Sammi Silber
@sammisilber.bsky.social
Capitals beat reporter for The Hockey News, sports and live events at Peacock TV, proud captain of the D.C. Ghost Pirates, Silbzini, Emmy nominated, grad student at ASU. "I can do all things..."
Here's more on the Capitals swapping Clay Stevenson for Garin Bjorklund and how the change gives them flexibility on the waivers front:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Why Capitals Swapped Goalie Call-Ups Bjorklund & Stevenson Amid Lindgren's Injury
The Capitals are expected to bring Stevenson back up at some point soon.
thehockeynews.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Here's more on the Capitals swapping Clay Stevenson for Garin Bjorklund and how the change gives them flexibility on the waivers front:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Spent a bit of time reflecting on Jacob Trouba's hit on Ryan Leonard. Albeit ruled clean, here's what was wrong with it and what it means for all parties involved with the Caps rookie now out for quite some time.
My take on the matter:
My take on the matter:
Here's The Thing About The Trouba Hit On Leonard — Albeit Ruled Clean — With The Capitals Rookie Sidelined For 'Extended' Period
Ryan Leonard will be out for an extended period of time as he deals with the after effects of a heavy hit from Jacob Trouba.
www.dcbackcheck.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Spent a bit of time reflecting on Jacob Trouba's hit on Ryan Leonard. Albeit ruled clean, here's what was wrong with it and what it means for all parties involved with the Caps rookie now out for quite some time.
My take on the matter:
My take on the matter:
More on Ryan Leonard, who will miss an "extended period of time" for the Capitals following the hit from Jacob Trouba on Friday.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Ryan Leonard Out An 'Extended Period Of Time' For Capitals, Carbery Urges League To Address Head Shots
The Capitals will be without their rookie for the foreseeable future as he deals with an upper-body ailment.
thehockeynews.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:56 PM
More on Ryan Leonard, who will miss an "extended period of time" for the Capitals following the hit from Jacob Trouba on Friday.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
"He knows exactly what he was doing."
Tom Wilson and the Capitals' share their take on Jacob Trouba's hit on Ryan Leonard, while Wilson adds that the Ducks defenseman said no to a fight in response to his play.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Tom Wilson and the Capitals' share their take on Jacob Trouba's hit on Ryan Leonard, while Wilson adds that the Ducks defenseman said no to a fight in response to his play.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Tom Wilson, Capitals Respond To Jacob Trouba's Hit On Ryan Leonard, Say Ducks Defenseman Declined To Answer Bell
Leonard was left bloodied and injured following a heavy high hit from Trouba.
www.dcbackcheck.com
December 6, 2025 at 7:09 AM
"He knows exactly what he was doing."
Tom Wilson and the Capitals' share their take on Jacob Trouba's hit on Ryan Leonard, while Wilson adds that the Ducks defenseman said no to a fight in response to his play.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Tom Wilson and the Capitals' share their take on Jacob Trouba's hit on Ryan Leonard, while Wilson adds that the Ducks defenseman said no to a fight in response to his play.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Here's the latest on Ryan Leonard and what the Capitals had to say about the hit from Jacob Trouba postgame:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Provide Update Ryan Leonard Following Hit From Trouba, Share Thoughts On Hit
Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard left Friday's loss to the Ducks after a high hit from Jacob Trouba late in the first.
thehockeynews.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Here's the latest on Ryan Leonard and what the Capitals had to say about the hit from Jacob Trouba postgame:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
The road started to wear on the Capitals, and though they hung in for a point, they ran out of steam — and lost Ryan Leonard to injury — in a chippy 4-3 shootout loss to the Ducks.
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways: Capitals Run Out Of Steam, Lose Leonard To Injury In Shootout Loss To Ducks
The Capitals extended their point streak to seven games, but fell 4-3 to the Ducks.
thehockeynews.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:59 AM
The road started to wear on the Capitals, and though they hung in for a point, they ran out of steam — and lost Ryan Leonard to injury — in a chippy 4-3 shootout loss to the Ducks.
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
More on Ryan Leonard, who left the ice bloodied following a blindside hit from Jacob Trouba:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Leonard Leaves Capitals' Tilt With Ducks After Blindside Hit From Trouba
The Capitals saw Ryan Leonard leave the ice bloodied following a high hit from Jacob Trouba.
thehockeynews.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:58 AM
More on Ryan Leonard, who left the ice bloodied following a blindside hit from Jacob Trouba:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
John Carlson is out again, Justin Sourdif could play despite Spencer Carbery saying he would "miss a little bit of time," and more Capitals injury updates and notes at THN:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Injury Updates: Carlson To Miss Second Straight Game, Sourdif A Game-Time Decision vs. Ducks
The Capitals got some news on the injury front on Friday.
thehockeynews.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:15 PM
John Carlson is out again, Justin Sourdif could play despite Spencer Carbery saying he would "miss a little bit of time," and more Capitals injury updates and notes at THN:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Nothing official yet, but Nic Dowd could be ready to return for the Capitals.
More on the center, who's no longer listed on the injured reserve. Call-up Bogdan Trineyev is no longer on the active roster, either.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
More on the center, who's no longer listed on the injured reserve. Call-up Bogdan Trineyev is no longer on the active roster, either.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Dowd No Longer Listed On Injured Reserve For Capitals
The Capitals could get a key member of the lineup back on Wednesday against the Sharks.
thehockeynews.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Nothing official yet, but Nic Dowd could be ready to return for the Capitals.
More on the center, who's no longer listed on the injured reserve. Call-up Bogdan Trineyev is no longer on the active roster, either.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
More on the center, who's no longer listed on the injured reserve. Call-up Bogdan Trineyev is no longer on the active roster, either.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
"Our swagger is such a big part of our group."
Anthony Beauvillier shares his take on what's helped the Capitals to an 8-1-1 surge over the last 10 games, Alex Ovechkin has nothing but respect for Anze Kopitar and more quotes from the locker room:
Anthony Beauvillier shares his take on what's helped the Capitals to an 8-1-1 surge over the last 10 games, Alex Ovechkin has nothing but respect for Anze Kopitar and more quotes from the locker room:
Respect For Kopitar, Emphasis On Team Play & Plenty Of 'Swagger': Ovechkin & Capitals Break Down Win Over Kings
The Capitals break down their 3-1 win over the Kings.
www.dcbackcheck.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:55 AM
"Our swagger is such a big part of our group."
Anthony Beauvillier shares his take on what's helped the Capitals to an 8-1-1 surge over the last 10 games, Alex Ovechkin has nothing but respect for Anze Kopitar and more quotes from the locker room:
Anthony Beauvillier shares his take on what's helped the Capitals to an 8-1-1 surge over the last 10 games, Alex Ovechkin has nothing but respect for Anze Kopitar and more quotes from the locker room:
Tom Wilson and the Capitals' usual suspects stayed hot, and they played smart, too, en route to a 3-1 victory over the Kings.
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways: Wilson, Capitals Stay Hot & Play Smart To Best Kings
The Capitals have now won five straight contests.
thehockeynews.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Tom Wilson and the Capitals' usual suspects stayed hot, and they played smart, too, en route to a 3-1 victory over the Kings.
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
The Capitals kick off a busy California trip on Tuesday against the Kings.
Here's what to know before puck drop, including line combos, stats, storylines and more.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
Here's what to know before puck drop, including line combos, stats, storylines and more.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
Capitals vs. Kings: Line Combinations, Stats, Storylines To Watch
Here's what to know as the Capitals visit the Kings.
www.dcbackcheck.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:47 AM
The Capitals kick off a busy California trip on Tuesday against the Kings.
Here's what to know before puck drop, including line combos, stats, storylines and more.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
Here's what to know before puck drop, including line combos, stats, storylines and more.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
"What (doesn't) he bring? He has so much energy... the way he talks on the bench, I think that really goes unnoticed."
It's not always flashy, but Brandon Duhaime, a stabilizing presence on a skilled third line, continues to help fuel the Capitals 📝:
It's not always flashy, but Brandon Duhaime, a stabilizing presence on a skilled third line, continues to help fuel the Capitals 📝:
Brandon Duhaime, A 'Stabilizer' On A Skilled Third Line, Continues To Help Power The Capitals
Here's how Brandon Duhaime continues to make his presence known for the Capitals, though he can fly under the radar at times.
thehockeynews.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:43 PM
"What (doesn't) he bring? He has so much energy... the way he talks on the bench, I think that really goes unnoticed."
It's not always flashy, but Brandon Duhaime, a stabilizing presence on a skilled third line, continues to help fuel the Capitals 📝:
It's not always flashy, but Brandon Duhaime, a stabilizing presence on a skilled third line, continues to help fuel the Capitals 📝:
"There's flashes of potential of how good this kid's going to be."
Ryan Leonard's heating up, but it's not just his production that stands out; the Capitals rookie is finally finding his identity at the NHL level.
On Leno and what he brings beyond goals:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Ryan Leonard's heating up, but it's not just his production that stands out; the Capitals rookie is finally finding his identity at the NHL level.
On Leno and what he brings beyond goals:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Ryan Leonard Getting More Comfortable, Finding Identity With Capitals: 'His Game's At The Best It's Ever Been'
The Capitals rookie is making the most of his time as he starts to string together points and find his identity for D.C.
thehockeynews.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:58 AM
"There's flashes of potential of how good this kid's going to be."
Ryan Leonard's heating up, but it's not just his production that stands out; the Capitals rookie is finally finding his identity at the NHL level.
On Leno and what he brings beyond goals:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Ryan Leonard's heating up, but it's not just his production that stands out; the Capitals rookie is finally finding his identity at the NHL level.
On Leno and what he brings beyond goals:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
"You trust the work that you put in and that you're doing the right things. You'll get frustrated... is it going to be perfect? No."
It hasn't been easy for Hendrix Lapierre with the Capitals. But he's not giving up.
I catch up with the #ALLCAPS forward:
It hasn't been easy for Hendrix Lapierre with the Capitals. But he's not giving up.
I catch up with the #ALLCAPS forward:
It Hasn't Been Easy For Hendrix Lapierre With The Capitals. But He's Not Giving Up: 'Trust Your Work'
The Capitals forward hasn't scored in the last 68 games and is struggling from a production standpoint while playing limited minutes.
thehockeynews.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:54 PM
"You trust the work that you put in and that you're doing the right things. You'll get frustrated... is it going to be perfect? No."
It hasn't been easy for Hendrix Lapierre with the Capitals. But he's not giving up.
I catch up with the #ALLCAPS forward:
It hasn't been easy for Hendrix Lapierre with the Capitals. But he's not giving up.
I catch up with the #ALLCAPS forward:
It's harder to imagine Team Canada not having some Washington Capitals on board come February.
More on how the #ALLCAPS stack up in the race for a roster spot, with Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson leading the way and Jakob Chychrun in the conversation, too.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
More on how the #ALLCAPS stack up in the race for a roster spot, with Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson leading the way and Jakob Chychrun in the conversation, too.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Capitals' Thompson, Wilson Continue To Force Team Canada's Hand — And Chychrun's Close Behind
A handful of Capitals are making quite the case for the upcoming Olympic games.
www.dcbackcheck.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:42 AM
It's harder to imagine Team Canada not having some Washington Capitals on board come February.
More on how the #ALLCAPS stack up in the race for a roster spot, with Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson leading the way and Jakob Chychrun in the conversation, too.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
More on how the #ALLCAPS stack up in the race for a roster spot, with Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson leading the way and Jakob Chychrun in the conversation, too.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson continue to make their Olympic case as they powered the Capitals to a 4-1 win over the Islanders on Sunday.
Takeaways as the #ALLCAPS extend their win streak to four games:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways as the #ALLCAPS extend their win streak to four games:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways: Thompson, Wilson Continue Making Olympic Case As Capitals Best Islanders
Tom Wilson struck twice and added an assist and Logan Thompson put on a show in net en route to a 4-1 win.
thehockeynews.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson continue to make their Olympic case as they powered the Capitals to a 4-1 win over the Islanders on Sunday.
Takeaways as the #ALLCAPS extend their win streak to four games:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways as the #ALLCAPS extend their win streak to four games:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
The Capitals will look to finish November on a high note as they visit the Islanders this afternoon.
What to know before puck drop, including lines, stats, game notes and more:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
What to know before puck drop, including lines, stats, game notes and more:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
Capitals vs. Islanders: Line Combinations & What To Know
The Capitals will look to end November on a high note as they visit the Islanders.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 30, 2025 at 5:24 PM
The Capitals will look to finish November on a high note as they visit the Islanders this afternoon.
What to know before puck drop, including lines, stats, game notes and more:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
What to know before puck drop, including lines, stats, game notes and more:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
"He's got that Makar in him."
"One of the best shots I've ever seen in my life."
The Capitals can't say enough about Jakob Chychrun, who's emerging as one of the NHL's top defensemen. Here's what's gone into his success, and what make his shot so lethal:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
"One of the best shots I've ever seen in my life."
The Capitals can't say enough about Jakob Chychrun, who's emerging as one of the NHL's top defensemen. Here's what's gone into his success, and what make his shot so lethal:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals' Jakob Chychrun Emerging As One Of The NHL's Top Defensemen: 'One Of The Best Shots I've Ever Seen'
Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun has put himself on the radar this season with an impressive point streak
thehockeynews.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:04 PM
"He's got that Makar in him."
"One of the best shots I've ever seen in my life."
The Capitals can't say enough about Jakob Chychrun, who's emerging as one of the NHL's top defensemen. Here's what's gone into his success, and what make his shot so lethal:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
"One of the best shots I've ever seen in my life."
The Capitals can't say enough about Jakob Chychrun, who's emerging as one of the NHL's top defensemen. Here's what's gone into his success, and what make his shot so lethal:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals lines vs. Maple Leafs:
Ovechkin-Strome-Beauvillier
Protas-Sourdif-Wilson
Duhaime-McMichael-Leonard
Milano-Lapierre-Frank
Fehervary-Carlson
Chychrun-Roy
Sandin-TVR
Thompson
Ovechkin-Strome-Beauvillier
Protas-Sourdif-Wilson
Duhaime-McMichael-Leonard
Milano-Lapierre-Frank
Fehervary-Carlson
Chychrun-Roy
Sandin-TVR
Thompson
November 28, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Capitals lines vs. Maple Leafs:
Ovechkin-Strome-Beauvillier
Protas-Sourdif-Wilson
Duhaime-McMichael-Leonard
Milano-Lapierre-Frank
Fehervary-Carlson
Chychrun-Roy
Sandin-TVR
Thompson
Ovechkin-Strome-Beauvillier
Protas-Sourdif-Wilson
Duhaime-McMichael-Leonard
Milano-Lapierre-Frank
Fehervary-Carlson
Chychrun-Roy
Sandin-TVR
Thompson
Happy Thanksgiving.
The Capitals are ringing in the holidays with family and friends. As for the younger players, the team made sure they had somewhere to go.
How the #ALLCAPS are giving thanks:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
The Capitals are ringing in the holidays with family and friends. As for the younger players, the team made sure they had somewhere to go.
How the #ALLCAPS are giving thanks:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Capitals Open Doors To One Another On Thanksgiving
The Capitals are making sure everyone is included on Thanksgiving day.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Happy Thanksgiving.
The Capitals are ringing in the holidays with family and friends. As for the younger players, the team made sure they had somewhere to go.
How the #ALLCAPS are giving thanks:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
The Capitals are ringing in the holidays with family and friends. As for the younger players, the team made sure they had somewhere to go.
How the #ALLCAPS are giving thanks:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Nic Dowd heads to the IR, and Bogdan Trineyev is up from Hershey.
What that means for tonight's lineup and more notes here at DC Backcheck:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
What that means for tonight's lineup and more notes here at DC Backcheck:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Capitals Lineup Combinations & Notes vs. Jets; Dowd To IR As Trineyev Recalled From Hershey
The Capitals will see some changes as they continue to play without Nic Dowd.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Nic Dowd heads to the IR, and Bogdan Trineyev is up from Hershey.
What that means for tonight's lineup and more notes here at DC Backcheck:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
What that means for tonight's lineup and more notes here at DC Backcheck:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Charlie Lindgren starts, Dylan McIlrath draws back in, Nic Dowd's a game-time decision and more lineup notes as the Capitals host the Jets.
Today's THN notebook:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Today's THN notebook:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Notebook: Lindgren Starts, McIlrath Back In, Dowd A Game-Time Decision vs. Jets
The Capitals will make some changes to the lineup as they host the Jets.
thehockeynews.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Charlie Lindgren starts, Dylan McIlrath draws back in, Nic Dowd's a game-time decision and more lineup notes as the Capitals host the Jets.
Today's THN notebook:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Today's THN notebook:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
"I took him to Costco for pots and pans. He left with, like, samples and a bag of Doritos."
Ryan Leonard's finally living on his own. It's a learning curve, but he's getting the hang of it — somewhat.
A closer look at the life of the Capitals rookie:
Ryan Leonard's finally living on his own. It's a learning curve, but he's getting the hang of it — somewhat.
A closer look at the life of the Capitals rookie:
Ryan Leonard's True 'Welcome To The NHL' Moment? Living On His Own For The First Time
Capitals forward Ryan Leonard reflects on moving to live on his own for the first time and mastering the art of adulthood.
thehockeynews.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 PM
"I took him to Costco for pots and pans. He left with, like, samples and a bag of Doritos."
Ryan Leonard's finally living on his own. It's a learning curve, but he's getting the hang of it — somewhat.
A closer look at the life of the Capitals rookie:
Ryan Leonard's finally living on his own. It's a learning curve, but he's getting the hang of it — somewhat.
A closer look at the life of the Capitals rookie:
"It's not normal for him to step into that role or for players to step into that role and have that much success."
The Capitals paid a lot to bring in Justin Sourdif, believing the gamble would pay off. It is, and then some, as he thrives on the top-6:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
The Capitals paid a lot to bring in Justin Sourdif, believing the gamble would pay off. It is, and then some, as he thrives on the top-6:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
The Capitals Bet Big On Justin Sourdif. Their Gamble's Paying Off Big Time
The Capitals took a big gamble on Justin Sourdif, and they're seeing the benefits as he embraces the second-line center role.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM
"It's not normal for him to step into that role or for players to step into that role and have that much success."
The Capitals paid a lot to bring in Justin Sourdif, believing the gamble would pay off. It is, and then some, as he thrives on the top-6:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
The Capitals paid a lot to bring in Justin Sourdif, believing the gamble would pay off. It is, and then some, as he thrives on the top-6:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...