From the depths of the National Hockey League basement in 2003, to the league’s most recognizable, successful, and offensively potent team just seven years later, this book chronicles the rebranding and reemergence of the Washington Capitals. Fueled by the arrival of charismatic Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin, as well as other gifted young players, the Caps have transformed themselves from a chronically underachieving organization with an eroding fan base into an organization that players, media, and fans respect. Featuring original interviews with Capitals players, coaches, and staff from the past decade, including team owner Ted Leonsis, as well as the expertise of dozens of the NHL’s most informed media personalities, this work examines how the once-anonymous hockey franchise became not only a success in Washington, but around North America and the world.

Ted Starkey's profile page

Ted Starkey is a veteran sportswriter whose work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, the Washington Times, and on BuffaloBills.com, FanHouse.com, and USAHockey.com. He has covered several Stanley Cup playoffs, the 2002 Salt Lake and 2010 Vancouver Olympics, as well as the 2011 Winter Classic and 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. He lives in Ashburn, Virginia.