The Capitals have put Ben Clymer on waivers in hopes to move the forward who will take up $1.5 million in cap space on the Caps roster without seeing a single minute playing time for Washington the previous year.
If no one claims Clymer off waivers by noon tomorrow, the Caps will buy out his contract allowing him to work the market as a free agent. The Capitals will still be responsible for a chunk of his contract whether he is claimed off waivers or not.
Clymer, 30 years old, spent the entire '07-'08 season in the Capitals' farm team Hershey. He scored 11 goals and had 16 assists in 50 games. The Caps place him on waivers twice if I remember correctly without even a scent from 29 other clubs.
Showing posts with label Clymer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clymer. Show all posts
Monday, June 23, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
No Idea
Just about no one has a clue on what GM George McPhee has up his sleeve as the NHL draft day arrives. While chatter about possible early trades just hours before the draft starts seems to overwhelm both media and general managers alike, GMGM seems content on keeping what ever trades or picks under a cloak of silence.
While it may just look like they may load up on young talent again, trades are not outside the realm of possibilities for the Washington Capitals. But any analysis of what the Caps have in mind as the draft draws near could be as accurate calling the dial a psychic for advice on your love life. "I sense the letter N is important..."
There are several lose ends that need attending to. Remember a Stanley Cup winner that squandered the entire season in Hershey? Ben Clymer's contract ramps up to $1.1 million for next season. Attempts to put the fiesty forward on waivers put him in limbo. An early trade to try to clean up his contract could help McPhee and Clymer clean the slate.
McPhee has to deal with a defense core that seems to be getting a tad too crowded. Steve Eminger was held in reserve for most of the season. While he got his chance late in the season and into the playoffs, he could also be a trade fall out to make room for budding D-man Karl Alzner who looks to make the squad in summer training camp.
But none of these players could warrant a higher pick. In that case, McPhee will just go through the draft picking the best players he and his scouts can get their hands on. While the top picks will elude the Caps, they do own three picks in the second round. More than enough to pull some good talent and start to develop them with cultivation about 3 years out.
Some good news, GMGM and Cris Huet seem to be having some good talks. A positive note as if Huet decided to move on it would make the goaltending a sensitive issue for the Caps as they would have lost both Huet and Olie Kolzig. It will still be pretty interesting to see where Kolzig will end up, while most think he will be in Ottawa when all is said and done.
While it may just look like they may load up on young talent again, trades are not outside the realm of possibilities for the Washington Capitals. But any analysis of what the Caps have in mind as the draft draws near could be as accurate calling the dial a psychic for advice on your love life. "I sense the letter N is important..."
There are several lose ends that need attending to. Remember a Stanley Cup winner that squandered the entire season in Hershey? Ben Clymer's contract ramps up to $1.1 million for next season. Attempts to put the fiesty forward on waivers put him in limbo. An early trade to try to clean up his contract could help McPhee and Clymer clean the slate.
McPhee has to deal with a defense core that seems to be getting a tad too crowded. Steve Eminger was held in reserve for most of the season. While he got his chance late in the season and into the playoffs, he could also be a trade fall out to make room for budding D-man Karl Alzner who looks to make the squad in summer training camp.
But none of these players could warrant a higher pick. In that case, McPhee will just go through the draft picking the best players he and his scouts can get their hands on. While the top picks will elude the Caps, they do own three picks in the second round. More than enough to pull some good talent and start to develop them with cultivation about 3 years out.
Some good news, GMGM and Cris Huet seem to be having some good talks. A positive note as if Huet decided to move on it would make the goaltending a sensitive issue for the Caps as they would have lost both Huet and Olie Kolzig. It will still be pretty interesting to see where Kolzig will end up, while most think he will be in Ottawa when all is said and done.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Caps Sign Young Talent
Oskar Osala was just signed to a three year entry contract with the Capitals. You remember Osala, big kid, left winger from rookie camp. He had been playing in Finland and was one of the better talents in last year's devolpment camp.
At 6'4" and 217 (at camp last year they listed him at 222) the 20 year old is big, but he has some nice hands. He was one of the dark horses to come out of camp to maybe get into traning camp, but he needed another year to gain some maturity. If Osala can use his size and his soft hands he could make for an excellent second or third line forward that can add a scoring touch.
No word if he will be at this year's development camp as he is now under contract, but should be here for training camp a month or so later.
As far as the draft goes, tomorrow the Caps are have the 23rd pick in the first round and several second round picks. Some of the talk is the Caps are looking to trade not just picks but they still have Ben Clymer's contract they would like to dump somewhere as well as sign some RFAs before the July 1st deadline. Makes for a busy last two weeks of June.
At 6'4" and 217 (at camp last year they listed him at 222) the 20 year old is big, but he has some nice hands. He was one of the dark horses to come out of camp to maybe get into traning camp, but he needed another year to gain some maturity. If Osala can use his size and his soft hands he could make for an excellent second or third line forward that can add a scoring touch.
No word if he will be at this year's development camp as he is now under contract, but should be here for training camp a month or so later.
As far as the draft goes, tomorrow the Caps are have the 23rd pick in the first round and several second round picks. Some of the talk is the Caps are looking to trade not just picks but they still have Ben Clymer's contract they would like to dump somewhere as well as sign some RFAs before the July 1st deadline. Makes for a busy last two weeks of June.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Rumor Mill Has Begun
I am getting a couple of murmurs about the Caps in a possible trade that would move Steve Eminger. Since Eminger hasn't been the first choice of management, he has always been in the crosshairs of a possible trade.
Also there is some grumblings of Ben Clymer being moved as well. Again these are just rumors as of now, and the Eminger report is the only one I heard from two different sources.
I will try to find out more, but most likely nothing will be confirmed until tomorrow.
Update: I am actually working tonight, so I will be up all night checking in on trades and updating, then try to stay awake for the trades tomorrow.
Lightning deal Vinny Prospal to Philly for Alexandre Picard and a second or third draft pick. Dan Boyle also signed a contract to stay in Tampa.
Also there is some grumblings of Ben Clymer being moved as well. Again these are just rumors as of now, and the Eminger report is the only one I heard from two different sources.
I will try to find out more, but most likely nothing will be confirmed until tomorrow.
Update: I am actually working tonight, so I will be up all night checking in on trades and updating, then try to stay awake for the trades tomorrow.
Lightning deal Vinny Prospal to Philly for Alexandre Picard and a second or third draft pick. Dan Boyle also signed a contract to stay in Tampa.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Much Needed Break
Sorry about the short absence, but I just got the NHL Network and have been spending my time mesmerized by the wonder and awesomeness of my television. Look at the pretty TV, it's interested in hockey as much as you are, whoooooooaaaaa. Uh-em, anyway.
Plus I have been going through a blogger crisis. It's what every blogger goes through at some point where you consider just not writing a blog. It's too hard, or I would much rather sleep, or who is that strange lady at the end of my couch, oh yea that's my wife. Plus the holiday season is upon us and soon I will be going to fabulous parties and missing much more games not to mention a big trip to Minnesota the week of Christmas. So blogging will be far and few between during this very busy and festive time of year.
Okay, now that is out of the way, Tomas Fleischmann and Jeff Schultz are going to try their hand at coaching. Youth hockey that is and only for a day. The pair will be at Fort Dupont to teach the tricks of the trade to youth players (no, not how to not score, that is an awful thought, shame on you). That happens this evening at 6 p.m.
Addressing some of the Alex Ovechkin might not play here next year rumors. Okay that is just not going to happen, because it doesn't matter what the league may offer Ovie to sail away, the Capitals do have the right to match it to keep him. But if some genius (like a Kevin Lowe) decides to make an outlandish offer for the forward, the Caps could be handcuffed cap wise with the weight of Ovechkin's contract. It would almost ensure that Ovie would be skating with a lot of twenty and twenty one year olds for some time before his is a free agent.
No one quite knows what the real story is however with a contract extension. With McPhee tight lipped and Ovie's "I speak no english/I have no agent" until a something is on paper I don't think anyone will know what is going on. Hence everyone has their own opinion on the matter and rumors abound. Listening to XM Satellite Radio Home Ice, every Canadian team's fan wishes they had Ovechkin on their team. Funny how they aren't that wild about Sid "the Kid" Crosby.
Jakub Klepis is going back to Europe, which is good for the young forward. He didn't earn a contract and the Capitals retain his rights. But at some point I look for that to be traded along with Ben Clymer at some point. Both toughed it out, and both are not getting rewarded with the big club. It all boils down to not enough room.
That is all I have for now....
Plus I have been going through a blogger crisis. It's what every blogger goes through at some point where you consider just not writing a blog. It's too hard, or I would much rather sleep, or who is that strange lady at the end of my couch, oh yea that's my wife. Plus the holiday season is upon us and soon I will be going to fabulous parties and missing much more games not to mention a big trip to Minnesota the week of Christmas. So blogging will be far and few between during this very busy and festive time of year.
Okay, now that is out of the way, Tomas Fleischmann and Jeff Schultz are going to try their hand at coaching. Youth hockey that is and only for a day. The pair will be at Fort Dupont to teach the tricks of the trade to youth players (no, not how to not score, that is an awful thought, shame on you). That happens this evening at 6 p.m.
Addressing some of the Alex Ovechkin might not play here next year rumors. Okay that is just not going to happen, because it doesn't matter what the league may offer Ovie to sail away, the Capitals do have the right to match it to keep him. But if some genius (like a Kevin Lowe) decides to make an outlandish offer for the forward, the Caps could be handcuffed cap wise with the weight of Ovechkin's contract. It would almost ensure that Ovie would be skating with a lot of twenty and twenty one year olds for some time before his is a free agent.
No one quite knows what the real story is however with a contract extension. With McPhee tight lipped and Ovie's "I speak no english/I have no agent" until a something is on paper I don't think anyone will know what is going on. Hence everyone has their own opinion on the matter and rumors abound. Listening to XM Satellite Radio Home Ice, every Canadian team's fan wishes they had Ovechkin on their team. Funny how they aren't that wild about Sid "the Kid" Crosby.
Jakub Klepis is going back to Europe, which is good for the young forward. He didn't earn a contract and the Capitals retain his rights. But at some point I look for that to be traded along with Ben Clymer at some point. Both toughed it out, and both are not getting rewarded with the big club. It all boils down to not enough room.
That is all I have for now....
Monday, October 01, 2007
Pardon My Absence - Klepis Traded?
It's funny how your priorities change when some one in your family is rushed to the hospital. Don't know when I will post over the next couple of days, but will try for the 3 of you that read this blog (including my mom, hi mom!).
Caps lose their last preseason game where the last two periods were an exercise in DON'T GET HURT. I kind of figured after the first period, the second and third were just formalities.
Ben Clymer wants out. He doesn't want to be here, which could be part of the reason his butt was shipped to Hershey. Expect his trade soon.
Rumor Alert: Jakub Klepis has been traded/shipped/sent away/packed and no longer apart of the Caps org. Don't know the details, and it is just a rumor, so take at face value.
That is all I got, try to get back on when I can.
Update: I am full of it, apparently. There is no story of Klepis being sent anywhere (other than Hershey).
Caps lose their last preseason game where the last two periods were an exercise in DON'T GET HURT. I kind of figured after the first period, the second and third were just formalities.
Ben Clymer wants out. He doesn't want to be here, which could be part of the reason his butt was shipped to Hershey. Expect his trade soon.
Rumor Alert: Jakub Klepis has been traded/shipped/sent away/packed and no longer apart of the Caps org. Don't know the details, and it is just a rumor, so take at face value.
That is all I got, try to get back on when I can.
Update: I am full of it, apparently. There is no story of Klepis being sent anywhere (other than Hershey).
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Getting It Done In Tampa
I didn't get a chance to see the Caps narrowly escape with a win in Tampa by a 2-1 margin. I say narrowly because looking at the score sheet in the third, the Caps couldn't stay out of the penalty box. The discipline was there in the first and second periods, but the third was meltdown city with 5 penalties (while only 4 in periods 1 & 2).
Who would have ever thought Brent Johnson would have a better Save % than Olie in the preseason? Johnny stopped all of his shots in Carolina, and only allowed a goal in the Tampa game. Johnny faced 19 shots last night and 12 shots against Carolina a week ago. Maybe all this criticism is getting to the net minder. And - it may just be me - Brent Johnson's new mask brings back memories of Don Beaupre with the Capital on the front.
Also we may see Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom combination a bit more, as I can see the rookie playing center with Semin on the wing. Some one to set up one of the hardest shots in the league (and one of the most accurate), you'd think that Glen Hanlon had died and gone to heaven.
I have been noticing that Nick Backstrom has been skating pretty hard over the last month or so with rookie camp and now training camp. There are obvious times the kid looks down right tired. Even if your 19 and feel strong as an ox, this much skating can wear a player down and that leads to injuries. I have full confidence that the coaches know how hard to push Backstrom, but it would be nice for the rookie to get a couple days rest.
Ben Clymer seems like he is playing for a bit more than just a roster spot. A couple of conversations point to the fact that Clymer wants out of DC as it looks like his playing time will surely diminish once the season starts. The two way forward has to prove he can make the roster before he can prove to other teams he's worth a look first, maybe the reason for his good play of late. It's a shame too, I was starting to like him.
Who would have ever thought Brent Johnson would have a better Save % than Olie in the preseason? Johnny stopped all of his shots in Carolina, and only allowed a goal in the Tampa game. Johnny faced 19 shots last night and 12 shots against Carolina a week ago. Maybe all this criticism is getting to the net minder. And - it may just be me - Brent Johnson's new mask brings back memories of Don Beaupre with the Capital on the front.
Also we may see Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom combination a bit more, as I can see the rookie playing center with Semin on the wing. Some one to set up one of the hardest shots in the league (and one of the most accurate), you'd think that Glen Hanlon had died and gone to heaven.
I have been noticing that Nick Backstrom has been skating pretty hard over the last month or so with rookie camp and now training camp. There are obvious times the kid looks down right tired. Even if your 19 and feel strong as an ox, this much skating can wear a player down and that leads to injuries. I have full confidence that the coaches know how hard to push Backstrom, but it would be nice for the rookie to get a couple days rest.
Ben Clymer seems like he is playing for a bit more than just a roster spot. A couple of conversations point to the fact that Clymer wants out of DC as it looks like his playing time will surely diminish once the season starts. The two way forward has to prove he can make the roster before he can prove to other teams he's worth a look first, maybe the reason for his good play of late. It's a shame too, I was starting to like him.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Schedule Changes
Every team will play every team next season. So says the board of governors yesterday after talks about the season changes made after the lock out three years ago. Now every team gets a chance to see the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Sid "the Kid" Crosby. The playing of division rivals eight times will cease next year as owners and fans alike are a little tired of playing the same division foes a little too much.
Also discussed was the possibility of expansion which seemed to be shut down by the owners. Right now the league is evened out at thirty and to add two new teams would off set a division in each conference.
The Caps return to practice today concentrating more on their preseason match against the Ottawa Senators. Traing Camp has turned serious over the last two days amongst the cuts that happened after the Carolina game where Karl Alzner and Francois Bouchard were both sent back to there junior teams. Also a long list of players were sent to Hershey for the start of their camp tomorrow.
The Wash Post's Tarik did an article on Ben Clymer who looks good at practice and played well in Carolina. Clymer is fighting for a new contract, and you can see he has improved greatly after his abdominal injury last year. I am starting to agree with Tarik, Ben is fast becoming a favorite of mine.
Also discussed was the possibility of expansion which seemed to be shut down by the owners. Right now the league is evened out at thirty and to add two new teams would off set a division in each conference.
The Caps return to practice today concentrating more on their preseason match against the Ottawa Senators. Traing Camp has turned serious over the last two days amongst the cuts that happened after the Carolina game where Karl Alzner and Francois Bouchard were both sent back to there junior teams. Also a long list of players were sent to Hershey for the start of their camp tomorrow.
The Wash Post's Tarik did an article on Ben Clymer who looks good at practice and played well in Carolina. Clymer is fighting for a new contract, and you can see he has improved greatly after his abdominal injury last year. I am starting to agree with Tarik, Ben is fast becoming a favorite of mine.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Caps Drop Preseason Opener
The Caps lost to their southeast rivals Carolina Hurricanes in the preseason opener 4-3. The Caps were perfect through two periods with Brent Johnson in net and a two goal lead going into the third. But the Caps' lead soon slipped away when Michal Neuvirth took over in net and the Hurricanes tied the game at 3 late in the third on a Justin Williams slap shot that beat Neuvirth. That set up a power play goal for Erik Cole late in the overtime frame.
The Caps seemed to come out in this game hungry, dominating the 'Canes in shots and hits. But all that fanfare slipped away in the third. The Hurricanes dressed Eric Staal, Cole, Williams, Mike Commodore and Corey Stillman while the Caps played with out Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, Micheal Nylander and Olaf Kolzig to name a few.
Nicklas Backstrom did score in the second period as did Mike Green and Ben Clymer who also tallied for the Caps. Clymer had a busy game a goal and a fight in the third.
Don't read too much into this game. I think the boys did pretty well in a hostile environment. You kinda had the feeling that the 'Canes were not going to be shown up on their preseason opener at home. I don't think this was a good game to gauge how good Neuvirth will be. Watching him at training camp and at the rookie camp, this kid is pretty good. But some bad penalties (that seem to continue to plague the Capitals) really put the kid against a rock and a hard space.
Caps return back to some more comfy confines of KCI for practice at 10:30 am tomorrow. Cuts will be made as their will be just two groups practicing instead of 3. Their next preseason game will be at Ottawa Thursday.
Just got this from Tarik off his blog:
Talk about repect this guy has!
The Caps seemed to come out in this game hungry, dominating the 'Canes in shots and hits. But all that fanfare slipped away in the third. The Hurricanes dressed Eric Staal, Cole, Williams, Mike Commodore and Corey Stillman while the Caps played with out Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, Micheal Nylander and Olaf Kolzig to name a few.
Nicklas Backstrom did score in the second period as did Mike Green and Ben Clymer who also tallied for the Caps. Clymer had a busy game a goal and a fight in the third.
Don't read too much into this game. I think the boys did pretty well in a hostile environment. You kinda had the feeling that the 'Canes were not going to be shown up on their preseason opener at home. I don't think this was a good game to gauge how good Neuvirth will be. Watching him at training camp and at the rookie camp, this kid is pretty good. But some bad penalties (that seem to continue to plague the Capitals) really put the kid against a rock and a hard space.
Caps return back to some more comfy confines of KCI for practice at 10:30 am tomorrow. Cuts will be made as their will be just two groups practicing instead of 3. Their next preseason game will be at Ottawa Thursday.
Just got this from Tarik off his blog:
Update:Alzner just called Matt Pettinger "Mr. Pettinger" in an interview. He said he calls all the vets Mister. That will only change, he said, when he makes the team.
Talk about repect this guy has!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Caps Punchless Against Canadiens
Capitals 1, Canadiens 4
Scoresheet - Wash Post
Looking like the Capitals of last year, small moments of brilliance followed by a large lack of passion and/or experience. What frustrates Caps fans more than anything is that there so much talent on this team. For whatever reason, the Capitals can't use that talent to win games. The second period for the Capitals was bland to say the least (the very least).
With the laser shot that Alex Semin has or the raw power of Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals seem unable to get very much mileage out of either of them this year. With little goal support for those two, the Washington squad can't just put all the pressure on scoring on those two. Although they seem content to.
Olie Kolzig blocked aside 36 shots. The Caps were out shot badly for a second game 40 to 28 by Montreal. The Caps played a pretty clean game and was only called for three penalties. However, the Caps were 1 for six on the power play, and could not get any quality shots with an extra man.
Chris Clark gets the lone Capitals' goal (the puck bounced off his shoulder on Semin's shot). The Caps had a few good chances late in the third, but were quiet most of the game (almost non-existent in the second). It's like they have lost all of their aggressiveness after the first goal. I talk of having that killer instinct all the time in the NHL and the Capitals don't seem to have much of it.
Ben Clymer's season is done as he will have surgery to solve a sports hernia that has dogged him since October. Why didn't he have this surgery earlier in the year? This one just perplexes me. Clymer just played through the pain and was completely useless this season. Another great decision made by the Capitals management.
Caps face the Penguins next, I don't expect much from the Caps in this one. The Pens are in a different place than the Caps are. I expect a blood fest and the Caps lucky to come out with a goal or two. It's gonna be ugly.
Scoresheet - Wash Post
Looking like the Capitals of last year, small moments of brilliance followed by a large lack of passion and/or experience. What frustrates Caps fans more than anything is that there so much talent on this team. For whatever reason, the Capitals can't use that talent to win games. The second period for the Capitals was bland to say the least (the very least).
With the laser shot that Alex Semin has or the raw power of Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals seem unable to get very much mileage out of either of them this year. With little goal support for those two, the Washington squad can't just put all the pressure on scoring on those two. Although they seem content to.
Olie Kolzig blocked aside 36 shots. The Caps were out shot badly for a second game 40 to 28 by Montreal. The Caps played a pretty clean game and was only called for three penalties. However, the Caps were 1 for six on the power play, and could not get any quality shots with an extra man.
Chris Clark gets the lone Capitals' goal (the puck bounced off his shoulder on Semin's shot). The Caps had a few good chances late in the third, but were quiet most of the game (almost non-existent in the second). It's like they have lost all of their aggressiveness after the first goal. I talk of having that killer instinct all the time in the NHL and the Capitals don't seem to have much of it.
Ben Clymer's season is done as he will have surgery to solve a sports hernia that has dogged him since October. Why didn't he have this surgery earlier in the year? This one just perplexes me. Clymer just played through the pain and was completely useless this season. Another great decision made by the Capitals management.
Caps face the Penguins next, I don't expect much from the Caps in this one. The Pens are in a different place than the Caps are. I expect a blood fest and the Caps lucky to come out with a goal or two. It's gonna be ugly.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Caps Lose Again
Preseason
Capitals 1, Devils 3
Marty Brodeur was a brick wall. Stopping all 13 shots he faced in a period and a half of work. The Caps could not kill a penalty to save their lives and once again, it’s special teams that do them in as they drop their third preseason game in a 3-1 loss to the Devils.
Ben Clymer was the single goal scorer for the Capitals with a late goal. The Devils were 2 for 5 on the powerplay, the Caps were 0 for 8. Even though the Caps were not in the penalty box much, it was all the Devils needed.
The Capitals out shot the Devils 34 to 18. It wasn’t the lack effort on behalf the Capitals. The roar of the crowd must have been deafening from a grand total of 3200 people that were in the crowd.
Caps will stay in Hershey for a few practices before facing off against the Flyers on Tuesday.
Capitals 1, Devils 3
Marty Brodeur was a brick wall. Stopping all 13 shots he faced in a period and a half of work. The Caps could not kill a penalty to save their lives and once again, it’s special teams that do them in as they drop their third preseason game in a 3-1 loss to the Devils.
Ben Clymer was the single goal scorer for the Capitals with a late goal. The Devils were 2 for 5 on the powerplay, the Caps were 0 for 8. Even though the Caps were not in the penalty box much, it was all the Devils needed.
The Capitals out shot the Devils 34 to 18. It wasn’t the lack effort on behalf the Capitals. The roar of the crowd must have been deafening from a grand total of 3200 people that were in the crowd.
Caps will stay in Hershey for a few practices before facing off against the Flyers on Tuesday.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Like A Broken Record
Capitals 2, Bruins 3
For the second time in four nights, the Bruins continue giving the Caps some fits. Alex Ovechkin had plenty of opportunity, but couldn’t find the back of the net, even on a penalty shot that went wide.
The Capitals needed better puck control on the blue line. Ben Clymer answered the call to help the struggling defense. He did well by tying the game in the third, but the Bruins answered right away with a goal.
A night after a clearly frustrating loss to Pittsburgh, the Caps just couldn’t get past the play of P.J. Axelsson, and Tim Thomas. The Bruins didn’t need to change their game plan too much as the Caps just couldn’t get it going.
Overall Grade: C
It could have been much worse after the debacle at Mellon Arena, but the Capitals were able to make a game out of it. The Caps sorely miss the speed of Steve Eminger and Jamie Heward on the blue line. Capitals defensemen look slow and awkward.
Wash Post has the details. I may have put too much hope into this team after their 4th consecutive win against one of this year’s elite teams, Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals have to use these losses to learn and correct their weaknesses.
For the second time in four nights, the Bruins continue giving the Caps some fits. Alex Ovechkin had plenty of opportunity, but couldn’t find the back of the net, even on a penalty shot that went wide.
The Capitals needed better puck control on the blue line. Ben Clymer answered the call to help the struggling defense. He did well by tying the game in the third, but the Bruins answered right away with a goal.
A night after a clearly frustrating loss to Pittsburgh, the Caps just couldn’t get past the play of P.J. Axelsson, and Tim Thomas. The Bruins didn’t need to change their game plan too much as the Caps just couldn’t get it going.
Overall Grade: C
It could have been much worse after the debacle at Mellon Arena, but the Capitals were able to make a game out of it. The Caps sorely miss the speed of Steve Eminger and Jamie Heward on the blue line. Capitals defensemen look slow and awkward.
Wash Post has the details. I may have put too much hope into this team after their 4th consecutive win against one of this year’s elite teams, Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals have to use these losses to learn and correct their weaknesses.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Moving Around
Ben Clymer is a defenseman, he was just a small defenseman. He was persuaded by the Lightening (his former team) to play forward to save his career in the NHL. But now he is going back on the blue line.
Wash Post has the story in full. I think the NHL will have more players that are quick and playmakers back in the defensive position. Many players that were told because of their size that they wouldn't make it to the big leagues. Now that has changed. Smaller, faster, and assist men are being highlighted on the blue line.
Smaller defensemen have always had a hard time selling their craft in the NHL, but now it seems to be in demand. More power plays around the League have a forward at the point, and some 3 men penalty kills we are seeing two forwards and one defensemen more and more.
Other moves the Caps made was to recall Brooks Laich (Like) from Hersey and sent Boyd Gordon down to Hersey. Laich has been playing well and scoring, Gordon has been held scoreless. Bryan Muir will return to the line up tonight as well. Still trying to find that perfect mix.
--Other Notes--
Wash Post has the story in full. I think the NHL will have more players that are quick and playmakers back in the defensive position. Many players that were told because of their size that they wouldn't make it to the big leagues. Now that has changed. Smaller, faster, and assist men are being highlighted on the blue line.
Smaller defensemen have always had a hard time selling their craft in the NHL, but now it seems to be in demand. More power plays around the League have a forward at the point, and some 3 men penalty kills we are seeing two forwards and one defensemen more and more.
Other moves the Caps made was to recall Brooks Laich (Like) from Hersey and sent Boyd Gordon down to Hersey. Laich has been playing well and scoring, Gordon has been held scoreless. Bryan Muir will return to the line up tonight as well. Still trying to find that perfect mix.
--Other Notes--
- Penguins remain the only winless team in the NHL after losing to a distracted Florida Panther team 4-3. A late penalty against Mario Lemieux infuriated the superstar and he screamed at the Refs. Hey Mario, welcome to the Capitals world.
- Predators are still undefeated after hand a shalacking to the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. Matthew Barnaby had a busy night with one goal and two fights, the first of which happened just 3 seconds into the game. Thatta boy Barnaby, why waste time with the playing and what not?
- The Capitals vs. Florida game on Saturday has been postponed indefinitely due to Hurricane Wilma. They have yet to restore power to the Bankatlantic Center.
- Tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres will be in Rochester NY, at the Blue Cross Arena. The Sabres are trying to persuade more fans in Rochester to travel to Buffalo in order to boost attendance.
One game at a time boys.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)