WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Washington grabbed an early lead but quickly relinquished it, and New Jersey’s speed and skill were evident as the Capitals fell, 5-3, at Capital One Arena.

Fifty years ago, in its inaugural season, the team established marks of futility that remain unmatched in professional sports.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, who understands the skepticism that surrounds him, is getting another fresh start with the Washington Capitals, who open their season Saturday.

The puck will drop on the Capitals’ 50th season Saturday when the team hosts the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena.

For his second season as the Washington Capitals’ coach, Spencer Carbery wanted a new mantra. He settled on two slightly different versions of the same line.

Jakub Vrana — who entered Capitals training camp on a professional tryout — signed a one-year, league-minimum contract worth $775,000.

After a whirlwind cancer scare during the offseason, longtime radio voice John Walton is back in the Capitals broadcast booth.

The Capitals ran out what is expected to be the opening night lineup for a 2-0 win over the Bruins, who managed just 17 shots against Charlie Lindgren.

Last season, Capitals Coach Spencer Carbery changed his lines frequently, constantly searching for new combinations that would provide a spark. That hasn’t been the case this preseason.

Tom Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois each had a goal and an assist as the Capitals won, 3-2, in Columbus.

The exciting, young forward has been more than impressive in three games worth of preseason action, but that still doesn’t make him a shoo-in for Washington’s roster.

The Capitals, playing their fourth preseason game in six days, suffer a handful of defensive breakdowns and lose to the Blue Jackets, 8-4.

Washington’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday could be a critical one for players fighting for roster spots.

Dylan Strome and Brandon Duhaime score two goals each as the Capitals find their offense and win their first of the preseason.

The offseason additions provided a glimpse of their skills in a 4-2 defeat at Boston.

The 19-year-old winger scored a first-period goal and stood out in a young lineup during a 6-2 defeat to the Flyers at Capital One Arena.

Training camp just started, but the Flyers visit Capital One Arena on Sunday. The matinee will give Capitals fans a glimpse of the future.

“I want to be part of this team,” Vrana said Thursday. “I always love this team, and it’s great to be back here for a camp and try my best to earn the spot.”