Japers' Rink

Pick 'Em: Second Line Center

2010-03-19T16:00:27Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

Undoubtedly the goal of the Capitals on deadline day was the addition of depth. In acquiring Eric Belanger, Joe Corvo, Milan Jurcina, and Scott Walker the team provided itself with insurance against inevitable late- and post-season injuries. It also, for the time being at least, has created questions about who should be in the lineup and what roles players should be playing.

None of these is as interesting as the question of who should be the second line center. For most of the season, the role has been filled by Brendan Morrison, with a brief Tomas Fleischmann tryout yielding mixed results. More recently, the role has been filled by newcomer Eric Belanger who has played well, but hasn't shown the talent or production to definitively lay claim to the spot. It's possible to make the case for Belanger, for Fleischmann, or for Morrison, and with that in mind, here's a quick look at the case for and against each.

Eric Belanger

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	GWG	SOG	PCT	FO%	ATOI
Eric Belanger	67	14	24	38	1	32	3	6	3	132	10.6	57.0	15:42

The case for: Though not a major offensive weapon, Belanger is a strong defensive player and a good faceoff man, and with the offensive talent the Capitals have - both as a team and on the second line - a responsible, fundamentally sound player who's going to avoid mistakes and contribute in his own end might be all the team needs. Plus, it's not as if Belanger's offensively inept; his speed and hands mean he can contribute in the offensive zone, even if he's not going to be the guy the offense runs through.

The case against: So Belanger's not a disaster in the offensive zone. That doesn't mean he's not a bit of a stretch as a second line center - for all that you can praise about Belanger, the truth is it'd be nice to have someone who can create a little more offense in that spot. Using Belanger as a second line center also means the Caps can't use him as a third line center, missing out on an opportunity to create a very fast forward group by getting him on the same line as Jason Chimera.

Tomas Fleischmann

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	GWG	SOG	PCT	FO%	ATOI
Tomas Fleischmann	59	20	27	47	5	22	7	13	4	105	19.0	43.5	16:18

The case for: At this point in the careers of these respective players, Fleischmann is clearly the best in the offensive zone. He's a fluid skater, has very good hands, and is capable of creating opportunities for his linemates and putting the puck in the net himself. While Flash has generally played as a wing and has found success at the position, the case can be made that playing as a pivot allows him to best utilize his offensive skill because it gives him a chance to direct the offense.

The case against: Simply put, Fleischmann's not a great defensive player and has posted mediocre GAON/60 numbers both this season and last. Flash has also struggled on the dot, winning less than 44% of his draws on the season and faring even worse in road games. Finally, using Fleischmann as a center has a ripple effect on the Capitals lineup, forcing either Morrison or Belanger in to duty either as a fourth line player or a winger, if not both.

Brendan Morrison

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	GWG	SOG	PCT	FO%	ATOI
Brendan Morrison	69	12	28	40	20	38	3	5	3	95	12.6	51.0	15:45

The case for: Of the the three viable options, Morrison might have the best combination of talent and savvy. He's certainly had the success at the NHL level, and has played more NHL playoff games than Fleischmann and Belanger combined. Morrison also has an advantage over Fleischmann as a natural, defensively sound center who can wins faceoffs, and over Belanger as a guy with better hands and offensive instincts who has had an entire season to get just to playing with his Capitals teammates.

The case against: It almost boils down to one word: performance. The four points in his last two games - both against teams that aren't likely to be in the postseason - notwithstanding, Morrison hasn't played all that well in 2010, and has just two goals and 13 assists in his last 29 games. He might bring more natural ability than Belanger, but right now it's hard to say for sure that he'll be more productive, especially considering the road ahead is only going to be more grueling.

Ultimately the Capitals are in a pretty fortuitous position: the have a number of viable options for their second line center, and the odds of someone being a complete bust are pretty small. But the challenge isn't just to avoid busts, it's to put the best team on the ice, and figuring out which one of these guys does that for the Capitals isn't so simple.

Poll

So... who've you got?

Friday Caps Clips: A Rare Division Loss

2010-03-19T10:40:01Z

More photos » Karl B DeBlaker - AP

Browse more photos »

Your savory breakfast links:

Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's loss - only the fourth in twenty Southeast Division games - from the us, the WaPo (blog, gamer), Vogs, DCEx, Joe B., Ed Frankovic, Peerless, FFODC, StC, MD Pro Sports, A Capital Offense and RMNB.
The pundits aren't picking the Caps. Good. [TSN]
Which is more impressive - the maturation of Mike Green or the numbers he's put up? OK, fine, it's the numbers. But the maturation is closing the gap, and quickly. [NHL.com]
Green as the second-best blueliner in the League this season? I can buy that. [Puck Prospectus]
"Caps most explosive even without 'O' -- and can play D, too" Could you talk in my good ear? I thought I heard you say the Caps can play D, too. [CBSSports]
You knew it was coming: Jim Kelley ripping Alex Ovechkin. What you might not have seen coming? Kelley ripping Ted Leonsis. And the Caps' PR staff. [SI]
Jeff Schultz love? Why yes, I'll link to it. [Corey Masisak]
Ah, the spring of 2008. I remember it like it was two years ago. [Corey Masisak]
An interview with Jason Chimera completes the Corey hat trick (a natural hattie at that - three in a row). [Corey Masisak]
Will the Caps bring back Jose Theodore? Should they? It's a cop out, but I'm going with "depends on the price." [RtR]
The Caps are good today and set up to be good tomorrow. [The Hockey News]
A little score sheet tidying up. [Dump n' Chase]
One of your own - Your Nation's Capital - gets a bit of the star treatment. [Barrie Examiner]
Finally, per the HHoF, on this date back in 2001, "Calle Johansson scored a goal and an assist playing in his 1,000th career NHL game." To date, only four Swedes have played more games in the NHL than Calle Jo.

Friday Off-Topic Open Thread

2010-03-19T10:58:58Z

Friday Off-Topic Open Thread

Recap: Hurricanes 4, Caps 3 (OT)

2010-03-19T02:57:03Z

More photos » Karl B DeBlaker - AP

Browse more photos »

[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]

The Capitals should really be grateful that the Hurricanes started the season with such a whimper. If Carolina had been stronger out of the gate, they'd be battling for that coveted #8 spot - and setting themselves up for what would have been an extremely tough first round matchup for the Caps. Because regardless of the standings, Carolina has always proven to be a tough opponent for the Caps, and tonight was no exception.

Ten more notes on the game:

Joe Corvo's pair of goals in the second gives all three of the new Caps at least one goal since arriving in DC two weeks ago; in the eight games since the deadline they've combined for five goals and six assists. According to @washcaps, that's the 24th time this season the Caps have had someone score twice in the same period - and makes this multi-goal game #50 on the year.
What the Caps have lacked in penalty killing ability this year, they've often made up for with disciplined play - in fact, they're one of the least penalized teams in the League. That wasn't the case tonight, however, as they were whistled for five infractions (including one slightly BS goaltender interference call) and found themselves shorthanded four times, including a lengthy five-on-three that resulted in Carolina's only power play goal.
About that lone power play strike - some would want to pin the goal on Tom Poti's stick being nowhere near any of the attackers in red. Others put the blame on Matt Bradley failing to clear the zone. I choose to do a little of both, while also grudgingly giving some credit to Eric Staal for finishing off a pretty decent play.
Speaking of less evil Erics, Eric Fehr's 20th goal of the season couldn't have come at a better time, as he struck with just under ten seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. It wasn't the prettiest shot in the world, but it counted. It also gave the Caps seven 20-goal scorers on the year so far - no other team has more than five (Vancouver).
With Alex Ovechkin out of the lineup, the top line generally seems to be missing a bit of a spark, an energy that Tomas Fleischmann simply can't replicate. Tonight, however, the spark on that line came courtesy of Nicklas Backstrom, who had a monster of a night. He only registered one shot on goal but picked up two assists, won 75% of his 16 faceoffs and led the team with four (!) hits.
All eyes have been on Semyon Varlamov's progression in net since returning from injury, and he does seem to get better each game. But while he was lights out for most of the night and made some huge saves, he also let in a very stoppable shot for Carolina's second goal and gave up an absolutely awful dribbler in overtime. He's still a work in progress...and Theo is still your #1 for another night.
Jason Chimera seemed to have everything going tonight except his timing; his speed led to a few breakaway chances and he continued to have great chemistry with Eric Fehr and Brendan Morrison, but it just wasn't connecting for big #25 tonight.
This Caps team can seemingly score at will, is filled with great skaters, has tremendous playmakers up and down the roster...so with all that speed and all the open ice available in which to use it, why are they so [Franceschetti]-ing awful 4-on-4?? 'Tis a puzzlement indeed.
Going one for three with the extra man is nothing to sneeze at; still, it certainly felt like the Caps could have struck on all of their power play chances tonight the way they were buzzing. Once they got set up in the zone they were nearly impossible to push back out, and executed several power play passing clinics that were pretty to watch - even if they never found the back of the net.
Wait, Jeff Schultz was a -1? Is that legal?

So for the third time in four meetings the Caps and Canes need extra time to decide the winner - and for the first time, Carolina comes out on top. It's a goal Varlamov would like to have back and a point the Caps would like to have captured, but overall it wasn't an awful performance by the good guys in white. A few mistakes here, a few bounces there and this game could end up differently.

Still, credit where credit is due - the Hurricanes simply wanted the win a bit more, and for tonight they get it. The Caps will have their chance a week from tonight when we reset, reshuffle and return to Raleigh for the final meeting of the season.

Before then, however, there's a little business to attend to in Tampa Saturday night. Oh, and a certain Russian captain to welcome back, as well...

Game highlights:

Third Period Open Thread

2010-03-19T00:40:38Z

Third Period Open Thread

Nothing like an end-of-the-period goal to give the good guys a little momentum - or should we say, "Joe"-mentum? Get it? Because it was scored by Joe Co-...yeah. Anyway. Third period ahead.

Second Period Open Thread

2010-03-18T23:44:16Z

Second Period Open Thread

So close to a Knuble goal that was distinctly Knuble-esque - but instead we're deadlocked at zero. C'est la vie.

Game Day Open Thread - Caps @ Hurricanes

2010-03-18T21:00:36Z

Next Game

Washington Capitals
@ Carolina Hurricanes

Thursday, Mar 18, 2010, 7:00 PM EDT
RBC Center

Thursday Caps Clips: Caps @ Hurricanes Game Day

posted by J.P. about 10 hours ago

647 comments | 0 recs

Complete Coverage >

Tonight's probable netminders:

	GP	MIN	W	L	O	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Semyon Varlamov	20	1167	13	3	3	50	2.57	559	509	.911	2

	GP	MIN	W	L	O	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Justin Peters	6	358	4	2	0	14	2.35	182	168	.923	0

Have at it, people.

Thursday Caps Clips: Caps @ Hurricanes Game Day

2010-03-18T10:43:24Z

More photos » Alex Brandon - AP

Browse more photos »

Your savory breakfast links:

Previews of tonight's game against Carolina from Vogs, Peerless, CSN Washington and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Canes Country for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
To refresh your memory, this is the fifth meeting of the season between the Caps and 'Canes, with the Caps taking three of the first four (by 4-3, 4-3 and 3-2 counts against a 6-3 loss).
Notes from yesterday's practice in Raleigh (basically, Boyd Gordon was sent back to D.C. with a bad back, Semyon Varlamov is tonight's likely starter, and Bruce Boudreau talks Ovi). [CI, CI, CI]
Brooks Laich continues to win at life. [D.C. Sports Bog]
We all know that Brendan Morrison has had his ups and downs this year, but has he ever been the subject of such a cheesily-titled article? [WaPo]
The Caps have two of the top three lines in hockey. OK, fine, they have the second-best line in hockey and two different right-wings they can play in on it (though not at the same time). [TSN]
Word's getting out on Nicklas Backstrom. [THN, Corey Masisak (just in case you missed it yesterday)]
Yes, Alex Ovechkin boarded Brian Campbell four days ago. Yes, Alex Ovechkin was suspended for that hit three days ago (Colin Campbell, by the way, discussed his rationale for the suspension yesterday). And yet, thoughts on the incident and the superstar keep rolling in as people take the time to rehash what has been said and/or come up with something more outrageously dumb than what was out there. [Sportsnet (ridiculous), Versus (absurd), SB Nation (silly), SB Nation (reasonable?), and a poll!]
On the Caps sans Ovi. [RtR]
Next up on the list of season goals: the President's Trophy, which is the Caps' to lose. [RMNB]
On the Caps' dogged determination. [FFODC]
Marvel at this: "Mike Green is the 7th d-man with consecutive 70-pt seasons before turning 25. The other six are in the Hockey Hall of Fame." [@washcaps]
Caps/Hawks drew "meh" ratings. [Puck the Media]
Mmm... beer. [Puck Daddy]
If you're not a stat geek like some of us on the site but want to be or just want a real good introduction to some basics, here's a great primer for you. [Scarlet Caps]
We're up over $1,000 in donations pledged for "Saves for Kids," and it's never too late to join in the giving. [FanPost]
Some killer Caps cards. [Strange But True]
Anton Gustafsson and Garrett Mitchell are en route to Hershey... [Patriot-News]
... where they clinched their Division last night (what took you guys so long?), tied a single-season franchise mark for wins, and now have their sights set on the best AHL season ever. [Patriot-News]
Per the HHoF, on this date back in 1989, "Dino Ciccarelli scored four goals and added three assists to set a Washington club record with seven points, in an 8-2 Capitals' win over the Whalers at Harford. It was the 15th hat trick of Ciccarelli's NHL career and his first with Washington." Love me some Dino.
Finally, bunch o' birthdays today, with Jonas Johansson turning 26, Jan Bulis turning 32, Brantt Myhres turning 36 and Craig Johnson turning 38.

Thursday Off-Topic Open Thread

2010-03-18T10:40:13Z

Thursday Off-Topic Open Thread

"[W]hen it comes to the success of this Capitals team in this coming postseason, Nicklas Backstrom...

2010-03-17T17:06:21Z

"[W]hen it comes to the success of this Capitals team in this coming postseason, Nicklas Backstrom is the team’s most indispensible player."

- Corey Masisak

Wednesday Caps Clips: Sweep in Sunrise

2010-03-17T10:40:30Z

More photos » J Pat Carter - AP

Read that headline and weep, Tomas.

Browse more photos »

Your savory breakfast links:

Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win (making the Caps a perfect six-for-six against Florida this season) from the us, the WaPo (blog, gamer), Vogs, D.C. Sports Bog, DCEx, Joe B., Ed Frankovic, Peerless, RtR, On Frozen Pond (worth a click for the photo), Litter Box Cats, MD Pro Sports, the CAPS lock, A Capital Offense and RMNB.
Awww, yeah... reppin' in the Sunshine State. [TweetPhoto]
You can add "the hit didn't cause the damage, the boards caused the damage" to the list of things Bruce Boudreau has said that likely had the Caps PR team instantly smacking their foreheads (with "He's pretty reckless" still the clubhouse leader). [D.C. Sports Bog]
Sigh. More Alex Ovechkin reactions and whatnot. [TSN, The Hockey News, Mike Wise, Peerless Alex Ovetjkin]
By the numbers, AO is your MVP in a walk. [On The Forecheck]
Watch the debut of "Caps OT" and let me know what you think "OT" stands for. [CSN Washington]
Congrats to the Caps for being named a finalist for SBJ's Professional Sports Team of the Year. Of course, we all know what they'd rather win. [Capitals]
Given what today is, I thought I'd trot out this oldie-but-goodie.
One-and-a-half Caps entries in the latest edition of Jersey Fouls. [Puck Daddy]

Wednesday Off-Topic Open Thread

2010-03-17T10:43:01Z

Wednesday Off-Topic Open Thread

Recap: Caps 7, Panthers 3

2010-03-17T02:33:00Z

More photos » J Pat Carter - AP

Browse more photos »

[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]

In the nine games that the Caps have played this season without the two-time reigning League Most Valuable Player, they're now 7-2-0 after a 7-3 win Tuesday night in Sunrise. Impressive.

Every bit as impressive is how they've played in those games, piling up the goals in the absence of the League's best goal-scorer to the tune of 4.78 per game (three times scoring at least seven goals in a game) and a scorching 41.7% efficiency on the power play. They've also allowed just 2.67 goals per game in those nine and have killed off 81.5% of their shorthanded opportunities. Just a reminder to the rest of the NHL: this is not a one-man team.

Ten more notes on the game:

The Caps set the tone early with a couple of big hits, one by Shaone Morrisonn just seven seconds in and another by Tyler Sloan (who made a nice defensive play early and added an assist later) a couple of minutes later. Somehow the Panthers were credited with twice as many hits as the Caps on the night, but one could reasonably have expected a little more physicality from the more desperate club (especially given what happened the last time these teams met). And don't take my word for it - their own coach called 'em soft.
Back to Morrisonn for a moment, his two assists are as many as he had since January 23rd. He was also on the ice for all three Florida goals and took one of three Caps penalties, so all was not rainbows and puppy dogs for him.
Sticking with the "Mo" theme, think Brendan Morrison might be pulling for Florida to sneak into that eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot? B-Mo had four goals and six assists in the season series against the Kitties. His line - with Eric Fehr and Jason Chimera - combined for three goals (including Fehr's eventual game-winner) and two assists in limited ice time (Fehr played just 12:39 on the night). The line looked, for one night at least, very much like you want a playoff third line to look.
Jose Theodore probably deserved better stats than he ended up with (though a .919 save percentage on 37 shots against is nothing to sneeze at), but he got the win and that's what matters, of course. He's now 15-0-2 since January 13, and, in case you didn't notice in today's coverage of other events, it was his second-consecutive start, the first time Bruce Boudreau has trotted the same goalie out there in back-to-back games since the Olympic break. The rotation, it would seem, is over.
With a two-goal, one-assist effort, Brooks Laich has set new career highs in goals and points for the third consecutive season, and both of his goals were classic "go to the bakery" goals (so was his assist, for that matter). Laich also fired eight shots on goal, his fifth-straight game with at least five. Stud.
Laich's linemates - Alexander Semin and Eric Belanger - each chipped in as well, with Semin banging home a rebound on the power play, Belanger winning 69% of his 16 draws on the night, and each adding an assist on Laich's second goal.
The top line was the "quiet" line of the top three, with only Nicklas Backstrom's goal and assist and Mike Knuble's assist to show for their efforts. Slackers. (Though I would note Backstrom's increased willingness to shoot the puck in his normal left-winger's absence is certainly enjoyable to watch.)
We talked about discipline earlier today and the Caps were nothing if not well-mannered, taking just three non-coincidental minors, one of which came two seconds into a Florida power play. That works. So does killing off the three penalties.
John Carlson - who had a game-high four blocked shots - now has assists in three-straight games and with a plus tonight is now plus-10 on the season, and in 14 NHL games has only been a minus once (and that was minus-one in his second game).
The one concern from tonight's game - and it's not insignificant - was the absence of Boyd Gordon who skated just two shifts on the night and didn't return after being tripped by the Panthers' Shawn Matthias. Since the play was penalized and an injury apparently resulted, expect Matthias to be suspended for a couple of games. Kidding. Sorta.

And so it's on to Carolina, where the Caps will look to improve on their 16-3-0 Southeast Division mark and keep on winning... regardless of who's in the lineup.

Game highlights:

Third Period Open Thread

2010-03-17T01:07:01Z

Third Period Open Thread

Six different goal scorers, eleven Caps with points... not missing Ovi much, are they? Third period ahead.

Second Period Open Thread

2010-03-17T00:11:00Z

Second Period Open Thread

A free-wheelin' first sees the Caps hit the locker room with a 2-1 lead. Second period ahead.

Game Day Open Thread - Caps @ Panthers

2010-03-16T21:30:29Z

Next Game

Washington Capitals
@ Florida Panthers

Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010, 7:30 PM EDT
BankAtlantic Center

Tuesday Caps Clips: Caps @ Panthers Game Day

posted by J.P.

Alex Ovechkin Suspended for Two Games

posted by J.P.

Complete Coverage >

Tonight's probable netminders:

	GP	MIN	W	L	O	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Jose Theodore	39	2146	24	7	6	100	2.80	1101	1001	.909	1

	GP	MIN	W	L	O	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Tomas Vokoun	56	3336	23	22	10	131	2.36	1872	1741	.930	7

Have at it, people.

Alex Ovechkin On His Suspension

2010-03-16T17:26:13Z

Alex Ovechkin On His Suspension

"I am very sorry that Brian was injured and I hope he is able to return to his team soon. NHL hockey is a physical game. We all play hard every time we are on the ice and have battles each shift in every game we play so we can do our jobs and win. As players we must accept responsibility for our actions and I am no different but I did not intend to injure Brian and that is why I was disappointed with the NHL’s decision yesterday. Every time I have the honor to play for my team, I will continue to do what I have done since I was taught to play. I will play hard, play with passion and play with respect for my teammates, opponents and fans. I look forward to returning to my team and doing everything I can to be the best player I can be." - Release

In Lieu of Better Penalty Killing, Better Discipline

2010-03-16T15:30:18Z

More photos » Nick Wass - AP

Browse more photos »

"Maybe we can put some more pressure on them and not let them stand around and make passes." - Joe Corvo on the Capitals' penalty kill

"From what I've seen, we're a little bit more passive here." - Eric Belanger on the same topic

If the Caps have one glaring fatal flaw in their overall game, one would think it's their penalty kill. Currently ranked 25th in the League overall - and 29th on the road - the Caps looked to bolster that aspect of their special teams at the trade deadline by adding Joe Corvo and Eric Belanger. Instead of achieving the desired results so far, the man-down unit has actually dipped since the deadline, successfully squashing just 70% of the disadvantages they've faced.

And while the unit's general passivity would seem to be an obvious eyebrow-raising point of strategic discussion, the team's tactical approach to the penalty kill seems unlikely to change any time soon. Does that mean that the Caps PK will bring an early end to their spring endeavors? Of course not.

Besides the fact that the Caps are other-worldly good at five-on-five and on the power play - and, to date, they've played more than 86% of their total game time at five-aside or a man or two up - they've been increasingly well-disciplined. Since the deadline they've averaged just 2.9 shorthanded situations per game and two or fewer in more than half of those games.

If the penalty kill isn't going to get any better (and is there any reason to believe it will?), this is how the Caps will have to mitigate their biggest weakness - by not taking bad penalties (such as boarding or goaltender interference on breakaways). After all, it worked for the Red Wings last year, who finished the regular season 25th in the League in penalty killing and had the worst kill of any team that advanced past the first round in the playoffs, but still came within a bounce or two of repeating as Cup champs. The Wings faced the second-fewest power plays per game of any of last year's playoff teams, so the fact that they only successfully killed 73.2% of them didn't turn around and kill their playoffs.

Put another way, a team that is shorthanded three times per game over a seven-game series and kills at a 78.4% rate (as the Caps currently have, season-to-date) will give up between four and five power-play goals over the course of that series. A team that is shorthanded five times per game over a seven-game series and kills at an 86.1% rate (as the top teams in the League currently do) will give up... between four and five goals over the course of that series. But once that discipline slips, so to, of course, do the goals against - give the Caps four penalties to kill per game over a seven-game series and you're over six power-play goals allowed (and given their abilities at even strength and five-aside, six power-play goals against in seven games probably still has the Caps in the "safe" zone).

All of this isn't to say that the Caps' poor penalty killing isn't a problem - it most certainly is, quite possibly a critical one. And if the Caps could right the ship just a bit there, they'd be that much more dominant overall. But the fact remains that bad penalty killing is only really as big a problem as bad discipline (and the latter would seem more easily corrected); as long as the Caps can keep the penalties to a minimum, they stand every chance of being able to overcome their Achilles heel and achieve what they've set out to achieve.

Tuesday Caps Clips: Caps @ Panthers Game Day

2010-03-16T10:28:21Z

More photos » Wilfredo Lee - AP

Browse more photos »

Your savory breakfast links:

Previews of tonight's game against the Kitties from Vogs, Peerless and NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Litter Box Cats for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
To refresh your memory, this is the sixth and final meeting between the Caps and Cats on the season, with the Caps looking for the season sweep after taking 4-1, 7-4, 6-2, 5-4 and 4-1 decisions
If you missed Pepper on Rink Side Radio last night, check it out here.
More reaction to the Alex Ovechkin hit on Brian Campbell... [Ovechkin's teammates, Damien Cox, TSN, THN, some idiot with a computer, Brian Pothier and Erik Cole, Tim Gleason]
... and the resulting suspension. [Vogs, Puck Daddy, Ted's Take, Damien Cox, Scott Burnside, FanHouse, OFB, FFODC, Globe and Mail, mc79hockey, Empty Netters, A Capital Offense, Examiner, Nigel Dawes and Mike Babcock]
Fresh power rankings are out, with the Caps holding the top spot at The Hockey News, TSN and CBSSports.
"24 NHL coaches, pro scouts and color commentators" have spoken, and they think that Jeff Schultz is a pretty solid blueliner. Welcome to the club, gents. [FanHouse]
A few Caps notes in Elliotte Friedman's weekly must-read. [CBC]
Caps/Hawks did lousy ratings. [Puck the Media]
The Caps are pretty much a terror when they're down a goal, but you knew that. [BtN]
Mike Knuble has been a great pickup for the Caps (but apparently not blurb-worthy). [Sportsnet]
Several Caps are moving up the single-season franchise leaderboards. [A Capital Offense]
Scott Walker is happy to be a Cap. [NHLPA]
The value of one Caps' defensive prospect is on the rise while that of another is falling. Yeah, you can guess who's who. [Puck Prospectus]
A bit o' Bryan Helmer love. [RtR]
Bear Tracks! [LDN]
Down a level, the Farm Report. [FanPost]
Olie Kolzig finds his way into a Post article today... on arthroscopic surgery. [WaPo]
Per the HHoF, on this date back in 1995, "Dale Hunter picked up 7 penalty minutes in a 5-1 Caps' loss at Florida to give him 3,044 PIM and move past Chris Nilan into second place among NHL career penalty minute leaders." Good times.
Finally, happy 32nd birthday to Brian Willsie and happy 39th to David Harlock.

Tuesday Off-Topic Open Thread

2010-03-16T10:41:29Z