Capitals Re-Sign Matt Pettinger and Louis Robitaille

[Thrillhouse]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals re-signed left wing Matt Pettinger and forward Louis Robitaille, who spent last season with the AHL’s Portland Pirates, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Pettinger, 24, was selected 43rd overall (second round) by Washington in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Capitals in 2000-01. The 6' 1", 205-pound native of Edmonton recorded seven goals, five assists (12 points) and 37 penalty minutes in 71 games with Washington in 2003-04.

In four NHL seasons Pettinger has totaled 14 goals, eight assists (22 points) and 83 penalty minutes in 143 games. Two of his goals have come on the power play and two have been game-winners.

Prior to beginning his pro career in 2000-01, Pettinger spent two seasons playing for the University of Denver and one with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. He played for ZM Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia in 2004-05.

Robitaille, 23, was signed by the Capitals as a free agent Oct. 28, 2003. The 6' 1", 204-pound native of Montreal recorded two goals, three assists (five points) and 186 penalty minutes in 59 games with Portland in 2004-05.

In two AHL seasons Robitaille has totaled three goals, eight assists (11 points) and 289 penalty minutes in 117 games. A defenseman by trade, Robitaille was moved to a wing position midway through 2004-05. The local fans voted him Portland’s Most Popular Player last year.

Prior to beginning his pro career in 2003-04, Robitaille spent four seasons playing for his hometown junior team, the Montreal Rocket of the QMJHL.