Harris will occur around noon.
Trump will gather with aides and lawmakers for the President’s Signing Room Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol to sign executive orders or memorandums.
The JCCIC Congressional Luncheon will follow, attended by the new president, vice president, Senate leaders, and JCCIC members.
Trump will review military troops at the East Front steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by a presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
READ MORE: Inauguration Day 2025: Road closures, routes and timing
At the White House, Trump will participate in the traditional Oval Office signing ceremony for executive orders or nominations.
Trump will attend three Inaugural balls: Commander in Chief Ball, Liberty Inaugural Ball, and the Starlight Ball. He is scheduled to speak at all three balls.
- Commander in Chief Ball focused on military service members
- Liberty Inaugural Ball geared toward Trump supporters
- Starlight Ball will focus on high-dollar donors
What’s next:
Tuesday, January 21
Trump will attend the National Prayer Service, an interfaith event at the Washington National Cathedral.
The Source: Information in this article comes from The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and the Associated Press.
Washington, D.C
Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration
As D.C. prepares for Inauguration Day, tens of thousands of activists are preparing to make their voices heard.
Days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol again, several grassroots groups will descend on the District Saturday for the People’s March, which has the same organizers behind the 2017 Women’s March.
“Talking about immigration, talking about peace, talking about abortion access, talking about racial justice and reproductive justice,” said Tamika Middleon, the managing director for Women’s March.
Like previous marches, organizers say Saturday’s event is part of a long term resistance strategy to proposed policies of the incoming Trump Administration
“And so we are trying to create opportunities for people to be together, and that’s really our message, is for people to find ways for them to engage with each other,” Middleon said.
Several Metro stations and several streets will be closed Monday for the inauguration, but the 18th will also be a busy day on D.C. roads
People’s March organizers say there will be three meet up locations Saturday before they march to the Lincoln Memorial: Farragut Square, where groups will focus on democracy, immigration, climate and military; Franklin Park, a starting point for gender justice activists, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ groups; and McPherson Square, ground zero for many local grassroots organizations.
“We’re going to be specifically focusing on D.C. issues,” said Megan Salmon with Spaces in Action.
Salmon said they’ve been busy coordinating with local volunteers ahead of Saturday, and even though a lot has changed since Trump took office in 2017, their commitment to the cause hasn’t — and they’re ready for what’s next.
“Organizers have been preparing for a moment like this for way longer than it was talked about, so it wasn’t just since the election, it wasn’t just since the campaign trail,” Salmon said. “I do think that the resistance is strategic, but I do think that’s not just a reflection of the moment we’re in. I think it’s a longer term fight.”
All of those groups are set to meet up at the Lincoln Memorial, and that big rally is scheduled to go from about 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
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