Capitals make light work of Kraken as early-season domination continues
The Washington Capitals continued their dominant run of play to start the 2025-26 season with a 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. They completely shut down a tired and banged-up Kraken team, finishing their four-game homestand with a 3-1 record.
Another pretty much complete performance.
- Through 40 minutes of this game, the Capitals looked nearly unbeatable. At five-on-five, they were up 47-29 in shot attempts, 23-9 in shots on goal, 23-8 in scoring chances, and 11-1 in high-danger chances. I think they let the Kraken back into the game a little in the third due to what I thought was some unnecessary bench shortening by the coaching staff. The Capitals created far less offense in the third, and the Kraken actually outshot them 7-5.
- One of the main victims of the bench shortening was Hendrix Lapierre, who had an incredibly strong first two periods before being stapled to the bench in the third. With him on the ice in the win, the Capitals finished up 20-6 in shot attempts, 9-1 in shots, 10-0 in scoring chances, and 5-0 in high-danger chances. I obviously love Spencer Carbery, but I really disagreed with taking Lapierre out of the game. He was having a great night on the wing after some uncertainty to begin the season, and probably could have used a confidence boost of playing that whole victory out in the top six. Especially, considering the Kraken quite literally created nothing when he jumped over the boards in the first two periods.
- Ryan Leonard potted his third goal of the season, putting him on pace for 35 markers in his true rookie season. Leonard (10:22) played even less than Lapierre (10:46). I get wanting to get out of the homestand with a win, but I think a very weak Kraken team is a great chance for the young guys to get some late-game ice time. Am I wrong, chat?
- The Capitals have scored a power-play goal in four straight games. You have to give them a lot of credit for working on the fly to put together a first unit that looks really dangerous. Jakob Chychrun is having a tremendous start to the year, his goal giving him six points (3g, 3a) in seven games.
- Let’s do a bit of a season check-in, with accompanying league ranks, after the long homestand. At five-on-five, through seven games, the Capitals have seen 57.5 percent of shot attempts (3rd), 59.5 percent of expected goals (3rd), 60.6 percent of scoring chances (2nd), and 68.2 percent of high-danger chances (1st). I will urge some caution, though, as they have played just two playoff teams from last year so far, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Minnesota Wild.
- Despite what feels like a fantastic start, the Capitals (10 points) are actually only “fourth” in the Metropolitan Division, behind the Carolina Hurricanes (10 points), New Jersey Devils (10 points), and Pittsburgh Penguins (10 points). The Devils are on a five-game winning streak that is likely to end soon, as their underlying numbers aren’t the best. The Penguins should fall off at some point, and the Hurricanes are… well, we know.
Bears Rookie RB Draws Multiple Lucrative Offers After Explosive Debut — His Humble Response Has Fans Declaring, “He *Is* the Future of Chicago”
Chicago, IL – Oct 21, 2025 – In a heart-pounding debut that felt like destiny unfolding on the gridiron, Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai didn't just play – he ignited a fire in the hearts of Chicago fans. Against the Saints, this underdog dynamo shattered expectations, drawing desperate trade offers from teams starving for RB talent. Yet, his humble, soul-stirring response poured fuel on the flames of loyalty, leaving Bears faithful whispering in awe: "He's Chicago's future!" The city that lives and breathes football now pulses with renewed hope, thanks to this young warrior's unbreakable spirit.
A 5'8" powerhouse from Rutgers, drafted 233rd overall, overlooked by scouts who fixated on his size and speed. For seven long weeks, Monangai lingered in the shadows, scraping together mere yards as a backup. But on that electric Sunday against New Orleans, he erupted like a storm over Lake Michigan –
13 carries, 81 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, more than doubling his season haul in one glorious outing! Teaming up with D'Andre Swift's dominant 124 yards and score, the Bears' ground game thundered to over 200 yards for the first time this year, turning a gritty win into a statement of resurgence.
Head coach Ben Johnson, eyes gleaming with pride, couldn't hold back: "Kyle's a machine – he slices through gaps with raw power and catches passes like a dream, perfectly built for Chicago's brutal winters." This wasn't just stats on a page; it was a redemption arc, a reminder that true stars rise from the depths. Analysts are buzzing that his versatility saved quarterback Caleb Williams on a tough passing day, propelling the Bears toward NFC North contention. Fans everywhere feel it – this is the draft gem that could redefine a franchise's fate, sparking dreams of playoff glory that have eluded Chicago for too long.
The echoes of his touchdown celebration had barely faded when the Bears' front office lit up with calls. With the NFL trade deadline looming like a ticking clock, Monangai's explosive performance turned him into a coveted prize for squads crippled by weak backfields. His rookie contract – a modest $3.8 million over four years – makes him an irresistible bargain, a beacon for teams desperate to inject life into their offenses.
- Tennessee Titans: Mired in mediocrity with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears sputtering at just 3.2 yards per carry, they're dangling a fourth-round pick plus RB TreVeyon Henderson, hoping to salvage their sinking ship.
- New York Giants: Ranked a dismal 22nd in rushing, with inconsistent shares between Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy, they're offering a third-rounder, envisioning Monangai as a "mini Saquon Barkley" to revive their ground attack under coach Brian Daboll.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Struggling with Ashton Jeanty bogged down by a porous O-line, they're upping the ante with a second-round pick and a future selection, craving his multi-tool magic to support their quarterback.
- Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos: Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, these squads are floating fifth-round picks, seeing Monangai as the spark to ignite their backfields amid endless setbacks.
ESPN insiders describe it as "rare rookie fever," a whirlwind where a late-round pick becomes the hottest commodity overnight. The thought of losing him tugs at Bears fans' hearts, but it also swells their pride – proof that Chicago's scouting eye has unearthed a diamond in the rough.
In the postgame glow on Chicago Sports Network, Monangai stood tall, his voice steady but laced with emotion that cut straight to the soul. "I'm grateful for every offer out there," he said with a genuine smile that lit up the room, "but I don't run for trades or draft picks. I run for the Bears – for this incredible city that believed in me when no one else did. Chicago is my home, my heart. I'm here to build a legacy, to fight alongside my brothers and bring championships back where they belong. Let's stack some more wins first, then we'll talk about the rest!"
His words weren't scripted; they were raw, real, echoing the blue-collar ethos of the Windy City. They resonated deeply, stirring a wave of passion among supporters who've endured years of heartache. This isn't just football – it's a love letter to Chicago, a promise from a young man who's already captured the essence of what it means to be a Bear. Fans are rallying like never before, united in their belief that Monangai isn't just a player; he's the embodiment of hope, resilience, and unbreakable loyalty.
Riding a thrilling three-game win streak and sitting second in the NFC North, the Bears eye their next clash with the Bengals as another chapter in this unfolding saga. Experts like Mike Golic Jr. foresee greatness: "If Monangai keeps this fire burning, he'll form a dynamic duo with Swift, reminiscent of Gibbs and Montgomery – the kind that catapults teams to the playoffs and beyond."
For Bears fans, long starved of sustained success, Monangai represents more than yards gained; he's a symbol of revival. From rookie minicamp whispers to this breakout blaze, he's proving that heart trumps hype. As winter winds howl over Soldier Field, one thing's clear: Kyle Monangai isn't just running the ball – he's carrying the dreams of an entire city on his shoulders. Could this be the start of something legendary? The faithful believe it with every beat of their hearts.
