Alex Ovechkin is not invincible. After four relatively-healthy seasons, the Great Eight is looking more and more human after getting injured tonight in a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. He's already missed six games this season with a shoulder injury.
Fortunately for the Caps, Ovie's teammates are picking up the slack -- especially Nicklas Backstrom and Eric Fehr. Backstrom had two goals and assisted on Fehr's seventh of the season.
Ovechkin's injury occurred during a knee-on-knee collision with the Canes' Tim Gleason, which led to Ovie's second ejection in three games. The extent of the injury to his right leg will not be known until tomorrow at the earliest.
Carolina took a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by Joe Corvo that concluded a dominating stretch in which the Canes barely allowed the Caps any offense. Jose Theodore was the reason the Caps stayed in the game, making multiple ten-bell saves while the Caps woke up from whatever slumber overcame them.
Between Theo and the Canes' goal, the Caps finally woke up. Backstrom started the rally after converting a beautiful crossing pass from Ovechkin less than two minutes after Corvo's tally to tie the game at one.
And about five minutes after the Ovechkin incident, Fehr converted a Backstrom crosser to give the Caps a lead they would never relinquish. The only goal in the second belonged to Backstrom, who flung the puck into a vacated net to provide the game-winner. Carolina goalie Matt Leighton had wondered away from the crease, while Backstrom did a little spinarooni before backhanding it into the net.
Carolina's final goal came during the last minute with Leighton on the bench.
Overall, it wasn't the prettiest game but the Caps definitely deserve credit for playing a long stretch of sound defensive hockey. Fehr's play of late has been inspiring and Backstrom continues to build on his legacy.
November 30, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Nov. 30
Record/Standings Position: 15-5-6 (36 points), 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-2nd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 4-3 (OT), at Ottawa
* Won, 2-0, vs. Buffalo
* Won, 4-3 (SO), at Montreal
This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Carolina (7 p.m., CSN)
* Thursday vs. Florida (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Philadelphia (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Mike Knuble (out 3-4 weeks), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alex Semin (day-to-day), Quintin Laing (out 4-6 weeks), Shaone Morrisonn (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 96.
Recent Transactions: Recalled Alexandre Giroux from Hershey (Nov. 27), recalled Karl Alzner from Hershey (Nov. 25), assigned John Carlson and Andrew Gordon to Hershey (Nov. 24).
Top Storylines:
* With a win tonight, the Caps would have 38 points -- a mark they didn't surpass until a 5-1 Dec. 12 win last season, the now-cult-classic Brett Leonhardt game.
* The Caps play two division games this week; they've only played four division games this entire season (4-0-0).
* Because of the penalty minutes accrued in the game from which he was ejected, Alex Ovechkin is now the only player in the league to lead his team in both goals and PIMs.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Eric Fehr (three goals in last two games), Semyon Varlamov (10-1-2, 2.38 goals-against average, .919 save percentage), Brendan Morrison (points in eight of his last 11 games; halfway to last year's 16 goals).
Scratches (Who's Not?): David Steckel (still no goals this season), Jose Theodore (seemingly has lost the number one spot to Varly due to his his "mental vacation"), Chris Clark (virtually invisible if he's not on the top line).
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 4-3 (OT), at Ottawa
* Won, 2-0, vs. Buffalo
* Won, 4-3 (SO), at Montreal
This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Carolina (7 p.m., CSN)
* Thursday vs. Florida (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Philadelphia (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Mike Knuble (out 3-4 weeks), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alex Semin (day-to-day), Quintin Laing (out 4-6 weeks), Shaone Morrisonn (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 96.
Recent Transactions: Recalled Alexandre Giroux from Hershey (Nov. 27), recalled Karl Alzner from Hershey (Nov. 25), assigned John Carlson and Andrew Gordon to Hershey (Nov. 24).
Top Storylines:
* With a win tonight, the Caps would have 38 points -- a mark they didn't surpass until a 5-1 Dec. 12 win last season, the now-cult-classic Brett Leonhardt game.
* The Caps play two division games this week; they've only played four division games this entire season (4-0-0).
* Because of the penalty minutes accrued in the game from which he was ejected, Alex Ovechkin is now the only player in the league to lead his team in both goals and PIMs.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Eric Fehr (three goals in last two games), Semyon Varlamov (10-1-2, 2.38 goals-against average, .919 save percentage), Brendan Morrison (points in eight of his last 11 games; halfway to last year's 16 goals).
Scratches (Who's Not?): David Steckel (still no goals this season), Jose Theodore (seemingly has lost the number one spot to Varly due to his his "mental vacation"), Chris Clark (virtually invisible if he's not on the top line).
November 26, 2009
A Thankful Thursday
As the Caps take today off for Thanksgiving, there's a lot they can be thankful for during the second month of the 2009-10 NHL season. Firstly, they have the best record in the Eastern Conference after yesterday's 2-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Their 34 points are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins -- and only the New Jersey Devils have crossed the 30-point plateau in the conference.
They have a great owner, a wonderful GM and an amazing coach enjoying unprecidented success. Bruce Boudreau already has won 100 career games, while GM George McPhee proved that he hasn't lost his touch for finding great players -- Brendan Morrison being the latest example.
And they have some great players too.
Alex Ovechkin, despite his ejection last night, has 17 goals in 19 games, is seemingly healthy and more motivated than ever. Nicklas Backstrom has 19 assists in 25 games, on pace to set yet another career high in that category.
Despite some early season struggles, Mike Green quietly has registered 22 assists, tied for fourth in the league -- while working on improved responsibility in his own end.
Semyon Varlamov, who has lost but one career game in regulation, is 4-0-2 in his last six games with a 1.48 goals against average and .949 save percentage. Under the tuteledge of Arturs Irbe, he's quickly ascending to his rightful spot as the team's top goaltender -- something he set out to do at the season's commencement.
As Americans celebrate Thankgiving today, the international Caps can be thankful for a season that's starting to meet the lofty preseason expectations they set for themselves.
They have a great owner, a wonderful GM and an amazing coach enjoying unprecidented success. Bruce Boudreau already has won 100 career games, while GM George McPhee proved that he hasn't lost his touch for finding great players -- Brendan Morrison being the latest example.
And they have some great players too.
Alex Ovechkin, despite his ejection last night, has 17 goals in 19 games, is seemingly healthy and more motivated than ever. Nicklas Backstrom has 19 assists in 25 games, on pace to set yet another career high in that category.
Despite some early season struggles, Mike Green quietly has registered 22 assists, tied for fourth in the league -- while working on improved responsibility in his own end.
Semyon Varlamov, who has lost but one career game in regulation, is 4-0-2 in his last six games with a 1.48 goals against average and .949 save percentage. Under the tuteledge of Arturs Irbe, he's quickly ascending to his rightful spot as the team's top goaltender -- something he set out to do at the season's commencement.
As Americans celebrate Thankgiving today, the international Caps can be thankful for a season that's starting to meet the lofty preseason expectations they set for themselves.
November 25, 2009
Remembering a Legend
Today marks a day many Caps fans, employees and others never thought was possible. It's the first game in the history of the franchise that will be played without Abe Pollin. The man who brought hockey to Washington, built the Capital Centre and Verizon Center with his own money and revitalized Chinatown died yesterday at the age of 85.
The Washington Post and Washington Times have done an amazing job in today's editions of remembering somebody who truly, as it is said in Yiddish, was a mensch. He always put others first and was one of the classiest owners around. Although everybody didn't agree with all of his decisions, Mr. Pollin (as it is only fitting that he be called) is the reason all of us can cheer for the Caps every day. Without him, there would be no Eastern Conference championship, no retired numbers, no place for the team to play and certainly no Alex Ovechkin in D.C.
Amongst all of the debates about the Verizon Center ice, the Caps' defense, whether the team really can put forth a 60-minute effort and where Alex Semin will end up next year, it's important to put things in perspective. The man that brought hockey to Washington got it. He realized that the future of local sports was much more important than he was and did everything in his power to ensure that the teams would prosper long after he died.
That is why we are blessed to have Ted Leonsis as the Caps owner -- and, most likely, the owner of the Wizards, Verizon Center and other aspects of Washington Sports and Entertainment. That is why Mr. Pollin has been selling Leonsis and his Lincoln Holdings group small pieces over the years: because he wanted to make sure that his babies -- the local sports franchises and Verizon Center -- were in good hands.
Mr. Pollin was so selfless that, as one of his last acts, he made sure Wizards employees received a Thanksgiving bonus and got to leave early today in advance of the holiday. He always thought of others first -- and that, more than anything, should be the legacy for the man who created the Caps.
The Washington Post and Washington Times have done an amazing job in today's editions of remembering somebody who truly, as it is said in Yiddish, was a mensch. He always put others first and was one of the classiest owners around. Although everybody didn't agree with all of his decisions, Mr. Pollin (as it is only fitting that he be called) is the reason all of us can cheer for the Caps every day. Without him, there would be no Eastern Conference championship, no retired numbers, no place for the team to play and certainly no Alex Ovechkin in D.C.
Amongst all of the debates about the Verizon Center ice, the Caps' defense, whether the team really can put forth a 60-minute effort and where Alex Semin will end up next year, it's important to put things in perspective. The man that brought hockey to Washington got it. He realized that the future of local sports was much more important than he was and did everything in his power to ensure that the teams would prosper long after he died.
That is why we are blessed to have Ted Leonsis as the Caps owner -- and, most likely, the owner of the Wizards, Verizon Center and other aspects of Washington Sports and Entertainment. That is why Mr. Pollin has been selling Leonsis and his Lincoln Holdings group small pieces over the years: because he wanted to make sure that his babies -- the local sports franchises and Verizon Center -- were in good hands.
Mr. Pollin was so selfless that, as one of his last acts, he made sure Wizards employees received a Thanksgiving bonus and got to leave early today in advance of the holiday. He always thought of others first -- and that, more than anything, should be the legacy for the man who created the Caps.
November 24, 2009
Effort is Not Talent-Dependent
Many have argued that the Caps are one of the most talented teams in the league. But there's been one thing missing that separates them from Detroit and Pittsburgh, the last two Stanley Cup champions: consistent 60-minute efforts. Courtesy of the Washington Times' Corey Masisak, the Caps have held the lead in the third period and lost it in 10 of their 23 games. They are 5-5 in those games.
On top of that, the Caps have held a lead at some point in every game they've played this year. So getting a lead isn't the problem; it's keeping it that's befuddled them.
What frustrates Coach Bruce Boudreau the most, though, is that he had to fight for everything in his career. He never was handed a spot in the NHL or any trophies. He had to earn everything -- something that doesn't apply to many of the Caps' uber-talented youngsters. They've been stars from day one and sometimes don't fight for everything. Maybe that's why Gabby has such an affinity for the kids called up from Hershey: because they remind him of a young Boudreau.
The knock on minor leaguers, though, is that they don't have the talent to stay in the NHL (for the most part). So that means that Gabby and the staff have to continually adjust their methods to make sure the team keeps playing no matter what the score.
If it's 3-1, make it 4-1. If it's tied, get the lead. If you're behind, turn it up a notch. The Caps try to bust out in the first two periods and then coast for the last 20-30 minutes. That's not going to fly in the playoffs, as we've seen the last two postseasons.
It's time for the Caps to play every game like it's a game seven (the one exception aside) and learn from the Stanley Cup champs. There's no other way.
On top of that, the Caps have held a lead at some point in every game they've played this year. So getting a lead isn't the problem; it's keeping it that's befuddled them.
What frustrates Coach Bruce Boudreau the most, though, is that he had to fight for everything in his career. He never was handed a spot in the NHL or any trophies. He had to earn everything -- something that doesn't apply to many of the Caps' uber-talented youngsters. They've been stars from day one and sometimes don't fight for everything. Maybe that's why Gabby has such an affinity for the kids called up from Hershey: because they remind him of a young Boudreau.
The knock on minor leaguers, though, is that they don't have the talent to stay in the NHL (for the most part). So that means that Gabby and the staff have to continually adjust their methods to make sure the team keeps playing no matter what the score.
If it's 3-1, make it 4-1. If it's tied, get the lead. If you're behind, turn it up a notch. The Caps try to bust out in the first two periods and then coast for the last 20-30 minutes. That's not going to fly in the playoffs, as we've seen the last two postseasons.
It's time for the Caps to play every game like it's a game seven (the one exception aside) and learn from the Stanley Cup champs. There's no other way.
November 23, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Nov. 23
Record/Standings Position: 13-5-5 (31 points), 1st Southeast Division/1st Eastern Conference/3rd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-2, at New York Rangers
* Lost, 3-2, vs. Montreal
* Lost, 2-1 (SO), at Toronto
This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Ottawa (7 p.m., CSN)
* Wednesday vs. Buffalo (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Montreal (7 p.m., CSN Plus, NHL Network, Hockey Night in Canada)
Injuries: Milan Jurcina (day-to-day), Mike Knuble (out 3-4 weeks), Boyd Gordon (could return soon), Alex Semin (day-to-day, on injured list), Quintin Laing (out 4-6 weeks), Shaone Morrisonn (could return tonight), Tom Poti (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Recalled Andrew Gordon from Hershey (Nov. 21), recalled John Carlson from Hershey (Nov. 19), recalled Jay Beagle and Michal Neuvirth from Hershey (Nov. 17).
Top Storylines:
* Doesn't it seem that the injuries are masking the fact that the Caps have the best record in the Eastern Conference?
* The Michael Nylander saga is hampering who the Caps can recall from Hershey.
* System depth once again is proving huge for the Caps/Bears.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mike Green (six points in last six games, most points among defensemen), Semyon Varlamov (7-1-1, 1.94 goals-against average, .933 save percentage in last nine games), Brendan Morrison (seven points in his last eight games and 17 points in 23 games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Jeff Schultz (despite more ice time, still has some haters), Milan Jurcina (injuries and bad decisions hampering another season), Alex Semin (either hurt or ineffective seemingly all the time).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-2, at New York Rangers
* Lost, 3-2, vs. Montreal
* Lost, 2-1 (SO), at Toronto
This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Ottawa (7 p.m., CSN)
* Wednesday vs. Buffalo (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Montreal (7 p.m., CSN Plus, NHL Network, Hockey Night in Canada)
Injuries: Milan Jurcina (day-to-day), Mike Knuble (out 3-4 weeks), Boyd Gordon (could return soon), Alex Semin (day-to-day, on injured list), Quintin Laing (out 4-6 weeks), Shaone Morrisonn (could return tonight), Tom Poti (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Recalled Andrew Gordon from Hershey (Nov. 21), recalled John Carlson from Hershey (Nov. 19), recalled Jay Beagle and Michal Neuvirth from Hershey (Nov. 17).
Top Storylines:
* Doesn't it seem that the injuries are masking the fact that the Caps have the best record in the Eastern Conference?
* The Michael Nylander saga is hampering who the Caps can recall from Hershey.
* System depth once again is proving huge for the Caps/Bears.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mike Green (six points in last six games, most points among defensemen), Semyon Varlamov (7-1-1, 1.94 goals-against average, .933 save percentage in last nine games), Brendan Morrison (seven points in his last eight games and 17 points in 23 games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Jeff Schultz (despite more ice time, still has some haters), Milan Jurcina (injuries and bad decisions hampering another season), Alex Semin (either hurt or ineffective seemingly all the time).
November 20, 2009
Canadian Double-Dip
For the third straight weekend, the Caps will embark on a Friday-Saturday back-to-back set. This weekend's opponents are both from our friends up north. Tonight, the Montreal Canadiens visit Verizon Center under the guidance of entraîneur-chef head coach Jacques Martin.
The team got a huge makeover during the summer and hasn't exactly met expectations with a pedestrian 10-11-0 record, 12th in the Eastern Conference and 10 points behind the Caps' 30. In fact, they're one of three teams in the NHL who do not have an overtime loss (the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks are the others). Montreal has won four games in overtime and as many in a shootout.
Just for shiggles, here's that last fact in French: Les Canadiens sont l’une des trois équipes (Pittsburgh et Vancouver) à ne pas avoir perdu en temps supplémentaire cette saison. En huit matchs, Montréal a gagné quatre fois en prolongation et autant de fois en fusillade.
Newcomers Michael Cammalleri and Brian Gionta lead Les Habitant with eight goals, although Gionta is currently on the injured list. The Habs are one of 12 teams that don't have a 20-point scorer.
Conversely, the Caps are one of two teams (along with San Jose) with more than two players with at least 20 points: four, in fact (Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Mike Green).
Tomas Fleischmann, who is expected to skate with Ovechkin and Backstrom tonight on the top line, currently boasts a nine-game point-scoring streak, which is tied for the fourth-longest in the NHL this season; only Ovechkin and Backstrom have enjoyed longer streaks for the team since the 2004-05 work stoppage. Fleischmann ranks first in the league in shooting percentage (33.3 percent) and fifth in goals per game (0.70) and already has seven goals and 11 points despite missing more than half the season recovering from a blood clot in his leg.
This is only the Caps' second game against a Canadian franchise since its home opener Oct. 3 against Toronto. Seven of the next 15 games are against Canadian teams. Washington will be on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" four of the next five weeks -- which means Don Cherry will have plenty of time to rip Ovie about something.
The Maple Leafs, by the way, is having an even more miserable season than their rvial Canadians. They dropped a 6-5 shootout decision last night in Carolina after holding a 3-0 lead more than halfway through the game. They've been outscored 24-13 in the first period -- also the stanza when the Caps have thrived (outscoring their opponents 25-11 entering tonight's game). So the key is simple: bury the Leafs in the first and roll the dice after that.
Note: Tickets go on sale Monday for the inaugural Caps Care Casino Night and Auction, to be held Sunday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in Alexandria.
The team got a huge makeover during the summer and hasn't exactly met expectations with a pedestrian 10-11-0 record, 12th in the Eastern Conference and 10 points behind the Caps' 30. In fact, they're one of three teams in the NHL who do not have an overtime loss (the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks are the others). Montreal has won four games in overtime and as many in a shootout.
Just for shiggles, here's that last fact in French: Les Canadiens sont l’une des trois équipes (Pittsburgh et Vancouver) à ne pas avoir perdu en temps supplémentaire cette saison. En huit matchs, Montréal a gagné quatre fois en prolongation et autant de fois en fusillade.
Newcomers Michael Cammalleri and Brian Gionta lead Les Habitant with eight goals, although Gionta is currently on the injured list. The Habs are one of 12 teams that don't have a 20-point scorer.
Conversely, the Caps are one of two teams (along with San Jose) with more than two players with at least 20 points: four, in fact (Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Mike Green).
Tomas Fleischmann, who is expected to skate with Ovechkin and Backstrom tonight on the top line, currently boasts a nine-game point-scoring streak, which is tied for the fourth-longest in the NHL this season; only Ovechkin and Backstrom have enjoyed longer streaks for the team since the 2004-05 work stoppage. Fleischmann ranks first in the league in shooting percentage (33.3 percent) and fifth in goals per game (0.70) and already has seven goals and 11 points despite missing more than half the season recovering from a blood clot in his leg.
This is only the Caps' second game against a Canadian franchise since its home opener Oct. 3 against Toronto. Seven of the next 15 games are against Canadian teams. Washington will be on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" four of the next five weeks -- which means Don Cherry will have plenty of time to rip Ovie about something.
The Maple Leafs, by the way, is having an even more miserable season than their rvial Canadians. They dropped a 6-5 shootout decision last night in Carolina after holding a 3-0 lead more than halfway through the game. They've been outscored 24-13 in the first period -- also the stanza when the Caps have thrived (outscoring their opponents 25-11 entering tonight's game). So the key is simple: bury the Leafs in the first and roll the dice after that.
Note: Tickets go on sale Monday for the inaugural Caps Care Casino Night and Auction, to be held Sunday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in Alexandria.
November 19, 2009
Carlson Recalled and Other Notes
The Caps have recalled one of their young blueline studs, John Carlson, to help out with Milan Jurcina and Shaone Morrisonn battling injuries. Carlson's partner in Hershey, Karl Alzner, looked good with the Caps last season and might get another chance once the team can finally rid itself of Michael Nylander. Carlson would be the first member of Washington's 2008 draft class to play in the NHL.
Meanwhile, tomorrow's game against the Montreal Canadiens is one of only four home games over the next 33 days. The Capitals are tied for the best home record in the Eastern Conference at 7-1-3. They are 6-0-3 in their last nine home games. Coach Bruce Boudreau is 57-18-9 all-time at Verizon Center (.732).
In fact, the Caps only have five home games in December (vs. Florida Dec. 3, vs. Carolina Dec. 11, vs. Buffalo Dec. 23, vs. New Jersey Dec. 26 and vs. Carolina Dec. 28) after enjoying six in November and seven in October. January has the most home games of the season with nine -- while there will be eight home dates in March.
For those that care, Verizon Center in December will host basketball, a quiet week (Dec. 13-17) and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Meanwhile, tomorrow's game against the Montreal Canadiens is one of only four home games over the next 33 days. The Capitals are tied for the best home record in the Eastern Conference at 7-1-3. They are 6-0-3 in their last nine home games. Coach Bruce Boudreau is 57-18-9 all-time at Verizon Center (.732).
In fact, the Caps only have five home games in December (vs. Florida Dec. 3, vs. Carolina Dec. 11, vs. Buffalo Dec. 23, vs. New Jersey Dec. 26 and vs. Carolina Dec. 28) after enjoying six in November and seven in October. January has the most home games of the season with nine -- while there will be eight home dates in March.
For those that care, Verizon Center in December will host basketball, a quiet week (Dec. 13-17) and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
November 18, 2009
Big Return(s) in Big Apple
Alex Ovechkin's first game back after a six-game absence ended like many of the games that he missed: with the Caps collecting two more points. In fact, the Caps have collected points in all but four games this season -- giving them 30 on the campaign (second in the league for now). The win was Bruce Boudreau's 100th as the Caps' coach.
Tonight's hero, though, was Matt Bradley -- who filled his traditional role of tough guy in the first period with an extended fight and his playoff role of scorer in the third. Overall, it was another great game by Bradley -- who is becoming more valuable by the day. He's always got a spring in his step when he's on the ice, and although his stats don't always reflect it, is one of the Caps' most valuable players on a nightly basis.
Meanwhile, the seemingly-snake-bitten Quintin Laing will be out for several weeks after breaking his jaw blocking a shot.
"[Bradley] could have shut it down, but he came back and scored a huge goal in the third period. Everyone is going to be talking about Ovechkin's return, but I think we should scrap that headline. Tonight's game was about Matt Bradley and Quintin Laing," Brooks Laich said.
The Caps clearly are playing differently this season -- and this is yet another example. More people are stepping up, the team is more balanced and, while Ovechkin is a huge factor, he's not the only scoring threat. That, my friends, is the basis for a Stanley Cup contender.
Tonight's hero, though, was Matt Bradley -- who filled his traditional role of tough guy in the first period with an extended fight and his playoff role of scorer in the third. Overall, it was another great game by Bradley -- who is becoming more valuable by the day. He's always got a spring in his step when he's on the ice, and although his stats don't always reflect it, is one of the Caps' most valuable players on a nightly basis.
Meanwhile, the seemingly-snake-bitten Quintin Laing will be out for several weeks after breaking his jaw blocking a shot.
"[Bradley] could have shut it down, but he came back and scored a huge goal in the third period. Everyone is going to be talking about Ovechkin's return, but I think we should scrap that headline. Tonight's game was about Matt Bradley and Quintin Laing," Brooks Laich said.
The Caps clearly are playing differently this season -- and this is yet another example. More people are stepping up, the team is more balanced and, while Ovechkin is a huge factor, he's not the only scoring threat. That, my friends, is the basis for a Stanley Cup contender.
November 17, 2009
He's Baaack!
Let's face it: the main reason to watch the Caps-Rangers game tonight (if you get Versus) is to see the return of Alex Ovechkin. Yes, we could talk about the Caps wanting to exact revenge on one of three teams that has given them a regulation loss. Or, we could talk about the Caps trying to regain momentum after their four-game winning streak was snapped Saturday night by the New Jersey Devils (who have beaten them three times this season) but the reality is that the main storyline is Ovie.
But he's not the only new face in the lineup tonight as the Caps have recalled Jay Beagle and Michal Neuvirth from Hershey today, according to the game notes.
Despite the fact that the Caps thrived without Ovie, having him back on a team averaging 3.65 goals per game (tops in the NHL) is downright scary. Even though he's missed six games this season, Ovie is still leading the league in goals (14) and is eighth in points (23).
Coach Bruce Boudreau now is tinkering with his lineup to find the best place for him. Without Mike Knuble, Chris Clark gets a chance back on the top line with Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, whose 18 assists is fourth in the league. The second line should consist of Alex Semin, Brendan Morrison and Brooks Laich.
The Caps are outscoring their opposition, 24-10, in the first period -- but what happens the rest of the way hasn't always been pretty. Although the goals for/against in the second and third period are even at 48, it sometimes feels that's not the case. Washington ranks tied for first in third-period goals (26) and second in first-period goals.
Boudreau gets a shot at his 100th NHL win tonight, which would make him the fifth Caps head coach to win 100 games and the fastest to reach that milestone. A win tonight would make him the fourth fastest coach to reach 100 wins in NHL history, trailing only Tom Johnson (138 games), Mike Keenan (152) and Terry Crisp (158). Not bad company indeed.
But he's not the only new face in the lineup tonight as the Caps have recalled Jay Beagle and Michal Neuvirth from Hershey today, according to the game notes.
Despite the fact that the Caps thrived without Ovie, having him back on a team averaging 3.65 goals per game (tops in the NHL) is downright scary. Even though he's missed six games this season, Ovie is still leading the league in goals (14) and is eighth in points (23).
Coach Bruce Boudreau now is tinkering with his lineup to find the best place for him. Without Mike Knuble, Chris Clark gets a chance back on the top line with Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, whose 18 assists is fourth in the league. The second line should consist of Alex Semin, Brendan Morrison and Brooks Laich.
The Caps are outscoring their opposition, 24-10, in the first period -- but what happens the rest of the way hasn't always been pretty. Although the goals for/against in the second and third period are even at 48, it sometimes feels that's not the case. Washington ranks tied for first in third-period goals (26) and second in first-period goals.
Boudreau gets a shot at his 100th NHL win tonight, which would make him the fifth Caps head coach to win 100 games and the fastest to reach that milestone. A win tonight would make him the fourth fastest coach to reach 100 wins in NHL history, trailing only Tom Johnson (138 games), Mike Keenan (152) and Terry Crisp (158). Not bad company indeed.
November 16, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Nov. 16
Record/Standings Position: 12-4-4 (28 points), 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-2nd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-4 (SO), vs. N.Y. Islanders
* Won, 4-1, vs. Minnesota Wild
* Lost, 5-2, at New Jersey Devils
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at N.Y. Rangers (7 p.m., Versus)
* Friday vs. Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m., CSN Plus, NHL Network)
Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (should be back tomorrow), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Mike Knuble (out 3-4 weeks)
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* How will the team's dynamic change with Alex Ovechkin apparently back tomorrow?
* Can the defense keep improving?
* When will the Nylander saga end (if at all)?
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Tomas Fleischmann (7 goals in 9 games so far), Mathieu Perreault (5 points in 6 games), Mike Green (15 assists in 19 games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 4 since; getting more negative attention from Coach Bruce Boudreau), Milan Jurcina (looking more lost by the game), David Steckel (hasn't regained playoff scoring magic).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-4 (SO), vs. N.Y. Islanders
* Won, 4-1, vs. Minnesota Wild
* Lost, 5-2, at New Jersey Devils
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at N.Y. Rangers (7 p.m., Versus)
* Friday vs. Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m., CSN Plus, NHL Network)
Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (should be back tomorrow), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Mike Knuble (out 3-4 weeks)
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* How will the team's dynamic change with Alex Ovechkin apparently back tomorrow?
* Can the defense keep improving?
* When will the Nylander saga end (if at all)?
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Tomas Fleischmann (7 goals in 9 games so far), Mathieu Perreault (5 points in 6 games), Mike Green (15 assists in 19 games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 4 since; getting more negative attention from Coach Bruce Boudreau), Milan Jurcina (looking more lost by the game), David Steckel (hasn't regained playoff scoring magic).
November 13, 2009
A Wild, Devilish Weekend
The Caps are going back-to-back for the second straight weekend. This time, they're home to the Minnesota Wild tonight and then will travel to visit the New Jersey Devils for the second time in about 10 days tomorrow night. It seems Semyon Varlamov will start tonight and Jose Theodore will seek redemption against the Devils after allowing three goals on five shots against the New York Islanders Wednesday night.
The Wild are 2-8-1 on the road and leading goal-scorer Mikko Koivu (their captain) only has five goals. Conversely, the Caps boast six players with at least that tally.
And yes, it's Nicklas Backstrom vs. Niklas Backstrom tonight. The Wild goalie has a 2.60 goals against average and .910 save percentage -- but is just 7-8-1 on the season. The Caps' center has 18 assists and is rolling along with an assist per game.
The two have faced each other twice. In last year's meeting (a 4-3 Wild win), Backstrom (the center) scored a goal on Backstrom (the goalie). On Feb. 26, 2008, the Swedish Backstrom (then a rookie) did not register a point and was minus-1 in a 4-1 victory over the Wild and the Finnish Backstrom.
During his long stint in the West, Brendan Morrison has 22 points (4 goals, 18 assists) in 45 games against the Wild.
The Wild is 4-0-1 against the Eastern Conference this season. Minnesota went 12-5-1 versus the East in 2008-09. Minnesota is 1-3-0 at Washington, with its only win coming Nov. 21, 2002.
We all know what to expect from the Devils: a tough, defensive effort; very few penalties; Martin Brodeur in goal; and pretty much the same type of game as the team play nearly every time they meet.
The Wild are 2-8-1 on the road and leading goal-scorer Mikko Koivu (their captain) only has five goals. Conversely, the Caps boast six players with at least that tally.
And yes, it's Nicklas Backstrom vs. Niklas Backstrom tonight. The Wild goalie has a 2.60 goals against average and .910 save percentage -- but is just 7-8-1 on the season. The Caps' center has 18 assists and is rolling along with an assist per game.
The two have faced each other twice. In last year's meeting (a 4-3 Wild win), Backstrom (the center) scored a goal on Backstrom (the goalie). On Feb. 26, 2008, the Swedish Backstrom (then a rookie) did not register a point and was minus-1 in a 4-1 victory over the Wild and the Finnish Backstrom.
During his long stint in the West, Brendan Morrison has 22 points (4 goals, 18 assists) in 45 games against the Wild.
The Wild is 4-0-1 against the Eastern Conference this season. Minnesota went 12-5-1 versus the East in 2008-09. Minnesota is 1-3-0 at Washington, with its only win coming Nov. 21, 2002.
We all know what to expect from the Devils: a tough, defensive effort; very few penalties; Martin Brodeur in goal; and pretty much the same type of game as the team play nearly every time they meet.
November 12, 2009
Caps Show Mettle in Win Over Isles
The Caps were down 3-1 last night against the New York Islanders before they knew it. The fact that Alex Semin scored eight seconds into the game was irrelevant once Jose Theodore allowed a breakaway tally to Sean Bergenheim. And, even after the Caps took a 4-3 lead in the third period, the Isles tied it in the final minutes to force overtime -- and, eventually, an 11-round shootout. But the Caps persevered and now have the best record in the Eastern Conference.
"We knew going into the second period that we had plenty of time to fix this," said Captain Chris Clark, who scored the winning shootout goal. "We knew we were a better team than what we showed in the first 10-15 minutes."
Semin was once again in the center of things, scoring two brilliant goals -- but missing a few other opportunities and committing a bad giveaway that led to Bergenheim's breakaway.
"No game is without mistake," Semin said in a rare interview. "I'm just glad that I became more responsible as the game went on and I scored a couple of goals. I had a lot of moments to score –- as you saw yourself. I couldn't capitalize on all of them."
"Looked like [Semin] wanted to play," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "And when he wants to play, he could've had six. He makes some moves and he can shoot the puck. He's scary good when he's motivated."
The motivation issue has been discussed numerous times, but one should know that six of Semin's nine goals this year have come in three games. Makes you wonder.
"Hopefully by March or April, we'll learn how to play with these leads and there won't be the pressure that we have to win, we'll have played in so many of these situations we'll know what to do," Boudreau concluded.
"We knew going into the second period that we had plenty of time to fix this," said Captain Chris Clark, who scored the winning shootout goal. "We knew we were a better team than what we showed in the first 10-15 minutes."
Semin was once again in the center of things, scoring two brilliant goals -- but missing a few other opportunities and committing a bad giveaway that led to Bergenheim's breakaway.
"No game is without mistake," Semin said in a rare interview. "I'm just glad that I became more responsible as the game went on and I scored a couple of goals. I had a lot of moments to score –- as you saw yourself. I couldn't capitalize on all of them."
"Looked like [Semin] wanted to play," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "And when he wants to play, he could've had six. He makes some moves and he can shoot the puck. He's scary good when he's motivated."
The motivation issue has been discussed numerous times, but one should know that six of Semin's nine goals this year have come in three games. Makes you wonder.
"Hopefully by March or April, we'll learn how to play with these leads and there won't be the pressure that we have to win, we'll have played in so many of these situations we'll know what to do," Boudreau concluded.
November 11, 2009
Caps-Islanders Live
Welcome to Verizon Center for coverage of tonight's Veterans Day match-up between the Caps and the New York Islanders. Jose Theodore and Dwayne Roloson.
First Period
Eight seconds into the game, Alex Semin proverbially said "get off me" by giving the Caps a really early lead. The play started when Brendan Morrison made a brilliant play to keep the puck in the offensive zone (virtually off the opening face-off) and got it to Semin, who ripped it past Roloson.
Of course the lead didn't last long, thanks to bad rebound control by Theo. Mark Streit's shot was deflected by Theo right to Matt Moulson, who put it into the vacated side of the net to even the game at 1 less than a minute into the game.
Semin had a nice curl and drag a couple minutes later, but totally missed the net. The game is very up-and-down right now, but the Islanders (who have earned points in seven of nine) converted more chances.
As if on cue, Streit gave the Isles the lead at 5:10 off a long-distance shot from the blueline. Although there was traffic in front, Theo should have saved it for sure. Saying Theo doesn't look sharp is an understatement at the moment.
And it got worse. Off a bad turnover by Semin in the offensive zone, Sean Bergenheim had a clean breakaway and beat Theo easily to give the Isles a 3-1 lead at 6:54. It also brought Semyon Varlamov off the bench to a very loud cheer. Theo allowed three goals on five shots.
In the first seven minutes, Semin has showed both why he's so coveted (a brilliant goal) and so frustrating (the giveaway).
Varly has given the Caps some energy, but nothing has materialized yet. The Caps still have allowed too many opportunities to the Isles and the Caps don't seem to be putting in maximum effort at the moment.
The Caps' power play provided some much-needed energy. After some mundane offensive sets, Nicklas Backstrom stick-handled around the entire Isles team and left the puck brilliantly for Tomas Fleischmann, who scored his sixth goal of the season to cut the Isles' lead to 3-2. It was Backstrom's 18th assist of the year -- on pace for 82, which was top his career high (66) by a mile.
The much-publicized video honoring the military on Veterans Day was played during the break with about 5:30 left in the period. A standing ovation occurred during the entire video.
The Caps couldn't take that momentum immediately as the Isles kept up the pressure. But Varlamov kept the game status quo with a series of nice saves and didn't give up any rebounds either. The Caps did mount a few decent opportunities, but nothing overly impressive -- but they did outshoot the visitors.
After one: Islanders 3, Caps 2.
Second Period
The Caps came out with more energy and got rewarded with two power plays as a result. Although the first one didn't result in much, they tied the game on the second. Mike Green skated behind the Isles' net and found a cutting Semin, who rocked it past a helpful Roloson to tie the game at three. It was nice to see the Caps tie the game after such a horrid beginning.
Varly's played very well since coming into the game and the Caps have cut down their shots against as well. Not too many stoppages in play, either, which is very different from the choppy pace of the first period.
The game pace calmed down as the period progressed, with no strong chances either way. Semin had a two-on-one with Laich but didn't shoot or pass. It was a very peculiar play by Semin -- yes, he did try to be too fancy but usually he at least tries a shot in those situations.
Semin has, for the most part, had a much better game than he has of late -- but still shows signs of selfishness that frustrate his critics. It is nice to see him show up without Ovechkin in the line-up, though.
Eric Fehr broke the tie by just throwing the puck at the net. With his back to the net and Jack Hillen on him, Fehr backhanded it towards Roloson, and it sneaked in five-hole to give the Caps a 4-3 lead at 16:46. It's Fehr's second of the season. It might have been lucky, but it was proof that storming the crease is the way to go. Shooting is better than passing, and Fehr's tally is further proof of that fact.
After two: Caps 4, Islanders 3.
Third Period
The first seven minutes were up-and-down, similar to the middle portion of the second stanza. Matthieu Perreault continues to impress with his effort and deftness with the puck. That just shows how deep the Caps' organization continues to be -- Perreault probably won't be up for that much longer, but he's certainly been impressive so far.
The Caps have continued to play with energy and widen the margin in shots-on-goal. They've had a few really great chances, including Brooks Laich getting nearly a tap-in but the bad angle got the better of him on that play.
It's a big departure from the first period -- and makes you wonder how big the Caps' lead would be if Theo hadn't allowed those soft goals earlier in the game.
The Isles got a power play at 15:10 and a chance to tie the game late when David Steckel was called for holding. The good news is that the Caps only have been called for two penalties, but the bad news is that both have been in the final frame. Varly made some nice saves during the man-advantage to keep the Caps in the lead. The Caps' PK did a really nice job tonight. The Isles got some chances, but there weren't any sustained chances.
They'll get another chance, though, when Milan Jurcina was called for boarding right after the Steckel penalty was killed. It's unacceptable to keep giving opponents chances when the Caps are trying to protect -- or even extend -- a lead in the third period.
And that was the straw that broke the camel's back as Trent Hunter ripped one past Varly to tie the score. The Caps just gave the Isles one too many chances and Hunter made them play. Dumb penalties have been the Caps' downfall and kept some games way too close. Varly hadn't allowed a goal tonight before Hunter's tally -- and now the game might be headed for overtime. But with these two things, OT is not exactly surprising. Let's hope it doesn't cost the Caps a win.
After regulation: Caps 4, Islanders 4.
Overtime
The extra session didn't have any stops in play and was great back-and-forth action -- with both teams getting great opportunities. The Caps came really close several times, but couldn't beat Roloson. It was some of the best flow of the entire game, for sure, but it's back to the shootout.
Varly, overall, had 25 saves after relieving Theo -- a spectacular effort. Now let's see if he can get the win.
Shootout
The Caps will shoot first.
Backstrom: no goal.
Jeff Tambellini: goal, five hole.
Semin: goal, beautiful stick-work (almost a triple-deke) -- some hats too.
John Tavares: no goal.
Brendan Morrison: no goal.
Rob Schremp: no goal.
(extra shots)
Flash: no goal.
Frans Nielsen: no goal.
Brooks Laich: no goal.
Moulson: no goal.
Perreault: no goal, despite a great move (hit the post).
Richard Park: no goal.
Green: no goal.
Bergenheim: no goal.
Mike Knuble: no goal.
Josh Bailey: no goal.
Fehr: no goal (lost the puck on the way).
Hunter: no goal (closed five-hole just in time).
Matt Bradley: no goal.
Jon Sim: no goal.
Chris Clark: goal (wrist shot, top shelf).
Streit: no goal.
Final: Caps 5, Islanders 4 (SO).
First Period
Eight seconds into the game, Alex Semin proverbially said "get off me" by giving the Caps a really early lead. The play started when Brendan Morrison made a brilliant play to keep the puck in the offensive zone (virtually off the opening face-off) and got it to Semin, who ripped it past Roloson.
Of course the lead didn't last long, thanks to bad rebound control by Theo. Mark Streit's shot was deflected by Theo right to Matt Moulson, who put it into the vacated side of the net to even the game at 1 less than a minute into the game.
Semin had a nice curl and drag a couple minutes later, but totally missed the net. The game is very up-and-down right now, but the Islanders (who have earned points in seven of nine) converted more chances.
As if on cue, Streit gave the Isles the lead at 5:10 off a long-distance shot from the blueline. Although there was traffic in front, Theo should have saved it for sure. Saying Theo doesn't look sharp is an understatement at the moment.
And it got worse. Off a bad turnover by Semin in the offensive zone, Sean Bergenheim had a clean breakaway and beat Theo easily to give the Isles a 3-1 lead at 6:54. It also brought Semyon Varlamov off the bench to a very loud cheer. Theo allowed three goals on five shots.
In the first seven minutes, Semin has showed both why he's so coveted (a brilliant goal) and so frustrating (the giveaway).
Varly has given the Caps some energy, but nothing has materialized yet. The Caps still have allowed too many opportunities to the Isles and the Caps don't seem to be putting in maximum effort at the moment.
The Caps' power play provided some much-needed energy. After some mundane offensive sets, Nicklas Backstrom stick-handled around the entire Isles team and left the puck brilliantly for Tomas Fleischmann, who scored his sixth goal of the season to cut the Isles' lead to 3-2. It was Backstrom's 18th assist of the year -- on pace for 82, which was top his career high (66) by a mile.
The much-publicized video honoring the military on Veterans Day was played during the break with about 5:30 left in the period. A standing ovation occurred during the entire video.
The Caps couldn't take that momentum immediately as the Isles kept up the pressure. But Varlamov kept the game status quo with a series of nice saves and didn't give up any rebounds either. The Caps did mount a few decent opportunities, but nothing overly impressive -- but they did outshoot the visitors.
After one: Islanders 3, Caps 2.
Second Period
The Caps came out with more energy and got rewarded with two power plays as a result. Although the first one didn't result in much, they tied the game on the second. Mike Green skated behind the Isles' net and found a cutting Semin, who rocked it past a helpful Roloson to tie the game at three. It was nice to see the Caps tie the game after such a horrid beginning.
Varly's played very well since coming into the game and the Caps have cut down their shots against as well. Not too many stoppages in play, either, which is very different from the choppy pace of the first period.
The game pace calmed down as the period progressed, with no strong chances either way. Semin had a two-on-one with Laich but didn't shoot or pass. It was a very peculiar play by Semin -- yes, he did try to be too fancy but usually he at least tries a shot in those situations.
Semin has, for the most part, had a much better game than he has of late -- but still shows signs of selfishness that frustrate his critics. It is nice to see him show up without Ovechkin in the line-up, though.
Eric Fehr broke the tie by just throwing the puck at the net. With his back to the net and Jack Hillen on him, Fehr backhanded it towards Roloson, and it sneaked in five-hole to give the Caps a 4-3 lead at 16:46. It's Fehr's second of the season. It might have been lucky, but it was proof that storming the crease is the way to go. Shooting is better than passing, and Fehr's tally is further proof of that fact.
After two: Caps 4, Islanders 3.
Third Period
The first seven minutes were up-and-down, similar to the middle portion of the second stanza. Matthieu Perreault continues to impress with his effort and deftness with the puck. That just shows how deep the Caps' organization continues to be -- Perreault probably won't be up for that much longer, but he's certainly been impressive so far.
The Caps have continued to play with energy and widen the margin in shots-on-goal. They've had a few really great chances, including Brooks Laich getting nearly a tap-in but the bad angle got the better of him on that play.
It's a big departure from the first period -- and makes you wonder how big the Caps' lead would be if Theo hadn't allowed those soft goals earlier in the game.
The Isles got a power play at 15:10 and a chance to tie the game late when David Steckel was called for holding. The good news is that the Caps only have been called for two penalties, but the bad news is that both have been in the final frame. Varly made some nice saves during the man-advantage to keep the Caps in the lead. The Caps' PK did a really nice job tonight. The Isles got some chances, but there weren't any sustained chances.
They'll get another chance, though, when Milan Jurcina was called for boarding right after the Steckel penalty was killed. It's unacceptable to keep giving opponents chances when the Caps are trying to protect -- or even extend -- a lead in the third period.
And that was the straw that broke the camel's back as Trent Hunter ripped one past Varly to tie the score. The Caps just gave the Isles one too many chances and Hunter made them play. Dumb penalties have been the Caps' downfall and kept some games way too close. Varly hadn't allowed a goal tonight before Hunter's tally -- and now the game might be headed for overtime. But with these two things, OT is not exactly surprising. Let's hope it doesn't cost the Caps a win.
After regulation: Caps 4, Islanders 4.
Overtime
The extra session didn't have any stops in play and was great back-and-forth action -- with both teams getting great opportunities. The Caps came really close several times, but couldn't beat Roloson. It was some of the best flow of the entire game, for sure, but it's back to the shootout.
Varly, overall, had 25 saves after relieving Theo -- a spectacular effort. Now let's see if he can get the win.
Shootout
The Caps will shoot first.
Backstrom: no goal.
Jeff Tambellini: goal, five hole.
Semin: goal, beautiful stick-work (almost a triple-deke) -- some hats too.
John Tavares: no goal.
Brendan Morrison: no goal.
Rob Schremp: no goal.
(extra shots)
Flash: no goal.
Frans Nielsen: no goal.
Brooks Laich: no goal.
Moulson: no goal.
Perreault: no goal, despite a great move (hit the post).
Richard Park: no goal.
Green: no goal.
Bergenheim: no goal.
Mike Knuble: no goal.
Josh Bailey: no goal.
Fehr: no goal (lost the puck on the way).
Hunter: no goal (closed five-hole just in time).
Matt Bradley: no goal.
Jon Sim: no goal.
Chris Clark: goal (wrist shot, top shelf).
Streit: no goal.
Final: Caps 5, Islanders 4 (SO).
Pesky Islanders Visit on Veterans Day
The New York Islanders visit Verizon Center tonight, the third meeting already this season between the former Patrick Division foes. While Alex Ovechkin isn't ready to return, most of the troops will be on hand tonight.
Tomas Fleischmann has been red hot in the six games since he returned to the lineup after recovering from a blood clot in his leg that was discovered in the off-season. A 19-goal scorer last year, Fleischmann has five goals in six games, a rate (0.83) that ranks third in the NHL behind Ilya Kovalchuk and Ovechkin. Fleischmann has points in five straight games, his longest career point streak.
Conversely, Alex Semin has two points (both on Nov. 1) in four November games and only 15 on the season -- fourth on the team but only one point ahead of Mike Knuble and two in front of Brendan Morrison and Mike Green. After scoring five goals in the season's first four games, he's only netted two since -- with his last coming Oct. 27.
The Caps' three regulation losses are the fewest in the NHL. The Caps are tied
for the Eastern Conference lead in points (24) and just four points shy of the NHL lead (28) with two games in hand.
Tomas Fleischmann has been red hot in the six games since he returned to the lineup after recovering from a blood clot in his leg that was discovered in the off-season. A 19-goal scorer last year, Fleischmann has five goals in six games, a rate (0.83) that ranks third in the NHL behind Ilya Kovalchuk and Ovechkin. Fleischmann has points in five straight games, his longest career point streak.
Conversely, Alex Semin has two points (both on Nov. 1) in four November games and only 15 on the season -- fourth on the team but only one point ahead of Mike Knuble and two in front of Brendan Morrison and Mike Green. After scoring five goals in the season's first four games, he's only netted two since -- with his last coming Oct. 27.
The Caps' three regulation losses are the fewest in the NHL. The Caps are tied
for the Eastern Conference lead in points (24) and just four points shy of the NHL lead (28) with two games in hand.
November 10, 2009
What to Do With $4.875 Million?
If the reports are true, today is the last day (or one of them, anyway) that Michael Nylander will be a member of the Caps. And that means there's $4.875 million in cap space that's suddenly available. So what should the Caps do?
They'll probably save some space for the March 3 trading deadline -- especially given its proximity to the Feb. 28 end of the Winter Olympics. Since the Caps have been up to the salary cap ceiling for so long, having some breathing room might not be a bad thing.
But one's got to suspect that the space cleared finally will allow Karl Alzner to take his rightful (and permanent) place on the Caps' blueline. He did very well in his stint last year and would help stabilize the team's defensive prowess. Alzner only has two assists for the Bears but is a plus-nine.
Speaking of cap casualties, Chris Bourque is hardly thriving with the Pittsburgh Penguins -- even with all the injuries. In nine games, he's racked up one assist, four penalty minutes, a minus-three rating and 11 shots on goal. So it doesn't look like the Caps made a bad decision after all -- at least not yet.
They'll probably save some space for the March 3 trading deadline -- especially given its proximity to the Feb. 28 end of the Winter Olympics. Since the Caps have been up to the salary cap ceiling for so long, having some breathing room might not be a bad thing.
But one's got to suspect that the space cleared finally will allow Karl Alzner to take his rightful (and permanent) place on the Caps' blueline. He did very well in his stint last year and would help stabilize the team's defensive prowess. Alzner only has two assists for the Bears but is a plus-nine.
Speaking of cap casualties, Chris Bourque is hardly thriving with the Pittsburgh Penguins -- even with all the injuries. In nine games, he's racked up one assist, four penalty minutes, a minus-three rating and 11 shots on goal. So it doesn't look like the Caps made a bad decision after all -- at least not yet.
November 9, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Nov. 9
Record/Standings Position: 10-3-4 (24 points), 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-2nd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2, at New Jersey
* Won, 4-1, at Florida
* Won, 7-4, vs. Florida
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. N.Y. Islanders (7 p.m., CSN, NHL Network)
* Friday vs. Minnesota Wild (7:00 p.m., CSN Plus)
* Saturday at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CSN Plus)
Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (week-to-week), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day), Jeff Schultz (day-to-day)
Recent Transactions: Recalled Michael Nylander from conditioning stint (Nov. 4); recalled Mathieu Perreault from Hershey and assigned Keith Aucoin to Hershey (Nov. 3).
Top Storylines:
* How long will Alex Ovechkin be out? (Those facts are becoming murkier.)
* Can the team keep creating new heroes?
* Will the team be able to unload Nylander this week?
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Tomas Fleischmann (5 goals in 6 games so far), Backstrom (4 goals, 17 assists), Brooks Laich (7 goals, 11 assists)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 2 since; no points without Ovechkin), Boyd Gordon (wrong time for a long injury absense), Chris Clark (no impact moments yet this season)
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2, at New Jersey
* Won, 4-1, at Florida
* Won, 7-4, vs. Florida
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. N.Y. Islanders (7 p.m., CSN, NHL Network)
* Friday vs. Minnesota Wild (7:00 p.m., CSN Plus)
* Saturday at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CSN Plus)
Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (week-to-week), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day), Jeff Schultz (day-to-day)
Recent Transactions: Recalled Michael Nylander from conditioning stint (Nov. 4); recalled Mathieu Perreault from Hershey and assigned Keith Aucoin to Hershey (Nov. 3).
Top Storylines:
* How long will Alex Ovechkin be out? (Those facts are becoming murkier.)
* Can the team keep creating new heroes?
* Will the team be able to unload Nylander this week?
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Tomas Fleischmann (5 goals in 6 games so far), Backstrom (4 goals, 17 assists), Brooks Laich (7 goals, 11 assists)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 2 since; no points without Ovechkin), Boyd Gordon (wrong time for a long injury absense), Chris Clark (no impact moments yet this season)
November 8, 2009
Caps Show Character
When Alex Ovechkin was hurt, many speculated how the Caps would react. Well, it's unanimous: the team can excel without Ovie (and now Mike Green) -- as evidenced by a pair of wins over Florida the last two nights. Of course, Alex Semin also had a chance to shine -- and he's disappeared even further.
"It says we've got good players on this team," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "And both nights Semin didn't get a point, either. It says that these other players are good. We all know how good Alex and Mike and Semin are. But there's a lot of depth here."
Leading the way have been Tomas Fleischmann, Mike Knuble and newcomer Mathieu Perreault -- who, between them, scored four of the Caps' five third-period goals last night.
Semin, meanwhile, remains the biggest mystery on the team. Potential does equate to wins, and at this point, it seems his potential outweighs his actual skill. Here's how Flash and Semin compare on the season:
Let's remember that five of Semin's seven goals came in the first four games. Both are restricted free agents after this season, with Flash making $725,000 and Semin hauling down $5 million. There's no doubt who I'd rather keep -- and it's not Semin.
Speaking of malcontents, Michael Nylander agreed to be put on waivers -- which may finally resolve one of the biggest distractions on the Caps' roster. The deadline for another team to claim him is tomorrow at noon, so we'll see what comes of it. And the GM meetings start Tuesday, so that might give George McPhee an avenue to work some magic.
"It says we've got good players on this team," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "And both nights Semin didn't get a point, either. It says that these other players are good. We all know how good Alex and Mike and Semin are. But there's a lot of depth here."
Leading the way have been Tomas Fleischmann, Mike Knuble and newcomer Mathieu Perreault -- who, between them, scored four of the Caps' five third-period goals last night.
Semin, meanwhile, remains the biggest mystery on the team. Potential does equate to wins, and at this point, it seems his potential outweighs his actual skill. Here's how Flash and Semin compare on the season:
Flash: 6 games, 5 goals, 2 assists, plus-4, 0 PIMs, 16 shots
Semin: 15 games, 7 goals, 8 assists, plus-2, 16 PIMs, 49 shots
Let's remember that five of Semin's seven goals came in the first four games. Both are restricted free agents after this season, with Flash making $725,000 and Semin hauling down $5 million. There's no doubt who I'd rather keep -- and it's not Semin.
Speaking of malcontents, Michael Nylander agreed to be put on waivers -- which may finally resolve one of the biggest distractions on the Caps' roster. The deadline for another team to claim him is tomorrow at noon, so we'll see what comes of it. And the GM meetings start Tuesday, so that might give George McPhee an avenue to work some magic.
November 6, 2009
Back-to-Back Cats
The Caps play their third and fourth Southeast Division games of the season tonight in Florida and tomorrow at home, also against the Panthers. Washington and Florida are playing on consecutive days for the first time in the 87-game series history. It is the Caps' only home-and-home series of the year and their second of 13 sets of back-to-back games. The first was last week (Oct. 29-30) and the Caps earned three out of four points.
Alex Ovechkin is still out, which means the Caps need to play smart hockey. (They need to play smart hockey all the time, but it's especially paramount without the Great Eight.) But that hasn't been the case recently.
"Our game plan going in was 'be patient, don't give up much and capitalize on our chances,' " Brendan Morrison said in the Washington Times. "In the end, it was the same old story here the past couple of weeks - we shot ourselves in the foot by taking dumb penalties. If you take three penalties in the final 10 minutes of a 1-1 game, you're not going to win those games."
As was discussed yesterday, it's time for Coach Bruce Boudreau to start scratching people for bad play. And he might just be up for it.
"You never want to go as drastic as you have to go, but if you can't learn a lesson quicker, we're going to have to do something," he said yesterday after practice.
The Panthers have won three straight and typically give the Caps fits. The Caps lead the all-time series, 39-32-9-6, but the teams are tied, 19-19-4-1, in Florida.
Cats goalie Tomas Vokoun has posted back-to-back shutouts and has not given up a goal since Ottawa's Jarkko Ruutu scored on him at 17:51 of the second period on Oct. 28 - a span of 142:09 and 74 straight shots faced.
One would assume that Jose Theodore and Semyon Varlamov will each get a start this weekend.
Brooks Laich leads the Caps with nine points in the third period this season (3g-6a) and has 10 of his 15 points on the road (trailing only Ovechkin in road scoring). Laich has three points in the last two games, all in the third period.
The Caps certainly hope these are the last two games without Ovechkin this season, although nothing is guaranteed.
Alex Ovechkin is still out, which means the Caps need to play smart hockey. (They need to play smart hockey all the time, but it's especially paramount without the Great Eight.) But that hasn't been the case recently.
"Our game plan going in was 'be patient, don't give up much and capitalize on our chances,' " Brendan Morrison said in the Washington Times. "In the end, it was the same old story here the past couple of weeks - we shot ourselves in the foot by taking dumb penalties. If you take three penalties in the final 10 minutes of a 1-1 game, you're not going to win those games."
As was discussed yesterday, it's time for Coach Bruce Boudreau to start scratching people for bad play. And he might just be up for it.
"You never want to go as drastic as you have to go, but if you can't learn a lesson quicker, we're going to have to do something," he said yesterday after practice.
The Panthers have won three straight and typically give the Caps fits. The Caps lead the all-time series, 39-32-9-6, but the teams are tied, 19-19-4-1, in Florida.
Cats goalie Tomas Vokoun has posted back-to-back shutouts and has not given up a goal since Ottawa's Jarkko Ruutu scored on him at 17:51 of the second period on Oct. 28 - a span of 142:09 and 74 straight shots faced.
One would assume that Jose Theodore and Semyon Varlamov will each get a start this weekend.
Brooks Laich leads the Caps with nine points in the third period this season (3g-6a) and has 10 of his 15 points on the road (trailing only Ovechkin in road scoring). Laich has three points in the last two games, all in the third period.
The Caps certainly hope these are the last two games without Ovechkin this season, although nothing is guaranteed.
November 5, 2009
Time for Some Healthy Scratches
The only way to curtail the penalty problem that has befallen the Caps is to start scratching some players for disciplinary reasons. And the place to start: Alex Semin.
Last night, with a chance to showcase himself not only for his team but also with a mega-contract at stake, Semin was invisible and got three dumb penalties to boot in a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. He could have been the hero but instead was a big zero (again). He was benched in the final minutes, right after he barely got a shot off during a clear late breakaway. Semin scored five times in the first four games and has only two goals (and six points) in the nine since.
But Semin wasn't the only one. Brendan Morrison, who has been playing very well lately, took a questionable penalty that led to the game-winning goal by the Devils. And Mike Green, who has been much better lately, made a boneheaded move by going down to the ice and essentially scoring on Semyon Varlamov.
Still, it was Varly's first regulation loss of his brief NHL career and only the Caps' third on the season. But, in the long term, Coach Bruce Boudreau needs to couple actions with his postgame tirades -- and that means a star needs to sit.
Last night, with a chance to showcase himself not only for his team but also with a mega-contract at stake, Semin was invisible and got three dumb penalties to boot in a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. He could have been the hero but instead was a big zero (again). He was benched in the final minutes, right after he barely got a shot off during a clear late breakaway. Semin scored five times in the first four games and has only two goals (and six points) in the nine since.
But Semin wasn't the only one. Brendan Morrison, who has been playing very well lately, took a questionable penalty that led to the game-winning goal by the Devils. And Mike Green, who has been much better lately, made a boneheaded move by going down to the ice and essentially scoring on Semyon Varlamov.
Still, it was Varly's first regulation loss of his brief NHL career and only the Caps' third on the season. But, in the long term, Coach Bruce Boudreau needs to couple actions with his postgame tirades -- and that means a star needs to sit.
November 4, 2009
Join Me for CSN Chat Tonight
Join me during the Caps' game tonight for a live chat on Comcast SportsNet's Web site. I'll be there to answer questions and share observations about the Caps' first game without Alex Ovechkin this season. Hope you can make it.
The chat starts at 6:45 and puck drop is just after 7.
The chat starts at 6:45 and puck drop is just after 7.
An Important Announcement
If you'll indulge me for a non-hockey post, I'd like to announce the release of my new cookbook, "The Kitchen Dance." It's a project my wife and I collaborated on that includes detailed shopping lists, tips to help you stock the pantry and ideas about entertaining in tight quarters -- along with plenty of healthy, quick (kosher) recipes such as stir-fries, pasta entrees, vegetarian main dishes, original quick-cooking chicken recipes and delicious desserts.
We now resume our hockey-related discussions.
We now resume our hockey-related discussions.
A Devilish Task
There's no secret what the key to tonight's Caps-Devils game will be for the red, white and blue: win without Alex Ovechkin. This needs to be accomplished through a balanced offense and dedicated defense. It's really that simple.
Brooks Laich, Matt Bradley, Tomas Fleischmann and, of course, Nicklas Backstrom will be at the center of this mission against a very tough Devils squad. If the game is low-scoring, the Caps will have a better chance of winning. That might be counter-intuitive, but without Ovechkin, it's the best way to go.
WNST's Ed Frankovic has a great perspective on the statements by Columbus Coach Ken Hitchcock basically admitting his team targeted the Great Eight, while ESPN's Pierre LeBrun answers questions about the Caps' defense.
Brooks Laich, Matt Bradley, Tomas Fleischmann and, of course, Nicklas Backstrom will be at the center of this mission against a very tough Devils squad. If the game is low-scoring, the Caps will have a better chance of winning. That might be counter-intuitive, but without Ovechkin, it's the best way to go.
WNST's Ed Frankovic has a great perspective on the statements by Columbus Coach Ken Hitchcock basically admitting his team targeted the Great Eight, while ESPN's Pierre LeBrun answers questions about the Caps' defense.
November 3, 2009
Inside the Press Box: John Manasso
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 29th installment: book author, former Atlanta Thrashers beat writer and current NHL.com writer John Manasso.
1. Please describe your transition from serving as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Thrashers writer to your current role writing for NHL.com (and any other of your ongoing projects).
I left the Journal-Constitution in June 2007 and went to work for a local business publication, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, where my beats included sports business. While covering the Thrashers, I always enjoyed the business aspect of the beat. One of my favorite stories that I wrote ran a few months before the 2004 lockout began and it was about Ilya Kovalchuk's rookie contract. At the time, entry-level contracts were becoming a big issue for the league. Kovalchuk's salary over his first three years was scantly more than $3 million, but he earned an additional $5 million in performance bonuses.
At the Business Chronicle, I got to write some stories for Street and Smith's Sports Journal and for Sporting News -- the parent company American City Business Journals owns all of them. Some of those included hockey stories. Before the NHL All-Star Game came to Atlanta in 2008, I interviewed then-NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly while he was briefly in town and discussed the predicament of some nontraditional markets like Atlanta. He said he believed in Atlanta because of the size of the television market (roughly eighth or ninth in the U.S.) but he asked rhetorically, "Do we need two teams in Florida? Maybe not."
A casualty of the recession, I was let go by the Business Chronicle in April. I have been freelancing since, mostly writing on a contract basis for the Web site of the Atlanta Falcons but also for NHL.com.
2. If it's possible to put it into words, what was it like chronicling the Dan Snyder tragedy for the book you wrote on the subject?
Writing "A Season of Loss," my book about the Thrashers' 2003-04 season after center Dan Snyder died and how his family dealt with his death, gave me the greatest sense of professional accomplishment that I've ever had.
People always asked me how "hard" it must have been to deal with the subject matter. I always responded that "hard" was what the Snyders lived through. One of my most poignant memories of doing research for the book was sitting in the Snyders' living room in Elmira, Ontario, and watching a video tape of the funeral eulogies with Dan's parents, Graham and LuAnn. It was only a little more than a year after Dan had died and the memories were still fresh for his parents. There were plenty of tears in what was a difficult experience for them.
When I had completed the first draft of the manuscript, I sent them the draft after I had sent it to the publisher. I started to get anxious after almost a week passed and I had not heard from them. Later, they told me they had to go slow since it was hard for them to re-live it. Graham said he learned things from it that he had not know since he had returned to Canada when Dan took a turn for the worse and died unexpectedly from an infection back in Atlanta. To their credit -- and as was our original agreement -- they did not ask me to remove any passages, but rather clarified and even amplified some parts, including how they began impromptu prayers for Dan as he began flat-lining in the ICU on the day he died.
In 2005-06, the Snyders made a tour of all 30 NHL cities to meet with players and speak to groups about the importance of family, community and forgiveness. (They famously forgave Dany Heatley for his role in the car crash that led to their son's death and helped Heatley successfully fight vehicular homicide charges brought by the Fulton County, Ga., district attorney.) They brought copies of the book with them that were supplied by the publisher to sell, which to me was the strongest endorsement of my work.
3. Do you think the Thrashers will be able to keep Ilya Kovalchuk under contract beyond this season? And, if not, where do you think he'll end up?
That one's almost too hard to predict. I can say that Ilya does like Atlanta and that the situation is much different from when Marian Hossa refused to re-sign in 2008 and forced the team to trade him. I can say this with conviction: Knowing the owners of the Atlanta Spirit group as I do, I doubt that money will be the deciding factor. I think it all comes down to whether Kovalchuk is convinced that he can win here and have the kind of team around him that Alexander Ovechkin does in Washington.
So far, the team has made moves to keep him happy -- like taking his input in signing his friend Nik Antropov -- and he has said he thinks this is the best team in franchise history. Beyond that, who knows. But I can say this: failure to re-sign him would be catastrophic for the organization.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
I almost have too many to list. I grew up a New York Rangers' fan while living in Massachusetts (I was born in Brooklyn and my parents did not move out of the city limits until they were past 30). Watching Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals at my friend Kyle Vogel's apartment on MacArthur Boulevard in Washington, D.C., a few weeks after graduating from American University is right up there. So, then, was celebrating the Rangers' Stanley Cup victory a few weeks later.
I'd also say that attending my first game at Madison Square Garden as a 10th grader in 1987 and sitting in the fabled Blue Seats is up there. So was taking the T by myself to catch Boston Bruins' Saturday afternoon games while in high school at the old Boston Garden.
My first game at the Bell Centre in 2002 was pretty memorable -- I still think of it every time I hear U2's "Beautiful Day" which played during the pregame ceremonies. Finally, traveling to Russia to write about Kovalchuk and Slava Kozlov during the lockout in '04 and to Rimouski, Quebec, to write about Sidney Crosby as a junior in April '05 are up there.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
I have two kids, a seven-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter who keep my wife and I pretty busy. Saturdays can be spent shuttling to soccer games and gymnastics. I also like to cook. When I have time -- which isn't often -- I have been known to make my own pasta and sausage.
1. Please describe your transition from serving as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Thrashers writer to your current role writing for NHL.com (and any other of your ongoing projects).
I left the Journal-Constitution in June 2007 and went to work for a local business publication, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, where my beats included sports business. While covering the Thrashers, I always enjoyed the business aspect of the beat. One of my favorite stories that I wrote ran a few months before the 2004 lockout began and it was about Ilya Kovalchuk's rookie contract. At the time, entry-level contracts were becoming a big issue for the league. Kovalchuk's salary over his first three years was scantly more than $3 million, but he earned an additional $5 million in performance bonuses.
At the Business Chronicle, I got to write some stories for Street and Smith's Sports Journal and for Sporting News -- the parent company American City Business Journals owns all of them. Some of those included hockey stories. Before the NHL All-Star Game came to Atlanta in 2008, I interviewed then-NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly while he was briefly in town and discussed the predicament of some nontraditional markets like Atlanta. He said he believed in Atlanta because of the size of the television market (roughly eighth or ninth in the U.S.) but he asked rhetorically, "Do we need two teams in Florida? Maybe not."
A casualty of the recession, I was let go by the Business Chronicle in April. I have been freelancing since, mostly writing on a contract basis for the Web site of the Atlanta Falcons but also for NHL.com.
2. If it's possible to put it into words, what was it like chronicling the Dan Snyder tragedy for the book you wrote on the subject?
Writing "A Season of Loss," my book about the Thrashers' 2003-04 season after center Dan Snyder died and how his family dealt with his death, gave me the greatest sense of professional accomplishment that I've ever had.
People always asked me how "hard" it must have been to deal with the subject matter. I always responded that "hard" was what the Snyders lived through. One of my most poignant memories of doing research for the book was sitting in the Snyders' living room in Elmira, Ontario, and watching a video tape of the funeral eulogies with Dan's parents, Graham and LuAnn. It was only a little more than a year after Dan had died and the memories were still fresh for his parents. There were plenty of tears in what was a difficult experience for them.
When I had completed the first draft of the manuscript, I sent them the draft after I had sent it to the publisher. I started to get anxious after almost a week passed and I had not heard from them. Later, they told me they had to go slow since it was hard for them to re-live it. Graham said he learned things from it that he had not know since he had returned to Canada when Dan took a turn for the worse and died unexpectedly from an infection back in Atlanta. To their credit -- and as was our original agreement -- they did not ask me to remove any passages, but rather clarified and even amplified some parts, including how they began impromptu prayers for Dan as he began flat-lining in the ICU on the day he died.
In 2005-06, the Snyders made a tour of all 30 NHL cities to meet with players and speak to groups about the importance of family, community and forgiveness. (They famously forgave Dany Heatley for his role in the car crash that led to their son's death and helped Heatley successfully fight vehicular homicide charges brought by the Fulton County, Ga., district attorney.) They brought copies of the book with them that were supplied by the publisher to sell, which to me was the strongest endorsement of my work.
3. Do you think the Thrashers will be able to keep Ilya Kovalchuk under contract beyond this season? And, if not, where do you think he'll end up?
That one's almost too hard to predict. I can say that Ilya does like Atlanta and that the situation is much different from when Marian Hossa refused to re-sign in 2008 and forced the team to trade him. I can say this with conviction: Knowing the owners of the Atlanta Spirit group as I do, I doubt that money will be the deciding factor. I think it all comes down to whether Kovalchuk is convinced that he can win here and have the kind of team around him that Alexander Ovechkin does in Washington.
So far, the team has made moves to keep him happy -- like taking his input in signing his friend Nik Antropov -- and he has said he thinks this is the best team in franchise history. Beyond that, who knows. But I can say this: failure to re-sign him would be catastrophic for the organization.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
I almost have too many to list. I grew up a New York Rangers' fan while living in Massachusetts (I was born in Brooklyn and my parents did not move out of the city limits until they were past 30). Watching Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals at my friend Kyle Vogel's apartment on MacArthur Boulevard in Washington, D.C., a few weeks after graduating from American University is right up there. So, then, was celebrating the Rangers' Stanley Cup victory a few weeks later.
I'd also say that attending my first game at Madison Square Garden as a 10th grader in 1987 and sitting in the fabled Blue Seats is up there. So was taking the T by myself to catch Boston Bruins' Saturday afternoon games while in high school at the old Boston Garden.
My first game at the Bell Centre in 2002 was pretty memorable -- I still think of it every time I hear U2's "Beautiful Day" which played during the pregame ceremonies. Finally, traveling to Russia to write about Kovalchuk and Slava Kozlov during the lockout in '04 and to Rimouski, Quebec, to write about Sidney Crosby as a junior in April '05 are up there.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
I have two kids, a seven-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter who keep my wife and I pretty busy. Saturdays can be spent shuttling to soccer games and gymnastics. I also like to cook. When I have time -- which isn't often -- I have been known to make my own pasta and sausage.
Could Caps Benefit from the Ovechkin Absense?
There is no doubt in this bloggers' mind that Alex Ovechkin is the best player in the league. And there is no doubt that the Caps cannot compete for a Stanley Cup without him. But, since he'll be gone for a week or more, the rest of the Caps might improve while he's gone because they won't be able to depend on him.
For example, on the power play, Tom Poti will get some time at the point and might be able to revive some of the skills that caused the Caps to sign him in the first place. Nicklas Backstrom will show more of his maturity in dominating a game and passing to whomever's on his line. Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble will try to generate more offense and keep building on a strong start. Brooks Laich, Eric Fehr (if healthy), Tomas Fleischmann and Chris Clark will try to increase their goal-scoring output. Finally, Alex Semin won't be able to disappear for long stretches since he'll be the (presumably) go-to goal-scorer.
This all means that the rest of the Caps will be able to improve their games and learn some lessons about what it takes to consistantly win. When Ovechkin is healthy, sometimes the Caps just assume that Ovie will find a way to score and win the game for them. After all, he generally produces about half of the team's offense and has scored 14 goals in 14 games already this season.
But, while he's gone, others need to step up and give the Caps a fighting chance -- just like they did in the third period of the Columbus game Sunday night. The Caps need to play better defense and stay out of the penalty box more. And the Caps need to stick to Bruce Boudreau's system too.
And when Ovechkin comes back, the improved Caps and a healthy MVP could make the team even more dangerous.
For example, on the power play, Tom Poti will get some time at the point and might be able to revive some of the skills that caused the Caps to sign him in the first place. Nicklas Backstrom will show more of his maturity in dominating a game and passing to whomever's on his line. Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble will try to generate more offense and keep building on a strong start. Brooks Laich, Eric Fehr (if healthy), Tomas Fleischmann and Chris Clark will try to increase their goal-scoring output. Finally, Alex Semin won't be able to disappear for long stretches since he'll be the (presumably) go-to goal-scorer.
This all means that the rest of the Caps will be able to improve their games and learn some lessons about what it takes to consistantly win. When Ovechkin is healthy, sometimes the Caps just assume that Ovie will find a way to score and win the game for them. After all, he generally produces about half of the team's offense and has scored 14 goals in 14 games already this season.
But, while he's gone, others need to step up and give the Caps a fighting chance -- just like they did in the third period of the Columbus game Sunday night. The Caps need to play better defense and stay out of the penalty box more. And the Caps need to stick to Bruce Boudreau's system too.
And when Ovechkin comes back, the improved Caps and a healthy MVP could make the team even more dangerous.
November 2, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Nov. 2
Record/Standings Position: 8-2-4 (20 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/4th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-2, vs. Philadelphia
* Won, 4-3, at Atlanta
* Lost, 4-3 (OT), vs. N.Y. Islanders
* Lost, 5-4 (OT), vs. Columbus
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday at N.J. Devils (7 p.m., CSN, join me for CSN's live chat)
* Friday at Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m., CSN Plus)
* Saturday vs. Florida (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (day-to-day), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), John Erskine (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Recalled Tomas Fleischmann from Hershey and assigned Alexandre Giroux to Hershey.
Top Storylines:
* How long will Ovechkin be out?
* Can the team stop taking dumb penalties and play a full 60 minutes?
* Now that his "conditioning" stint is over, what will happen to Michael Nylander?
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (NHL best 14 goals and 23 points), Backstrom (4 goals, 14 assists), Mike Green (points in nine straight games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 2 since), Brian Pothier (bad penalties, no spark), Milan Jurcina (more of the same).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-2, vs. Philadelphia
* Won, 4-3, at Atlanta
* Lost, 4-3 (OT), vs. N.Y. Islanders
* Lost, 5-4 (OT), vs. Columbus
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday at N.J. Devils (7 p.m., CSN, join me for CSN's live chat)
* Friday at Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m., CSN Plus)
* Saturday vs. Florida (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (day-to-day), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), John Erskine (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Recalled Tomas Fleischmann from Hershey and assigned Alexandre Giroux to Hershey.
Top Storylines:
* How long will Ovechkin be out?
* Can the team stop taking dumb penalties and play a full 60 minutes?
* Now that his "conditioning" stint is over, what will happen to Michael Nylander?
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (NHL best 14 goals and 23 points), Backstrom (4 goals, 14 assists), Mike Green (points in nine straight games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 2 since), Brian Pothier (bad penalties, no spark), Milan Jurcina (more of the same).
Caps Lose, Ovechkin Day-to-Day
There was an ominous mood after last night's 5-4 OT loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. On the one hand, the Caps managed to salvage their 20th point of the season after an mostly-down effort. But on the other, Alex Ovechkin left midway through the second period with an "upper body" (read: shoulder or arm) injury and is now "day-to-day."
It's early November, so if Ovechkin needs to miss a few games to guarantee long-term health, this is a sacrifice worth making. But, whether they have Ovie or not, the Caps need to take their third-period effort (minus the penalties) and bring that every game.
It's a different line, but one that the Caps need to walk.
It's early November, so if Ovechkin needs to miss a few games to guarantee long-term health, this is a sacrifice worth making. But, whether they have Ovie or not, the Caps need to take their third-period effort (minus the penalties) and bring that every game.
It's a different line, but one that the Caps need to walk.
November 1, 2009
Blue Jackets-Caps Live
Jose Theodore and Steve Mason are in net. Rick Nash makes a rare visit to Verizon Center, one year after the Columbus Blue Jackets swept the Caps by identical 3-0 scores.
First Period
The game was back-and-fourth in the first seven minutes. The Caps outshot the Jackets, 5-1, and put decent pressure on Mason. The superline is still together, meaning the Jackets are due for a breakaway. Also, Nash unleashed a sick pass but had nobody there to shoot it -- must be used to that by now.
The Caps were able to keep up the pressure and earn a power play when Rostislav Klesla slashed Alex Ovechkin's stick and broke it. However, with Theo on the bench, Alex Semin almost put the puck in his own net trying to make a fancy pass back to Jeff Schultz at the point instead of just shooting. This came shortly after Semin tried to corral the puck instead of unleashing a one-timer.
Ovechkin had a bad giveaway about halfway through the power play, but Theo thwarted the shorthanded opportunity to keep the game scoreless. Fortunately for the Caps, that changed just after the man-advantage expired.
Tomas Fleischmann brought the puck into the zone on the left wing, whipped it to Nicklas Backstrom, who passed it to Semin on the opposite point. Semin unleashed a pass back to Flash, who quickly passed it to Backstrom, who poked it into the goal -- finally scoring on Mason.
Scary moment when Schultz lost his edge and collided with Kristian Huselius, but thankfully both players are OK.
The Caps got another power play at 16:08, but it didn't last long as Ovechkin gave the puck away on the point again and then got called for interference after he hauled down Huselius, who was trying to convert a nice pass from Nash. So the teams will skate four-on-four for 1:25 and then the Jackets will have a brief power play, their first of the game. No goals were scored.
After one: Caps 1, Jackets 0.
Second Period
About a minute into the period, a scrum broke out after Jared Boll pushed Ovechkin into the bench during a stoppage in play, resulting in every player getting involved in the tussle. Boll was called for a 10-minute misconduct and two minutes for roughing. Jason Chimera also got two minutes for roughing as did Ovie. The Caps got a two-minute power play out of it, albeit without Ovechkin on the ice.
No much noise on the power play, though, for the Caps. Keith Aucoin is playing well, though, doing a good job of throwing the puck at the net and playing with energy.
Not too long, Nash evened the game with his ninth goal of the season. Nash blazed by Green, cut inside and fired it past a helpful Theo. It was vintage Nash and a beautiful play.
The Caps killed off a penalty to Schultz, but Ovechkin left the ice and went straight to the locker room. He hasn't returned yet. Replays indicate it might be an arm/shoulder problem. With him off the ice, the lines are sure to be shifted.
Interesting, Columbus called a timeout after icing the puck. That development is interesting because it's the middle of the second period and one would think it's important to keep it for later in the game.
Theo is playing really well tonight. The one Jackets' goal wasn't his fault and he's made some great saves to keep the Caps in the game. The Caps, meanwhile, have played a lethargic game and, other than that one passing play, haven't really looked all that energetic or interested. It's the same way they played last season against Columbus.
Great power move by Laich, but Mason was up to the task. Ovie's still not back. I doubt he'll back this period, so let's hope it's not too serious. The Caps still aren't looking too interested and now are headed back to the penalty kill as Mike Knuble was called for slashing at 18:29.
And it just went from bad to worse when the Jackets got a lucky break. RJ Umberger was standing in front of the net when the puck bounced right to him as Theo was unable to corral a Nash dump-in from the blue line.
The Caps got a power play at 19:30, not too long after the Jackets took the lead, when Klesla was called for holding. Backstrom's at the point with Ovechkin still in the dressing room. They couldn't do much but still have 1:31 with the extra man to start the third.
After two: Blue Jackets 2, Caps 1.
Third Period
The Caps started with a power play but didn't do much. They did, however, unleash a clinic on the penalty kill after a bogus interference call on David Steckel. The penalty was so questionable that Boudreau unleashed a bunch of four-letter niceties for the referees.
Knuble singlehandedly kept the puck in the Jackets' zone for at least 30 seconds while the crowd erupted. Others came and helped one of best PKs in a long time.
The great kill helped energize the Caps, who got a power play of their own at 7:11. And they made it count. Tom Poti fired a great shot from the point, which Mason saved, but the rebound went right to Laich, who put the puck into the net to tie the game at two. The Caps seemed to have woken up and are definitely playing their best hockey of the night.
And the momentum continued. After a stretch a good pressure, B-Mo passed the puck to a cutting Laich, who fired it past a Knuble screen to give the Caps their first lead of the game since the first period. The team definitely is playing with a purpose this period after looking beyond lethargic for the better part of 40 minutes.
Though they were playing well, the Jackets got even. After winning the face-off, Torres poked the puck past Theo on a wrap-around to tie the game at three.
The Caps kept up the pressure, even getting a decent two-on-one with Backstrom and Fleischmann, the newly-dubbed "Flashback" duo.
The Caps' fourth line just put the Caps ahead, continuing more great work. With a ton of traffic in front of Mason, Quintin Laing poked the puck into the net after Steckel and Matt Bradley worked to keep the puck in the zone. Not too much later, the Jackets pulled Mason and then went on a power play, giving them a six-on-four advantage.
Mathieu Garon just replaced Mason in the net for the Jackets, who failed to get much pressure during the power play. A "we want wings" chant has erupted, but it still fails to compare to the pizza prize for six goals back in the day. The Jackets pulled Garon with about 50 seconds left and upped the pressure for the rest of their power play.
Unfortunately for the Caps, that led to a tying goal with 22.4 seconds left off Torres' stick. It was an even-strength goal but it might as well have been on the power play as Knuble hadn't gotten back into the zone and they had a two-man advantage with Garon on the bench. After the Jackets tied it up, Mason went back in net.
So that pretty much means we're heading to overtime -- but not before a big scrum as regulation expired.
After regulation: Caps 4, Jackets 4.
Overtime
After some up-and-down action in the first 90 seconds of the extra session, Brian Pothier got called for interference to give the Jackets an extra-man advantage. And it didn't take them long to make it pay. Nash fired it to Umberger in the slot, and he beat Theo rather easily to give the Caps a second straight OT loss.
Final: Jackets 5, Caps 4 (OT)
First Period
The game was back-and-fourth in the first seven minutes. The Caps outshot the Jackets, 5-1, and put decent pressure on Mason. The superline is still together, meaning the Jackets are due for a breakaway. Also, Nash unleashed a sick pass but had nobody there to shoot it -- must be used to that by now.
The Caps were able to keep up the pressure and earn a power play when Rostislav Klesla slashed Alex Ovechkin's stick and broke it. However, with Theo on the bench, Alex Semin almost put the puck in his own net trying to make a fancy pass back to Jeff Schultz at the point instead of just shooting. This came shortly after Semin tried to corral the puck instead of unleashing a one-timer.
Ovechkin had a bad giveaway about halfway through the power play, but Theo thwarted the shorthanded opportunity to keep the game scoreless. Fortunately for the Caps, that changed just after the man-advantage expired.
Tomas Fleischmann brought the puck into the zone on the left wing, whipped it to Nicklas Backstrom, who passed it to Semin on the opposite point. Semin unleashed a pass back to Flash, who quickly passed it to Backstrom, who poked it into the goal -- finally scoring on Mason.
Scary moment when Schultz lost his edge and collided with Kristian Huselius, but thankfully both players are OK.
The Caps got another power play at 16:08, but it didn't last long as Ovechkin gave the puck away on the point again and then got called for interference after he hauled down Huselius, who was trying to convert a nice pass from Nash. So the teams will skate four-on-four for 1:25 and then the Jackets will have a brief power play, their first of the game. No goals were scored.
After one: Caps 1, Jackets 0.
Second Period
About a minute into the period, a scrum broke out after Jared Boll pushed Ovechkin into the bench during a stoppage in play, resulting in every player getting involved in the tussle. Boll was called for a 10-minute misconduct and two minutes for roughing. Jason Chimera also got two minutes for roughing as did Ovie. The Caps got a two-minute power play out of it, albeit without Ovechkin on the ice.
No much noise on the power play, though, for the Caps. Keith Aucoin is playing well, though, doing a good job of throwing the puck at the net and playing with energy.
Not too long, Nash evened the game with his ninth goal of the season. Nash blazed by Green, cut inside and fired it past a helpful Theo. It was vintage Nash and a beautiful play.
The Caps killed off a penalty to Schultz, but Ovechkin left the ice and went straight to the locker room. He hasn't returned yet. Replays indicate it might be an arm/shoulder problem. With him off the ice, the lines are sure to be shifted.
Interesting, Columbus called a timeout after icing the puck. That development is interesting because it's the middle of the second period and one would think it's important to keep it for later in the game.
Theo is playing really well tonight. The one Jackets' goal wasn't his fault and he's made some great saves to keep the Caps in the game. The Caps, meanwhile, have played a lethargic game and, other than that one passing play, haven't really looked all that energetic or interested. It's the same way they played last season against Columbus.
Great power move by Laich, but Mason was up to the task. Ovie's still not back. I doubt he'll back this period, so let's hope it's not too serious. The Caps still aren't looking too interested and now are headed back to the penalty kill as Mike Knuble was called for slashing at 18:29.
And it just went from bad to worse when the Jackets got a lucky break. RJ Umberger was standing in front of the net when the puck bounced right to him as Theo was unable to corral a Nash dump-in from the blue line.
The Caps got a power play at 19:30, not too long after the Jackets took the lead, when Klesla was called for holding. Backstrom's at the point with Ovechkin still in the dressing room. They couldn't do much but still have 1:31 with the extra man to start the third.
After two: Blue Jackets 2, Caps 1.
Third Period
The Caps started with a power play but didn't do much. They did, however, unleash a clinic on the penalty kill after a bogus interference call on David Steckel. The penalty was so questionable that Boudreau unleashed a bunch of four-letter niceties for the referees.
Knuble singlehandedly kept the puck in the Jackets' zone for at least 30 seconds while the crowd erupted. Others came and helped one of best PKs in a long time.
The great kill helped energize the Caps, who got a power play of their own at 7:11. And they made it count. Tom Poti fired a great shot from the point, which Mason saved, but the rebound went right to Laich, who put the puck into the net to tie the game at two. The Caps seemed to have woken up and are definitely playing their best hockey of the night.
And the momentum continued. After a stretch a good pressure, B-Mo passed the puck to a cutting Laich, who fired it past a Knuble screen to give the Caps their first lead of the game since the first period. The team definitely is playing with a purpose this period after looking beyond lethargic for the better part of 40 minutes.
Though they were playing well, the Jackets got even. After winning the face-off, Torres poked the puck past Theo on a wrap-around to tie the game at three.
The Caps kept up the pressure, even getting a decent two-on-one with Backstrom and Fleischmann, the newly-dubbed "Flashback" duo.
The Caps' fourth line just put the Caps ahead, continuing more great work. With a ton of traffic in front of Mason, Quintin Laing poked the puck into the net after Steckel and Matt Bradley worked to keep the puck in the zone. Not too much later, the Jackets pulled Mason and then went on a power play, giving them a six-on-four advantage.
Mathieu Garon just replaced Mason in the net for the Jackets, who failed to get much pressure during the power play. A "we want wings" chant has erupted, but it still fails to compare to the pizza prize for six goals back in the day. The Jackets pulled Garon with about 50 seconds left and upped the pressure for the rest of their power play.
Unfortunately for the Caps, that led to a tying goal with 22.4 seconds left off Torres' stick. It was an even-strength goal but it might as well have been on the power play as Knuble hadn't gotten back into the zone and they had a two-man advantage with Garon on the bench. After the Jackets tied it up, Mason went back in net.
So that pretty much means we're heading to overtime -- but not before a big scrum as regulation expired.
After regulation: Caps 4, Jackets 4.
Overtime
After some up-and-down action in the first 90 seconds of the extra session, Brian Pothier got called for interference to give the Jackets an extra-man advantage. And it didn't take them long to make it pay. Nash fired it to Umberger in the slot, and he beat Theo rather easily to give the Caps a second straight OT loss.
Final: Jackets 5, Caps 4 (OT)
Caps Need to Embody Boudreau More
While the beginning of the season has been impressive, there's still a way to go before the Caps develop the consistency needed to be a perennial Stanley Cup contender. For inspiration, they need to look no further than Coach Bruce Boudreau.
In today's brilliant column, Mike Wise reminded us all about all the obstacles Boudreau encountered during his journey and why his troops should follow him more. It all comes down to hard work. Those that never take a shift off, remain hungry and never take anything for granted are the ones that will lead the team.
That's one of the main reasons why Alex Ovechkin is an elite player. He always works hard and won't accept anything but the best. Ditto Mike Knuble, Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison. While there are others on the team that also fall into this category (Eric Fehr), one that has started to get it recently is Tomas Fleischmann.
Over the last year, the man they call Flash has started to go to the net more and really do whatever's needed to help the team win.
"The Rangers have a really good goaltending and defense, so you have to crash the net and find the loose pucks there," Fleischmann said during last spring's playoff series.
It's a sentence that surely made Boudreau smile and one that shows that Flash is somebody to keep around. It's also an example that others should follow. And another reason why Ovechkin is so great: because the team comes first.
You can posses as much skill as anybody in the league, but until you put the team first and never stop working, you will not be an ideal player for the Caps. And that's the biggest reason why Boudreau is the perfect coach for the red, white and blue.
In today's brilliant column, Mike Wise reminded us all about all the obstacles Boudreau encountered during his journey and why his troops should follow him more. It all comes down to hard work. Those that never take a shift off, remain hungry and never take anything for granted are the ones that will lead the team.
That's one of the main reasons why Alex Ovechkin is an elite player. He always works hard and won't accept anything but the best. Ditto Mike Knuble, Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison. While there are others on the team that also fall into this category (Eric Fehr), one that has started to get it recently is Tomas Fleischmann.
Over the last year, the man they call Flash has started to go to the net more and really do whatever's needed to help the team win.
"The Rangers have a really good goaltending and defense, so you have to crash the net and find the loose pucks there," Fleischmann said during last spring's playoff series.
It's a sentence that surely made Boudreau smile and one that shows that Flash is somebody to keep around. It's also an example that others should follow. And another reason why Ovechkin is so great: because the team comes first.
You can posses as much skill as anybody in the league, but until you put the team first and never stop working, you will not be an ideal player for the Caps. And that's the biggest reason why Boudreau is the perfect coach for the red, white and blue.
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