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Washington Capitals Ultimate Fan Test

By Dave Stevenson |
May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A Washington Capitals fan watches from the stands in the final minute of the third period during the Capitals' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A Washington Capitals fan watches from the stands in the final minute of the third period during the Capitals' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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To help Caps fans cope with the doldrums off the NHL offseason, here’s the ultimate Washington Capitals fan test. 

It is officially the month of June, and the dullest point of the 2017 NHL offseason is in sight. Though the Washington Capitals aren’t playing in the Stanley Cup, they still have a fairly bright future ahead for them.

To help get Caps fans get through the doldrums of the offseason, we at Stars And Sticks decided to have some fun and create a quiz. This should help you learn more about your team and assert your fandom over your friends. Heck, it might even help you impress people at bar trivia. Credit goes to our Dallas Stars friends over at Blackout Dallas for inspiring this post.

So grab yourself a pencil and some paper.

More from Stars and Sticks

This test is broken into five slides. Each will have 10 questions. The questions get harder as the test progresses. Level one questions are very easy, while level five questions are extremely difficult. Admittedly, our readers might have a slight edge because some of these questions have been addressed in our articles. So if you read this site’s articles on a daily basis, this is our way of saying thanks!

These questions will not be multiple choice. You either know them or you don’t. The answers will be on the next slide for each level. Hopefully you have fun and better yet, maybe you’ll learn something new about your favorite hockey team.

Sure, you can cheat by looking stuff up. But where’s the fun in that? Be sure to share this test when you’re done with it. After all, half the fun in taking tests online is to assert your dominance over others. Isn’t that why Twitter was created?

Let the games begin!

Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view towels in the stands prior to game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view towels in the stands prior to game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Round One Questions

Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals /

Washington Capitals

These questions are very easy.

  1. What number does defenseman Nate Schmidt wear?
  2. The Capitals have a mascot. What is its name?
  3. Who is the current captain of the Caps?
  4. Which player is the franchise leader in career assists?
  5. What position does Braden Holtby play?
  6. True or false – The Caps current American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate is the Baltimore Skipjacks.
  7. True or false – Head coach Barry Trotz used to coach the Nashville Predators.
  8. Which team did the Capitals beat in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs?
  9. The Capitals recently won a major regular season award twice in a row for having the best record in the league. What is it called?
  10. Who did the Caps lose to in the second round of the 2016 and 2017 playoffs?

The answers are on the next slide. AND NO CHEATING. Not like we’d know, but still. We’re watching you.

Mar 14, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Round One Answers

You can find all ten answers to the Round One questions below. If you didn’t answer at least nine correctly, delete your Twitter account. Just kidding. But seriously, you should feel shame if you’re a Caps fan.

  • Nathaniel “Smiley” Schmidt wears number 88.
  • The Capitals mascot is named Slapshot. (Also acceptable is Winger)
  • Alex Ovechkin is the current captain.

    • Nicklas Backstrom

    is the franchise leader in assists, with 544 as of the end of the 2016-17 season.

  • Braden Holtby is a goaltender/goalie/dude with the rad helmet and big stick.
  • False, that would be the Hershey Bears.
  • True
  • The Capitals beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in six games in the first round.
  • President’s Trophy
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins

    • How is everyone looking so far? Take a deep breath. Round one is over. Now the questions start to get a little more difficult. But don’t be afraid. You’ll do fine.

    Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
    Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Two Questions

    These questions are a little bit harder, but shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

    1. The Capitals had three Russians on their NHL roster during the 2016-17 season. Name them.
    2. Which 2016-17 Caps forward led Team USA past Russia in the 2014 Sochi Olympics by dominating in a shootout?
    3. Which Capitals player was a member of the gold medal winning Team Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey?
    4. Who led the Caps in points during the 2016-17 season?
    5. Which two former Pittsburgh Penguins defensemen did the Capitals sign during the 2014 offseason?
    6. Where do the Caps play their home games?
    7. Which former Montreal Canadiens center did the team acquire at the 2016 NHL Draft for two second round picks?
    8. There are currently two goalies from Germany in the NHL. One of them suited up for the Caps in the 2016-17 season. Who is it?
    9. Washington gave up a lot at the trade deadline to get Kevin Shattenkirk from the St. Louis Blues. The package included which former Boston College forward?
    10. Who scored the overtime game winning goal in Game 1 of their series against the Maple Leafs?

    Pencils down. Time to find out how you did in Round Two!

    Feb 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) talks to Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) against the New Jersey Devils at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
    Feb 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) talks to Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) against the New Jersey Devils at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Two Answers

    Hold onto your butts.

    1. Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov
    2. Timothy Jimothy Oshie (also acceptable: T.J. Oshie or American Hero T.J. Oshie)
    3. Braden Holtby
    4. Nicklas Backstrom, with 86 points.
    5. In 2014, the Capitals signed Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik
    6. They play at the Verizon Center.
    7. The Caps acquired Lars Eller at the 2016 NHL Draft.
    8. Philipp Grubauer
    9. Zach Sanford
    10. Tom Wilson

    Hopefully you did well in this round. If you didn’t, that’s OK. Are you ready for the third round? Here’s where you’ll have to start diving deep into your brain.

    Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
    Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Three Questions

    This round begins the tough questions. Some of these you might not know. We won’t know if you cheat, but still, don’t be a Penguins fan. Nobody likes cheaters. Except Penguins fans.

    1. Which team did Alex Ovechkin score “the goal” against when he scored from his back on a breakaway?
    2. Which state is the birthplace of three players the Caps iced during the 2016-17 season?
    3. T.J. Oshie and Taylor Chorney attended the same college. Which one?
    4. What is Karl Alzner’s regular season consecutive game streak as of the end of the 2016-17 season?
    5. Two former Capitals general managers are general managers in the NHL. Name them.
    6. Which two former players succeeded Bruce Boudreau as the head coach of the Capitals and preceded Barry Trotz?
    7. At the 2008 trade deadline, the Caps traded for which future Hall of Fame forward?
    8. Dale Hunter leads the Capitals in career penalty minutes. Which appropriate gift did he get when he retired?
    9. Name the first player to have his number retired by the team.
    10. In what two seasons have the Capitals won the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the league?
    Nov 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of Hockey Fights Cancer themed warm up jerseys hanging in the Washington Capitals locker room as part of Hockey Fights Cancer Night prior to their game against the Florida Panthers at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
    Nov 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of Hockey Fights Cancer themed warm up jerseys hanging in the Washington Capitals locker room as part of Hockey Fights Cancer Night prior to their game against the Florida Panthers at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Three Answers

    More from Editorials

    Take a break because these were some tough questions. Here are the answers from Round 3. Be proud if you got these ones right.

    1. Arizona Coyotes
    2. Minnesota (the players, by the way, are T.J. Oshie, Matt Niskanen and Aaron Ness)
    3. University of North Dakota
    4. 532
    5. George McPhee (Vegas Golden Knights) and David Poile (Nashville Predators)
    6. Dale Hunter and Adam Oates
    7. Sergei Fedorov
    8. A penalty box from the Capital Centre
    9. Yvonne Labre
    10. 1983-84 and 2016-17
    May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of Verizon Center prior to game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
    May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of Verizon Center prior to game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Four Questions

    Starting now, the questions get even more hard. Only true fans will know these. But even if you don’t know them, you’ll learn something pretty cool.

    1. Which NHL team attempted to draft Alex Ovechkin numerous times during the 2003 NHL Draft?
    2. The Capitals traded Filip Forsberg for Martin Erat. How many points did Erat get during his tenure with the Caps?
    3. Name each of the numbers retired by the franchise.
    4. How did the Capitals acquire the draft pick used to draft John Carlson in the 2008 NHL Draft?
    5. Washington drafted the son of a former Caps wing in the first round of the 2008 NHL Draft. Name the father.
    6. Who scored the first home goal in franchise history?
    7. Name the Capitals’ last seven first round picks (Hint: 2012 has two).
    8. Michal Pivonka and Peter Bondra formed a deadly duo in the 1990’s. Which country are they both from?
    9. During the 2013 lockout, which KHL team did Nicklas Backstrom play for?
    10. What’s the most number of points the Capitals have gotten in one season?
    Feb 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
    Feb 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Four Answers

    You should be very impressed if you got all 10 of these right. In fact, apply to Mensa if you got them all right without cheating.

    1. Florida Panthers
    2. 27 points
    3. 5, 7, 11, and 32
    4. Traded Steve Eminger and a third round pick to the Flyers.
    5. Bengt-Ake Gustafsson
    6. Yvon Labre
    7. Lucas Johansen (2016), Ilya Samsonov (2015), Jakub Vrana (2014), Andre Burakovsky (2013), Tom Wilson (2012), Filip Forsberg (2012), Evgeny Kuznetsov (2010) 
    8. Czech Republic
    9. Dynamo Moskva
    10. 121 (2009-10)
    May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of towels on the seats prior to game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
    May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of towels on the seats prior to game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Five Questions

    Here come the toughest questions of the quiz. Good luck!

    1. Who scored the first goal at the Verizon Center? (Hint: It was at the time known as the MCI Center)
    2. During the 2005-06 season, the Capitals had their captain and two subsequent captains on one forward line. Name each member of the forward line.
    3. Name each of the three goaltenders in Caps history to win the Vezina Trophy.
    4. Who did the Capitals trade to the Montreal Canadiens for Rod Langway?
    5. How many Hockey Hall of Famers spent at least some time with the Caps?
    6. Which team captain remained in his role for the longest time?
    7. Washington drafted the son of a former Caps wing in the first round of the 2008 NHL Draft. Name the son.
    8. Which teams did the Capitals beat in the Eastern Conference to make the 1998 Stanley Cup?
    9. How many goalies have the Caps drafted in the first round?
    10. The Capitals traded a first round pick for Dale Hunter. Who did the Quebec Nordiques wind up drafting with that pick?
    May 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Fan cheer from the stands as Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) skates by after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
    May 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Fan cheer from the stands as Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) skates by after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

    Round Five Answers

    These were extremely tough. It’s understandable if you didn’t get many right. If you did, well, you’re one heck of a Capitals fan. Here are the answers to the questions of round five.

    1. Richard Zednik
    2. Jeff Halpern, Chris Clark, Alex Ovechkin
    3. Jim Carey, Olaf Kolzig, Braden Holtby
    4. Ryan Walter and Rick Green
    5. Eight. Dino Ciccarelli, Sergei Fedorov, Mike Gartner, Phil Housley, Rod Langway, Larry Murphy, Adam Oates and Scott Stevens. 
    6. Alex Ovechkin (2010 to present)
    7. Anton Gustafsson
    8. Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres
    9. Three. Olaf Kolzig, Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Samsonov
    10. Joe Sakic

    How did you do?

    Next: Offseason Outlook

    45-50 correct: You are a Washington Capitals extraordinaire. You rock the red and you rock it harder than everyone else. Congratulations to you on your diehard status! 

    40-44 correct: While you aren’t quite as diehard as other Caps fans, you should be proud of how much you know. Keep on learning and rocking the red!

    35-39 correct: While you might be a newer Caps fan, that’s fine. Keep on rocking the red and you’ll be a diehard fan.

    30-35 correct: You did an OK job. You’re a pretty big Capitals fan, but most likely, you didn’t like the Caps until Alex Ovechkin came to town. And you know what? We won’t judge you for that. After all, we were all new fans at some point. 

    25-29 correct: Keep studying about the Capitals and you’ll shoot up this list. Check out Hockey Reference and read some of Ted Starkey’s great books. 

    24 or below correct: Ummm…. pass? 

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