tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43646654560465495302024-03-06T00:04:08.887-06:00FEAR THE WEAGLEYour home for Washington Capitals news, notes and opinions.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-87188528679266740462009-03-04T08:55:00.052-06:002009-03-04T21:02:34.264-06:00Trade Deadline BlogA run down of deadline day:<br /><br />8:45 AM - Arrive from breakfast, seems that nothing has happened as of yet that is earth shattering.<br /><br />8:51 AM - Filip Kuba re-signs with Ottawa 3 years 11.9 million.<br /><br />8:56 AM - Columbus trades goaltender Pascal Leclaire and 2nd round 2009 draft pick to Ottawa for center Antoine Vermette. First trade of the day. Better than Cam Jansen for Bryce Salvador. I guess you can scratch Columbus off the list of potential destinations for Nylander.<br /><br />9:06 AM - Offer made to Tim Connnolly 2 years 4 million dollars by Buffalo. Connolly has left HSBC Arena early, raising questions of his trade eligibility..<br /><br />9:08 AM - Cory Woron reports that contract negociations between Toronto and Dominic Moore have broken down. Look for him to be traded.<br /><br />9:14 AM - Scratch the Connolly rumor, TSN has confirmed that his 2 year contract offer is still on the table.<br /><br />9:21 AM - Andy Strickland reports that Keith Tkachuk is likely to stay in St. Louis, as he is receiving minimal interest around the league. Boston was the front runner for Tkachuk, but it appears both teams cannot agree to a deal.<br /><br />9:30 AM - The Fourth Period reports that Washington is looking for a second tier player, either forward or defenseman.<br /><br />9:36 AM - Brian Burke talks with TSN. It appears that both Dominic Moore and Nik Antropov are likely to be shipped out today, although there is no indication where either may land.<br /><br />9:44 AM - Tim Connolly has re-signed with Buffalo for 2 years 9 million.<br /><br />10:04 AM - Absolutely nothing going on right now, I have been reading <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/jay_onrait/?id=269701">Jay Onrait's blog</a> to get me through this slow patch.<br /><br />10:07 AM - Sean O'Donnell has re-signed 1 year 1.25 million in Los Angeles. Scratch another player off the Capitals wish list.<br /><br />10:15 AM - Computer hijacked.<br /><br />10:20 AM - Jokinen rumored in deal with Flames.<br /><br />10:37 AM - HockeyBuzz rumors that Nylander could be on the move to Vancouver in a multi-player deal (e2).<br /><br />10:38 AM - Biggest trade of the day: Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson, and a 2nd round draft pick in 2010 were traded to Colorado for Jordan Leopold.<br /><br />10:38 AM - Andy Wozniewski traded from St. Louis to Pittsburgh for Danny Richmond.<br /><br />10:54 AM - Lots of action on the phones right now, all that can be said is that Toronto is finalizing their first deal of the day. New York, Tampa Bay and Calgary are all very active in talks right now.<br /><br />11:00 AM - Eklund reports that Montreal is making a last ditch effort on Olli Jokinen. It appears that Vincent Lecavalier will stay in Tampa Bay.<br /><br />11:02 AM - Phoenix has traded Michael Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 4th rounder.<br /><br />11:04 AM - Toronto claims Martin Gerber off waivers. Brendan Morrison was claimed by Dallas. Things maybe looking up for Washington to unload Nylander.<br /><br />11:05 AM - Tim Brent has been put on waivers by Chicago. Pittsburgh claimed Craig Adams and Toronto claimed Eric Reitz.<br /><br />11:11 AM - TSN's James Cybulski is in Washington to cover the Capitals. He has spoken to Michael Nylander who said he cannot comment on whether or not he has been asked to waive his NMC.<br /><br />11:20 AM - Looks like another lull, back to Onrait's blog.<br /><br />11:22 AM - Small stuff, Erik Ersberg re-signs in Los Angeles Erik Ersberg to a 2 year.<br /><br />11:34 AM - Looks like Calgary is getting Olli Jokinen now, there are some salary cap constraints involved, but it looks like Matt Lombardi and a 1st round pick are going back to Phoenix.<br /><br />11:38 AM - Boston has traded Petteri Nokalainen traded to Anaheim for Steve Montador.<br /><br />11:39 AM - Lombardi, Prust and a 1st to Phoenix for Olli Jokinen, confirmed as per TSN.<br /><br />11:45 AM - Philadelphia is pressing hard for the services of Derek Morris.<br /><br />11:50 AM - Beer run.<br /><br />12:23 PM - Boston has acquired wily veteran Mark Recchi from Tampa Bay to Boston. Still unsure of what's going back to Tampa Bay, probably a low end draft pick.<br /><br />12:32 PM - Wow, I was wrong, Recchi and a 2010 draft pick to Boston for defenseman Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums.<br /><br />12:38 PM - Internet failing me, trying to provide updates. Switching solely to TSN.<br /><br />1:00 PM - Last hour of the trade deadline, Washington has yet to make any moves.<br /><br />1:06 PM - Bill Guerin to Pittsburgh for a Conditional Draft Pick.<br /><br />1:10 PM - It looks less and less likely that Washington is going to be able to make a deal. Too much salary locked up at the moment. Pothier could be the Capitals deadline acquisition.<br /><br />1:10 PM - Eklund reports Nylander to Chicago (e4). Things brewing in Caps land. Pierre McGuire reports that Vancouver is still heavy on Jay Bouwmeester.<br /><br />1:31 PM - Starting to drink more, I think May got re-signed by Toronto, apparently Edmonton is working hard on Jay-Bo.<br /><br />1:51 PM - Nik Antropov traded to New York Rangers for a 2nd round pick and a conditional draft pick.<br /><br />1:59 PM - Derek Morris has been traded to the New York Rangers for Nigel Dawes, Dimitri Kalinin and Petr Prucha.<br /><br />1:59 PM - Forgot to report that Scottie Upshall is off to Phoenix for Daniel Carcillo and a pick.<br /><br />2:04 PM - Cory Woron is reporting that Dominic Moore has been traded to Buffalo for Carolina's 2009 2nd round draft pick.<br /><br />2:06 PM - Jay Bouwmeester is officially staying in Florida. Despite good offers from Vancouver, Philadelphia and Edmonton, Florida has decided to keep Jay-Bo.<br /><br />2:08 PM - Atlanta traded Eric Christiensen to Anaheim for a prospect.<br /><br />2:15 PM - Tampa Bay trades Steve Eminger to Florida for Noah Welch and a 3rd round pick.<br /><br />2:23 PM - Edmonton has apparently made a trade, as well as Carolina. They could have possibly been trade partners.<br /><br />2:43 PM - San Jose has acquired Kent Huskins and Travis Moen for goaltending prospect Tim Philmeyere and forward prospect Nick Boniono.<br /><br />2:44 PM - Tarik El-Bashir has confirmed that Washington has stood pat today. Washington had been looking to add a player on the blue line, but the combination of Michael Nylander's contract as well as the inflated value of players like Derek Morris caused Washington to walk away from possible trade talks.<br /><br />2:49 PM - Three way deal with Los Angeles, Carolina and Edmonton. Justin Williams will end up in L.A., Edmonton will receive Patrick O'Sullivan and Carolina will receive a player to be named. It is speculated to be Erik Cole.<br /><br />2:59 PM - It is confirmed that Erik Cole is on his way to Carolina. <br /><br />4:15 PM - A little late, but former Capitals Olaf Kolzig and Jamie Heward are on their way to Toronto, along with prospect Andy Rogers and a draft pick for prospect Richard Petiot.<br /><br />I may follow up on further information as it comes in, if anything big goes down I will report it.<br /><br />So it looks as though the Capital's deadline acquisition will lie in the health of Brian Pothier, who has been cleared to resume playing by team doctors.<br /><br />Although I'm not entirely sure this will be enough to make the Stanley Cup Finals, his addition is welcomed.<br /><br />Only 11 trades have been made today (so far) which marks the lowest total in quite some time, certainly post lock out.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-44149607077752770612009-03-01T01:33:00.002-06:002009-03-01T01:38:15.535-06:00Cherry bashes Ovechkin.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i5ZPa_wmkyI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i5ZPa_wmkyI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Don Cherry openly rips <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AO</span> tonight on CBC. As a Canadian, I typically don't mind Cherry. But in his weekly segment, it almost sounds as if he champions the thought of someone laying out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ovechkin</span> for how he celebrates goals.<br /><br />The thing is, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ovechkin</span> and Cherry aren't that different. While <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AO</span> may be "excessive" in his on ice celebrations, Cherry is much the same in how he handles himself on the Coaches Corner.<br /><br />Mr. Pot, please meet Mr. Kettle.<br /><br />Don, your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">shtick</span> is growing old.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-53043658778069403742009-02-26T18:22:00.003-06:002009-02-26T18:31:52.463-06:00Capitals PP: So hot right now!The Capitals power play has been completely on fire, scoring in 14 out of 43 (32.1%) attempts over the past 12 games.<br /><br />Washington leads tonight's game versus the Thrashers 2-0 at the moment, on the strength of two power play goals (Semin, Laich). Go figure.<br /><br />Also, please stay tuned for our trade deadline feature where we will run down minute by minute updates in our morning and afternoon recaps of the Trade Deadline on Wednesday, March 4th, 2009.<br /><br />Check in over the weekend for our thoughts on the movers and shakers come Wednesday!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_BxidS5JEFM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_BxidS5JEFM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div>TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-12880487217424899572009-02-19T19:19:00.005-06:002009-02-19T19:25:55.250-06:00Then versus Now; You decide.Here are clips from Alexander Ovechkin's highlight reel goal against the Coyotes as well as last night's beauty at home versus the Canadiens.<br /><br />Which do you prefer?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AT Phoenix 05-06</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vzbmI6-YSnQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vzbmI6-YSnQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VS Montreal 08-09</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wkyNPUZmzP4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wkyNPUZmzP4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /></div>TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-14268912426534787042009-02-19T18:04:00.006-06:002009-02-19T19:06:30.586-06:00Caps high on CarlsonAfter a season in which he only played 20 regular season games, 25 year old Steve Eminger was shipped to the Phialdelphia Flyers along with the 84th overall pick of the 2008 draft, for the 27th overall.<br /><br />Eminger - a first rounder in his own right - never quite developed into the all around defenseman he was projected to be after winning a Memorial Cup with the OHL's Kitchner Rangers (<span style="font-style: italic;">until becoming a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning</span>).<br /><br />Since young blue liner was never able to find his grove as a Cap, he was moved so that GM George McPhee could select a new defensive project, in 18 year old John Carlson.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/carlson_dm0188_230-r99706&is=Right+Side+Bar"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 259px;" src="http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/carlson_dm0188_230-r99706&is=Right+Side+Bar" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Carlson was pegged as a late first round pick with the potential to go as high as the late teens. After selecting Anton Gustafsson 23rd overall and seeing that Carlson was still available, McPhee did all within his power to get another pick to use on Carlson.<br /><br />So far it appears that the draft day move is paying off in spades.<br /><br />After being selected in last year's draft, Carlson committed to the London Knight's of the OHL who selected him 33rd overall in the 2007 OHL Draft.<br /><br />This year he has been able to play with the likes of fellow Capitals prospect Justin Taylor, Michael Del Zotto, and future NHL draft pick John Tavares; just to name a few.<br /><br />It is there that he has flourished into a versatile defenseman who can take care of himself in both ends of the rink.<br /><br />Through 49 games, Carlson has registered a whopping 61 points (<span style="font-weight: bold;">13G, 48</span>), which ranks second in the league in both points by a <a href="http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=top_scorers&subType=1&season_id=35&&leagueId=1&lastActive=&singleSeason=">defenseman</a> and points by a <a href="http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=top_scorers&subType=2&season_id=35&&leagueId=1&lastActive=&singleSeason=">rookie</a>.<br /><br />Not only that, but he is asked to play big minutes on the Knight's penalty kill as he is one of their most sound defenders, all while logging upwards of 30 minutes a night.<br /><br />The Midwest Division leading Knight's are looking to make their way to winning their second Memorial Cup in 4 years, and will rely heavily on Carlson to get the job done in all facets of the game.<br /><br />His success in all areas of his game has Assistant coach Pat Curcio gushing over his NHL Potential.<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"That's why he's a No. 1 NHL pick," Curcio said. "The only thing you can say is elite, he's elite as well."</blockquote>It isn't too much to fathom that Carlson could be NHL ready as soon as next year. He showed great promise in preseason camp this past fall with the Capitals, and one could believe that if he can continue to impress, he could go professional next season.<br /><br />Time will ultimately tell, and Carlson still has time left to develop his game in London. But right now, George McPhee is sitting in his office...<br /><br />Smiling.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-7723256732017039242009-02-18T09:24:00.004-06:002009-02-18T09:29:46.133-06:00FEAR THE WEAGLE temporarily down.Just a quick note to the followers that FEAR THE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WEAGLE</span> has been down the past few days due to a bout of the flu. I'm hoping to get things back up and running at some point tomorrow, depending on my health.<br /><br />We're working on some articles at the moment, with our main feature on the play of London Knights <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">defenseman</span> John Carlson.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">note: For information on tonight's game, check out what </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://peerlessprognosticator.blogspot.com/2009/02/peerless-prognosticator-is-on-air-caps_18.html">The Peerless Prognosticator</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> has to say.</span>TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-15542826123886310252009-02-15T11:40:00.005-06:002009-02-15T12:19:02.658-06:00Record setting night in Sunshine state.It took Mike Green just under 35 minutes to re-write the record books. The Caps defenseman has been red hot lately, leading all NHL players in goals over the past few weeks. Last night, he put himself in a position no other rearguard has ever been.<br /><br />Eight straight games with a goal. A new NHL record, which will likely stand for awhile. As previously noted by FEAR THE WEAGLE, Mike O'Connell set the record at seven games in the 83-84 season with the Boston Bruins. Other notable defensemen on the list were<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91MzQ2tHVay8bmpRUor-V46CN9ZThpBvSVy4huN0kpVDv22h4TVNNAq-CSRqggkLBUvCGpSJ42mS5Wx3w6mIbjEw8m1HC__58EKh3_GB8niA1iXfe6Dt-VN4I1nmjUtPT-aRMaGVteMPY/s1600-h/Untitled.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91MzQ2tHVay8bmpRUor-V46CN9ZThpBvSVy4huN0kpVDv22h4TVNNAq-CSRqggkLBUvCGpSJ42mS5Wx3w6mIbjEw8m1HC__58EKh3_GB8niA1iXfe6Dt-VN4I1nmjUtPT-aRMaGVteMPY/s200/Untitled.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303090303887025042" border="0" /></a> Ray Bourque (<span style="font-style: italic;">7</span>) and Bobby Orr (<span style="font-style: italic;">6</span>).<br /><br />A throng of Capitals came off the bench to celebrate the monumental achievement set by the 23 year old blue liner, and his father David was also in attendance. Green had a chance for back-to-back multi-goal games, but rang one off the post in the third.<br /><br />However, Green was not the only one setting records last night.<br /><br />Michael Neuvirth - a Caps rookie - probably never thought he'd get a sniff of NHL action this season. An ECHL All-Star with the Capitals affiliate South Carolina Stingrays, Neuvirth was recalled by the Hershey Bears when both Darren Machesney and Simeon Varlamov were unable to suit up due to injury. While in Chocotown, Michael posted a modest 4-3-2 record with a 3.03 GAA and .890 SV%.<br /><br />When it became clear that Brent Johnson was hampered by a season ending hip injury, Washington was forced to turn to their young net minders to play in spot duty down the stretch. Varlamov would have most likely gotten the call for last night as he already has two NHL games under his belt this year with a 2-0-0 record. Varlamov however, is still ailing from a knee ligament injury, which he hopes to return from this week. The Capitals took a chance with Neuvirth hoping for the best.<br /><br />Last night, Neuvirth looked calm, cool and collected, stopping 23 shots en route to a 5-1 Washington victory. The win marks Neuvirth's first of his NHL career, and hopefully one of many in his young career.<br /><br />It seems as though the Capitals future in goal looks bright with both Varlamov and Neuvirth showing the ability to play at the NHL level at a young age. The test will be if they can carry a heavier load in the years to come, with successful results.<br /><br />GM George McPhee has been unclear about any plans in goal past this season, saying only he plans to spell now starter Jose Theodore with Neuvirth and Varlamov. It is unclear whether or not they will re-sign Brent Johnson through next season, or give his job to one (<span style="font-style: italic;">or both</span>) of these young net minders.<br /><br />But the main story of last night's action was the play of Mike Green. We at FEAR THE WEAGLE would like to extend our congratulations to Mike on a milestone that may never be eclipsed again. He is definitely now looking as a legitimate Norris Winner, and we wish him the best.<br /><br />Green will try to extend his record to nine games as the Caps take on the Panthers tonight.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-10205013692519674942009-02-14T14:05:00.004-06:002009-02-14T14:15:54.437-06:00Neuvirth and Kronwall to make Capitals debuts.Just a quick note on tonight's game in Tampa Bay:<br /><br />Michael Neuvirth will start in goal against the Lightning, making his NHL debut. Neuvirth will look to follow in the steps of fellow rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov, attempting to win his first game of his young NHL career.<br /><br />Also making his first start as a Capital will be Staffan Kronwall. Kronwall was claimed 8 days ago by the Capitals and finally has a grip on the system as well as his immigration status cleared.<br /><br />Both Karl Alzner and Milan Jurcina will not play in tonight's game on the Capitals blue line.<br /><br />Other additions to the line-up are Alexander Semin returing from injury as well as John Erskine getting back on the ice and out of the press box, as he has been a healthy scratch the past two games.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-23769675516012744952009-02-11T23:23:00.005-06:002009-02-12T00:33:39.051-06:00Mike Green ties NHL record in shootout loss to Rangers.Mike Green led the charge for the Capitals while vaulting himself into the NHL record books.<br /><br />The offensively gifted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">defenseman</span> tallied twice in the second period, tying the record for consecutive games with a goal by a blue liner, set by <a href="http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4027">Mike O'Connell</a> in 1983-84.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0627/nhl_u_green_200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="http://sports.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0627/nhl_u_green_200.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However, it was not enough, as the Capitals came up on the short end of a 5-4 shootout loss to the Rangers.<br /><br />Green, along with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fehr</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fleischmann</span> all notched two point performances for the Capitals, while Ryan Callahan and Lauri <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Korpikoski</span> each scored once for the Rangers, who were in need of a win.<br /><br />Alexander <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ovechkin</span> managed only an assist in the loss, but also registered a whopping 13 hits - his highest single game total this season.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Viktor</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kozlov</span> and Alexander <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Semin</span> both did not dress tonight as they are nursing minor injures. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Defensemen</span> John Erskine and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Staffan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kronwall</span> were healthy scratches for the Caps. It has been hinted that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kronwall</span> could play in this weekends Florida road swing, as the Capitals coaching staff is confident that he is learning the teams system to their liking.<br /><br />Jay Beagle was called up for tonight's game, making his NHL debut for Washington. He logged 7:41 in minutes and was an even plus minus on the game.<br /><br />For the Rangers, they are now 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, trying to secure a playoff spot down the stretch. They were 0-5 on their power play, (<span style="font-style: italic;">the second straight game in which the Caps have managed to ice a spotless PK</span>) and most notably were 0-4 in the third period, including a brief 5 on 3 as well as a four minute double minor to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">defenseman</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shaone</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Morrisonn</span>.<br /><br />Washington on the other hand were awarded only one power play throughout the game, and also did not capitalize on their man advantage.<br /><br />The Capitals will now head to Florida for a weekend back-to-back with the Lightning and Panthers, trying to distance themselves from their Southeast opponents.<br /><br /><a name="7525761991"></a>TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-1008734661378084842009-02-09T20:46:00.008-06:002009-02-10T00:06:26.513-06:00Race for "The Rocket" heats up.Last year, the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk, Jarome Iginla, Evgeny Malkin and Henrik Zetterberg all challenged for the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, which is awarded to the player who finishes the regular season with the most goals. However, in spite of gallant efforts by all those forenamed, it was all for not, as the stupefying campaign of Alexander Ovechkin left all his opponents in the dust.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thesunblog.com/sports/ovechkin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.thesunblog.com/sports/ovechkin.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />By the end of the season "Ovie" had opened a 13 goal lead on fellow countryman Ilya Kovalchuk, while setting an NHL record for most goals by a left wing (<span style="font-style: italic;">65</span>) previously set by Luc Robitaille in the 1992-93 season.<br /><br />Notwithstanding, this years race is shaping up much differently, and features some fresh new faces - and of course that of Alexander Ovechkin's still sits as the front runner.<br /><br />So far, Alex has his work cut out for him, slugging it out with other members of the NHL's youth movement in his bid to take The Rocket in back-to-back seasons. While registering 6 goals in his past 4 games, Ovechkin has moved atop the scoring leaders with 37 on the year.<br /><br />But not so fast. With plenty of games to go, Ovechkin is anything but a slam dunk to take top prize. Here three reasons why.<br /><br />Jeff Carter notched his 100th career goal Sunday in Atlanta, and added his 101st for good measure. Carter is on pace to break 100 points for the first time in his career as he has carried the load in goal scoring for the Philadelphia Flyers. He currently sits behind Ovechkin with 34 goals through 52 games.<br /><br />Since entering the NHL, all Thomas Vanek has done is score goals. Now in his fourth NHL season, Vanek has never finished with less than 20 goals in a year. He was on pace to challenge for a 50 goal season before breaking his jaw against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. The Austrian born winger will be out of the Sabres line-up for 3 to 4 weeks, which will most likely take him out of the running. With 32 goals, Vanek sits third overall in scoring.<br /><br />Former Washington Capital Bobby Carpenter became the <a href="http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=836">first American-born player to reach 50 goals</a> when he scored 53 for the Capitals in 1984-85. This season, Zach Parise hopes to duplicate that feat for the New Jersey Devils. The son of former Minnesota North Star J.P. Parise, Zach is starting to make his name as a legitimate scoring threat in the NHL. Parise netted two more goals tonight in a 3-0 shutout win over the New York Rangers and is now tied with Vanek for third in scoring (<span style="font-style: italic;">32</span>). Parise is coming off two 30+ goal campaigns and hopes to add his name to the 50+ club come April.<br /><br />What's astounding about this group of players is that none of them are over the age of 25. Suffice to say that these names could appear atop the leader boards for few years to come, something which is great news for NHL fans and GM's alike.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-2208162858913292942009-02-08T14:46:00.005-06:002009-02-08T15:27:57.004-06:00Thinks finally coming up "Fehr"It took Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fehr</span> only 33 seconds to wrist his 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> goal of the season past an unsuspecting Tomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vokoun</span> in last nights 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers. His latest tally has doubled his past two seasons in combined scoring, as he only put in 3 goals between the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fehr</span> began his professional career with Washington's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AHL</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">affiliate</span> in Hershey, where he scored 53 points in 73 games, as well as potting 11 points in 19 playoff games en route to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Herhsey's</span> 2005-06 Calder Cup Championship.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05BL3Is5mE7U5/610x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 238px;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05BL3Is5mE7U5/610x.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The following season, the 6'4" 212 lbs forward battled through injuries while putting up a point per game average for the Bears (<span style="font-style: italic;">41<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pts</span> in 40 games and a ridiculous +20 rating</span>).<br /><br />However, last year put a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">halt</span> to Eric's professional hockey career as he suffered from a hip problem which doctors could not treat as they were unable to find the source of the problem.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fehr</span> was shelved for the majority of the season when he finally met a specialist who concluded he suffered from a lower back injury which was causing the symptoms in his hip.<br /><br />He was able to suit up for 34 games last year, splitting time between Hershey and Washington, with mild success. It was evident that he was still not in peak condition to be an every day NHL player.<br /><br />This past <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">off season</span>, the Capitals resigned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Fehr</span> to a one year $735,000 deal, hoping that he could prove he was worth the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span> overall selection in the 2003 draft.<br /><br />The signing seems to be paying off in spades, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Fehr</span> is on pace for 25 point season, which is one shy of the 26 which fellow Capital Tomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Fleischmann</span> registered in 2007-08.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Winkler</span>, Manitoba native has really turned on his game as of late, contributing 5 points in his past 5 games, while making good on his opportunity to return to the line-up after Chris Clark has been placed on IR for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">remainder</span> of the season.<br /><br />Evidently, Eric's campaign won't match the point production he saw with Brandon of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">WHL</span> or his rookie season in Hershey, it is certainly a step in the right direction for the 23 year old winger.<br /><br />He still projects as a top six forward in this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">organization</span>, and with this being a contract year for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Viktor</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kozlov</span> and Sergei <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Fedorov</span>, it will be interesting to see if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Fehr</span> is given the opportunity to step into the role in which he was drafted.<br /><br />As for now, at least <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Fehr</span> can take solace in the fact that for the first time in three seasons, things finally seem to be coming up "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Fehr</span>".TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-42630548996134641582009-02-07T13:26:00.006-06:002009-02-07T13:54:48.223-06:00Capitals shouldn't take Panthers lightly.On Thursday night, Washington Capitals followers saw what can happen when you don't fully prepare for an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">opponent</span>.<br /><br />Multiple defensive breakdowns, a handful of breakaways and a 5-4 loss to the .500 Western Conference L.A. Kings.<br /><br />And while tonight's opponent - the Florida Panthers - are a full 12 points behind the Capitals in the Southeast Division, it would behoove the Caps not to look past them as an easy victory.<br /><br />In their last ten games, the Panthers are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">temped</span> 6-2-2 and now sit alone in 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> position in the East.<br /><br />The last time these southern felines made the playoffs? Get out the archives and look up the 1999-00 season when they lost in the first round to the New Jersey Devils (<span style="font-style: italic;">who wound up winning the Cup</span>).<br /><br />But this year, the Panthers seem poised to erase the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">demons</span> of seasons past and have all the right tools to win the division still.<br /><br />Sound familiar? Well it should. Last year at this point, the Capitals were 26-24-5 before going on their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unconscionable</span> streak that saw them win the division in their final regulation game. This year, the Panthers are well ahead of that mark with a 25-18-8 record and plenty of games against their division left to go.<br /><br />To this point, Florida is 8-3-2 against teams in the Southeast and have only played the Caps in one of their six meetings this season (<span style="font-style: italic;">which they won 5-3</span>).<br /><br />Their youth movement is leading the charge offensively with Stephen Weiss, Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bouwmeester</span>, Nathan Horton, David Booth and Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Frolik</span> leading the charge for the Cats.<br /><br />As a plus, their young legs could prove quite the advantage once the grind of the final weeks of the season set in.<br /><br />Washington's task tonight will be to silence the critics who say they aren't nearly successful enough against the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NHL's</span> second tier teams, and take the Panthers to task on home ice.<br /><br />These <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">divisional</span> games could prove to be the difference come April, and if the Capitals don't wish to go the way of the Carolina Hurricanes of last year, it's best they take care of business starting tonight.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-57693526379977012152009-02-07T10:12:00.001-06:002009-02-07T10:35:19.285-06:00Kronwall vs DorsettJust a quick fight between the Capitals newest acquisition and Columbus tough guy Derek Dorsett.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0iB3X7YLeMQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0iB3X7YLeMQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-83355316091453957352009-02-07T00:08:00.007-06:002009-02-07T00:30:26.352-06:00Capitals claim Kronwall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.nhl.com/mapleleafs/bc/images/contentdelta/assets/team/kronwall_200_leafs_turn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 285px;" src="http://cdn.nhl.com/mapleleafs/bc/images/contentdelta/assets/team/kronwall_200_leafs_turn.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Today the Capitals claimed defenseman Saffan Kronwall off of entry waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.<br /><br />The Jarfalla, Sweden product (<span style="font-style: italic;">and younger brother to Detroit's Nicklas</span>) has posted solid numbers this season with the Leafs AHL affiliate, leading all defenseman in scoring (<span style="font-style: italic;">25 points in 42 games</span>).<br /><br />Kronwall will not be in the line up for tomorrow night's game against the Panthers as he has immigration issues to clear up. He will also have to play a minimum of 10 games, or spend the next 30 days on the Capitals roster before he becomes waiver exempt, giving Washington the opportunity to send him to Hershey without risk.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">"He played real well in his first year pro in North America, but then he's had some setbacks with injuries the past few years. He's a puck moving defenseman who might have some upside. So we'll take a look." - GM George McPhee</span></blockquote>The Capitals have also recalled Karl Alzner and Alexandre Giroux for tomorrow night's game.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-35894122066229265962009-02-04T23:12:00.007-06:002009-02-08T19:48:39.633-06:00The Mike Green DebateNHL.com be damned. That's as good a way as any to start this blog, voicing my displeasure for having a story ripped away from me.<br /><br />This afternoon, I was sitting at my cubicle contemplating a new blog entry focusing around the rising star of defenseman Mike Green, and thought to make the point that he could be a potential Norris Candidate (<span style="font-style: italic;">and dare I say winner</span>) at season's end.<br /><br />So imagine the shock when I finally thought that <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> would finally deliver some unique food for thought; only to be beaten to the punch by Mike G. Morreale and the fat cats at NHL.com.<br /><br />Well doesn't that just beat all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/12/12/PH2007121202849.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 250px;" src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/12/12/PH2007121202849.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But at least in the grand scheme of it, this is a topic that can be delved into further, and FEAR THE WEAGLE has never had a problem being second best. So here's what we think of Green for Norris in 09.<br /><br />Green has been on a torrent pace as of late, posting an incredible 20 points in his last fifteen games for the Southeast leading Capitals.<br /><br />He ranks first amongst defensemen in goals scored (<span style="font-style: italic;">16</span>) as well as in points (<span style="font-style: italic;">42</span>), while averaging roughly 25 minutes a night on a young Washington blue line.<br /><br />Oh, and did I mention that he's done all of this while missing 13 games?<br /><br />The 23 year old Calgary, Alberta native is well on pace to eclipse last years point totals of 56, on his way to potentially being a 70 point scorer by seasons end.<br /><br />The only defenseman to accomplish such a feat in the past decade is the Detroit Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom who has scored 70 points or better on four separate occasions during his illustrious career.<br /><br />And here's the kicker: Each of those years he was awarded the Norris Trophy as the NHL's most outstanding defenseman.<br /><br />While the award goes to a defenseman who shows outstanding excellence in both the offensive and defensive parts of his game, it is hard to refute the facts in Green's case.<br /><br />At the moment, he's on pace not only to lead the league in scoring for all defensemen but he is also ranked 5th in plus minus (<span style="font-style: italic;">19</span>), a stat which holds it's weight in gold when considering the winner of this award.<br /><br />Granted, last season Lidstrom was an outrageous plus 40, Green will be able to keep his name in the mix by staying amongst the leaders in this category.<br /><br />And though he may not win the award - as Zdeno Chara seems like the popular front runner at the moment - it would be asinine to not at least give Green a nomination should he continue his current output the remainder of the year.<br /><br />I'm sure if you asked Green the only trophy he wants to hoist come spring time is the Stanley Cup. And you could probably through the Conn Smythe in there as well.<br /><br />But hey - the NHL's most outstanding defenseman has a nice right to it too. Only time will tell if Green cashes in on what has been a spectacular season to date.<br /><br />How do you like them apples, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=407725">Michael Morreale</a>?TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-69629319336199160142009-02-02T18:14:00.006-06:002009-02-07T14:11:19.617-06:00Clark to go under knife, done for season.Washington Capitals captain Chris Clark has not been able to shake the injury bug since his 30 goal campaign two seasons ago.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/12/11/PH2007121102215.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 228px; cursor: pointer; height: 250px;" alt="" src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/12/11/PH2007121102215.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last season the South Windsor, CT native played in only 18 games during the regular season, before a groin injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.<br /><br />Clark, who has only made 32 appearances this season will now require forearm surgery and will miss the remainder of Washington's regular season.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">"He went to see a doctor today and the wrist has been bothering him all here. He'll probably have to have something done on his wrist -- have some surgery."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"It just got to the point where he wasn't the player we know he is," he added. "He was hurting himself and hurting his team. So we're probably going to go [the surgery] route instead of playing through it without getting any results." - GM George McPhee</span></blockquote>Because Clark opted for the surgery, there is a good chance that he could return in time for the post-season, but that it's not set in stone.<br /><br />What is certain, however, is that Clark will now go on LTIR which will open up a little wiggle room financially for the Capitals to recall personnel from Hershey, or even make a trade.<br /><br />Luckily for the Capitals, elder statesman Sergei Fedorov will take over the reigns as interim captain, though he will retain his assistant captaincy patch.<br /><br />Fedorov was signed this past off-season on a one year 4 million dollar contract to provide veteran leadership for a youthful club. Coach Boudreau has assured that when Clark regains his health, he will maintain his role as team captain.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">"Clark is our captain, there's no controversy there. When he gets healthy, he'll come back and be our captain."</span></blockquote>Washington will face the New Jersey Devils tomorrow night at the Prudential Center in Newark.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-29615114390369346322009-02-01T12:26:00.004-06:002009-02-01T12:36:50.133-06:00Simeon Varlamov - Most Exciting Prospect<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.onfrozenblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/pp_simeon-varlamov.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 175px;" src="http://www.onfrozenblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/pp_simeon-varlamov.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />FEAR THE WEAGLE followers have voted Simeon Varlamov as the most exciting prospect in the Capitals orginization.<br /><br />Varlamov took 40% of the vote, while defenseman John Carlson and pesky forward Stefan Della Rovere tied for second with 25% a piece. Hershey Bear wingers Oskar Osala and Francois Bouchard both received one vote.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-5768391517922120852009-01-31T22:32:00.003-06:002009-02-01T12:25:30.556-06:00Capitals shine versus Red WingsIt's official, I don't comprehend this team.<br /><br />As I sit here, watching the tail end of a full Saturday of hockey (<span style="font-style: italic;">Mats Sundin looks like a poor investment of ten million dollars</span>), and type this entry on my ITouch, I am dumbfounded by how Jekyll and Hyde this team is.<br /><br />Two weeks ago, these same Capitals were scratching their way past the Islanders and dropping games to the Senators.<br /><br />This week they managed a gutsy overtime point against the East leading Bruins, and today dusted off the Detroit Red Wings in impressive fashion.<br /><br />What gives?<br /><br />Needless to say it seems that the Capitals have been able to play well against playoff caliber teams, which bodes well for them come May.But it will be interesting to see if they can keep up in the race for the number one seed in the East with Boston and New Jersey currently standing in their way.<br /><br />Washington's schedule the rest of the way is much lighter than the first half which may not be advantageous, as their record versus poorer teams in the league is less than stellar. However, they will have a lot of face time with divisional foes, who are are playing well at the moment.<br /><br />Whatever comes of the rest of their season, one thing is becoming clear. You won't find many Eastern Conference teams excited to face Ovechkin and the Caps once 82 games are in the books.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-52106866464757208322009-01-25T22:45:00.010-06:002009-01-25T23:29:04.949-06:00Pundits may mock, but NHL needs All-Star GameNow that the 2009 All-Star festivities which have enthralled the city of Montreal have come to a close, players will return to their respective teams and continue on with the regular grind of the 2008-09 season.<br /><br />On top of that, sports writers everywhere will submit their articles to their editors dubbing the ASG "<span style="font-style: italic;">a waste of time</span>", or better yet that "<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/michael_farber/01/23/allstar.notes/index.html?eref=sircrc"><span style="font-style: italic;">The All-Star thrill is gone</span></a>".<br /><br />Really, are you sure about that?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/7a/fullj.94758913650b20352dab60d5d01aab1c/94758913650b20352dab60d5d01aab1c-getty-84301065mh011_honda_nhl_sup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 232px;" src="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/7a/fullj.94758913650b20352dab60d5d01aab1c/94758913650b20352dab60d5d01aab1c-getty-84301065mh011_honda_nhl_sup.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think that Alexander Ovechkin gave fans multiple handfuls of "<span style="font-style: italic;">thrill</span>" this weekend.<br /><br />Shoot, is it too late for a re-write?<br /><br />Not to mention the writers will fail to acknowledge that when you get down to it, the NHL needs this weekend for market revenue. Simple as that.<br /><br />Since Thursday, the NHL was able to generate a whopping $10 million dollars in sponsorships, which is vital for a league struggling to keep it's head above water in multiple markets.<br /><br />But no, the writers would rather talk about the suspension hooplah surrounding the league and Detroit Red Wings rather than how the fans were actually treated to an entertaining 12-11 shootout victory by the East; undoubtedly one of the best performances in recent memory.<br /><br />They won't write on how hometown hero Alexei Kovalev was awarded player of the game, nor will they tell of the stellar performances put on by Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Alexander Ovechkin, just to name a few.<br /><br />In all honesty however, the NHL made very well be their own worst enemy. The whole weekend swirled in controversy and gave off a morose vibe to many of the leagues most passionate followers, who claim this weekend should be nothing more than an after-thought, something which these sports writers just can't pass up.<br /><br />But what the pundits don't realize is that <span style="font-style: italic;">they</span> are the ones who prohibit this sport from reaching the mainstream again.<br /><br />They are the ones who keep new fans away from the product with their overall negativity.<br /><br />Who wants to invest time and money in a sport that everyone claims is floundering?<br /><br />I wonder what would happen to these guys should the league ever had to fold?<br /><br />Oh well, whatever keeps you in the headlines; right?<br /><br />Note: Kudos to our friends from <a href="http://www.dccheapseats.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">A View From the Cheap Seats</span></a> for sounding off on this as well.<br />Their article can be read <a href="http://www.dccheapseats.com/?p=2167">HERE</a>.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-48427057407232725032009-01-25T01:04:00.009-06:002009-01-25T14:44:24.481-06:00Wait, what just happened!?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2009-01/44690443.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 377px;" src="http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2009-01/44690443.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This photo was just the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">beginning</span> of what many would call the most creative breakaway attempt of the night.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ovechkin</span> along with Patrick Kane, Martin St. Louis, Ryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Getzlaf</span>, Alexei <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kovalev</span> and Steven <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Stamkos</span> took part in the 2009 Honda Skills Competition's Breakaway Challenge.<br /><br />And while all competitors put on a rather good show, it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ovechkin's</span> theatrics that won the crowds vote in runaway fashion.<br /><br />In what turned out to be his final attempt, Ovechkin circled back to center ice where he was met by fellow Russian phenom Evgeni Malkin.<br /><br />Malkin then dawned him with a fishing cap featuring a Canadian flag to rile the crowd, as well as a pair of high profile sunglasses and a swig of gatorade.<br /><br />From there Ovechkin grabbed an extra stick and proceeded down the ice stickhandling between the sticks in his left and right hands before firing a shot on net (<span style="font-style: italic;">left handed mind you</span>), as well as a follow up on the rebound, which he deposited in the back of the net, and garnished roars from all those in attendance.<br /><br />The attempt was the most creative of all the competitors, and was noticed by the fans who awarded him major style points.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">The Great Eight</span>" took 42.8% of the fan vote. Finishing a distant second place was fellow Russian Alexei <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kovalev</span> with 19.7% of the vote.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ovechkin</span> however did not fair as well in the Elimination Shootout, where he was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">brick walled</span> by Tim Thomas on his first attempt and eliminated from the event.<br /><br />Former Winnipeg Jet Shane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Doan</span> was named victor of the shootout event, which was celebrated by this former fan of the now defunct franchise.<br /><br />But now we will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">segway</span> back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ovechkin</span>, who seems to have made peace with rival <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Evgeni</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Malkin</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">picture shown above</span>). Both players have had a falling out after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ovechkin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">allegedly</span> took a swing at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Malkin's</span> agent.<br /><br />The two superstars will most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">definitely</span> be teammates on Russia's 2010 Olympic roster, and it was nice to see them get along in what was surely one of the brighter spots of the night (<span style="font-style: italic;">right up there with </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zdeno</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Chara's</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> 105.4 MPH blast</span>).<br /><br />All in all it wasn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">necessarily</span> a memorable Skills Competition, as it lacked much of the excitement that made this event popular through the 90's and early 00's. There were technical difficulties in regards to the Fastest Skater relay, as well as the elimination of the cone relay which was one of the more exciting events.<br /><br />Not to mention the multiple flubs by CBC tonight when it came to the presentation of the event. This was mostly apparent in the Young Stars Game where the camera would switch from showing a breakaway attempt to re-airing highlights from moments before.<br /><br />But at least it seemed like fans and players alike were having fun during tonight's festivities.<br /><br />And in the end, that's what this is all about.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zwwkW1PBUCc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zwwkW1PBUCc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-10115873443953946572009-01-24T13:41:00.004-06:002009-01-24T13:52:10.896-06:00Ovechkin to take part in Honda Skills Competition tonight.Like many NHL players, the staff at FEAR THE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WEAGLE</span> were planning on using the All-Star Break as a chance to recharge and spend time with family and friends.<br /><br />However, we feel that we have a duty to the fans of Capitals Nation and are here to pass along a brief piece of news.<br /><br />In case you've been living under a rock, Washington Capitals forward Alexander will be taking place in this weekends festivities.<br /><br />Tonight he will take part in both the Breakaway Challenge as well as the Elimination Shootout.<br /><br />For more information on both of these events and where they take place in the schedule, please visit this <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=29599">LINK</a>.<br /><br />Apparently Alex has something special planned, you can follow the weekend through his eyes by accessing his <a href="http://twitter.com/ovi8">Twitter</a> account.<br /><br />As for your friends at FEAR THE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WEAGLE</span>, we will return next week with anything and everything Washington Capitals related.<br /><br />Keep your sticks on the ice.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-8787649344003089542009-01-21T23:55:00.008-06:002009-01-22T00:19:54.587-06:00Nylander wants out?; Plus other Capitals notes.After being scratched from the Capitals line-up for last nights game, Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nylander</span> vented to <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Capitals Insider</span></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tarik</span> El-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bashir</span> about the situation.<br /><p></p><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><p>"I feel good on the ice, but it doesn't matter. We'll have to see what we can do, what happens."</p> <p>When I asked him if his struggles were the result of his playing style not meshing with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Boudreau's</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nylander</span> said: "I don't know. I am not the coach. What can I say? This is the way he wants to do it. I just have to figure a way around it." </p> <p>"I know how the system works," he added. "I don't have a problem with the system. The system is quite easily played."</p></blockquote><p></p>His comments may hint at the fact he wants to be traded to a team that uses him more effectively and give him more ice time.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nylander</span> is in the second year of a 4 year term, and his $4,875,000 contract could prove difficult to unload at the trade deadline.<br /><br />Also of note, Bryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Helmer</span>, Karl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Alzner</span> and Daren <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Machesney</span> were all returned to Hershey today. It is likely that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Alzner</span> could return to the Capitals line-up after the All-Star festivities have ended.<br /><br />Also, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nicklas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Backstrom</span> will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">fore go</span> the All-Star Young Stars game citing that he "<span style="font-style: italic;">felt like it made more sense to give someone else that opportunity and use this time to rest and prepare for the second half of the season with the Capitals</span>."<br /><br />He assured the press that his decision is not injury related.<br /><br />Finally, Capitals prospects Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Neuvirth</span> and Travis Morin took their part in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECHL</span> All-Star game tonight in Reading, PA. The American All-Stars (Morin, <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Neuvirth</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> and co.</span>) topped the National Roster 11-5.<br /><br />Morin finished the game with 2 assists while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Neuvirth</span> stopped 19 of 20 shots in the third period of the contest.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-49897970044249895042009-01-19T19:13:00.014-06:002009-01-19T22:47:08.823-06:00Caps may not win pretty; but win nonethelessThe Washington Capitals have faced two glaring obstacles this season. The first being a rash of injuries that decimated the roster through the early part of the season. The second would have to be their inability to beat inferior opponents.<br /><br />However, in spite of their marginal victories against the leagues bottom dwellers, the Capitals still manage to win. It might not be a pretty headline, but it's pretty in the standings column.<br /><br />Capitals fans need to realize that this team is not going to play lights out hockey for an 82 game season. That is just not realistic.<br /><br />Nor is believing you're going to get a quality offensive output from your star players game in and game out. Sorry, the NHL just doesn't function that way (<span style="font-style: italic;">unless your name is Alexander Ovechkin</span>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2008/03/11/2004275882.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 217px;" src="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2008/03/11/2004275882.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Capitals fans are spoiled by the talent level their team possesses, and their ability to explode for six goals on an opponent any given night. And no, any given night should not to be confused with <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> given night.<br /><br />Every NHL team will go through a slump, or play down to their opponents. This is not a Washington Capitals exclusive. Scorers will go through droughts, while defensemen and goaltenders can go hot or cold within a moments notice. Thus is the parody of the NHL.<br /><br />To illustrate my point, earlier today, Boston lost to the lowly St. Louis Blues (<span style="font-style: italic;">15th in the West</span>) in shootout.<br /><br /><br />Yesterday the Calgary Flames got hosed 6-2 by the Colorado Avalanche (<span style="font-style: italic;">11th in the West</span>).<br /><br />Hell, even the Tamp Bay Lightning (<span style="font-style: italic;">12th in the East</span>) trounced the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 last week.<br /><br />While it is true the Capitals normally play down to the bottom tier of the league, the same can be said of them playing "<span style="font-style: italic;">up to</span>" the standards of elite teams.<br /><br />The Boston Bruins lead the East, but have fallen twice so far to the Capitals. Washington is also 2-1 in games against the Montreal Canadiens, 3-0 against the Atlantic leading Rangers and 2-0 against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins.<br /><br />As the second half of the season gets underway, there are already a handful of teams that are destined to miss the playoffs. But be sure that when the Capitals, Bruins, Sharks or Red Wings come to town, they're going to give them their best.<br /><br />So please, don't be upset how the Capitals won today's game.<br /><br />Just be glad they won.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE</span>: With his two goal performance, Alexander Ovechkin has taken over the lead league in scoring</span> (<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">31</span>).TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-64109761031419235932009-01-18T23:38:00.008-06:002009-01-19T01:03:47.908-06:00Alzner continues to grow as member of CapitalsOver the past few games, rookie defenseman Karl Alzner has seen a drop in ice time.<br /><br />Part of that has to do with line management, as coach Bruce Boudreau doesn't want to see Alzner, along with defensive partner Bryan Helmer out against the opponents top lines.<br /><br />The other part of the receding minutes equates to the lack of confidence Karl has played with lately. It started becoming apparent that his game had changed since his call up in November, and that he was struggling.<br /><br />Then I read up on <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/morning_skate_update_16.html#more">Tarik's blog</a> and it all made sense.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">[Bruce] Boudreau had a heart-to-heart with defenseman Karl Alzner a few days ago after suspecting that the rookie was becoming distracted by the possibility of being sent back to Hershey for salary cap reasons. (When Poti returns, unless the GM George McPhee manages to clear space some other way, Alzner will likely have to go down.) <p>"I talked to him because you can't do that - it'll kill you," Boudreau said. "Trying to control things that you can't control is murderous on your psyche. If it just so happens that there's an issue, that will happen anyway, whether you scored five goals tonight or didn't score five goals tonight or played 35 minutes. I told him to just go out an play."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/alzneraction.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 219px;" src="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/alzneraction.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p>"He struggled there for a few games, so I knew something was bothering him," he added.</p> <p>Alzner said: "I was worrying about getting sent down much too much earlier. About a week ago, that's what I was thinking about. I know the situation. I know who is going to be coming back and approximately when. If it happens, it happens. Not too many guys get to play a full season, or even a half season, when they are 20 years old. My focus now is to make it hard for them."</p></blockquote><br />Since their chat, Alzner seems to be regaining the confidence he showed through the month of December. His minutes are still in the 13 minute range, but his play has been noticeably better.<br /><br />Case in point, Saturday night's home game against the Bruins. Washington was nursing a one goal lead late in the third period, when John Erskine took an unnecessary elbowing penalty.<br /><br />With their goalie pulled, the Bruins had a 6-4 man advantage and were controlling the play rather effectively, when Karl Alzner made a crucial defensive play to eliminate a cross ice pass to David Kregci, one of Boston's leading scorers. After intercepting the pass, Alzner calmly dumped the puck the length of the ice ending Boston's chances at a comeback. (video available <a href="http://neuroticnerd.com/capitals/">HERE</a>)<br /><br />Despite his effective play, it is widely believed that Alzner will be sent down once the defensive corps regains it's health, but it will be strictly driven by the financial position that the Capitals find themselves in.<br /><br />At the very least, the young Burnaby, BC native got a taste of the NHL this year. Next year will be his chance to step into a more influential role with the club and grow from there.<br /><br />It is of my personal opinion the Alzner has all the tools to be amongst the top 10 defensive rearguards in this league. It's up to him to continue to build on them, whether in the NHL or not.TJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364665456046549530.post-39790126329905435792009-01-17T14:02:00.004-06:002009-01-17T14:20:49.199-06:00Bruins injuries mount; Rival those of CapsCall the nurse, we have a bleeder.<br /><br />It appears that the hemorrhaging that the Capitals suffered at the hands of the injury bug through the month of December has now befallen on other teams.<br /><br />Most notably the Boston Bruins (<span style="font-style: italic;">and Pittsburgh Penguins</span>).<br /><br />Boston will limp into the Verizon Center tonight without the likes of Patrice Bergeron, Marco Sturm or Phil Kessel. Bergeron is suffering from his second concussion in as many years (<span style="font-style: italic;">Brian Pothier called to say hello</span>), while Sturm underwent surgery on his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament, and will be out for the season.<br /><br />Kessel, meanwhile, has a case of mononucleosis (<span style="font-style: italic;">more generally known as mono</span>). While it is unclear when Bergeron will return to the line-up, Kessel is tabled to be back in mid-February.<br /><br />The Bruins will also be missing shutdown defenseman Andrew Ference, who's broken tibia will keep him sidelined at least a few more games.<br /><br />Aaron Ward will also be out until at least the 19th with a charley horse.<br /><br />Finally, Milan Lucic rounds out the list of the battered and bruised with an undisclosed injury that is keeping him out of the line-up.<br /><br />Sound familiar? Well, if you've been following the Capitals it should.<br /><br />I for one cannot recall the last time the Capitals played with a fully healthy line-up, but I would have to assume it wasn't long into the month of October before the injury carosel was fired up.<br /><br />However, for the most part, Washington is begining to get healthy for the second half of the season.<br /><br />Tom Poti is close to making a return while Brian Pothier will be seeking clearance to return to the ice next week. Boyd Gordon and Shaone Morrisonn are both out, but neither of them are suffering from anything too serious.<br /><br />The key to success will be staying healthy down the stretch as teams such as Boston, Pittsburgh and Montreal all seem to be going through the motions that this team saw in December.<br /><br />Washington, so far- has weathered the storm. Only time will tell if these other Eastern Conference teams will be able to do the same.<br /><br />NOTE: In Wednesday night's game, the Capitals took <span style="font-style: italic;">four</span> (Crosby, Letang, Talbot, Scuderi) Penguins out of the line-up, and all are questionable for tonight's game versus the New York. RangersTJ CAPS8http://www.blogger.com/profile/14137198986680405331noreply@blogger.com0