Capitals' Connolly standing by decision to skip White House visit

Brett Connolly won't join his Washington Capitals teammates for their 2018 Stanley Cup celebration at the White House on Monday, he told reporters following Tuesday's win over the New Jersey Devils.

During the offseason, Connolly said he wouldn't attend. Now the winger is sticking to that decision.

"Personally, I don't think I'm going to go ... it has nothing to do with politics," Connolly said at the time. "For me, I just don't think it's the right thing to do."

Captain Alex Ovechkin confirmed he'll attend, but Connolly isn't the only Capitals player sitting out.

When asked last June about the White House visit, playoff hero Devante Smith-Pelly ripped U.S. President Donald Trump for his "racist and sexist" rhetoric, saying his decision was made before any team discussion.

Connolly is in the midst of a career season, registering 20 goals and 22 assists through 73 games.