A View from the Cheap Seats

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Hanlon's Choice

- According to Capitals Insider, both Pothier and Erskine have been cleared to play tomorrow night in Tampa (YAY!).

Of course, that means the Caps now have an influx of defenders - and unless there was some rule change that allowed all of them to be on the ice in front of Johnny, two poor souls will be on the next train to Chocolateville. So who goes?

It's probably Schultz and Nycholat - Schultz has played well but is still young and will benefit from continued play in the AHL, and Nycholat, a healthy scratch the last few games, has seen his production and ice time diminish over the past few weeks. It'll be good to have Pothier and Erskine back again - my guess is we'd see Pothier and Green paired up to allow Mo and Jurcina to continue their successful pairing, leaving Erskine to his old buddy Eminger...here's hoping he can spark Emmy back to his brief period of brilliance.

- NHL.com continues to reaffirm my belief in the presence of good in the world, with yet another sparkling piece on Ovechkin. You get the usual quotes from Kolzig and McPhee about their love for Ovie, but I personally loved Shanahan's quote, which just oozes admiration:

"What a great, great kid [...] what is there not to like with a kid who is extremely driven like Alex? Everyone knows about the great speed, the moves and unbelievable hands to score like he has. But what I like most about him is his passion for the game, passion for the stage. He competes. Gets his nose dirty. He hits and gets hit and pops right back up again with a big smile on his face. Is he the face of the future? You bet. He’s a guy who really cares ... and hates to lose. He gets it, plain and simple."

And I had to laugh when I read John Davidson's remark comparing Ovie to the shark in Jaws - how funny would it be if they started playing that theme song at VC every time Ovie took the ice?

- I once again find myself behind the 8 ball, struggling to catch up, but I found this little article on Semin from the local ABC station that I thought was kind of cute. It's actually from a few other sources, but this is the most recent one...anyways, I love that he's got a reputation as a practical joker - just another sign that he's definitely fitting in much better this year. Now if he could only start scoring goals again...

I Choo-Choo-Choose You

A Valentine to My Washington Capitals:

The course of true love never did run smooth. A few bumps in the road are to be expected - after all, no one is perfect. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. And of course, a stitch in time saves nine...whatever that means.

On this Valentine's Day I am again reminded of my undying love to you, my team. It's a love that can be difficult at times but can never be shaken. We've been through tough times before and we're sure to go through them again, but for better or worse you are the twenty men in my life. So it's only fair that I forgive you for your past indiscretions and take this opportunity to start anew.

And so I've written a little poem...

C is for the cheering that I do only for you

A is for the antics that you pull

P is for the paltry crowds you play to

I is for the ice that makes you fall

T is for the talent lurking within

A is for the Alexes, through streaks and slumps

L is for the leads you often blow

S is for the small but loyal fanbase

After all, you are the team I want to spend my evenings with. You are the team I want to laugh with and cry with, go through highs and lows with, grow old with. I want to be there when you finally raise the best trophy in all of sports in front of the DC faithful, and I'll be there when you find yourselves once again on the golf course in April...just like you've been there for me so many times before.

With love,

CapsChick

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The 250th, Take 2

Okay, so admittedly my last post was a little doom and gloom.

Maybe a lot of doom and gloom.

But since I'm sitting here at work like a chump hoping that the world doesn't freeze over before I get to go home while the government was released at 2:00...

...and since I've been called out for being so uncharacteristically pessimistic...

...and since that last downer of a post was my 250th...

...I figured I should do something a bit cheerier. We'll just pretend this is my special milestone post instead - and what better way to celebrate than with yet another look at why I love this game, this league and (almost) all the players!

(Thanks to hockeygirl and probably a zillion Caps bloggers who scooped me once again for pointing this out...)

Insert Obvious Joke Here

- Yesterday the Caps participated in Tees for Tots, a charity event held at the TopGolf Game Center that raised $12,000 for The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health and Washington Capitals Charities.

You have to love anything that combines charity and preparation for the postseason. That's our hard-working team!

- Is the surprise that Semin can't tie his tie?

- I love the picture that's being featured on the Caps website to announce Brashear's new contract. Shanahan looks like he's about to wet himself. Ah, I think I've just found my new screensaver...

- It's been a rough weekend. Preceded by a rough week. And another rough week. And a rough month before that. Let's look at where we stand, shall we?

The Caps continue to be unable to string more than two wins together, let alone two good performances in a row. They're quickly dropping further out of the playoff picture every day, with matchups looming in the next few weeks against teams all having over .500 records (the exception being the Panthers, and...yeah). And the latest news out of CapsLand is that Olie Kolzig has gone down with a knee injury and will be out for at least three weeks.

But other than that, everything looks rosy for the Caps. Playoffs, here we come! Right?

...RIGHT?

Nope. I'm calling it right here, right now - time of death, 2:38 pm.

If the Caps hadn't stumbled into the All-Star Game, if they hadn't continued the slide after the break, this latest boo boo wouldn't sting so badly. But they did and it does, and no offense to Johnny, but losing Olie means the end of even the faintest glimmer of hope remaining for the postseason. It's not Johnson's fault, either. Despite somewhat inconsistent play of late, he has actually held it together fairly well between the pipes for the Caps. They just don't return the favor...ever. His run support is flirting with negative numbers - that's how often they score when he's in net.

So the most optimistic Caps fan ever (hi, nice to meet you!) is throwing in the towel, barring some miracle that finds Johnson playing like Olie and the Caps playing like...any other team in the league at this point. Oh, and every other conference rival suddenly losing every single one of their final games.

With the trade deadline looming you have to wonder what GMGM has up his sleeves now. This is the team that's supposed to be on a continuous upswing, improving every game regardless of whether they win or not. In order to justify keeping this same crew together, then, every single person has to be playing as though they see the playoffs in their near future.

They've given up, though. You can see it on the ice every night, the fire just isn't there. The little things they were just starting to do right are all being done wrong again, and they've picked up like 17 new bad habits. Teams don't just self-destruct for no reason, and I don't believe the first half of the year was an illusion or simply a result of overachieving. There's young talent here, in various stages of development, and there's just no excuse for the product that's being put on the ice right now. We've seen too many good performances to have it all fall apart so suddenly. And not being in the locker room myself, I can't say what it is, but the coach and the team's chemistry are the easiest targets.

No particular reason behind that logic - we just need someone to blame. Scratch that. I need someone to blame. Pointing the accusatory finger (as opposed to another choice digit I could think of) is what I do.

Let's just say this - Olie's injury will take us up to and beyond TD day. It will be interesting to see how this team responds to this enormous adversity, which may ultimately determine how much noise the Caps make on the open market.

I'll tell you one thing...I wouldn't want McPhee's job right now.

*Sigh* It's a sad, sad day.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Say Goodnight, Gracie

First the good news:
Caps Re-Sign Donald Brashear

And then...well, I think the headline says it all:
Olie Kolzig Injured in Practice

Anyone else feel a case of the Mondays coming on?

Sunday, February 11, 2007

We Were On a Break!

As happens in so many relationships, sometimes it becomes necessary to take a step back and get some space, a little distance before someone does something rash. This is one of those times. I'm out of town for work today and tomorrow, and it's a good thing, too, because after last night I'm in a fight with every single member of the Washington Capitals...

...even if they don't know it.

My love affair with this team has spanned a lifetime. And, as in all relationships, we have had our ups and downs. Sometimes they frustrate me, other times they surprise me. They're inconsistent and infuriating. They're exhilarating and exciting. This roller coaster ride has brought me immense joy and tremendous heartache, but the love never falters, even when we're fighting. Some may call that stupidity - I call it blind loyalty.

So why are we fighting? Because of last night. Because of the last two weeks. Because of the last 24+ years. Where do I even start...

I've never completely understood the phrase, "I'm so angry I could spit". Not being male, I've always been perfectly happy keeping my spit to myself - I've just never had a particular urge to expectorate for any reason, angry or not. "Seeing red" is another one. The world's colors remain intact regardless of my mood - the sky is blue, grass is green, etc.

But make way, because right now I'm spitting and seeing red all over the damn place.

Last night is really just the tip of the iceberg, the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. It's not just the loss. I don't think I've hidden the fact that a loss from this team is somewhat bearable and acceptable so long as they play hard and at least attempt to get the win. Even having one bad period is okay.

When the team is sluggish from start to finish, though, that's not okay. When they allow the hated Jagr to score his 1500th career point (and then some), that's not okay. When they appear unable to kill off any extended period of time a man down, that's not okay. In fact, it's unacceptable. I don't have to spell out all the bad things that happened last night - they know what they did, and if they don't, they should.

Believe me, I don't want this to sound like I'm giving up. Far from it. There will be no flying off to the Dominican Republic for a quickie divorce, no citing "irreconcilable differences". It's just a rough patch, and over time we'll get through this. In fact, I'm sure I'll be back to my normal, naively optimistic self after the next Caps' win, whenever that may be. I'm in this thing for the long haul, and I'm willing to hang in there to the bloody end.

For now, though, I'm just going to need some time.

Looks like someone is sleeping on the couch tonight.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Gameday Preview: Caps vs. Rangers (+ Nickname Contest Champion Revealed!)

Longest blog post title ever...thank you, thank you!

Who: Your Nation’s Capitals vs. New York Rangers
Where: Verizon Center
601 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
When: Saturday, Feb 10, 7:00 pm

Broadcast Info: CSN, WTEM 980 AM; MSG, 1050 ESPN Radio

Media Notes:
WashingtonCaps.com
NewYorkRangers.com
NHL.com

Local media feeling the Jurcina-Love:
Washington Post
Washington Times

Rags-Bolts Recap:
New York Times

Slooooow Newspaper:
New York Post

Last Game: December 30 in New York, Caps lost 4-1
- Continuing their knack for snapping teams out of slumps, the Caps played victim to the Rangers as the blueshirts ended a season-long seven game losing streak. The Caps in the meantime continued a slump of their own, extending their losing streak to four.
- The Caps were haunted by some old friends on the scoreboard, as former Cap Michael Nylander had a goal and an assist and fellow former Cap and general jackass Jagr added an assist against their old club.
- With all the starpower, though, it would be a new face in Petr Prucha who would draw first and last blood against the Caps.
- Ben Clymer spoiled Lundqvist’s shutout bid with just under three minutes remaining, cutting the Rangers’ lead to three 8 seconds after Prucha made it 4-0.
- As has been the case for most of the season, specialty teams would tell the tale of the game for the Caps – this time not in the effectiveness of the other team but in their own ineffectiveness. The Caps were given 8 power plays and connected on exactly none of them, while the Rangers converted one of their five chances with the extra man.
- Numbers and goals aside, this game will likely be remembered more for the fireworks than anything else. The first period was fairly mild, but as the second period unrolled the hostility ramped up, with both teams trading roughing minors throughout the period before a last minute fight between Brashear and Orr. Now cut to the third period – Shanahan, taking exception with Brash’s treatment of their precious Czech superstar, challenged big Donald to a little go-round. On their way to the penalty box, Aaron Ward said something to Brashear, who responded by punching Ward and getting ejected. Colton Orr then took the opportunity to greet Ovechkin with a cross-check to the face, drawing the ire of Morrisonn and Semin.

Things to Look for:
- Flashback to December, the rematch between Washington and Atlanta after a brawl-filled hockey game – no fights, no ejections, no payback, just good solid hockey.
- Flashback #2 – Buffalo-Washington, round 2 – one fight and a questionable spear by le Petit Briere.
- So after the final game of 2006, which resulted in fights and suspensions, what kind of fireworks can we look for? I’d love to say a lot, but frankly it’s probably not going to happen. On the one hand, the Rangers are still the Rangers...they’ve still got Orr and Kasparaitis, and have now added the ever-classy Mr. Avery to their stable of unstable stars. On the other, both teams are still in the playoff fight and may not want to risk two points on initiating any form of payback. I’d say the latter carries more weight for these guys.
- All predictions are pointing to a near-sellout crowd for this Saturday night tilt in downtown DC. Like all Caps-Rangers games, the crowd should be boisterous and unfortunately speckled with drunk Rangers fans. The hopefully boisterous atmosphere combined with the requisite booing of Jagr should create a bit of an advantage for the home team.
- The Caps are once again helped out by the scheduling gods, facing a Rangers team that is playing the second of back to back games. However, the first of the two games was a shutout victory at home, so they’ll be flying high – the Caps need to bring them down to earth right away by, what else? taking a lead early.
- Coming into last night’s game, the Rangers were again mired in a losing streak, something that the Caps tend to remedy. The good news? New York snapped it against Tampa. The bad news? It extends the Rangers lead in the standings over the Caps to 3 points...
- Despite snapping his 3-game pointless drought Thursday night against LA, Ovechkin simply hasn’t looked like Ovechkin lately. His line was effective in the win but he was not, again finding himself the victim of a defensive shadow. However – the Rangers blueline is simply not as scary as those of the teams Ovie has faced over the last week. I have no doubt that he’ll be able to skate circles around good ol’ Marek and the boys. Look for him to find the back of the net once more, maybe a few times.

- Last night the Rangers did something the Caps have been trying to achieve all season - they got almost all secondary scoring. Hollweg and Orr, not exactly known for their offensive moves as much as for their general offensiveness, each scored their first career goals. Avery rounded out the gruesome threesome with his first New York goal. Wonder when his first New York dive will surface...
- After going 0 for 4 on the power play in their last game and 0 for 15 in their last four games, Hanlon has finally promised some tweaks to the system. It looks like Semin will mercifully be taken off the point, with Zubie and Heward along the boards, Clark in front of the net, and Ovie doing whatever the heck he wants to do...let’s hope it works.

Okay, kids, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for...the conclusion of the first ever NAME THAT PLAYER contest! Can you feel the excitement?

First of all, I have to say there were lots of great submissions. There were also a few bad ones :)and some that I’ve used before, but all entertaining nonetheless. Because of the sheer volume and high quality, I felt it was only right to augment my own creations with the contributions of you, the loyal readers. I tried to include at least one from every entrant, but if you don’t see your name this time around, have no fear – I feel another contest coming on in the near future, stay tuned.

So without further ado, I present your Nickname Champion...

Boyd “Muffin” Gordon, submitted by the Peerless Prognosticator!

This entry wins the prize for being creative yet slightly obscure, plus having great word of mouth – I had at least three people mention it to me along with their own entries. Great job as usual, Peerless! Fabulous prize to follow (as soon as I’ve figured out what it should be...)

And to everyone else, a hearty thanks for making this somewhat bizarre competition a rousing success! Your nicknames and mine appear below:

Possible Lineup for the Caps
Forwards:
8-Alex “Wodka Cranberry” Ovechkin, 9-Dainius “Tap-In” Zubrus, 17-Chris “Lois &” Clark
28-Alexander “Slippery On Ice” Semin, 21-Brooks “Clark's Look-a-” Laich, 14-Eric “County” Fehr

18-Matt “Princess of All Things” Pettinger, 15-Boyd “Muffin” Gordon, 20-Richard “Butt Rockets” Zednik

87-Donald “He Was Asking for It” Brashear, 16-Brian “Pop-Up” Sutherby, 27-Ben “Wrong Gloves” Clymer

Defensemen:

44-Steve “McQueen” Eminger, 55-Jeff “Charles” Schultz

23-Milan “Sea” Jurcina, 26-Shaone “Caonnery” Morrisonn

6-Jamie “Billy Goat Gruff” Heward, 52-Mike “It’s Not Easy Being” Green

Goaltenders:
1-Brent “Not-So-Magic” Johnson, 37-Olie “Piercing Glare” Kolzig

Possible Lineup for the Rangers

Forwards:
81-Marcel “Stop Calling Me Marian” Hossa, 82-Martin “Squeaky” Straka, 68-Jaromir “Hugh Jass/Puffnuts” Jagr (That was a tie...both made me laugh)

14-Brendan “Jagr’s Babysitter” Shanahan, 92-Michael “Tricky Mickey” Nylander, 16-Sean “So Obnoxious Hollywood Kicked Him Out” Avery

25-Petr “the Newest Cap-Killer” Prucha, 5-Matt “Eat Fiber for a Healthy” Cullen, 41-Jed “Farmer Boy” Ortmeyer

44-Ryan “Fixing a” Hollweg, 19-Blair “Place Your” Betts, 28-Colton “Ovie’s Personal Dentist” Orr

Defensemen:

3-Michal “Scarecrow, I Think I’ll Miss You” Roszival, 8-Marek “One Lucky Move” Malik

4-Aaron “The Mouth” Ward, 23-Karel “Rocky” Rachunek

46-Daniel “Beaver Fever” Girardi, 51-Fedor “Rootin’” Tyutin

Goaltenders:

30-Henrik “Cover Boy” Lundqvist, 80-Kevin “Two” Weekes “Notice”

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Caps Crown Kings

So many good things happened to end that game I can hardly find the words...

1) The Caps won...well, that's a given. I don't know that any Caps fan saw the result and thought "aw shucks"

2) NO SHOOTOUT. Do I need to elaborate?

3) Milan Jurcina gets his very first point as a Capital with his assist on the overtime winner, a shot that was probably the easiest goal Zubie ever scored

This was a classic case of a game getting better as it went along, which if I recall has been pretty rare for the Caps lately. The first period looked worse than some mites on ice matchups, with both teams playing sloppy and the Kings just managing to capitalize on a 5-on-3 to take the lead.

Then the flood gates opened. The Caps, who had been playing so tight defensively yet scoring very little decided to stop doing both - all at the same time. The second period more closely resembled the All Star Game (in score only, let's not kid ourselves), with each team trading goals for a 3-3 tie after the dust had settled. A scoreless tie after the final twenty minutes meant the Caps were once again returning to...the OT Zone.

And that's where it would end, with the jubilant Caps picking up a key 2 points at home. It wasn't always pretty, but it had all the right elements. You had Ovie snapping his little funk and dispelling "trade rumors" as he picked up an assist. You had ugly goals (Clark and Zubie - those goals don't get uglier), a surprisingly pretty goal from Clymer on the wraparound, and a rare Gordo tally that I'm still wondering about.

There's not much else to say - we don't see the Kings again for two years, at least as the schedule stands now. There were no really controversial moments, no big hits or fights, just a thrilling end to a rapid-fire game that found the Caps on top...as it should be.

My stars of the game, in no particular order: Gordon, Zubrus, Clymer, Olie, Jurcina, and Ovie...just for being Ovie.

That's a 2-point night, Caps fans!

---------------------------------------------

**Don't forget to submit your nicknames for the first ever NAME THAT PLAYER contest...
[A note from the queen of all things: submissions are now only being accepted by e-mail - if you sent a nickname via AIM this morning, please e-mail it to me as well.]

Fame! Prizes! The chance to mock others!

How can you resist?

Senility...

I must be getting senile. That's the only reason I can think of for leaving out the best part of Tuesday's game!

Well, maybe not the best part. Just the funniest. To me.

So Ben Clymer is out on the ice for what I believe was his first shift against the Bruins, and his line generates a scoring chance. A scuffle ensues behind the net and Clymer is escorted to the penalty box, as is his Bruins counterpart, for roughing. Their teammates bring them their equipment, congratulate them, etc.

Play resumes, and all of a sudden I see something black flying through the air from the Caps penalty box, over the announcer and timekeeper, and into the Bruins penalty box. It is followed by another black object - it turns out to be the Bruins' player's gloves. Then Clymer's gloves go flying through the air in the other direction. Hilarious, right?

But wait, there's more.

So it's later in the period - Clymer picks up a fighting major and returns to the penalty box. I jokingly am thinking to myself, "hope you grabbed the right equipment this time, Benny" when lo and behold...another glove goes flying. I honestly think at this point the entire section was just staring at the penalty box instead of the game, waiting for another glove. It never came.

If you were sitting in between the penalty boxes, wouldn't you be scared of what might come flying over you next, just inches from your head? A stick maybe? Helmet? Shoulder Pads?

I don't know, it just made me laugh - thought I should share. All part of the fun of sitting in section 111...even with dumb and dumber sitting behind me :)

Gameday Preview Lite/Name That Player

Let's go ahead and call this what it is - an absolute must-win. Of course, the majority of the games between now and the end of the year all seem to be must-win. The Caps may not be getting help from anyone in the conference, but they certainly can't make the playoffs or even hope to contend for a spot if they don't at least start winning a few, string a couple of games together, rack up those points.

Still, this is like playing the Flyers of the Western Conference right now, albeit in slightly prettier colors. If the Caps play their game (with a little extra defense on the side per the last few games) they should take this one easily. Besides the loss of two points, a loss to a lesser opponent like this, as rare as they may be, can be demoralizing to the team...and the fans.

That being said, this is not one to overlook by any stretch of the imagination. This is one of those that the Caps can win, but underestimating their opponent could cost them dearly as the Panthers recently learned.

...7-0. I'm still laughing about that one.

You may have noticed I'm departing from my usual GDP format, no nicknames, etc. It's not laziness, I swear.

Okay, it's not just laziness.

It's simply hard to get amped up for a game like this even if I do expect a win...plus my brain decided to take a hiatus last night without informing me beforehand. Believe me, everyone's better off without the nicknames this time around. I would have resorted to such mature, relevant and thought-provoking names as Steve "Buttmunch" Eminger, and then no one's happy.

Especially not Eminger.

Saturday night's game against the Rangers is a different story. I shouldn't look past the Kings game to that one, I know it, but it's too late. I'm already excited for what I hope will be a great game, and I'll be there with what I expect to be a big and boisterous crowd.

So in honor of this season's FINAL Return of Jagr, I'm implementing the first ever...

NAME THAT PLAYER

CONTEST!

Here's how to enter:
- Send me your best nickname between now and tomorrow night, 10:00 pm EST.
- You can pick any player on the Caps or the Rangers - just be creative! Trust me, if I can do it anyone can...
- Submissions can be sent via e-mail to capsfan82 at hotmail dot com or by AIM to DCCapsChick27. [Please Note: AIM submissions will be available after 6:00 pm tonight.]
- Enter as many nicknames as you want, there's no limit.
- The best one (as selected by me, the queen of all things) will be featured in Saturday's gameday preview. The winner will also receive a fabulous prize to be determined at a later date.

So there you have it - the challenge has been extended, the gauntlet thrown, the proverbial starters pistol fired...start brainstorming!

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

There are No Bears in Boston!

Okay, that's not me. That's a quote from one of the Mensa candidates sitting behind me during tonight's game. Did you know there were no bears in Boston?

Gee, there are also no Rangers in New York and no Penguins in Pittsburgh...huh. But enough trivia for the insane, on to the game.

I hate shootouts. I just absolutely hate them, even when the Caps win. Sure, they're exciting and I'll stand up and hold my breath like everyone else - because the game is literally being decided by a skills contest. That extra point hangs in the balance as each skater goes in one on one until someone wins it.

I blame the guys behind me for the outcome, by the way. They sat down in the second period and decided they wanted to see a shootout - a statement that was followed by a conversation about Jim Carrey...you know, the goalie who used to have Godzilla on his mask? Yeah, maybe upon reflection that whole "$21 ticket and a free pizza" deal for college students wasn't such a great idea.

In between the intellectually stimulating conversation, almost being beheaded by a puck, and then pulling a muscle in my neck trying to avoid said puck, there was also a hockey game.

And despite the outcome and gimmick used to achieve it, I thought the Caps again played pretty well. It's really amazing how much the defense has improved with the arrival of Jurcina, who again played a strong game against his former team. Olie made some great saves to back up his defenders but in the end he would let in one two many. Ben Clymer seemed particularly scrappy tonight, mixing it up with some pushing and shoving followed by a fight, and also managing some pretty decent play in the offensive zone...guess that night off woke him up a bit.

I'm not quite sure what's going on with Ovechkin, but it seemed like he just wasn't on the ice all that much and in the third period he started on a line with Fehr and Laich, with Semin taking his spot on the "first" line. I don't know if that was meant to be a demotion for Ovie or a promotion for Fehr and Laich, who each had strong games and a goal apiece. Maybe it was just Hanlon's way of trying to wake them all up (and maybe get Ovie away from Chara, which didn't work), but it still didn't seem to spark Ovechkin. Semin likewise looked lackluster at times, with the few shots he was able to rifle off going wide or being knocked out of harm's way by Thomas. Maybe it was the Bruins' defense, maybe both players were just having off nights. It's really hard to say.

So a good effort, not a great effort - and that difference right there is your extra point. The Caps played okay but against a team like Boston that has been struggling over the past few weeks and is desperate for a win, simply playing okay hockey isn't going to cut it. For some reason the Caps seem to come up with the remedy for whatever is ailing teams and players in slumps, and tonight was no exception.

They got lucky and picked up a point, but Boston still leaps over the Caps and into 12th place with the win. Things around the league don't look so good, either, as once again there seems to be no help from anyone. Every single team in action tonight that stands between the Caps and 8th place either won or picked up a point in a shootout. Next up on this homestand are the LA Kings - they may be struggling and it would be easy to overlook them, but let's not forget that they blanked the Panthers 7-0 just the other night.

It just goes to show that any team on any given night can win...just not the Caps.

It's been a 1 point night. Yay.

Semin's Turn to Shine

- Maybe the endless rants by Caps fans about the lack of attention paid to Washington has paid off.

Maybe Semin's performance has been too good to ignore.

Maybe someone at NHL.com lost a bet.

Whatever the reason, there is actually an article on Sasha on NHL.com. (Special thanks to hockeygirl for the tip!). Amazing. So people actually do know about other players in Washington other than the Great #8.

My opinion? It's about damn time.

For all his defensive inadequacies and lazy mistakes (both of which are a byproduct of youth), Semin is quietly climbing up the goal leaderboard and has been for the last month or so. Yet no accolades, no NHL stars of the month, no spot on the All Star roster.

The fact that he was overlooked for that last one really drives me nuts, even weeks later. The rest of it just adds salt to the wound. I'll have to agree with Kolzig on this one, and kudos to him for coming out on saying it. The fact that players of lesser caliber were given spots while Semin was left off the roster is beyond me. I know it's a meaningless, stupid exhibition show for people who don't like real hockey, but you can't tell me that players don't appreciate getting voted in, especially the first time.

Players like Blake and Williams are good players, don't get me wrong. Both are having successful seasons and each of them performed well in the game. Both are having great years of their own and each performed well. And yes, it's just an exhibition game that means nothing. I also get that every team needs a rep, which maybe explains Blake's presence (and some others). But if you're going to have an all-star game, shouldn't you have, oh, I don't know...all stars? I do have to disagree with Olie on one thing, though. Semin wasn't overlooked because the Caps are lower in the standings than the Isles and Canes. What about all those years when the Thrashers were horrible (ah, memories...*sniff*) and Kovalchuk and Heatley managed to make it in?

But I digress. As usual.

It is nice to see a little respect finally being paid to our little Sasha. After all, he is keeping up with the top goal-scorers in the league and has a decent amount of assists to boot. The players who have more goals so far? Ovechkin, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Heatley, Hossa, Selanne, Kovalchuk and Drury. Not bad company for a kid who, in his first NHL season, had just 10 goals.

(Just a reminder that 8 of the top 10 scorers are from the Eastern Conference...and 6 of them are from the Southeast Division. Is anyone else scared?)

- I saw this yesterday and wasn't going to mention it because it's far too disturbing, but I caved.

Rangers Acquire Avery

There. I mentioned it. Anyone else really looking forward to Saturday night? The gruesome twosome of Jagr and Avery...which by the way reminds me of my favorite YouTube clip ever:

And let's not forget Kasparaitis. And Orr. And Hollweg. Fun bunch - I can't wait.

Gameday Preview: Caps vs. Bruins

Who: Your Nation's Capitals vs. Boston Bruins
Where: Verizon Center
601 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
When: Tuesday, February 6, 7:00 pm

Broadcast Info: NC8, Sportstalk 980; NESN, WBZ 1030 AM

Media Notes:
WashingtonCaps.com
BostonBruins.com
NHL.com
Washington Post (See, I should totally work for the Caps...)
Washington Times
Boston Globe
Boston Herald

2006-07 Season Series: Caps 0-0-2, Bruins 2-0-0

2006-07 Standings: Caps 22-25-7, 51 points - 4th in division, 12th in conference; Bruins 23-24-4, 50 points - 5th in division, 13th in conference

Last Game: November 18 in Boston, Caps lost 3-2 in OT
- Once again the Caps failed to provide goal support to Brent Johnson, who made 36 saves including a brilliant save on a penalty shot to take the OT loss. The Caps did manage 29 shots on goal but were badly outshot in both the third period and overtime and were unable to take the lead against Tim Thomas and the B's.
- After falling behind early in the first period, the Caps tied it up on Jakub Klepis's first goal of the season.
- The end of the second period found the two teams still knotted at one, as each team traded penalties twice but failed to find the back of the net.
- Like so many games, this one again came down to specialty teams. The Caps took three consecutive penalties to start the third period, including a 45 second 2 man disadvantage that resulted in the Bruins' go-ahead goal. The Caps would respond in kind as Boston proceeded to take three consecutive penalties, also including a lengthy 5-on-3, when Ovechkin scored in the final second of the later penalty with just over 3 minutes remaining in regulation.
- Then came overtime. Bryan Muir was whistled for tripping at 1:48 of the overtime period and Boston countered with four forwards, leading to Glen Murray's game winning goal.
- This game was the second straight game against the Bruins that required an overtime or shootout, and the 4th in the last two seasons.

Things to Look for:
- Since the lockout, the Caps and Bruins have met 6 times - every single one of them has been a one goal game, and all but two have needed an overtime or shootout to decide the outcome. With the Caps coming in off of back to back one goal games and both teams struggling at about an equal pace, this could either be a close nail-biter...or another snoozefest.
- The Caps are currently 4th worst in the league in goals against, allowing an average of 3.41 per game. It's okay, though, because Boston is tied for dead last with Philly, allowing 3.71 goals per game.
- Special teams are clearly a deciding factor in so many games lately and they've told the tale of the last two games against the B's as well. So let's look at the numbers: the Caps are hovering around the middle of the pack in power play %, something that has sputtered lately but still sits at 17% effective; meanwhile the Bruins have shown some life in that area (no doubt with the assistance of the monolith Chara) and is ranked 7th overall at just under 20%. Penalty killing on the other hand has clearly bothered both teams, as the Caps and Bruins sit 19th and 20th, respectively.
- You know the feeling when you're having difficulty with something, you look next to you and see someone having a little more difficulty and you feel a bit better? That's kind of the way this season has gone for the Caps in regards to the Bruins. The Caps were at one point sniffing around the division lead, while Boston has yet to make a serious move up. They're separated by just one point, one position in the standings...both teams allow an above-average number of shots per game and are ranked 29th (Bruins) and 30th (Caps) overall in that category...neither team has had much success 5 on 5, let alone shorthanded or with the extra man. Yet when they meet, the result tends to be fairly exciting - I guess it's what happens when you don't have to play up or down to your opponent.
- We've got lots of promotions going on right now, so I'm hoping to see a pretty good crowd despite the weather...and the fact that it's a weeknight...and the fact that it's clearly not a battle between two heavyweights. If you're not going, you should - college kids get $21 tickets and a free pizza, kids tickets are $8, it's two-for-Tuesday night. Good deals all around. Or you could be like me and take advantage of the rarest of all deals - free tickets from the parents. (Thanks, guys!)
- I'm not sure if Hanlon will choose to make Clymer a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game or if Matt Bradley will be in the press box - since neither has produced all that much lately they could see a rotation starting. That is until the trade deadline, when potentially one or both (although I'm hoping neither) could be on the move.

Possible Lineup for the Caps
Forwards:
8-Alex "Goals Schmoals" Ovechkin, 9-Dainius "the Yapper" Zubrus, 17-Chris "the Gappy Cappy" Clark
28-Alexander "Dangle" Semin, 21-Brooks "Clark with Teeth" Laich, 14-Eric "the New Hotness" Fehr
18-Matt "No Goal" Pettinger, 15-Boyd "Shut Down" Gordon, 20-Richard "Butt Rockets" Zednik
87-Donald "Riding the Pine" Brashear, 16-Brian "Pop-Up" Sutherby, 10/27-Matt/Ben "Movable Parts" Bradley/Clymer

Defensemen:
23-Milan "Revenge of the Jurc" Jurcina, 26-Shaone "Jurcy's Buddy" Morrisonn
6-Jamie "Turnover Sr." Heward, 52-Mike "Turnover Jr." Green
44-Steve "the Elevator" Eminger, 55-Jeff "Silent but Deadly" Schultz

Goaltenders:
35-Frederic "Johnny's Stand-In" Cassivi, 37-Olie "Icy Glare" Kolzig

Possible Lineup for the Bruins
Forwards:
11-P.J. Axelsson, 81-Phil Kessel, 37-Patrice "Bergeron
Brandon Bochenski, 91-Marc Savard, 27-Glen Murray
18-Mark Mowers, 20-Wayne Primeau, 22-Shean Donovan
13-Stanislav Chistov, 53-Jeremy Reich, 17-Peter Tenkrat

Defensemen:
23-Paul Mara, 33-Zdeno Chara
6-Brad Stuart, 41-Andrew Alberts
25-Jason York, 38-Bobby Allen

Goaltenders:
30-Tim Thomas, 54-Hannu Toivonen

(I know, I know - slacker. If you'll recall, though, I never used to give the opposing team nicknames. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, then, shall we? Just for one day, I promise. If you feel so inclined, everyone is welcome to leave suggestions for
Bruins nicknames in the comments...)

Monday, February 05, 2007

Cap for Sale: $50 OBO, Accessories Not Included

There’s a debate raging on over at Capitals Insider about whether or not Richard Zednik should be moved before the trade deadline. I’ve read Tarik’s thoughts and skimmed through the comments in response to this question, not to mention the fact that I'm a Caps fan and therefore know everything. So I feel that I am adequately prepared to respond.

(Why here and not over at the Post? Well...because I can. Plus this way if someone wants to call me a raging moron they have to visit my site. And it’s all about the stats, kids.)

On paper it would seem as though hanging on to a player like Zednik could be rather risky. After all, he’s not getting any younger – just turned 31 – and has suffered a rash of injuries over the last few seasons, including a sports hernia this year that has kept him out of almost half of the games to date. With a team that wants to go young and inexpensive for the foreseeable future, an older player looking for what is likely his last big contract could probably be moved for some picks and/or prospects before the deadline.

However...as is usually the case with things “on paper”, there is more than meets the eye when you’re talking about someone like Zednik.

First of all, in the games he actually has played in this season and especially the two since coming back from extensive surgery, he has shown more jump than most of the guys on the ice. He consistently has created scoring chances and is still able to generate that lightning quick speed that we remember so well from his first stint here in DC. Just a little something I like to call ‘butt rockets’, folks...

Second of all, while he could probably garner some picks and/or prospects on the open market, he’s not likely to bring in much more than that. The Caps have stockpiled enough picks; I’m ready to see some actual flesh and blood. And let’s not forget, picks and prospects are just that – picks and prospects. They don’t always pan out (paging Alexandre Daigle...) and even if they do, you usually have to wait years to find out. That should work out well, right? Because Caps fans have exhibited signs of being such a patient bunch lately...

Third, there’s something to be said for the intangibles, the things you can’t measure with numbers. How happy a player is somewhere, how he fits into the locker room, and yes, even fan response. Zed seemed genuinely happy to be back in DC this past summer and has continued to appear that way in every interview he’s given since. As for the locker room, well, no one really knows. I find it hard to believe that anyone could not enjoy this group of guys, though, so I’m going to assume that he likes it. And from what I’ve seen, it seems like the fans have welcomed him back with open arms – it may seem trivial, but management would be smart to keep him on for at least another year just so they don’t piss off any more fans.

I’d personally like to see Zednik stick around and see how his veteran presence can maybe help him to mentor some of the younger guys – much the same way that Bondra (gasp! I said the B-word...sorry) seemed to take a young Zednik under his wing when he first started.

I’m admittedly a little biased. I’ve always liked Zednik and was extremely upset when he was traded to the Habs back in 2000...although I was flattered that the Caps arranged it to coincide with my time there so I could continue to root for him. By the way, I’d like to take full credit for his performance in Montreal if I may. He clearly knew I was there and he responded with career marks in goals, assists and points during my four years. After I left? Well obviously he was despondent, as his performance waned and his ice time followed. Zednik may have only played in 23 games so far this year, but he’s already almost halfway to his points total from last year in a third of the games.

Boy, I never knew my powers were so strong. I wish I could learn to use them for good and not evil...

Anyways, this is the first of what I’m sure will be many trade discussions over the next three weeks. We mere mortals will slip into our collective phone booths to magically become NHL general managers and begin the time-honored tradition of basically predicting everything incorrectly.

Who else is on the trading block? Can we hope to get anything of actual value given the roster of what some people think are simply overachieving AHLers? What will become of little Timmy in the well? And what about Corinne? These questions and many others will be answered on next week’s episode of…SOAP!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Glass-Shattering Win

For the second time in two days, the Caps found themselves in a tight defensive game. Yesterday's loss to the Penguins was a 1-0 nailbiter that really went down to the wire until an empty net goal finished them off. So after the way that game went, it would appear safe to assume that a 1-1 game that has to go to a shootout would also be pretty darn exciting.

Well, you know what they say when you assume...

It's not really the Capitals' fault. They actually played okay and provided at least a few glimpses of thrilling hockey amidst the mind-numbing "action" (although for the life of me I can't figure out why no one can pass the puck. At least to their own teammate. Black? White? Again, easily confused.) But take the fact that the injury-ridden Isles looked about as stimulating as a piece of dry toast...then throw in a good four or five delays as the arena essentially fell apart at the seams...add the overtime...then the shootout...zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

This game was almost as long as that infamous overtime playoff game back in the '80s, except that game was actually exciting. Luckily I got to watch this one with the help of my trusty fast forward button, but I can only imagine how the poor people watching it live must have felt.

In the end, though, all that really matters is the win. And they did win, if you managed to stay awake long enough to catch it, in a shootout of all things. If anyone's keeping track (and who are we kidding, we all know this stat), that's the first shootout win of the season....and it only took six tries.

Give credit where credit is due, though. Both goalies played extremely well, as would usually be the case in a 1-1 tie. Olie looked great in the shootout, which is good because the Caps only got one goal - a nice backhander from Semin in the first round. The defense again was on the ball, mostly limiting Blake and company to shots from the perimeter and not really giving up too many odd-man breaks. Zednik seemed to have some jump again and, if you listen to Craig Laughlin actually got the lone Caps' goal, although all official sources still credit Matt Pettinger with the marker.

By the way, poor Petty - Locker basically cornered him in between periods and pointed out how the goal should be Zed's. I thought Matt was going to cry for a minute there...luckily he bounced back pretty quickly and seemed to eventually be able to laugh about it.

Sure, it may not have been an edge of your seat type of game even with the tight score. There may not have been a lot of flow to the game. There may not have been any dazzling Ovechkin moves, which if you're keeping track (and again, of course you are) extends his points drought to...GASP...two whole games.

I know. I know. Trade him, he's useless.

But the Caps pick up two points, which in this crazy mixed-up world actually propels them back over the Bruins and Panthers into 12th place and, more importantly for my pride, out of the division basement. I've already acknowledged that the postseason is probably not in the cards for this team, but they're certainly not out of it yet. With today's win they now sit 8 points behind 8th place Carolina with a game in hand, and 9 points separate 6th and 12th place.

Of course, they will need some help down the line.

No, scratch that - the Caps will need a lot of help down the line. For one thing it would be nice if the Penguins stopped winning so much...you know, just for my own personal happiness. A special thanks to Montreal for making that happen for me today, by the way.

For another, they have played more games than each of the three teams holding spots 9 through 11. It's an uphill battle for sure, but as we've seen so many times already this season, anything can happen at any given moment.

We may have already counted them out, but I don't think the Caps are ready to concede defeat just yet.

All I can say is...stay tuned.

Sniff Bye-Bye, Darren

According to WashingtonCaps.com, Darren "Kenny" Machesney has been returned to Hershey and Freddy Cassivi makes his season debut as Olie's backup. Actually, I don't know that we've ever seen Cassivi up here during the regular season, at least not in the last two seasons. No offense to him, but I'm hoping we won't have to see him in net at all today.

I'm recording this game and watching it later tonight, so I'll have a recap then.

DVR...best invention ever.

Gameday Preview: Caps vs. Islanders

Who: Your Nation's Capitals vs. New York Islanders
Where: Verizon Center
601 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
When: Sunday, February 4, 1:00 pm

Broadcast Info: CSN, WTEM 980 AM; FSN NY, Radio 1130 AM

Media Notes:
WashingtonCaps.com
NewYorkIslanders.com
NHL.com
Washington Post
Washington Times
New York Times
Long Island Newsday

2006-07 Season Series - Caps 0-1-0, Islanders 1-0-0

2006-07 Standings - Caps 21-25-7, 49 points - 5th in division, 14th in conference; Islanders 25-21-6, 56 points - 3rd in division, 10th in conference

Last Game: November 25 in Uniondale, Caps lost 4-1
- Mercifully this game marked the end of the Caps season-high winning streak, capping it off at 6 games, and despite the score may have been one of their better performances during that stretch.
- The Caps took just four penalties as compared to the Islanders seven, but converted on just one of their chances with the extra man. They failed to capitalize on an extended 5-on-3 that resulted after the Isles took 3 consecutive penalties late in the first.
- The lone goal for Washington was scored by, who else, Alex Ovechkin - he got his 15th goal of the year and his 3rd in the last 4 games despite the overall team slump.
- The Caps held a slight edge in shots through the first twenty minutes but would then match the Isles shot for shot through the remaining two periods - each team had 13 shots in the second and 10 in the third.
- John Erskine, a former Islander, and Chris Simon, a former Capital, engaged in a bit of friendly fisticuffs late in the second.

Things to Look for:
- Both team are playing their second game in as many days, and after the first of the two both could arguably come in to the game with some momentum. The Caps put together a very good performance against the Penguins but came up just short, eventually falling 2-0, while the Isles staged a dramatic come from behind victory with three third period goals to top the Habs, 4-2. Yet things aren't quite even - the Isles have gotten a bit hot of late, going 4-0-2 in their last 6. Meanwhile the Caps continue to struggle and have won just 6 of their last 21 games; this coming off of a 9-game stretch where they were 7-1-1.
- The Islanders have shown some recent brilliance in the third period in their last four wins, outscoring their opponents 11-1 during the final twenty minutes. This poses a bit of a conundrum for the Caps, because if they continue to fall behind early in games they'll need to hold off any late goal-scoring outbursts for any chance of a comeback. Bottom line? Take the lead early and try to hang on tight...
- Ovechkin saw his 13-game point streak snapped yesterday in Pittsburgh and showed visible signs of frustration after the loss. He'll come out wanting to score early and often, but he needs to be careful of trying to do too much by himself...something that may have hindered him against the Penguins, as well. Teams are starting to catch on to his slight of hand trickery, so he'll have to continue to use his linemates for support.
- The matinee match-up with the Isles marks the return of two former Caps favorites in Chris Simon and Brendan Witt, the first time back for both after being traded - Simon to Colorado back in 2002, and Witt to Nashville after requesting a trade at the deadline last year. Simon's been gone long enough that there probably won't be much fanfare, but it will be interesting to see how the hometown crowd treats the returning Witt.
- Other than the one goal by Pittsburgh Saturday, Olie was on top of his game - he'll probably have to do it again today with Johnson likely still out with his body injury and youngster Darren Machesney riding the pine...
- Jurcina and Morrisonn proved to be a potent combination in Saturday's loss, so it's fair to say that all eyes will again be on the newcomer as he tries to prove his good performance in his first Caps game isn't a fluke. I'm happy to let Nycholat, whose game has cooled off considerably of late, sit a little longer while we wait and see.
- DiPietro backstopped the Isles to their win against the Habs, but it's not a definite that we'll see Dunham in net. After all, they paid enough for Ricky DP, might as well use him...

Possible Lineup for the Caps
Forwards:
8-Alex "Shattered Twig" Ovechkin, 9-Dainius "Faceoff Master" Zubrus, 17-Chris "Alfred E. Newman" Clark
28-Alexander "Dipsy-Doo" Semin, 21-Brooks "What's Not to" Laich, 14-Eric "Backhand Needs Work" Fehr
18-Matt "the PGZ Line" Pettinger, 15-Boyd "Pegz" Gordon, 20-Richard "Sidney" Zednik
87-Donald "Playoff Beard" Brashear, 16-Brian "the Mouth" Sutherby, 27-Ben "Holdin' Steady at -14" Clymer

Defensemen:
23-Milan "Defenseman of the Month" Jurcina, 26-Shaone "Providence" Morrisonn
6-Jamie "Scarface" Heward, 52-Mike "Jekyll and Hyde" Green
44-Steve "See-Saw" Eminger, 55-Jeff "Silent but...well, Silent" Schultz

Goaltenders:
31-Darren "Kenny" Machesney (I caved), 37-Olie "You Guys Couldn't Get 1 GOAL??" Kolzig

Possible Lineup for the Islanders
Forwards:
15-Jeff "Hey Mr." Tambellini "Man", 25-Viktor "Krum" Kozlov, 81-Miroslav "Spawn of" Satan
12 Chris Simon "Says", 27-Randy "From Hell to...Long Island" Robitaille, 55-Jason "Albino Alien" Blake
11-Andy "Hardy" Hilbert, 18-Mike "Window" Sillinger, 7-Trent "the Big Game" Hunter
10-Richard "Parallel" Park, 51-Frans "Here to Pump *Clap* You Up!" Nielsen, 45-Arron Asham

Defensemen
14-Chris "Summer" Campoli, 6-Sean "Blueberry" Hill
32-Brendan "the Expatriate" Witt, xx-TBD
38 Allan "Mickey" Rourke- 44 Freddy "Jason and Mike" Meyer

Goaltenders
1-Mike "the Underpaid" Dunham, 39-Rick "the Next Isles GM" DiPietro

Cushy Dream Job #354: Sports Editor of NY Times

The headline for the AP wrapup of todays Caps-Pens game in the New York Times Online:

Andre-Fleury Shuts Down Capitals 3-0

Well, first of all I believe his name is Marc-Andre Fleury, not Marc Andre-Fleury...

...

They play hockey in New York, right?

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Insert Funny Title Here

This was supposed to be an offensive showdown.

I tuned in today expecting a high-scoring affair, with teams trading goals so often that the scoreboard would more closely resemble that of the Superbowl than a hockey game. After all, it's the Penguins and the Capitals. Neither team's defensive line is particularly strong and both teams have high-powered offenses.

Ovechkin and Crosby are there. Semin and Malkin. Young guys, budding superstars, and prolific scorers all. It wouldn't have been surprising to see each one of them get at least a goal if not two or three.

So a 1-0 game? With only one point registered by the aforementioned group? Shocking.

Every loss to the Penguins is painful (I might have mentioned that a time or two). Yet somehow this game doesn't leave me with the same ache as, say, the Florida game. I don't want to punch things. I don't want to jump off the ledge. And I certainly don't have the desire to watch football.

In games like this, where both teams play well, sometimes you just don't come out on top. The Caps didn't lose because they were turning over the puck an abnormal amount of times or leaving Olie out to dry. They didn't lose because they weren't playing a physical game or because they couldn't get scoring chances. They limited Pittsburgh to just 20 shots on net, a season low for the Caps. It was, in essence, a prime example of how sometimes a 1-0 game can be more thrilling than a 7-6 game.

There are times when the whole team is playing badly and others when they all play well - it's nice, they're so close that even their slumps and rocky games are perfectly timed with one another. At times like this it becomes difficult to single out individuals who particularly stood out at either end of the spectrum. Nevertheless there were a few key players that should be mentioned for their efforts today:

- Milan Jurcina - We really couldn't have hoped for a better debut by the newest Capital. Paired up with his old Providence teammate Shaone Morrisonn, the two created a highly effective duo that was key in keeping the Penguins' top line off the board. He made some great defensive plays and did all the little things, as well - taking the body, blocking shots, throwing the well-timed poke check. I'm sure some of it was adrenalin, the excitement of a new team combined with the desire to create a good first impression. But if he performs at around the same level for the rest of the year, our young defense may start to look a little stronger.

- Zednik/Gordon/Pettinger - After only one game together since Zednik's injury, these three have started to show some good chemistry in both their offensive and defensive play. Obviously you need your defensemen to be solid against players like Sidney Crosby, but the defensive responsibility also has to extend to your forwards - this line certainly rose to the challenge, crowding Crosby and his linemates and basically giving them no room to work. Throw in the fact that they created some good scoring chances as well and we may have found a checking line that will stick.

- Marc-Andre Fleury - I know, I know...argh. Look at it this way...if he had to perform well, it's only because the Caps forced him to do so. They threw 30 shots at Fleury, many from around the net; they jumped on rebounds and had a few shifts where they really seemed to put pressure on the young goaltender; they got odd-man rushes and took advantage of them. Today, though, Fleury would be up to the task and threw a donut up on the scoreboard. For that, he deserves some recognition.

All in all, I liked the way the Caps came out and played all game long. They weren't dominating the Penguins but certainly had the edge and could have been up by a few goals were it not for the efforts of Fleury. The defense was stellar, something I don't think I've said in a long time (if at all). Olie was sharp but was spared his usual shooting gallery, facing only 19 shots. Ovechkin may have seen his point streak snapped, but the Caps responded in kind by keeping Crosby from adding to his own point totals.

In each of their 6 meetings, the Caps-Pens matchup has been all about Ovie and Sid the Kid. Who would score more, who would finish the night with more points, and of course the most important one - whose team will pick up the win. Pittsburgh continues its dominance over the Caps, but for the first time the overhyped duo was kept silent.

So there's some good stuff here. The Caps can come away from Steeltown knowing that they played a good game and have no reason to be ashamed of this loss. There will come a time when the Caps will win games like this, but in the meantime they can at least carry the momentum of today's performance into tomorrow's Superbowl Sunday matinee against our old friend Brendan Witt and the Islanders.

Gameday Preview: Caps vs. Penguins

Who: Your Nation's Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Where: Mellon Arena
66 Mario Lemieux Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
When: Saturday, February 3, 1:00 pm

Broadcast Info: CSN, WTEM 980 AM; FSN, 105.9 AM

Media Notes:
WashingtonCaps.com
PittsburghPenguins.com
NHL.com
Washington Post
Washington Times
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (I get the feeling we're being overlooked...)
Presenting the Kansas City, er, Barbecuers?

2006-07 Season Series: Caps 0-0-1, Penguins 1-0-0

2006-07 Standings (Oh, this one's going to hurt): Caps 21-24-7, 49 points - 5th in division, 13th in conference; Penguins 25-17-8, 58 points - 2nd in division, 6th in conference

Last Game: December 11 in Washington, Caps lost 5-4 in SO
- The Caps jumped out to a great start in this one, scoring two quick goals a little over 5 minutes in. The initial tally was a Kris Beech power play goal against his former team, which was followed by Chris Clark's first of the night just 45 seconds later
- Through the first 20 minutes, the Caps outshot the Pens 17-8 and carried a 2-0 lead into the second period.
- Clark added another goal to his growing point total, his second of the night and his third point of the night
- After the Caps' 4th goal...umm...I don't really know what happened. Must have blocked it out. Did the Caps win? Oh, wait, no, I know - the game was erased from the books forever. We're actually not supposed to talk about it ever again. Oops.

Things to Look for:
- For the love of god - if the Caps don't win, I swear I'll do something drastic. I'll...I'll watch football. Don't even think I'm kidding - I'm just crazy enough to do it.
- In order to win, the Caps have got to play Caps hockey. That means forechecking. That means good penalty killing and better power play output. We'll need goals from Semin and/or Ovechkin with some additional scoring from the other three lines. Olie has to be huge in net. And please, please, please, avoid that pass from behind the net that first finds an open man in the slot, and then the back of the net.
- Olie has to be solid at least, because there's no way he's getting pulled. With Johnny injured, backing him up is Darren Machesney...of the ECHL. I'm sure Darren will someday be a very good goaltender, but I don't think anyone wants him in there facing the likes of Crosby and Malkin.
- They may be further apart in the standings and there may be a discrepancy in the points, but these two teams played to a shootout last game and are pretty evenly matched down the line. I'd like to see a good, evenly matched game - barring that, a Caps blowout of the Pens will do in a pinch.
- Today marks the debut of Milan Jurcina, the newest Capital (poor guy) and yet another young defenseman. The word is that he'll probably play with Mo since the two were a defensive pair back in Providence, which is good. It's hard enough for a new player to adjust to a new team; at the very least he'll have a familiar partner on the blueline. He's apparently got a wicked shot, so I'd expect to see him get some power play time to relieve someone like Semin...who should never be on the blue line. Ever.
- The CBS line did a good job Thursday of creating some energy and scoring chances. Since the sum of all three players' goal totals just barely cracks double digits, it may be time for them to turn that energy into actual goals.
- Ovechkin has points in 13 straight - I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that the streak gets extended to 14. And if he happens to get a hat trick and 5 assists (all primary) in the process, so be it.
- The Penguins come into this game with just one loss in overtime in their last 8 and a 5 game winning streak. Let's see that little streak end, shall we?

Possible Lineup for the Caps
Forwards:
8-Alex "the Streaker" Ovechkin, 9-Dainius "Finally Hits the Net" Zubrus, 17-Chris "Gappy" Clark
28-Alexander "Outdekes Even Himself" Semin, 21-Brooks "Clark's Stunt Double" Laich, 14-Eric "Finally Ready" Fehr
18-Matt "Princess" Pettinger, 15-Boyd "Killer" Gordon, 20-Richard "Healthy Groin" Zednik
87-Donald "Sidney Crosby's Worst Nightmare" Brashear, 16-Brian "Pop-Up" Sutherby, 27-Ben "Holy S**T, -14!" Clymer

Defensemen:
23-Milan "The New Kid in Town" Jurcina, 26-Shaone "Jurcina's Buddy" Morrisonn
44-Steve "Ebbs and Tides" Eminger, 55-Jeff "the Tower" Schultz
3-Lawrence "Larry" Nycholat, 52-Mike "Turnover" Green

Goaltenders:
31-Darren "the Traveling Callup" Machesney*, 37-Olie "Hey Linesman, Go Fetch!" Kolzig

*Vogel reports Johnson has a body injury...um, I guess that's opposed to an out of body injury, right?

Possible Lineup for the Penguins
Forwards:
12-Ryan "Home" Malone, 87-Sidney "Canadian Diving Team Captain" Crosby, 8-Mark "The Old Man and the Sidney" Recchi
11-Jordan "The Lesser" Staal, 71-Evgeni "Snaggle Tooth" Malkin, 7-Michel "Faux Leather" Ouellet
16-Erik "the Red" Christensen, 25-Maxime Talbot, 20-Colby "the Goon" Armstrong
37-Jarko "Laich's Punching Bag" Ruutu, 18-Dominic "Say No" Moore, 26-Ronald "McDonald" Petrovicky

Defensemen:
3-Mark "No Thanks, I've Already" Eaton, 55-Sergei "Woop Woop Woop" Gonchar
19-Ryan "Britney Spears" Whitney, 44-Brooks Orpik
5-Robert "Peter" Scuderi, 32-Alain "Thicke" Nasreddine

Goaltenders:
29-Marc-Andre "Flaming Yellow Five-Hole" Fleury, 41-Jocelyn Thibault "Steak"

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