Sammi’s Daily Mix: Capitals Welcome New Team Dog, McIlrath To Have Hearing, Kraken Make Debut

The Washington Capitals have a new team dog. After welcoming Captain and Scout over the last couple of seasons, Washington is bringing Biscuit on board. Biscuit is training to be a service dog with America’s Vet Dogs.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken made their NHL debut in style in Spokane. Also, a date is finally set for Henrik Lundqvist’s No. 30 to be raised to the rafters of MSG.

Here are all the latest news and notes and everything to know as we enter another week of training camp.

Capitals Links

• Washington opened its preseason on Sunday vs. Boston, and despite losing in the shootout, there were a lot of positives to take away. Here’s more on Hendrix Lapierre, Martin Fehervary and more players who impressed. (Washington Hockey Now)
• After a tough difficult 2021-22, Ilya Samsonov is ready to make the most of his bridge deal and prove himself with the Capitals. Here’s what he had to say about improving his game and getting ready for what he hopes will be a long year. (WHN)
• Meet Biscuit, the Capitals new team dog who is guaranteed to make your day. Ian Oland has more. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
• What will we see from Washington this season? Luke Adomanis lays out questions for the team going into October. (Japers’ Rink)
• “In that moment, I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry.” Michal Kempny is working toward his comeback with the Capitals and opened up about his injury struggles and long road to recovery. (WHN)

NHL Links

• The Kraken played in their first-ever game, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-3. Geoff Baker breaks down Seattle’s first victory in Spokane and how Morgan Geekie made his mark with two goals. (Seattle Times)
• On the other side of the Capitals’ preseason opener, the Bruins took away a lot of positives. Jimmy Murphy takes a look at Erik Haula and other names that stood out. (Boston Hockey Now)
• A new-look Rangers team that features Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves is looking to return to playoff territory in 2021-22. James O’Brien previews the Blueshirts’ campaign and expectations. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• Valeri Nichushkin is ready to prove that he can play top-6 minutes this season. Adrian Dater shares more on the Russian winger and what he had to say heading into this season. (Colorado Hockey Now)
• Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese has tested positive for COVID-19 and has entered protocol. Dan Kingerski provides the latest. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for his illegal hit to the head on Steven Fogarty in the team’s preseason shootout loss to Boston.

Dylan McIlrath gets 5 and a game. Doesn't look good for Fogarty #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/MgCOI6L2L8

— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) September 26, 2021

• Lapierre is making quite the case for himself so far. After a strong rookie camp, the 19-year-old shined in the team’s preseason opener and has also shined in training camp. Head coach Peter Laviolette said the team is looking to utilize him as a center, which makes the race even more interesting.
• Another forward this impressed me in Washington’s SO loss to Boston: Beck Malenstyn. He led all Washington forwards in hits and was one of the most physical players on the ice. He also made every shift count. His gritty style of play is going to help him become a difference-maker at the NHL level.
• Lundqvist’s No. 30 will be raised to the rafters on Jan. 28 vs. the Wild. It’s the perfect night for The King to have his number retired alongside the Blueshirts and longtime friend Mats Zuccarello.
• Riley Sheahan scored the first goal in Seattle franchise history. It’s also good to see Geekie making a run for a roster spot. I liked watching him in Carolina and think he’s a strong forward who can play NHL minutes.