Ovechkin (c) in the past has said that he is excited to visit the White Housegetty images
The Capitals plan to visit the White House to celebrate their first Stanley Cup victory, but the two parties have "not found a mutually agreeable date," according to a source cited by Adam Zielonka of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin has said that he is "excited to visit the White House." Championship winning teams "often line up the White House visit for whenever they're scheduled for a game" in DC. However, championship teams based in DC "have the luxury of being a short drive away from the White House for half the season, so scheduling the visit shouldn't be a problem." The Capitals are tied with the Stars with the "most Russians on the active roster" with four apiece, and "whenever the visit occurs, their presence no doubt will inspire Russia jokes on social media and cable news outlets alike" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 1/18).
SECOND THOUGHTS: Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that he is "reconsidering his decision to visit the White House next month out of concern for his native Puerto Rico." When the Red Sox accepted an invitation from President Trump and his administration in December, Cora said that he would "use the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in a respectful fashion." The Red Sox are "scheduled to visit" the White House on Feb. 15, but Cora is "conflicted about whether to attend, given conditions in Puerto Rico and the federal government's willingness to render aid." The Washington Post reported Thursday that the White House "attempted to block disaster-recovery funds for Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria" in '17 (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/18).
