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Why Capitals Benched Ryan Leonard in a Tie Game

The Washington Capitals were tied with the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes when Ryan Leonard was called for a two-minute penalty for slashing. Leonard never was put into a game for another shift after that. The Capitals went from…

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 4:56 PM
Why Capitals Benched Ryan Leonard in a Tie Game
Key Things to Know
  • Ryan Leonard was benched in the third period of a tie game following a slashing penalty.
  • The Washington Capitals lost 4-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes following Leonard's benching.
  • Leonard provided two assists earlier in the contest on goals by Boone Jenner and Justin Holl.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard was benched for the remainder of the third period in a 2-2 tie against the Carolina Hurricanes following a slashing penalty. The Capitals ultimately lost 4-2 after Carolina scored a go-ahead power-play goal and an empty-netter, dropping Washington's record to 3-3 on the season.

Billy Heyen writes that the coaching staff appeared to bench the 21-year-old winger to teach him a lesson regarding unnecessary penalties. Before the benching, Leonard had recorded two assists on goals by Boone Jenner and Justin Holl, with Heyen arguing his absence hindered Washington's offense late in the game.

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