Some decade-ending wishes, inspired by Leonard Shapiro's Washington Post column and the venerable Beach Boys.
Wouldn't it be nice if:
* Brooks Laich was the next team captain?
* GM George McPhee got more credit for his masterful work?
* Hershey continued its Calder Cup dominance?
* Verizon Center hosted an NHL all-star game?
* Nicklas Backstrom joined Alex Ovechkin as a Cap-for-life?
* The Caps finally ended the Alex Semin Experiment?
* The NHL continued its Olympic participation for 2014?
* Good people weren't victims of poor newspaper management decisions?
* 2010-2019 was the Decade of the Caps?
December 31, 2009
Caps Eaten By Sharks
Sometimes, a reality check is in order. That's not to say that the Caps are not as good as the San Jose Sharks or that they don't belong in the NHL's elite. Neither of those are true. However, a reminder that hard work and smart play is the only way to win the Stanley Cup is sometimes in order and that's exactly what last night's 5-2 loss in San Jose did for the Caps.
In fact, it was only the second time this season Caps suffered consecutive regulation defeats. (The other stretch was Oct. 8-10 against the Rangers and Red Wings.) And just the third time that the Caps haven't held a lead in a game.
It certainly was a humbling defeat for the Caps, who now must bounce back against another young, up-and-coming team (the L.A. Kings) Saturday afternoon at Staples Center (4 p.m., CSN-HD). In the meantime, the team has two practices and some travel time to think about how to get back on track.
In fact, it was only the second time this season Caps suffered consecutive regulation defeats. (The other stretch was Oct. 8-10 against the Rangers and Red Wings.) And just the third time that the Caps haven't held a lead in a game.
It certainly was a humbling defeat for the Caps, who now must bounce back against another young, up-and-coming team (the L.A. Kings) Saturday afternoon at Staples Center (4 p.m., CSN-HD). In the meantime, the team has two practices and some travel time to think about how to get back on track.
December 30, 2009
Caps Try for Rare Win in San Jose
The Caps visit the San Jose Sharks tonight (10 p.m., CSN) in a game that matches two of the best teams in the league. Both have surpassed the 50-point mark (there are eight teams who have accomplished that) and are the top two goal-scoring teams in the NHL.
The problem for the Caps, though, is that they have trouble beating the Sharks in California -- having lost six in a row in the Golden State and 0-8-1-0 in their last nine visits. They haven't won in San Jose since posting victories in each of their first three visits -- most recently on Oct. 30, 1993, when current coaches Arturs Irbe and Dean Evason were playing for San Jose.
The teams already have faced each other this season, a 4-1 Caps win on Oct. 12 that they dominated. The victory snapped the Caps' 11-game losing streak to the Sharks.
The important thing tonight for the Caps is to avoid getting in a high-scoring affair. Yes, the Caps have a more potent offense than the Sharks (arguably), but it's not an effective way of beating San Jose -- who have won five in a row after ending a five-game losing streak. I expect Michal Neuvirth to be in net tonight.
Notes:
* Our best to Corey Masisak, who has reportedly been taken off the Caps' beat by the Washington Times and may not be employed there much longer because the paper may be removing its sports section on the way to a slow and painful disappearance.
* Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark made their debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets last night and it just looks weird.
The problem for the Caps, though, is that they have trouble beating the Sharks in California -- having lost six in a row in the Golden State and 0-8-1-0 in their last nine visits. They haven't won in San Jose since posting victories in each of their first three visits -- most recently on Oct. 30, 1993, when current coaches Arturs Irbe and Dean Evason were playing for San Jose.
The teams already have faced each other this season, a 4-1 Caps win on Oct. 12 that they dominated. The victory snapped the Caps' 11-game losing streak to the Sharks.
The important thing tonight for the Caps is to avoid getting in a high-scoring affair. Yes, the Caps have a more potent offense than the Sharks (arguably), but it's not an effective way of beating San Jose -- who have won five in a row after ending a five-game losing streak. I expect Michal Neuvirth to be in net tonight.
Notes:
* Our best to Corey Masisak, who has reportedly been taken off the Caps' beat by the Washington Times and may not be employed there much longer because the paper may be removing its sports section on the way to a slow and painful disappearance.
* Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark made their debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets last night and it just looks weird.
December 29, 2009
Captain, Salary Cap and Goalies, Oh My!
The Caps are going back to Cali today with lots of their mind. The three most important topics:
* The Next Captain: The list of contenders seems to be restricted to three: Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble.
* The Extra Salary Cap Room: Many assume that the Caps will go out and use their extra cap room and trade for a big-name player (Ilya Kovalchuk anybody?) but consider this: what if the Caps use some of that money on a long-term extension for Nicklas Backstrom? The Caps' third-year center clearly is one of the team's centerpieces and already has surpassed the 200-point plateau in his young (201 career games) NHL tenure. So he's going due a lot of money -- maybe north of $6 million per year for 4-6 years, at least. So GM George McPhee needs cap space to fit Backstrom in there for many years to come.
On top of that, Alex Semin's $6 million deal for next season already eats up space -- and, if GMGM keeps Semin around beyond that, it will further reduce the amount of money the team has to spend. Finally, some part of management probably is still burned by the big-money deals that haven't worked out (Michael Nylander being the most recent example) and is a little trigger-shy on some of those. Chimera is the kind of guy that McPhee will pursue -- and those players don't warrant the salaries that the team could dole out with their new-found space.
* The Goalie Situation: Before the season started, it was apparent that this was Jose Theodore's last season donning the red, white and blue. After another dud last night, the question now is whether he'll even make it to the playoffs. Unlike last year, when Theo sat while Semyon Varlamov shined, McPhee won't just put $4.5 million on the bench for the postseason.
If he and Boudreau decide that Varlamov is ready -- and, maybe more importantly, Michael Neuvirth is ready too -- then Theo might be on a seat almost as hot as Jim Zorn's. Varly and Neuvy make approximately $1.7 million combined, so getting rid of Theo would free up another $3 million or so -- depending on what comes back in return via trade. That's another way for McPhee to strengthen the team while shedding salaries.
While it's quite possible that the Caps have more questions than a team with one of the best records in the league should, it's obvious that the 2009-10 season is shaping up to be one of the best ever in franchise history -- and it's only the end of December.
* The Next Captain: The list of contenders seems to be restricted to three: Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble.
- While Knuble certainly has the credentials, he does not appear to be a long-term solution because of his age (37) and his tenure (or lack thereof) on the team.
- Ovechkin is certainly the most popular choice, but perhaps Coach Bruce Boudreau was hinting at something when he said after last night's game, "You don't slap a 'C' on someone else. You take your time, out of respect for him and to make the right decision. Because, for me, your captain is a very important part of your team." That's not to say Ovechkin won't have the option to make the call, but it might not be as automatic as some might think.
- Laich would be my choice for several reasons. One, he fits the mold of the kind of captains the Caps have employed: Chris Clark, Dale Hunter, Rod Langway and even Steve Konowalchuk. He's not the most skilled player on the team, but he's certainly the most versatile. And, according to Caps Today, he's already welcomed newcomer Jason Chimera to the team by giving him a ride to Dulles Airport for the charter flight to San Jose. Sounds like a captain-esque thing to do.
* The Extra Salary Cap Room: Many assume that the Caps will go out and use their extra cap room and trade for a big-name player (Ilya Kovalchuk anybody?) but consider this: what if the Caps use some of that money on a long-term extension for Nicklas Backstrom? The Caps' third-year center clearly is one of the team's centerpieces and already has surpassed the 200-point plateau in his young (201 career games) NHL tenure. So he's going due a lot of money -- maybe north of $6 million per year for 4-6 years, at least. So GM George McPhee needs cap space to fit Backstrom in there for many years to come.
On top of that, Alex Semin's $6 million deal for next season already eats up space -- and, if GMGM keeps Semin around beyond that, it will further reduce the amount of money the team has to spend. Finally, some part of management probably is still burned by the big-money deals that haven't worked out (Michael Nylander being the most recent example) and is a little trigger-shy on some of those. Chimera is the kind of guy that McPhee will pursue -- and those players don't warrant the salaries that the team could dole out with their new-found space.
* The Goalie Situation: Before the season started, it was apparent that this was Jose Theodore's last season donning the red, white and blue. After another dud last night, the question now is whether he'll even make it to the playoffs. Unlike last year, when Theo sat while Semyon Varlamov shined, McPhee won't just put $4.5 million on the bench for the postseason.
If he and Boudreau decide that Varlamov is ready -- and, maybe more importantly, Michael Neuvirth is ready too -- then Theo might be on a seat almost as hot as Jim Zorn's. Varly and Neuvy make approximately $1.7 million combined, so getting rid of Theo would free up another $3 million or so -- depending on what comes back in return via trade. That's another way for McPhee to strengthen the team while shedding salaries.
While it's quite possible that the Caps have more questions than a team with one of the best records in the league should, it's obvious that the 2009-10 season is shaping up to be one of the best ever in franchise history -- and it's only the end of December.
December 28, 2009
A Big Dud Follows Noteworthy Trade
The Caps were drained -- emotionally and maybe even physically -- after two big wins over Buffalo and New Jersey and an even bigger trade tonight for Columbus' Jason Chimera. The Carolina Hurricanes came into Verizon Center with a purpose and dominated a Caps team that clearly wasn't on top of its game tonight. The Canes were led by Eric Staal, who registered his second-career five-point game in one of the best games of his roller-coaster career.
The result almost seemed apparent from the start. In the first period, which the Caps have dominated all season, the Canes scored three times and then answered the Caps' next two goals before adding an empty netter to complete the scoring in a 6-3 win. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green scored on the power play, while Eric Fehr added a fluke goal for the Caps. Ironically, it was the Caps' best performance with the extra-man in nearly a month.
The off-night most likely was caused by the trade of Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Chimera, who was at the center of a Jackets' 5-4 win at Verizon Center on Nov. 1 in which he tussled with now-teammate Ovechkin.
"We're professionals and we understand it's a business. I don't think the trade had anything to do with the hockey game," possible captain Brooks Laich said after the game. "Obviously they're very good friends and a huge part of our locker room those two guys, but as far as it taking away or distracting us during the game, that's not an excuse at all."
Chimera's attitude will ultimately help the Caps in the long-run, a sandpaper-type quality the Caps have been seeking and really haven't possessed (short of Matt Cooke's brief tenure). He's not an enforcer (he's registered 17 points in 39 games), but more of a third-liner that might be paired with Laich.
Chimera is in the second season of a four-year deal that pays him $1.875 annually, giving the Caps another player who is under contract for two more seasons. Clark was signed through the 2010-11 season at an annual salary cap hit of $2.633 million. Jurcina earns $1.375 million this season. That means the Caps most likely improved and gained salary cap space.
The topic of the next captain won't be finalized until next calendar year, but Ovechkin most likely has the right of first refusal. Laich also is a strong contender, although he hasn't been even an alternate captain yet on a permanent basis. Some say Mike Knuble might be a long-shot, but he's not here for the long-term and my guess is that GM George McPhee wants a long-term captain in place.
Much more on this as the week progresses and the Caps play their final game of 2009.
The result almost seemed apparent from the start. In the first period, which the Caps have dominated all season, the Canes scored three times and then answered the Caps' next two goals before adding an empty netter to complete the scoring in a 6-3 win. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green scored on the power play, while Eric Fehr added a fluke goal for the Caps. Ironically, it was the Caps' best performance with the extra-man in nearly a month.
The off-night most likely was caused by the trade of Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Chimera, who was at the center of a Jackets' 5-4 win at Verizon Center on Nov. 1 in which he tussled with now-teammate Ovechkin.
"We're professionals and we understand it's a business. I don't think the trade had anything to do with the hockey game," possible captain Brooks Laich said after the game. "Obviously they're very good friends and a huge part of our locker room those two guys, but as far as it taking away or distracting us during the game, that's not an excuse at all."
Chimera's attitude will ultimately help the Caps in the long-run, a sandpaper-type quality the Caps have been seeking and really haven't possessed (short of Matt Cooke's brief tenure). He's not an enforcer (he's registered 17 points in 39 games), but more of a third-liner that might be paired with Laich.
Chimera is in the second season of a four-year deal that pays him $1.875 annually, giving the Caps another player who is under contract for two more seasons. Clark was signed through the 2010-11 season at an annual salary cap hit of $2.633 million. Jurcina earns $1.375 million this season. That means the Caps most likely improved and gained salary cap space.
The topic of the next captain won't be finalized until next calendar year, but Ovechkin most likely has the right of first refusal. Laich also is a strong contender, although he hasn't been even an alternate captain yet on a permanent basis. Some say Mike Knuble might be a long-shot, but he's not here for the long-term and my guess is that GM George McPhee wants a long-term captain in place.
Much more on this as the week progresses and the Caps play their final game of 2009.
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 28
Record/Standings Position: 24-8-6 (54 points), 1st Southeast Division/1st Eastern Conference/2nd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-2, vs. Buffalo
* Won, 4-1, vs. New Jersey
This Week's Games:
* Tonight vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Wednesday at San Jose Sharks (10 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Los Angeles Kings (4 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (currently on conditioning stint in Hershey), Brian Pothier (injured list), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 144.
Recent Transactions: Assigned Boyd Gordon to Hershey for conditioning (Dec. 23).
Top Storylines:
* Alex Semin signed a one-year contract extension; will Nick Backstrom's (presumably-longer) extension be next?
* Olympic fever has spread throughout the Caps: Backstrom's on Team Sweden; Semin, Alex Ovechkin and Semyon Varlamov are on Team Russia along with former Caps Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov. (Other roster announcements coming this week.)
* The Caps are still undefeated against the Southeast Division (8-0) and hold a 14-point lead over their closest competitor, the Atlanta Thrashers. They have five division games in January.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Ovechkin (three points in three straight games), Backstrom (202 career points, nobody else in the 2006 draft class has 150), Michal Neuvirth (starting to show that he's worthy of staying in the NHL long-term).
Scratches (Who's Not?): the power play (scored four times Dec. 5 at Philly, only three goals since); Jose Theodore (his departure from Washington may have been expedited with Neuvirth's recent play); Milan Jurcina/Shaone Morrisonn/Brian Pothier (recent play hasn't shown that they want to return to D.C. next season as they're pending UFAs).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-2, vs. Buffalo
* Won, 4-1, vs. New Jersey
This Week's Games:
* Tonight vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Wednesday at San Jose Sharks (10 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Los Angeles Kings (4 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (currently on conditioning stint in Hershey), Brian Pothier (injured list), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 144.
Recent Transactions: Assigned Boyd Gordon to Hershey for conditioning (Dec. 23).
Top Storylines:
* Alex Semin signed a one-year contract extension; will Nick Backstrom's (presumably-longer) extension be next?
* Olympic fever has spread throughout the Caps: Backstrom's on Team Sweden; Semin, Alex Ovechkin and Semyon Varlamov are on Team Russia along with former Caps Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov. (Other roster announcements coming this week.)
* The Caps are still undefeated against the Southeast Division (8-0) and hold a 14-point lead over their closest competitor, the Atlanta Thrashers. They have five division games in January.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Ovechkin (three points in three straight games), Backstrom (202 career points, nobody else in the 2006 draft class has 150), Michal Neuvirth (starting to show that he's worthy of staying in the NHL long-term).
Scratches (Who's Not?): the power play (scored four times Dec. 5 at Philly, only three goals since); Jose Theodore (his departure from Washington may have been expedited with Neuvirth's recent play); Milan Jurcina/Shaone Morrisonn/Brian Pothier (recent play hasn't shown that they want to return to D.C. next season as they're pending UFAs).
December 26, 2009
Caps Dominate Devils, 4-1, on a Newsworthy Night
Tonight, the Caps showed that they could be the best team in the Eastern Conference, if not the league after a 4-1 win over the other best team, the New Jersey Devils. (The Pittsburgh Penguins might have something to say about it too, but they don't next play until tomorrow night.)
The offense came from most of the likely sources (Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom each registered a goal and two assists) -- with Matt Bradley scoring his seventh of the season and Mike Green his eighth. Brads is now two goals away from his career high set in 2001-02 as a member of the San Jose Sharks (and seems to be a master of scoring fluke goals). Backstrom has 202 points in 202 NHL games.
The Caps peppered Martin Brodeur with 40 shots and their defensive players of the future (Mike Green and Karl Alzner) each logged 20 or more minutes on ice. The only thing that didn't go right for the Caps was the power play, which went 0-2.
But the bigger story was who was in goal for the Caps (Michal Neuvirth) and who wasn't (Jose Theodore). With Semyon Varlamov still out with an apparent groin injury, Neuvirth started his third-straight game ahead of the veteran Theodore -- who purportedly will start Monday but seems to be on his way out of Washington (not that this is a newsflash). Some might argue that Theo is now the Caps' No. 3 goalie, even though he's posted decent stats (9-5-4, 2.94 GAA) this season.
The other news tonight was that Alex Semin signed a one-year contract extension -- meaning he's here until becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season. The move wasn't a huge shock -- in fact, it gives the 25-year-old Semin a little more time to prove that he's serious about playing to his enormous potential. It also gives the Caps more time to see if that will come to pass.
But, for now, the Caps can go to sleep knowing they've got the best record in the league, a three-game winning streak and a lot going for them with two more games left in calendar year 2009.
The offense came from most of the likely sources (Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom each registered a goal and two assists) -- with Matt Bradley scoring his seventh of the season and Mike Green his eighth. Brads is now two goals away from his career high set in 2001-02 as a member of the San Jose Sharks (and seems to be a master of scoring fluke goals). Backstrom has 202 points in 202 NHL games.
The Caps peppered Martin Brodeur with 40 shots and their defensive players of the future (Mike Green and Karl Alzner) each logged 20 or more minutes on ice. The only thing that didn't go right for the Caps was the power play, which went 0-2.
But the bigger story was who was in goal for the Caps (Michal Neuvirth) and who wasn't (Jose Theodore). With Semyon Varlamov still out with an apparent groin injury, Neuvirth started his third-straight game ahead of the veteran Theodore -- who purportedly will start Monday but seems to be on his way out of Washington (not that this is a newsflash). Some might argue that Theo is now the Caps' No. 3 goalie, even though he's posted decent stats (9-5-4, 2.94 GAA) this season.
The other news tonight was that Alex Semin signed a one-year contract extension -- meaning he's here until becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season. The move wasn't a huge shock -- in fact, it gives the 25-year-old Semin a little more time to prove that he's serious about playing to his enormous potential. It also gives the Caps more time to see if that will come to pass.
But, for now, the Caps can go to sleep knowing they've got the best record in the league, a three-game winning streak and a lot going for them with two more games left in calendar year 2009.
December 25, 2009
Devils Regaining Championship Form
The New Jersey Devils haven't played since Monday's 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, when Martin Brodeur set the NHL shutout record. The Devils are hearkening back to their heyday -- with Brodeur back in Vezina Trophy form, Jacques Lemaire behind the bench and the dominating wins coming at a swift rate.
New Jersey is tied for the best record in the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins, another Caps' nemesis, one point ahead of the red, white and blue. And, most pertinent for Washington's troops, the Devils are 3-0 against the Caps this year. (They're also 3-0 against the Pens.)
Brodeur leads the NHL with 23 victories and the Devils have won five in a row -- and 12 of their last 14. Zach Parise continues to pace the offense with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) -- one of seven players with 20 or more points. (The Caps can make the same claim.)
All the hallmarks from their heyday are back: the Devils are second in the NHL with 2.11 goals allowed per game (the Caps are 12th with 2.70) --- a mark similar to the 2.02 they registered when they last won the Stanley Cup in 2002-03. Their offensive output (2.89 goals per game) is up from 2002-03, when the Devils registered 2.63 goals per game.
Patrik Elias led the team with 28 goals in 2002-03 and Jamie Langenbrunner was second with 22 (he has eight so far this season, the same as Elias). Parise had 45 goals last year, when Elias registered 31.
Whether it's Lemaire's legendary zone-trap, a resurgence by Brodeur, a maturation by Parise, the return of Rob Niedermayer or a combination thereof, the Devils are back to the form that earned them three titles in nine seasons.
New Jersey is tied for the best record in the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins, another Caps' nemesis, one point ahead of the red, white and blue. And, most pertinent for Washington's troops, the Devils are 3-0 against the Caps this year. (They're also 3-0 against the Pens.)
Brodeur leads the NHL with 23 victories and the Devils have won five in a row -- and 12 of their last 14. Zach Parise continues to pace the offense with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) -- one of seven players with 20 or more points. (The Caps can make the same claim.)
All the hallmarks from their heyday are back: the Devils are second in the NHL with 2.11 goals allowed per game (the Caps are 12th with 2.70) --- a mark similar to the 2.02 they registered when they last won the Stanley Cup in 2002-03. Their offensive output (2.89 goals per game) is up from 2002-03, when the Devils registered 2.63 goals per game.
Patrik Elias led the team with 28 goals in 2002-03 and Jamie Langenbrunner was second with 22 (he has eight so far this season, the same as Elias). Parise had 45 goals last year, when Elias registered 31.
Whether it's Lemaire's legendary zone-trap, a resurgence by Brodeur, a maturation by Parise, the return of Rob Niedermayer or a combination thereof, the Devils are back to the form that earned them three titles in nine seasons.
December 24, 2009
Rest Deserved
In a season with a strange, compact schedule due to the Olympics, the Caps (52 points) are enjoying two, well-earned days off before hosting the New Jersey Devils (53) Saturday night. The Caps, Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins (53) are jockeying for the best record in the Eastern Conference -- and league, with the Chicago Blackhawks/San Jose Sharks (51) the class of the West.
It looks like it'll be this way all season -- with the loser of the Devils/Pens battle to be a very strong fourth seed.
Down on the farm, the AHL also is enjoying a holiday hiatus -- where the Hershey Bears (44) are tussling with the Manchester Monarchs (45) for the best record in the East -- and the league. The Texas Stars (44), Hamilton Bulldogs (43) and Rochester Americans (42) are the class of the West. (Since when is Rochester, N.Y., in the west?)
Enjoy the break -- and the great hockey!
It looks like it'll be this way all season -- with the loser of the Devils/Pens battle to be a very strong fourth seed.
Down on the farm, the AHL also is enjoying a holiday hiatus -- where the Hershey Bears (44) are tussling with the Manchester Monarchs (45) for the best record in the East -- and the league. The Texas Stars (44), Hamilton Bulldogs (43) and Rochester Americans (42) are the class of the West. (Since when is Rochester, N.Y., in the west?)
Enjoy the break -- and the great hockey!
December 23, 2009
Caps Pull Away from Sabres
For the first time this season, a Caps-Buffalo Sabres game did not end in a shutout. And, for the second time, the Caps emerged victorious -- this time, 5-2, behind a strong team effort and 32 saves by Michal Neuvirth. The Caps improve to 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings with Buffalo after losing six in a row to the Sabres.
Nick Backstrom scored twice for the Caps, his 13th and 14th of the season (he had 22 all last year). Backstrom has 10 goals in the last 11 games after scoring four in his first 26 games. His eight goals in December rank second in the NHL, trailing only Florida's Stephen Weiss (10).
"He's shooting the puck. He's got a good shot and he's sneaky quick," Coach Bruce Boudreau said of the third-year Swede. "We've been asking for a long time now to not be so generous and to be a little selfish when has the puck and just shoot it."
Alex Ovechkin scored in the final stanza, his 24th of the season, and his team-leading third point of the evening. Backstrom, Alex Semin and Mike Green all registered two points.
Tomas Fleischmann recorded an assist on Brendan Morrison's second-period goal for his 100th NHL point.
Note: Despite only playing since 2005, Ovechkin was part of the NHL.com's all-decade first team announced today.
Nick Backstrom scored twice for the Caps, his 13th and 14th of the season (he had 22 all last year). Backstrom has 10 goals in the last 11 games after scoring four in his first 26 games. His eight goals in December rank second in the NHL, trailing only Florida's Stephen Weiss (10).
"He's shooting the puck. He's got a good shot and he's sneaky quick," Coach Bruce Boudreau said of the third-year Swede. "We've been asking for a long time now to not be so generous and to be a little selfish when has the puck and just shoot it."
Alex Ovechkin scored in the final stanza, his 24th of the season, and his team-leading third point of the evening. Backstrom, Alex Semin and Mike Green all registered two points.
Tomas Fleischmann recorded an assist on Brendan Morrison's second-period goal for his 100th NHL point.
Note: Despite only playing since 2005, Ovechkin was part of the NHL.com's all-decade first team announced today.
Sabres Shuffle Off to DC
The Buffalo Sabres, who always seem to give the Caps' trouble, invade Verizon Center for a pre-Christmas tilt. This is the first time since 2005-06 that the Caps have played at home in both their last game before Christmas and their first game after Christmas (they host the New Jersey Devils Saturday night).
Buffalo (22-10-3, 47 points, six ahead of the Boston Bruins) has vaulted back to first place in the Northeast Division -- despite the fact that leading goal-scorer Tomas Vanek only boasts 10 goals while battling injuries.
The Sabres don't score that much (2.63 goals per game, 22nd in the league) but don't allow too much either (2.14 goals allowed per game, third in the league). The Caps lead the league with 3.53 goals per game and, with an improving defense, allow 2.72 goals per game (12th in the NHL).
Two of the three shutouts the Caps have been involved in this season have come against Buffalo -- one for, one against (the Capitals also shut out Tampa Bay). Semyon Varlamov posted his first career regular-season shutout with 25 saves against the Sabres on Nov. 25. Ryan Miller has shut out Washington once in each of the past two seasons, including Dec. 9 in Buffalo.
So, as always, the Caps must strike first -- something they're good at doing. Washington leads the league in first-period scoring with 45 goals and ranks second in the fewest first-period goals allowed (18). The Caps have scored at least one goal in the first period of 28 of its 36 games. Washington has scored first in 25 of 36 games this year. When the Caps have allowed the first goal, they are 7-2-2.
Finally, you might hear something from this selection tonight:
Buffalo (22-10-3, 47 points, six ahead of the Boston Bruins) has vaulted back to first place in the Northeast Division -- despite the fact that leading goal-scorer Tomas Vanek only boasts 10 goals while battling injuries.
The Sabres don't score that much (2.63 goals per game, 22nd in the league) but don't allow too much either (2.14 goals allowed per game, third in the league). The Caps lead the league with 3.53 goals per game and, with an improving defense, allow 2.72 goals per game (12th in the NHL).
Two of the three shutouts the Caps have been involved in this season have come against Buffalo -- one for, one against (the Capitals also shut out Tampa Bay). Semyon Varlamov posted his first career regular-season shutout with 25 saves against the Sabres on Nov. 25. Ryan Miller has shut out Washington once in each of the past two seasons, including Dec. 9 in Buffalo.
So, as always, the Caps must strike first -- something they're good at doing. Washington leads the league in first-period scoring with 45 goals and ranks second in the fewest first-period goals allowed (18). The Caps have scored at least one goal in the first period of 28 of its 36 games. Washington has scored first in 25 of 36 games this year. When the Caps have allowed the first goal, they are 7-2-2.
Finally, you might hear something from this selection tonight:
December 22, 2009
Caps Show Improvement on Road, vs. West
One of the reasons the Caps have reached 50 points already is their record on the road and against the Western Conference. Last season, the Caps were 9-8-4 on the road in October-December and an unreal 15-1-1 on home ice. During that time, they were 4-6 against the Western Conference -- often looking uninterested.
This season, however, they're 12-6-3 on the road in the first three months (with one more game at San Jose left) and 5-2-1 against the West -- one of the best records in the East. They're also a little more pedestrian 10-2-3 at Verizon Center so far, with their next three games on home ice.
The reason for the uptick has a lot to do with maturity, improved play from more players and the fact that the team has stuck to Bruce Boudreau's system more consistantly. Yes, they still take periods (or games) off, but those extra points picked up away from Verizon Center (22 last year; 27 this year) has given the Caps a nice boost.
With a more balanced schedule, winning those games against the West will go a long way towards securing the overall top seed in the Eastern Conference -- and maybe even winning the franchise's first President's Trophy.
Note: Kudos to Greg "Puck Daddy" Wyshynski for returning to The Hockey News' annual "100 People of Power and Influence" list. (Alex Ovechkin is No. 2, behind only the commish.)
This season, however, they're 12-6-3 on the road in the first three months (with one more game at San Jose left) and 5-2-1 against the West -- one of the best records in the East. They're also a little more pedestrian 10-2-3 at Verizon Center so far, with their next three games on home ice.
The reason for the uptick has a lot to do with maturity, improved play from more players and the fact that the team has stuck to Bruce Boudreau's system more consistantly. Yes, they still take periods (or games) off, but those extra points picked up away from Verizon Center (22 last year; 27 this year) has given the Caps a nice boost.
With a more balanced schedule, winning those games against the West will go a long way towards securing the overall top seed in the Eastern Conference -- and maybe even winning the franchise's first President's Trophy.
Note: Kudos to Greg "Puck Daddy" Wyshynski for returning to The Hockey News' annual "100 People of Power and Influence" list. (Alex Ovechkin is No. 2, behind only the commish.)
December 21, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 21
Record/Standings Position: 22-8-6 (50 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/3rd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 6-1, at Colorado
* Lost, 3-2, at Vancouver
* Won, 4-2, at Edmonton
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. Buffalo (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday vs. N.J. Devils (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (back any day), Quintin Laing (expected to play Wednesday), Semyon Varlamov day-to-day), Brian Pothier (unknown). Total Man-Games Lost: 134.
Recent Transactions: Assigned Kyle Wilson to Hershey (today); recalled Karl Alzner and Kyle Wilson from Hershey (Dec. 14)
Top Storylines:
* The Caps are finally home after spending most of December on the road -- and are getting ready for a season-high nine January home games.
* The team is one of four teams with an NHL-low eight regulation losses (New Jersey, Chicago and San Jose are the others).
* This year's version of the Caps hit 50 points the fastest in franchise history.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (23 goals, one off NHL lead), Tomas Fleischmann (14 goals, tied with Alex Semin for second on the team), Brooks Laich (on pace for career-high 59 points)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Milan Jurcina/Shaone Morrisonn/John Erskine (have a combined 10 points, one more than Jeff Schultz), Tom Poti (no goals yet), the power play (3 for the last 22).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 6-1, at Colorado
* Lost, 3-2, at Vancouver
* Won, 4-2, at Edmonton
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. Buffalo (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday vs. N.J. Devils (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (back any day), Quintin Laing (expected to play Wednesday), Semyon Varlamov day-to-day), Brian Pothier (unknown). Total Man-Games Lost: 134.
Recent Transactions: Assigned Kyle Wilson to Hershey (today); recalled Karl Alzner and Kyle Wilson from Hershey (Dec. 14)
Top Storylines:
* The Caps are finally home after spending most of December on the road -- and are getting ready for a season-high nine January home games.
* The team is one of four teams with an NHL-low eight regulation losses (New Jersey, Chicago and San Jose are the others).
* This year's version of the Caps hit 50 points the fastest in franchise history.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (23 goals, one off NHL lead), Tomas Fleischmann (14 goals, tied with Alex Semin for second on the team), Brooks Laich (on pace for career-high 59 points)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Milan Jurcina/Shaone Morrisonn/John Erskine (have a combined 10 points, one more than Jeff Schultz), Tom Poti (no goals yet), the power play (3 for the last 22).
December 18, 2009
Western Canada Double-Dip
As snow descends on the Washington area, the Caps are on the other side of the continent ready for games against the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers -- two places the Caps haven't visited in about three years.
Washington has scored at least six goals in a game SIX times already this year, most recently Tuesday night at Colorado. The Caps scored six-plus goals in five games all of last season.
A win Friday would make this version of the red, white and blue the fastest in franchise history to reach 50 points in a season (the 1984-85 team did so in 37 games). The Caps already have posted their best record through 30 games in franchise history and lead the league in goals (124), power play (24.3 percent) and fewest regulation losses (seven). They are the second-fastest Caps team to reach 20 victories (trailing 1991-92).
Mike Green has sneaked up the power-play charts with 15 power-play points (two goals, 13 assists) to lead the Caps in that category and rank second among defensemen in the NHL.
Nick Backstrom will play his 199th and 200th career games this weekend, racking up 196 points along the way.
Notes:
* Holiday shopping, Caps-style, is on the mind of the Washington Times' Corey Masisak -- and it's a good list.
* Some great stories in the Vancouver press today -- including an amazing recap of the Caps rise to success (so far).
Washington has scored at least six goals in a game SIX times already this year, most recently Tuesday night at Colorado. The Caps scored six-plus goals in five games all of last season.
A win Friday would make this version of the red, white and blue the fastest in franchise history to reach 50 points in a season (the 1984-85 team did so in 37 games). The Caps already have posted their best record through 30 games in franchise history and lead the league in goals (124), power play (24.3 percent) and fewest regulation losses (seven). They are the second-fastest Caps team to reach 20 victories (trailing 1991-92).
Mike Green has sneaked up the power-play charts with 15 power-play points (two goals, 13 assists) to lead the Caps in that category and rank second among defensemen in the NHL.
Nick Backstrom will play his 199th and 200th career games this weekend, racking up 196 points along the way.
Notes:
* Holiday shopping, Caps-style, is on the mind of the Washington Times' Corey Masisak -- and it's a good list.
* Some great stories in the Vancouver press today -- including an amazing recap of the Caps rise to success (so far).
December 17, 2009
Winter Classic Musings
With the 2010 Winter Classic nearly here, it's never too early to think about future sites. Puck Daddy does a great job of debating whether the WC will be coming to Yankee Stadium soon. If not, where is it headed next -- and will the Caps be involved?
One option is Minnesota, a place that seems a natural for hockey and an option that's already been discussed. If it happens, the Wild should don the old Minnesota North Stars jerseys and play somebody from the old Norris Division (maybe St. Louis?).
Another option, if the NHL wants to keep its retro theme, is to find a place for the Carolina Hurricanes to play -- and of course dress them up in Hartford Whalers' colors. That might be the opponent for the Caps -- unless the NHL goes the Patrick Division route and sends the New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils this way.
But where would host that game? Penn State's Beaver Stadium has been discussed, but it's nowhere near any of those cities. FedEx Field probably won't get cold enough (but you never know with today's ice-maintenance capabilities) -- and Nats Park is a possibility too.
If they want the game closer to Hartford, what about Rentschler Field (home of the U-Conn. football team)? It seats 40,000 (a little bigger than Fenway Park and a touch smaller than Wrigley Field, host of the last two Winter Classics) and won't be used anytime in December or January.
It's no guarantee, but a Caps-Canes/Whalers game in Connecticut on Jan. 1, 2010 or 2011 might just work.
One option is Minnesota, a place that seems a natural for hockey and an option that's already been discussed. If it happens, the Wild should don the old Minnesota North Stars jerseys and play somebody from the old Norris Division (maybe St. Louis?).
Another option, if the NHL wants to keep its retro theme, is to find a place for the Carolina Hurricanes to play -- and of course dress them up in Hartford Whalers' colors. That might be the opponent for the Caps -- unless the NHL goes the Patrick Division route and sends the New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils this way.
But where would host that game? Penn State's Beaver Stadium has been discussed, but it's nowhere near any of those cities. FedEx Field probably won't get cold enough (but you never know with today's ice-maintenance capabilities) -- and Nats Park is a possibility too.
If they want the game closer to Hartford, what about Rentschler Field (home of the U-Conn. football team)? It seats 40,000 (a little bigger than Fenway Park and a touch smaller than Wrigley Field, host of the last two Winter Classics) and won't be used anytime in December or January.
It's no guarantee, but a Caps-Canes/Whalers game in Connecticut on Jan. 1, 2010 or 2011 might just work.
December 16, 2009
Caps Crush Avalanche
The Caps left no doubt about their status in a dominating 6-1 win at Pepsi Center over the Colorado Avalanche. As has been the case lately, the game was marred by an ugly hit on a Caps' player, this time Mike Green -- who seems to be OK and poised to play Friday night in Vancouver.
Coach Bruce Boudreau didn't think this was the beginning of a trend.
"It's more coincidence or there would be a lot more suspensions," Gabby said. "[It also] shows what we have to get rid of to have a good game. ...the guys who sitting on the end of the bench and they come out and hit a guy and run around like idiot."
Tomas Fleischmann scored twice (his fourth two-goal game of the season, one fewer than Alex Semin and three less than Alex Ovechkin's team-high). Both are tied for second on the team with 13 goals. Flash is six away from last year's total of 19, his career high.
Matt Bradley notched his sixth goal of the year and 12th point in 32 games, breaking last year's total set in a full season. His career high is 22, set in 2001-02 as a member of the San Jose Sharks.
Ovechkin had an assist while Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and an assist.
The six-goal output brought the Caps' haul this season to 124 (3.56 per game) -- both tops in the league. Their 94 goals allowed is in the middle of the pack and their 2.74 per game is 13th in the league.
The Caps still boast the best record in the NHL -- one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. The Pens and Caps have played 34 games, while the Kings have played 36. The New Jersey Devils have 45 points in 31 games.
Coach Bruce Boudreau didn't think this was the beginning of a trend.
"It's more coincidence or there would be a lot more suspensions," Gabby said. "[It also] shows what we have to get rid of to have a good game. ...the guys who sitting on the end of the bench and they come out and hit a guy and run around like idiot."
Tomas Fleischmann scored twice (his fourth two-goal game of the season, one fewer than Alex Semin and three less than Alex Ovechkin's team-high). Both are tied for second on the team with 13 goals. Flash is six away from last year's total of 19, his career high.
Matt Bradley notched his sixth goal of the year and 12th point in 32 games, breaking last year's total set in a full season. His career high is 22, set in 2001-02 as a member of the San Jose Sharks.
Ovechkin had an assist while Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and an assist.
The six-goal output brought the Caps' haul this season to 124 (3.56 per game) -- both tops in the league. Their 94 goals allowed is in the middle of the pack and their 2.74 per game is 13th in the league.
The Caps still boast the best record in the NHL -- one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. The Pens and Caps have played 34 games, while the Kings have played 36. The New Jersey Devils have 45 points in 31 games.
December 15, 2009
Non-Nylander Day in Colorado
The Caps' first road trip without Michael Nylander makes a stop in Edmonton -- the city, ironically, that could have been stuck with him had things turned out differently. But before the Caps take on the Oilers, they must face the surprising Colorado Avalanche, who sit just two points behind the red, white and blue towards the top of the NHL standings. It's the Caps' first visit to Denver since Oct. 25, 2006.
Injuries have befell the 'Lanche, hurting both ends of the ice. Avalanche veteran wingers Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos remain out, while goalie Craig Anderson recently returned and Adam Foote came back in late November.
Meanwhile, CBC's Elliotte Friedman gave some props to Nicklas Backstrom -- and threw another question mark towards Alex Semin:
My answer, as you might imagine, to the Sasha Question is no.
Injuries have befell the 'Lanche, hurting both ends of the ice. Avalanche veteran wingers Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos remain out, while goalie Craig Anderson recently returned and Adam Foote came back in late November.
Meanwhile, CBC's Elliotte Friedman gave some props to Nicklas Backstrom -- and threw another question mark towards Alex Semin:
"One GM told me that if you're going to sign a player to a long-term, big-money deal, he'd better be three things: critical to your success, consistently healthy and, most importantly, extremely self-motivated. Backstrom (who has not missed a game in three years) fits that profile... Serious question Capitals must ask themselves – does Alexander Semin?"
(s/t to J.P.)My answer, as you might imagine, to the Sasha Question is no.
December 14, 2009
That Didn't Take Long
Just in time for a three-game road trip, and on the heels of Michael Nylander's long-overdue departure, the Caps have recalled Karl Alzner and Kyle Wilson -- and sent down Mathieu Perreault, who probably needs more time in the AHL.
Here's betting that Alzner's up for good, while Wilson is the latest member of the Bears who will get some time with the big club to fill in for injured players.
Here's betting that Alzner's up for good, while Wilson is the latest member of the Bears who will get some time with the big club to fill in for injured players.
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 14
Record/Standings Position: 20-7-6 (46 points), 1st Southeast Division/1st Eastern Conference/1st NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-0, at Tampa
* Lost, 3-0, at Buffalo
* Won, 4-3 (OT), vs. Carolina
* Lost, 6-3, at Toronto
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Colorado (9:30 p.m., CSN)
* Friday at Vancouver (10 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Edmonton (10 p.m., CSN Plus)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (out 2-3 weeks), Quintin Laing (out 2-3 more weeks), Brian Pothier (unknown). Total Man-Games Lost: 121.
Recent Transactions: Assigned Michael Nylander to AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins (Dec. 13); assigned Keith Aucoin and LW Alexandre Giroux to Hershey (Dec. 10); recalled Keith Aucoin and Michal Neuvirth from Hershey (Dec. 9); assigned Karl Alzner to Hershey (Dec. 7).
Top Storylines:
* Nylander's gone! So that means Karl Alzner is back, probably for good. What else can GMGM do?
* You know you're doing something right when you still have the best record in the league despite some struggles.
* Semyon Varlamov continues to prove that he's the Caps' top guy, despite his current injury.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (21 goals, seemingly back to normal and almost back in the NHL lead), Nicklas Backstrom (continues to amaze with 27 assists), Mike Green (26 assists, most points among defensemen).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Nylander (finally! gone! forever!), Milan Jurcina/Jeff Schultz (could the end be near with Nylander gone?), Michal Neuvirth (took a bad loss Saturday in Toronto).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-0, at Tampa
* Lost, 3-0, at Buffalo
* Won, 4-3 (OT), vs. Carolina
* Lost, 6-3, at Toronto
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Colorado (9:30 p.m., CSN)
* Friday at Vancouver (10 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Edmonton (10 p.m., CSN Plus)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (out 2-3 weeks), Quintin Laing (out 2-3 more weeks), Brian Pothier (unknown). Total Man-Games Lost: 121.
Recent Transactions: Assigned Michael Nylander to AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins (Dec. 13); assigned Keith Aucoin and LW Alexandre Giroux to Hershey (Dec. 10); recalled Keith Aucoin and Michal Neuvirth from Hershey (Dec. 9); assigned Karl Alzner to Hershey (Dec. 7).
Top Storylines:
* Nylander's gone! So that means Karl Alzner is back, probably for good. What else can GMGM do?
* You know you're doing something right when you still have the best record in the league despite some struggles.
* Semyon Varlamov continues to prove that he's the Caps' top guy, despite his current injury.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (21 goals, seemingly back to normal and almost back in the NHL lead), Nicklas Backstrom (continues to amaze with 27 assists), Mike Green (26 assists, most points among defensemen).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Nylander (finally! gone! forever!), Milan Jurcina/Jeff Schultz (could the end be near with Nylander gone?), Michal Neuvirth (took a bad loss Saturday in Toronto).
December 10, 2009
Caps Were Due for a Letdown
Before last night's game in Buffalo, somebody said to me that the Caps were probably going to lose to the Sabres. The reason, of course, was that a team can't win every game -- and after capturing six straight, a game against a dangerous team at HSBC Arena seemed like a likely destination for a loss (only their sixth regulation defeat on the season, fewest in the league).
The good news, of course, is that the Caps still have the best record in the NHL -- tied with the San Jose Sharks with one game in hand. The streaking New Jersey Devils are just one point back with two games in hand on the Caps.
The Caps have a great shot to beat the hapless Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night at Verizon Center before hitting the road for four games (at Toronto, Colorado, Vancouver and Edmonton). The red, white and blue also is getting close to full strength -- and might be back to full strength against the 'Canes. As a predictor of that, Alex Giroux and Keith Aucoin were sent back to Hershey today.
The good news, of course, is that the Caps still have the best record in the NHL -- tied with the San Jose Sharks with one game in hand. The streaking New Jersey Devils are just one point back with two games in hand on the Caps.
The Caps have a great shot to beat the hapless Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night at Verizon Center before hitting the road for four games (at Toronto, Colorado, Vancouver and Edmonton). The red, white and blue also is getting close to full strength -- and might be back to full strength against the 'Canes. As a predictor of that, Alex Giroux and Keith Aucoin were sent back to Hershey today.
December 7, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 7
Record/Standings Position: 18-5-6 (42 points), 1st Southeast Division/1st Eastern Conference/2nd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-2, at Carolina
* Won, 6-2, vs. Florida
* Won, 8-2, at Philadelphia
This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Tampa (7:30 p.m., CSN)
* Wednesday at Buffalo (7 p.m., CSN)
* Friday vs. Carolina (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Toronto (7 p.m., CSN Plus)
Injuries: Mike Knuble (could return this week), Boyd Gordon (2-3 weeks), Quintin Laing (out 2-3 weeks), Shaone Morrisonn (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 111.
Recent Transactions: Claimed Chris Bourque off waivers (Dec. 5), assigned Jay Beagle to Hershey (Dec. 2).
Top Storylines:
* With a win tonight, the Caps would have the best record in the NHL -- with a game in hand over the San Jose Sharks.
* The Caps are the most dominant first-period team in the league. Not only are they outscoring their opponents, 39-14, in that stanza, but they only need 6.17 shots (about 12:23) to notch their first goal and just 1:57 before taking their first shot.
* The Caps are the only team in the NHL with two winning streaks of five games or more this season. The current five-gamer is tied with Minnesota for the longest active streak in the league.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): The power play -- they are 7-for-18 (38.9 percent) in the last two games and lead the league at 24.6 percent on the season; Nicklas Backstrom (five points against Philly, team-leading 32 points overall); Brooks Laich (10 goals, team-best six PPGs).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Michael Nylander (nobody wants him -- still); Mathieu Perreault (might be time to go back to Hershey after a solid 15 games); Alexandre Giroux (it's pretty safe to say he's destined to be a career minor leaguer).
Note: It might be quieter than normal around here this week.
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-2, at Carolina
* Won, 6-2, vs. Florida
* Won, 8-2, at Philadelphia
This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Tampa (7:30 p.m., CSN)
* Wednesday at Buffalo (7 p.m., CSN)
* Friday vs. Carolina (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Toronto (7 p.m., CSN Plus)
Injuries: Mike Knuble (could return this week), Boyd Gordon (2-3 weeks), Quintin Laing (out 2-3 weeks), Shaone Morrisonn (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 111.
Recent Transactions: Claimed Chris Bourque off waivers (Dec. 5), assigned Jay Beagle to Hershey (Dec. 2).
Top Storylines:
* With a win tonight, the Caps would have the best record in the NHL -- with a game in hand over the San Jose Sharks.
* The Caps are the most dominant first-period team in the league. Not only are they outscoring their opponents, 39-14, in that stanza, but they only need 6.17 shots (about 12:23) to notch their first goal and just 1:57 before taking their first shot.
* The Caps are the only team in the NHL with two winning streaks of five games or more this season. The current five-gamer is tied with Minnesota for the longest active streak in the league.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): The power play -- they are 7-for-18 (38.9 percent) in the last two games and lead the league at 24.6 percent on the season; Nicklas Backstrom (five points against Philly, team-leading 32 points overall); Brooks Laich (10 goals, team-best six PPGs).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Michael Nylander (nobody wants him -- still); Mathieu Perreault (might be time to go back to Hershey after a solid 15 games); Alexandre Giroux (it's pretty safe to say he's destined to be a career minor leaguer).
Note: It might be quieter than normal around here this week.
December 5, 2009
Caps Manhandle Flyers
For the second straight game, the Caps received an extended power play due to some thuggery by their opponents. Tonight, it was a nine-minute advantage after a cheap shot by the Philadelphia Flyers' Daniel Carcillo on which the Caps scored three times. (We all remember what happened Thursday against the Florida Panthers.) That was all they needed in an 8-2 victory in Philly -- the most goals they've ever scored in the City of Brotherly Love.
Perhaps the happiest moment of the game, though, belonged to David Steckel -- who finally got off the proverbial schnide with a third-period marker.
It also marked the first game in Peter Laviolette's tenure behind the Philadelphia bench. But a new coach didn't lead to good karma for the Flyers, who have been struggling all season. This was their seventh loss in eight games.
Tomas Fleischmann opened the scoring in the game's first minute and added a second on the power play caused by Carcillo's 19 minutes in penalties (not including the game misconduct). Mike Green also scored twice for the Caps, who were without the services of Alex Ovechkin. Green had four points, while Nicklas Backstrom had five (one goal, four assists).
In the two games without the two-time MVP, the Caps have scored 14 times and only allowed four goals. Yikes.
Ovie is expected back Monday in Tampa, while Mike Knuble could be back from an extended injury absense Wednesday in Buffalo.
Perhaps the happiest moment of the game, though, belonged to David Steckel -- who finally got off the proverbial schnide with a third-period marker.
It also marked the first game in Peter Laviolette's tenure behind the Philadelphia bench. But a new coach didn't lead to good karma for the Flyers, who have been struggling all season. This was their seventh loss in eight games.
Tomas Fleischmann opened the scoring in the game's first minute and added a second on the power play caused by Carcillo's 19 minutes in penalties (not including the game misconduct). Mike Green also scored twice for the Caps, who were without the services of Alex Ovechkin. Green had four points, while Nicklas Backstrom had five (one goal, four assists).
In the two games without the two-time MVP, the Caps have scored 14 times and only allowed four goals. Yikes.
Ovie is expected back Monday in Tampa, while Mike Knuble could be back from an extended injury absense Wednesday in Buffalo.
December 4, 2009
Wild Night at Verizon Center
If Alex Ovechkin got a two-game suspension for his (not-so-blatant) hit on Tim Gleason, what do you think Mike Duco will get for his uber-cheap shot of Alexandre Giroux during last night's 6-2 Caps destruction of the Florida Panthers?
In the third period, with the Caps already up 4-0, Giroux legally checked Dmitry Kulikov into the boards near the Florida next. Within seconds, Duco raced off the bench and targeted Giroux. He not only sent Giroux to the ice but kept punching him after he fell down. That got all players involved, including an extremely-irate Chris Clark.
Duco got 27 penalty minutes on the play, including a game-misconduct. It should yield a five-game suspension at the least, since his intentions seemed malicous and was not part of the normal course of play.
Meanwhile, the Caps built that lead with two solid periods of dominating play -- including one of the best games of Alex Semin's career. It was the kind of game the Caps needed and showed that the rest of the Southeast Division has a long way to go to catch the Caps -- who, with 40 points and a 17-5-6 record, are ahead of last year's franchise record 50 wins and 108 points.
In the third period, with the Caps already up 4-0, Giroux legally checked Dmitry Kulikov into the boards near the Florida next. Within seconds, Duco raced off the bench and targeted Giroux. He not only sent Giroux to the ice but kept punching him after he fell down. That got all players involved, including an extremely-irate Chris Clark.
Duco got 27 penalty minutes on the play, including a game-misconduct. It should yield a five-game suspension at the least, since his intentions seemed malicous and was not part of the normal course of play.
Meanwhile, the Caps built that lead with two solid periods of dominating play -- including one of the best games of Alex Semin's career. It was the kind of game the Caps needed and showed that the rest of the Southeast Division has a long way to go to catch the Caps -- who, with 40 points and a 17-5-6 record, are ahead of last year's franchise record 50 wins and 108 points.
December 3, 2009
Caps-Panthers Live
Welcome to Verizon Center and tonight's match-up between the Caps and Florida Panthers. Alex Semin is back in the lineup as promised and starting on a line with Nick Backstrom and Brooks Laich.
Time to play the game...
First Period
The Caps got off to a pretty listless start, which is especially surprising because they haven't played since Monday and the Panthers played last night in a shootout. The early stages of this reeks of last year when the Caps wouldn't take certain teams as seriously as they should. The good news is that the Caps started to play with more energy -- getting some better shots and offensive opportunities.
The crowd is a bit smaller than normal, which is somewhat surprising considering the dearth of home games in November and December. But they're trying to be loud.
Alex Giroux is a step behind so far, doing nothing to undo his image as a "AAAA" player, to use a baseball analogy. In other words, he's too good for the AHL but not good enough for the NHL.
The extra pressure paid off as the Caps took a 1-0 lead thanks to Semin, who didn't take long to make an impact. Semin stole the puck in the offensive zone and fired a wicker wrister past Scott Clemmensen to put the Caps on the board for the first time tonight. It was Sasha's 10th of the season.
The Caps didn't wait long to extend their lead. Eric Fehr got a pass from Brendan Morrison and promptly whipped it to Tomas Fleischmann, who skated a few strides into the slot and put it past Clemmensen to give the home team a 2-0 lead. It was Flash's eighth goal of the year and the Caps' second goal in 1:16. It also ended Clemmensen's night as Alexander Salak entered the game.
Laich's agressive play gave the Caps their first power play of the night as he was slashed on the way to the net. The Caps didn't score on the extra-man advantage but went right back on the power play. Giroux did have a shot to score on a wide-open net but whiffed.
On the second power play, caused by a slashing call on Brian McCabe, the Caps turned up the pressure but couldn't score either. Right after the advantage ended, Matt Bradley uncorked a georgeous crossing pass to Tyler Sloan, who just missed the puck. It was the end of a period where the Caps dominated but only scored twice.
After one: Caps 2, Panthers 0.
Second Period
The middle stanza got off to an inauspicious start as John Erskine was sent to the penalty box, but that ended up being good news for the Caps. Matt Bradley gathered the puck in his own zone and raced the length of the ice and beat Salak glove side to give the Caps a 3-0 lead on his fifth goal of the season -- a shorthanded one.
David Steckel got a breakaway (on the same power play) but Salak managed to get just a piece of it. However, Dmitry Kulikov was sent to the penalty box to give the Caps first a four-on-four and then a power play. Gregory Campbell then got sent off for high sticking to give the Caps a five-on-three.
And there were no wasted opportunities as Backstrom deposited Semin's beautiful crossing pass to give the Caps a dominating 4-0 lead. After a few sluggish minutes at the start, the home team is destroying a tired and overmatched Panthers squad.
At the game's midway point, the Caps were outshooting the Panthers, 22-9. That also almost coincided with a penalty on Stephen Weiss, giving the Caps their fifth power play of the game -- and third of the period.
The Caps couldn't convert on the power play, which ended with Morrison hooking Weiss as he shot on Semyon Varlamov, the Panthers' 10th shot of the game. The good news is that the Caps got more shots on the Panthers' power play than Florida did -- a pretty amazing feat if you think about it.
From there, the Caps continued to pepper the net but couldn't score. They also killed off another Panthers' power play. The Panthers are looking worse and worse as the game unfolds -- although they are showing very slight signs of life. Let's hope the Caps can keep the pedal to the medal and don't let Florida get anywhere close to getting back into the game.
After two: Caps 4, Panthers 0.
Third Period
The final stanza started with one of the dirtiest plays I've ever seen. After a legal Giroux hit on Kulikov, Panthers scrub Mike Duco started hittingChris Clark Giroux after he had fallen to the ice. Duco got 27 minutes in penalties in a play that should result in a suspension. There's no doubt it was far worse than what Alex Ovechkin did to earn his two-gamer.
It only got worse for the Panthers as just 50 second later, as Bryan Allen got called for elbowing. On the two-man advantage, Morrison didn't miss, unleashing a rocket from the slot to give the Caps a 5-0 lead -- and another 5:55 of power play time too.
But that didn't last long as Clark got called for holding at 4:24. The Caps didn't allow anything and then piled onto the blowout.
Semin made it 6-0 (with 2:42 still left on the power play resulting from Duco's cheap shot) after converting a beautiful pass by Clark.
The Caps didn't score again as the extended power play expired, but got another one quickly on another Allen penalty.
Sloan went to the penalty box just 10 seconds later to quickly scratch out that advantage. Nothing happened on the ensuing four-on-four, but it didn't take long for the Caps to go back on the power play, their 12th of the night (Panthers have 43 PIMs so far tonight).
The Caps couldn't score on the power play but, at this point, does it matter? The only thing left to settle was the shutout and Florida finally got on the board when Weiss scored at 16:38 on an assist by McCabe. The crowd's chant of "who cares?" finally seems apropos.
The Panthers scored again on a tip by Jeff Taffe (with a little help by Milan Jurcina) to make it 6-2 at 17:21.
This game might have been won in the first period when Clemmensen was pulled. Maybe Peter DeBoer sensed something then -- that his team didn't have it. The Panthers have given up 11 goals over the last two games, not exactly a championship-building quality.
Pothier then got called for high-sticking, meaning a game that should have been over when the Caps went up 6-0 is now getting a little too interesting. The Caps will win going away, but the last few minutes weren't exactly pretty.
The Caps still scored two goals each period and have dominated more than I've seen in years -- the last few minutes notwithstanding. They outshot the Panthers convincingly and showed that Florida has a long way to go if it wants to play in the same league as the Caps. How scary is it for the league that the Caps can score six goals without the two-time MVP.
Final: Caps 6, Panthers 2.
Time to play the game...
First Period
The Caps got off to a pretty listless start, which is especially surprising because they haven't played since Monday and the Panthers played last night in a shootout. The early stages of this reeks of last year when the Caps wouldn't take certain teams as seriously as they should. The good news is that the Caps started to play with more energy -- getting some better shots and offensive opportunities.
The crowd is a bit smaller than normal, which is somewhat surprising considering the dearth of home games in November and December. But they're trying to be loud.
Alex Giroux is a step behind so far, doing nothing to undo his image as a "AAAA" player, to use a baseball analogy. In other words, he's too good for the AHL but not good enough for the NHL.
The extra pressure paid off as the Caps took a 1-0 lead thanks to Semin, who didn't take long to make an impact. Semin stole the puck in the offensive zone and fired a wicker wrister past Scott Clemmensen to put the Caps on the board for the first time tonight. It was Sasha's 10th of the season.
The Caps didn't wait long to extend their lead. Eric Fehr got a pass from Brendan Morrison and promptly whipped it to Tomas Fleischmann, who skated a few strides into the slot and put it past Clemmensen to give the home team a 2-0 lead. It was Flash's eighth goal of the year and the Caps' second goal in 1:16. It also ended Clemmensen's night as Alexander Salak entered the game.
Laich's agressive play gave the Caps their first power play of the night as he was slashed on the way to the net. The Caps didn't score on the extra-man advantage but went right back on the power play. Giroux did have a shot to score on a wide-open net but whiffed.
On the second power play, caused by a slashing call on Brian McCabe, the Caps turned up the pressure but couldn't score either. Right after the advantage ended, Matt Bradley uncorked a georgeous crossing pass to Tyler Sloan, who just missed the puck. It was the end of a period where the Caps dominated but only scored twice.
After one: Caps 2, Panthers 0.
Second Period
The middle stanza got off to an inauspicious start as John Erskine was sent to the penalty box, but that ended up being good news for the Caps. Matt Bradley gathered the puck in his own zone and raced the length of the ice and beat Salak glove side to give the Caps a 3-0 lead on his fifth goal of the season -- a shorthanded one.
David Steckel got a breakaway (on the same power play) but Salak managed to get just a piece of it. However, Dmitry Kulikov was sent to the penalty box to give the Caps first a four-on-four and then a power play. Gregory Campbell then got sent off for high sticking to give the Caps a five-on-three.
And there were no wasted opportunities as Backstrom deposited Semin's beautiful crossing pass to give the Caps a dominating 4-0 lead. After a few sluggish minutes at the start, the home team is destroying a tired and overmatched Panthers squad.
At the game's midway point, the Caps were outshooting the Panthers, 22-9. That also almost coincided with a penalty on Stephen Weiss, giving the Caps their fifth power play of the game -- and third of the period.
The Caps couldn't convert on the power play, which ended with Morrison hooking Weiss as he shot on Semyon Varlamov, the Panthers' 10th shot of the game. The good news is that the Caps got more shots on the Panthers' power play than Florida did -- a pretty amazing feat if you think about it.
From there, the Caps continued to pepper the net but couldn't score. They also killed off another Panthers' power play. The Panthers are looking worse and worse as the game unfolds -- although they are showing very slight signs of life. Let's hope the Caps can keep the pedal to the medal and don't let Florida get anywhere close to getting back into the game.
After two: Caps 4, Panthers 0.
Third Period
The final stanza started with one of the dirtiest plays I've ever seen. After a legal Giroux hit on Kulikov, Panthers scrub Mike Duco started hitting
It only got worse for the Panthers as just 50 second later, as Bryan Allen got called for elbowing. On the two-man advantage, Morrison didn't miss, unleashing a rocket from the slot to give the Caps a 5-0 lead -- and another 5:55 of power play time too.
But that didn't last long as Clark got called for holding at 4:24. The Caps didn't allow anything and then piled onto the blowout.
Semin made it 6-0 (with 2:42 still left on the power play resulting from Duco's cheap shot) after converting a beautiful pass by Clark.
The Caps didn't score again as the extended power play expired, but got another one quickly on another Allen penalty.
Sloan went to the penalty box just 10 seconds later to quickly scratch out that advantage. Nothing happened on the ensuing four-on-four, but it didn't take long for the Caps to go back on the power play, their 12th of the night (Panthers have 43 PIMs so far tonight).
The Caps couldn't score on the power play but, at this point, does it matter? The only thing left to settle was the shutout and Florida finally got on the board when Weiss scored at 16:38 on an assist by McCabe. The crowd's chant of "who cares?" finally seems apropos.
The Panthers scored again on a tip by Jeff Taffe (with a little help by Milan Jurcina) to make it 6-2 at 17:21.
This game might have been won in the first period when Clemmensen was pulled. Maybe Peter DeBoer sensed something then -- that his team didn't have it. The Panthers have given up 11 goals over the last two games, not exactly a championship-building quality.
Pothier then got called for high-sticking, meaning a game that should have been over when the Caps went up 6-0 is now getting a little too interesting. The Caps will win going away, but the last few minutes weren't exactly pretty.
The Caps still scored two goals each period and have dominated more than I've seen in years -- the last few minutes notwithstanding. They outshot the Panthers convincingly and showed that Florida has a long way to go if it wants to play in the same league as the Caps. How scary is it for the league that the Caps can score six goals without the two-time MVP.
Final: Caps 6, Panthers 2.
Tired Cats Invade Verizon
Tonight, the Caps play host to the Florida Panthers (11-12-4), who captured a 6-5 shootout victory last night at home over the Colorado Avalanche. The Cats, who snapped a five-game losing streak with the win, are led by Nathan Horton (8 goals, 16 assists), Steven Reinprecht (10 goals, 13 assists) and Stephen Weiss (11 goals, 11 assists).
The Caps are 12 points ahead of Florida and took a pair of decisions (4-1 and 7-4) from the Panthers in early November. The red, white and blue is 5-0 against the Southeast Division this season -- including a 3-2 win in Carolina on Monday.
Alex Semin and Tom Poti might return tonight, but otherwise it's the same crew that finished off the Hurricanes. Alex Ovechkin will be missing his seventh game of the season tonight as he's suspended for two games. The key for the Caps, as always, is to jump ahead early (especially tonight because the Panthers played last night) and play sound defense.
The Caps are 12 points ahead of Florida and took a pair of decisions (4-1 and 7-4) from the Panthers in early November. The red, white and blue is 5-0 against the Southeast Division this season -- including a 3-2 win in Carolina on Monday.
Alex Semin and Tom Poti might return tonight, but otherwise it's the same crew that finished off the Hurricanes. Alex Ovechkin will be missing his seventh game of the season tonight as he's suspended for two games. The key for the Caps, as always, is to jump ahead early (especially tonight because the Panthers played last night) and play sound defense.
December 2, 2009
Life Without Ovie, Take Two
The Caps already have played six games without Alex Ovechkin this season, going 4-1-1 (with both losses to the New Jersey Devils). During that stretch, Mathieu Perreault and Nicklas Backstrom were especially brilliant -- while Matt Bradley chipped in as well.
The Caps have gone 4-1-2 since Ovechkin's return and now are facing two more games without the Great Eight. Although Ovie's absense is not due to injury, he is among the many Caps who are missing from the line-up -- most notably Mike Knuble. But that too is turning in the Caps' favor quickly.
Alex Semin is expected to return in time for tomorrow's game against Florida and skate on the top line with Backstrom and Brooks Laich. Once Ovie returns (most likely on Monday in Tampa when his suspension is up), the team will be mostly healthy -- with Tom Poti also a possibility to return tomorrow.
The Caps continue to grow as a team and maintain a record pace in terms of standings points. They've been playing better together, with or without Ovechkin, and must stay defensively-sound while staying out of the penalty box. If they do that, then the Great Eight's absense will be but a footnote on the way to the franchise's best season ever.
The Caps have gone 4-1-2 since Ovechkin's return and now are facing two more games without the Great Eight. Although Ovie's absense is not due to injury, he is among the many Caps who are missing from the line-up -- most notably Mike Knuble. But that too is turning in the Caps' favor quickly.
Alex Semin is expected to return in time for tomorrow's game against Florida and skate on the top line with Backstrom and Brooks Laich. Once Ovie returns (most likely on Monday in Tampa when his suspension is up), the team will be mostly healthy -- with Tom Poti also a possibility to return tomorrow.
The Caps continue to grow as a team and maintain a record pace in terms of standings points. They've been playing better together, with or without Ovechkin, and must stay defensively-sound while staying out of the penalty box. If they do that, then the Great Eight's absense will be but a footnote on the way to the franchise's best season ever.
December 1, 2009
Ovechkin Receives Two-Game Suspension
Alex Ovechkin has received a two-game suspension for his hit during last night's game on Tim Gleason.
"I regret that this has happened. I'm glad that Tim wasn't injured because I never ever want to see anyone get hurt. I am disappointed to miss these games and I can't wait to get back on the ice next week to help my team," Ovie said in a statement issued by the Caps.
So that means Ovie also will have an extra two games to rest after getting injured on the same play. The earliest he can return is next Monday at Tampa.
"I regret that this has happened. I'm glad that Tim wasn't injured because I never ever want to see anyone get hurt. I am disappointed to miss these games and I can't wait to get back on the ice next week to help my team," Ovie said in a statement issued by the Caps.
So that means Ovie also will have an extra two games to rest after getting injured on the same play. The earliest he can return is next Monday at Tampa.
All Eyes on Ovie
Today's practice yielded a somewhat-expected "day-to-day" prognosis for Alex Ovechkin's injury. However, Bruce Boudreau earned his "Gabby" nickname with another money quote:
Clearly, Boudreau (and many others) love Ovie's passion -- and he's got the skills to back it up. But this might be another message to the still-maturing Russian Machine that being a bit more responsible might be in order.
Meanwhile, the Caps went 8-3-3 in November after going 8-2-3 in October. This continues a streak of 14 consecutive winning months -- the longest such streak in franchise history. The Caps' 16-5-6 record through 27 games this season is ahead of last season (15-9-3), when the Caps tied the club record for wins (50) and established a club record for points (108).
"He's pretty reckless," Boudreau said. "It's hard telling a guy that scores 60 goals a year to change the way he plays. At the same time, I don't want to see him getting hurt. Maybe he has to be a little more ... pick his spots a little better. The open-ice hits. It's not only the hitter; the guy who's getting hit is also moving fast, too. You're lining guys up to hit him, and once they move everything gets exposed."
Clearly, Boudreau (and many others) love Ovie's passion -- and he's got the skills to back it up. But this might be another message to the still-maturing Russian Machine that being a bit more responsible might be in order.
Meanwhile, the Caps went 8-3-3 in November after going 8-2-3 in October. This continues a streak of 14 consecutive winning months -- the longest such streak in franchise history. The Caps' 16-5-6 record through 27 games this season is ahead of last season (15-9-3), when the Caps tied the club record for wins (50) and established a club record for points (108).
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