Washington Capitals: Remembering the MCI Center back in 1997

23 years ago the Washington Capitals played their first game in D.C.

The date was Dec. 5, 1997. As a shoutout to the Washington Capitals throwback reverse retro jerseys that were just released, we’ll look back at some games from the 1997-98 season in our throwback series as well as Alex Ovechkin‘s rookie and sophomore seasons in games we haven’t done yet.

On Dec. 5th the Caps hosted the Florida Panthers in their first game at the brand new MCI Center. They rocked the white screaming eagle jerseys before a packed house.

The game was broadcasted on Home Team Sports with a young Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin calling the game with Al Koken as the rinkside reporter. Some things never change.

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The game began with smoke from the fireworks in the pregame introductions still in the arena and the ice surface questionable. Dale Hunter took the opening draw and won it. The first goal in MCI Center history was scored at 7:23 in the first period by Steve Washburn. 1-0 would be the score after the first 20 minutes.

The Caps would tie things up with Steve Konowalchuk setting up a nice feed to Richard Zednik in front of the net at 12:16. Jan Bulis had the secondary assist. 1-1 would be the score after two periods.

Both teams traded power play goals in the third period. The Caps got on the attack after Gord Murphy was called for interference. On the power play, Chris Simon scored from a shot right up the middle with Joe Juneau and Phil Housley providing the helpers. The goal came at 1:35.

Jeff Toms then got called for tripping which put the Panthers on the attack. On the power play Robert Svehla tied it at 5:26. That goal would force overtime as the score was deadlocked at two.

Jeff Toms would redeem himself for that penalty in the extra session. After Olaf Kolzig made a save, the Caps got the puck and Toms raced up the ice and ripped in a wrist shot to give Washington their first win inside their new home.

Ted Starkey of The Hockey Writers noted that the Caps are approaching the date of where they spent more time in their home in Chinatown on 7th and F Street than in the Capital Centre in Ladover, Maryland. That date approaches soon on Feb. 3, 2021.

The MCI Center opening revitalized the Chinatown area and has made it the heart of the city.