The Washington Capitals forward received a standing ovation from fans before he participated in the ceremonial puck drop during the team’s Rock the Red Era Night celebration. Backstrom waved to the cheering crowd as he made his way to center ice. The Capitals and Detroit Red Wings tapped their sticks on their benches.

The game at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., begins at 12:30 p.m. PT. It will be broadcast on KONG. KONG is available for streaming through DirecTV Stream and Fubo and via antenna, cable, and satellite. The game will also be broadcast on the Kraken Hockey Network. Pregame coverage begins at noon.

Alex Ovechkin is kept off the scoresheet as the Capitals stumble out of the gate and never find their footing in a 5-2 loss to the Blues.

The voice actor, also known for his Bethesda Games characters, had to be placed in a medically induced coma for three days in January.

The Washington Capitals unveil 50th-anniversary edition Cherry Blossom jerseys and other themed merchandise to benefit non-profits.

WASHINGTON — The D.C. region is preparing for the most exciting sign of spring: cherry blossom season. The National Park Service says the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom between March 28 and March 31. To celebrate, The Washington Capitals just unveiled special cherry blossom jerseys.