Washington Capitals falter against the San Jose Sharks, raising tough questions about urgency and accountability. Are roster shakeups the only answer as playoff hopes hang by a thread?

DAN HOLMI dissects the Capitals’ disappointing defeat, pinpointing the team’s ongoing struggles with inconsistent effort and lackluster execution. The spotlight shines on Ryan Leonard’s breakout performance—his 10th goal and energetic play are prompting calls for an expanded role. From Dylan Strome's power play goal to glaring defensive lapses, the breakdown covers the missed opportunities and flat stretches haunting Washington. DAN HOLMI challenges the organization to reward young talent and enforce consequences for underperformance as the season teeters. Are AHL standouts like Ilya Protas the spark this aging roster needs? With a pivotal test against the Florida Panthers looming, the Capitals must answer: Will they embrace change before it’s too late?

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Washington Capitals eye Brayden Schenn as center woes mount—will a blockbuster trade reshape their playoff hopes? DAN HOLMI explores Washington’s search for stability down the middle, breaking down how Schenn’s proven faceoff success and leadership could change the team’s identity. With Dylan Strome’s role in flux and Pierre-Luc Dubois sidelined, the looming trade deadline adds uncertainty: is the front office ready to gamble for a win-now solution?

Tom Wilson nears his return, promising an instant boost in physicality and scoring, while Ethan Frank’s stunning rise from depth player to potential first-line winger has the locker room buzzing. DAN HOLMI highlights how these developments could shake up line combinations and address the Capitals’ inconsistency, power play struggles, and emotional edge. Can Washington’s mix of experience and breakout stars deliver the spark needed for a deep Metro Division run?

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In this edition of Locked on Capitals Dan talks about the Capitals biggest position of need as the team heads towards the trade deadline on March 3rd. It's widely thought that the Caps need a depth defenseman and forward, but Elliotte Friedman tossed around the idea of the Arizona Coyotes entertaining offers for Karel Vejmelka. The Caps solidified the goaltender position in the off season with Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren, why would they want to sign another goalie?Later Dan talks about the benefits of the all-star break for injured Capitals players like Tom Wilson and Nic Dowd that coulduse this time to recover. To close out the show Dan talks about Alex Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky's record to be the all time goal scoring leader. He's doing fater than anyone thought and against some of the greatest goalies ever.

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