Meet the 2018 Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON — Hockey season is back.

After an unforgettable summer — yet one many of the players probably don’t fully remember — the Washington Capitals took the ice at Capital One Arena Wednesday night for the season opener against the Boston Bruins, winning 7-0.

It was one final chance to celebrate last year’s inspired Stanley Cup run. They’ll get their rings. Then they’ll get down to the tough business of trying to repeat.

While many of the faces on this year’s roster are familiar ones, it’s never too late to acquaint yourself with your hometown hockey team. Here’s this year’s roster. (Note: Rosters are subject to last-minute changes)

Forwards Nicklas Backstrom — C Born: Nov. 23, 1987 in Gavle, Sweden Fun Fact: Has notched 50 or more assists in each of the last five seasons and owns the franchise mark with 590 for his career. Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, center, of Sweden, celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals center Travis Boyd (72) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Travis Boyd — C Born: Sept. 14, 1993 in Hopkins, Minnesota Fun Fact: Appeared in eight games last season, his first in the NHL, notching his first-ever goal. Washington Capitals center Travis Boyd (72) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky (65) skates against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 22, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Andre Burakovsky — LW Born: Feb. 9, 1995 in Klagenfurt, Austria Fun Fact: After winning just 44.1 percent of his career faceoffs before last season, won 54.5 percent in 2017-18. Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky (65) skates against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 22, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Brett Connolly — RW Born: May 2, 1992 in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada Fun Fact: Created the feel-good moment of last year’s playoffs, making sure a young fan got a puck, no matter how many tries it took. In this Jan. 13, 2017, file photo, Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Nic Dowd — C  Born: May 27, 1990 in Huntsville, Alabama Fun Fact: Is just the third player in the history of the NHL born in Alabama. Washington Capitals’ Nic Dowd sits on the bench before taking the ice at NHL hockey training camp, Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) during the third period of Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals hockey playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday, May 13, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. The Capitals won the game 6-2. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Lars Eller — C Born: May 8, 1989 in Rodovre, Denmark Fun Fact: Scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal at 12:23 of the third period of Game 5 against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) during the third period of Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals hockey playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday, May 13, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26:  Shane Gersich #63 of the Washington Capitals skates in warmups prior to the game against the New York Rangers  at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Shane Gersich — LW Born: July 10, 1996 in Chaska, Minnesoata Fun Fact: Notched his first NHL point on an assist of a Michael Kempny goal Apr. 7 against New Jersey. Shane Gersich #63 of the Washington Capitals skates before the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Evgeny Kuznetsov — C Born: May 19, 1992 in Chelyabinsk, Russia Fun Fact: Notched a career-high 83 points last season, good for second on the team and 19th in the NHL. This Feb. 9, 2017 file photo shows Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92), of Russia, looking on during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jayson Megna #15 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on September 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Jayson Megna — C Born: Feb 1, 1990 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fun Fact: Has appeared with three different teams over the last five seasons, the Penguins, Rangers and Canucks. Jayson Megna #15 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Sept. 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
T.J. Oshie — RW Born: Dec. 23, 1986 in Everett, Washington Fun Fact: Was called on for five straight shootout attempts in the 2014 Olympics against Russia, scoring three times to earn the dramatic win. Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Alex Ovechkin — LW Born: Sept. 17, 1985 in Moscow, Russia Fun Fact: Reached 600 career goals last year, the fourth-fastest to do so in NHL history. Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Devante Smith-Pelly — RW Born: June 14, 1992 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada Fun Fact: After scoring just seven goals in 75 regular season games, scored seven in 24 playoff games, including the game-tying goal in the third period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. In this May 29, 2018, file photo, Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly laughs during practice in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30:  Chandler Stephenson #18 of the Washington Capitals handles the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Chandler Stephenson — C Born: Apr. 22, 1994 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Fun Fact: On his day with the Stanley Cup, Stephenson took it to Humboldt, Saskatchewan, where the community was still healing from a junior hockey bus crash that killed 16 in April. Chandler Stephenson #18 of the Washington Capitals handles the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jakub Vrana — LW Born: Feb. 28, 1996 in Prague, Czech Republic Fun Fact: As part of the team’s raucous celebration after winning the Cup, was one of several players to get a tattoo memorializing the title. Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana (13), from Czech Republic, takes the ice to begin practice in Arlington, Va., Friday, June 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
NEWARK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Nathan Walker #79 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on September 18, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Capitals 4-1.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Nathan Walker — LW Born: Feb. 7, 1994 in Cardiff, Wales Fun Fact: Born in Wales but raised in Australia, last year Walker became the first Australian to play in the NHL. Nathan Walker #79 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on Sept. 18, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tom Wilson — RW Born: Mar. 29, 1994 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada Fun Fact: Inked a huge, six-year extension worth more than $31 million this offseason. In this May 28, 2018, file photo, Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson celebrates his goal during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, in Las Vegas. The Stanley Cup-champion Capitals committed the kind of long-term deal to winger Tom Wilson that goes beyond his on-ice contributions. Washington signed the homegrown Wilson to a $31.02 million, six-year contract as a sign of what the organization believes he’ll become, including possibly the future captain. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
Defense Madison Bowey Born: Apr. 22, 1985 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Fun Fact: Has yet to score an NHL goal, but notched 12 assists in 51 games as a rookie last year. Florida Panthers left wing Jamie McGinn (88) skates with the puck past Washington Capitals defenseman Madison Bowey (22) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
John Carlson Born: Jan. 10, 1990 in Natick, Massachusetts Fun Fact: Played a full 82 games for the first time in three years and set career highs in goals (15) and assists (53) last season. Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, center, celebrates his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights with Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, and Nicklas Backstrom, right, of Sweden, during the second period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final, Monday, June 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos (29) works during practice at their NHL hockey practice facility, Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Christian Djoos Born: Aug. 6, 1994 in Gothenburg, Sweden Fun Fact: On Oct. 11, 2017, Djoos scored his first NHL goal, in his first NHL game, on his first NHL shot. Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos (29) works during practice at their NHL hockey practice facility, Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Michal Kempny Born: Sept. 8, 1990 in Hodonin, Czech Republic Fun Fact: Was acquired via midseason trade with the Chicago Blackhawks last February. In this Tuesday, May 15, 2018 file photo, Washington Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny (6) skates with the puck during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals hockey playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Matt Niskanen Born: Dec. 6, 1986 in Virginia, Minnesota Fun Fact: Was a +24 plus/minus, his best season in four years since joining the Caps. Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen speaks to the media, Sunday, June 3, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
Dmitry Orlov Born: July 23, 1991 in Novokuznetsk, Russia Fun Fact: Was second only to John Carlson in average ice time (23:08), playing all 82 games last year. Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9), from Russia, skates with the puck as Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27), from Denmark, defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Brooks Orpik Born: Sept. 26, 1980 in San Francisco, California Fun Fact: Was actually traded to the Colorado Avalanche this offseason, but was reacquired after being released. Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik speaks to the media, Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
Washington Capitals goaltenders Braden Holtby, left, and Pheonix Copley, right, leave the ice after an NHL preseason hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Washington. The Capitals won 5-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Goalies Pheonix Copley Born: Jan. 18, 1992 in North Pole, Alaska Fun Fact: Was originally drafted by the Caps, traded to St. Louis in the T.J. Oshie deal, then reacquired in the Kevin Shattenkirk trade. Washington Capitals goaltenders Braden Holtby, left, and Pheonix Copley, right, leave the ice after an NHL preseason hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Goalies Braden Holtby Born: Sept. 16, 1989 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan Fun Fact: Has won the Vezina Trophy, the Jennings Trophy, then the Stanley Cup the last three seasons. Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby speaks during an NHL hockey media day for the Stanley Cup, Sunday, May 27, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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Washington Capitals center Travis Boyd (72) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky (65) skates against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 22, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) during the third period of Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals hockey playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday, May 13, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. The Capitals won the game 6-2. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26:  Shane Gersich #63 of the Washington Capitals skates in warmups prior to the game against the New York Rangers  at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jayson Megna #15 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on September 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30:  Chandler Stephenson #18 of the Washington Capitals handles the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Nathan Walker #79 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New Jersey Devils during a preseason game at the Prudential Center on September 18, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Capitals 4-1.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos (29) works during practice at their NHL hockey practice facility, Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington Capitals goaltenders Braden Holtby, left, and Pheonix Copley, right, leave the ice after an NHL preseason hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Washington. The Capitals won 5-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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