Weekend Wrap: Borowiecki Update, Kempny Leaves NHL, Vrana, Capitals Takes

It was an action-packed weekend across the NHL as teams continue to establish their identity to open the season. That includes the Washington Capitals, who, despite an exciting comeback win over the Los Angeles Kings, still have work to do to put an ugly start behind them.

In other league news, former Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny is headed elsewhere after terminating his deal with the Seattle Kraken. The NHL is also rallying around Nashville Predators blueliner Mark Borowiecki, who was stretchered off after a scary hit. Same goes for former Capital Jakub Vrana, who is getting the help he needs from the NHL and NHLPA.

Here are all the latest news, notes, takeaways and hot takes from this past weekend:

Washington Capitals Links

• Takeaways from a big Capitals win over the Kings, which saw them come back again with a four-goal surge in the third period. (WHN)
• Despite those rallies, though, Washington isn’t pleased with their recent play and doesn’t see it as meeting the standard of Capitals hockey. (WHN)
• Still, there’s no pressing the panic button for D.C. this early in the 2022-23 NHL season. (WHN)
• Meanwhile, Marcus Johansson wants the league to know: the Washington Capitals are by no means old. (WHN)
• As for the young guys, Joe Snively wants to move past his “Little Caps” story and DMV roots in order to establish himself as an NHL regular. (WHN)
• Speaking of regulars, Connor McMichael has been a healthy scratch for all but one game this season. It’s a problem, and the solution appears to lie in Hershey. (WHN)

NHL Links

• Here’s an update on Borowiecki, who was stretchered off after an awkward hit in Saturday’s tilt between the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia. He has been discharged and is home resting, and was conscious and moving all of his extremities after the play. A good sign. (The Tennessean)

• John Tortorella has turned the Flyers around, and here’s why he called the locker room “splintered” and how he has fixed it. Philadelphia Flyers (PHN)
• The Reverse Retro jerseys are also here, and these are the best and worst sweaters in the lot. Pittsburgh Penguins (PHN)
• Meanwhile on the Island, Lane Lambert’s club has harsh words for its start to the season: “pathetic.” New York Islanders (NYIHN)
• On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Stars are looking like… the real deal. Dallas Stars (DHN)
• And when it comes to the Bruins, Nick Foligno is finding his identity again in Boston. Boston Bruins (BHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Thoughts are with Jakub Vrana, as the former Capitals forward enters the NHL Player Assistance Program.
• Former Washington top-4 guy Kempny has also started the next chapter of his career, leaving the NHL for Europe to return to his hometown HC Sparta in Czechia.
• Bruce Boudreau and the Vancouver Canucks aren’t off to the start they’ve envisioned and have yet to win a game, going 0-4-2 and blowing multiple leads. One has to wonder if he’s on the hot seat, but given his resume, he will likely find another gig if he is dismissed.
• Borowiecki is one of the best players I’ve talked to in my young career. Wishing him the best.
• Had some fun writing this story, too, on the Capitals dads and being on the road.

Daddy Goes To Work: Capitals Dads Talk Fatherhood, Balancing NHL & Kids

• And another story on Dylan Strome, who loves the Capitals “W” jerseys for a very good reason close to his heart.

Strome Holds Capitals ‘W’ Jersey Close To Heart: ‘Special Meaning’