Non-Nylander Day in Colorado

The Caps' first road trip without Michael Nylander makes a stop in Edmonton -- the city, ironically, that could have been stuck with him had things turned out differently. But before the Caps take on the Oilers, they must face the surprising Colorado Avalanche, who sit just two points behind the red, white and blue towards the top of the NHL standings. It's the Caps' first visit to Denver since Oct. 25, 2006.

Injuries have befell the 'Lanche, hurting both ends of the ice. Avalanche veteran wingers Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos remain out, while goalie Craig Anderson recently returned and Adam Foote came back in late November.

Meanwhile, CBC's Elliotte Friedman gave some props to Nicklas Backstrom -- and threw another question mark towards Alex Semin:

"One GM told me that if you're going to sign a player to a long-term, big-money deal, he'd better be three things: critical to your success, consistently healthy and, most importantly, extremely self-motivated. Backstrom (who has not missed a game in three years) fits that profile... Serious question Capitals must ask themselves – does Alexander Semin?"

(s/t to J.P.)

My answer, as you might imagine, to the Sasha Question is no.