Capitals Re-Sign Matt Pettinger

[Thrillhouse]

Washington, D.C. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed left wing Matt Pettinger to a three-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Pettinger, 25, tied for third on the Capitals in 2005-06 with a career-high 20 goals, while his 38 points ranked sixth on the team and were more than three times his previous career high. He led the team and was tied for third in the NHL with five shorthanded goals. The 6’1”, 210-pound Edmonton native scored 10 of his 20 goals in the third period and scored goals in back-to-back games five times during the course of the year. He scored a goal on his first career penalty shot attempt (Nov. 23 vs. Tampa Bay) and was three-for-seven in shootout attempts on the season.

A second-round choice of the Capitals in the 2000 Entry Draft (43rd overall), Pettinger has played 214 games for Washington over the past six years, recording 34 goals and 26 assists (60 points).

[BENNETTWOLF]

His speed makes him an asset it today's game. He can forecheck, kill penalties as well as chip in with offense. He may have more offensive upside and his roots are based as a 4th line "energy" guy who will always skate hard, take the body and wont run from a fight or scrum.

Glad to hear we reupped him. He and Zednik with a creative center could be an interesting line. Their speed could create problems for defensemen or at least give them the occaisional anxious moment