The Washington Capitals are celebrating a significant milestone, but the context of their festivities might raise an eyebrow or two! After a long flight to Calgary, the team took a moment to honor John Carlson for achieving his 600th career assist, a remarkable feat for any defenseman in the NHL. This isn't just any achievement; it places him among an elite group of players who have reached this benchmark.
But here's where it gets interesting: The celebration wasn't a quiet affair. On Thursday afternoon, around 1 PM Mountain Standard Time, Dylan Strome shared a snapshot on his Instagram Story that showed Alex Ovechkin and Jakub Chychrun raising glasses with Carlson. These weren't just any glasses; they were Stella Artois-branded and filled with beer! The team was enjoying a well-deserved day off before a demanding back-to-back schedule against the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Strome humorously captioned the photo, "600 🍎 club," with arrows pointing to Carlson and Ovechkin, and even added a playful jab at Chychrun, labeling him "soon" with an arrow. For context, Chychrun currently has 185 assists in 590 career games.
Carlson's 600th assist came on Wednesday night during a game against the Vancouver Canucks. Though the Capitals ultimately lost that game 4-3, and the Canucks ended an 11-game losing streak, Carlson's individual accomplishment shone through. He officially joined the ranks of the 21st defenseman in NHL history to hit this impressive assist total.
And this is the part most people miss: According to a local contributor, the Capitals players were spotted at JOEY Eau Claire, a popular upscale restaurant and bar known for its presence in major Canadian cities. The choice of Stella Artois for their celebration also follows a recent tradition. Remember when Ovechkin hit his 894th and 900th career goals? The team celebrated with a similar beer bath! It seems the Capitals have a fondness for this particular brew when marking significant moments.
While the players were enjoying their lunch, a different segment of the Capitals' traveling party was also making the most of their day off. The team's broadcasters, including Joe Beninati, Craig Laughlin, Al Koken, John Walton, and Ken Sabourin, opted for a game of bowling at a venue called The National. John Walton even shared a photo of the broadcasting crew, proudly noting that the radio team emerged victorious from their friendly competition.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Is it appropriate for a team to be celebrating with alcohol on a day off, especially with important games on the horizon? Some might see it as a harmless bonding activity, a reward for hard work. Others might argue that professionalism should always come first, and such celebrations could be seen as a distraction. What are your thoughts? Do you think this kind of team camaraderie is essential for success, or does it cross a line? Let us know in the comments below!
