Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Updates, Islanders Are Broken, Trade Talk Brewing

The Washington Capitals are ready to get back to work on Saturday, and on Thursday, Martin Fehervary and the team were feeling the good vibes to open their three-game road swing with a 4-0 win at Mullett Arena — and Fehervary was also feeling the beat of the music.

As Washington continues its playoff push, it is also keeping a close eye on the rest of the Metropolitan Division and seeing a big rival — and some former friends — struggle big time. In other news, trade talk continues to brew across the NHL.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and around the league:

Washington Capitals

– The Capitals' second line — yes, the "BMW" line of Milano-Backstrom-Wilson, has been thriving. Here's what's working for the combo and what makes them so dang good, with insight from the boys themselves. (WHN)

– Speaking of the top six, Nicolas Aube-Kubel has been playing on the top line wing over these last two games after sitting out four games as a healthy scratch. After winning a lineup spot over Anthony Mantha and getting back in the mix, NAK says he is ready to "do everything" to keep it that way. (WHN)

– Fehervary had himself a "Marty Party" in the penalty box during Washington's win in Arizona. (WHN)

– Speaking of No. 42, we caught up with the Slovak blueliner 1-on-1 to discuss what happened to his hand, his work to get back up to speed after the injury and playing on his off-side. (WHN)

NHL

– Bruce Boudreau said he would be "a fool" not to know what's going on and the whispers about his future with the Vancouver Canucks, and the former Washington bench boss was visibly emotional when asked about savoring his time in the NHL and ended his presser early. (WHN)

– Speaking of former D.C. coaches, Lane Lambert and the Islanders are struggling big time and are… in a way… broken. Here's what Lambert had to say about the building frustration on the Island. New York Islanders (NYIHN)

– Bo Horvat remains a top name on the market and things are starting to heat up on that trade front for Vancouver, and the Avalanche are one of the teams "kicking the tires." Colorado Avalanche (CHN)

– Cole Caufield will be out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season for the Canadiens, as he's set to undergo shoulder surgery. Montreal Canadiens (MHN)

Top Shelf Takes

– "Bruce There It Is" chants broke out at Rogers Arena on Saturday, and rightfully so. Boudreau is an excellent coach who cares for his players, and his teams have a lot of heart and want to play for him. The way he's been treated by the Canucks organization is unjustified, but at the end of the day, he'll be the one to come out on top.

– Ron Anderson, who played for the Capitals in their inaugural season, turns 73 today.

– Cool to see: Arizona State University forward Teddy Lagerback met with Washington at the team's morning skate in Tempe at ASU's Mullett Arena and gave the club a golden stick signed by the Sun Devils. Alex Ovechkin returned the favor by gifting Lagerback a used signed stick. Lagerback scored for ASU on Friday.

– If Anthony Mantha sits on Saturday, it'll be his fifth scratch in seven games. Hard to imagine where the road might be headed if that's the case.