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.
Showing posts with label Eminger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eminger. Show all posts
Friday, June 20, 2008
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.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Switch'n It All Up, Again
Again the lines get shook up for the sake of getting every ounce of offense out of this team. Micheal Nylander gets paired with Alex Ovechkin and Chris Clark on the front line. For some fans, that was supposed to be the plan, but both Bruce Boudreau and Glen Hanlon seemed to fight that line up at first.
Nick Backstrom sticks to the fourth line, which I think has helped him. Maybe the pressure is less or he is playing a simple system on this line (the triangle and simple break outs with emphasis on defense), or maybe he doesn't feel he has to do so much with the likes of Alex Semin and Nylander on the same line.
There is talk of Tomas Fleischmann sitting out, I wouldn't be surprised if he is sent down at some point. Flash is just not producing like the coaching staff envisioned. While many are still questioning why Donald Brashear still gets a jersey every night, he has been getting scoring chances. We just need to work on his aim, hit the net Donnie!
In terms of defense, the pairings that worked last year and at the beginning of the season are a thing of the past. I think the most movement that has happened in terms of line changes really has happened on the blue line. Shaone Morrisonn, the most under rated player on this team, has been paired with Mike Green on the first line. It doesn't matter who they line Morrisonn up with, he has turned out great defensive performances. He is always in position and he has a little mean streak in him. Just ask Vincent Lecavalier.
Steve Eminger has been having a tough season so far. He hasn't had the minutes or starts that he would like, but when he does get those starts his play is inconsistent. It's been an up and down season for Eminger who seems to be caught in a catch 22.
Nick Backstrom sticks to the fourth line, which I think has helped him. Maybe the pressure is less or he is playing a simple system on this line (the triangle and simple break outs with emphasis on defense), or maybe he doesn't feel he has to do so much with the likes of Alex Semin and Nylander on the same line.
There is talk of Tomas Fleischmann sitting out, I wouldn't be surprised if he is sent down at some point. Flash is just not producing like the coaching staff envisioned. While many are still questioning why Donald Brashear still gets a jersey every night, he has been getting scoring chances. We just need to work on his aim, hit the net Donnie!
In terms of defense, the pairings that worked last year and at the beginning of the season are a thing of the past. I think the most movement that has happened in terms of line changes really has happened on the blue line. Shaone Morrisonn, the most under rated player on this team, has been paired with Mike Green on the first line. It doesn't matter who they line Morrisonn up with, he has turned out great defensive performances. He is always in position and he has a little mean streak in him. Just ask Vincent Lecavalier.
Steve Eminger has been having a tough season so far. He hasn't had the minutes or starts that he would like, but when he does get those starts his play is inconsistent. It's been an up and down season for Eminger who seems to be caught in a catch 22.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Grumblings Start To Grow Within
Tarik at the Wash Post may have just caught the scent of dissatisfaction of Capitals' management not from fans, but from the locker room. In the Post today was an article about Steve Eminger who sounds like he is ready to move on:
I am not quite sure why they aren't playing Emmy either. But add another player on the "I am not happy here" train with Ben Clymer. It was only a matter of time that the players who can contribute but are sitting on the sidelines during a slump are starting to feel a bit jaded. Watching Eminger at practice yesterday, he looked good. His speed is up and his intensity is there. But for what ever reason, there is not a game night jersey with his name on it.
"It's past frustrating," he said following yesterday's practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. "It's just a matter of them putting me in the lineup, and putting me in there for more than one game, or moving me to somewhere I'm going to play. Because clearly I'm not in their plans."
I am not quite sure why they aren't playing Emmy either. But add another player on the "I am not happy here" train with Ben Clymer. It was only a matter of time that the players who can contribute but are sitting on the sidelines during a slump are starting to feel a bit jaded. Watching Eminger at practice yesterday, he looked good. His speed is up and his intensity is there. But for what ever reason, there is not a game night jersey with his name on it.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Caps Keep A Couple
Steve Eminger and Brian Sutherby are inked for another season with the Capitals. Both players will need to improve on their numbers for this next season and both signed one year deals.
That leaves seven restricted free agents with Brooks Laich and Milan Jurcina going to arbitration. It's going to be harder for these players to fit in with recent off season signings. While some players like Jurcina will see some playing time, players like Laich and Sutherby have work to do to gain a full time spot as a center on the third and fourth lines when camp begins.
That leaves seven restricted free agents with Brooks Laich and Milan Jurcina going to arbitration. It's going to be harder for these players to fit in with recent off season signings. While some players like Jurcina will see some playing time, players like Laich and Sutherby have work to do to gain a full time spot as a center on the third and fourth lines when camp begins.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Ovechkin Gets His Hat-Trick
Capitals 3, Mighty Ducks 2 OT
All the Capitals needed were two men: Alex Ovechkin and Brent Johnson. Both played phenomenal versus a good Western Conference team, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. It was all the Caps needed.
The Caps came into this game needing a win, needing to give Olaf Kolzig a rest, and needing to produce more goals. It was the return of Jeff Friesen (who changed his number from 12 to 41 out of respect of Bondra’s scoring record in DC), both back in the line up for the Capitals and back in Anaheim where he played. There was so much behind this game for the Caps that the Mighty Ducks could no longer contain the super rookie getting his first career hat-trick.
Not only did Ovechkin score all three goals, but won the game with less than two minutes left in overtime. It was almost poetic. And as Mighty Ducks fans looked on in awe and shock, a collective scream of joy rippled through the homes of Caps fans in the Capital City close to 1 in the morning.
The Mighty Ducks did not go quietly in the night, it only seemed that way with some of the miraculous saves by Johnson (Johnny). He had 32 saves which included defusing a 2 on 0. Johnny looked good in net with great pad stops and glove grabs.
Some other players that played well but was not found on the score sheet were Brendan Witt who played the best all year, I thought. Brian Sutherby was another that seemed to find the puck and was always tough on the boards in the forecheck.
Overall Grade: A
The Caps fought this one out. Plus leaning on Ovie doesn’t hurt either. The Caps need to find a way to continue this hard working play. It was quite obvious the Mighty Ducks were not ready for the speed of the Capitals.
Bad news, Steve Eminger was hurt badly with either a tweaked knee or ankle. Either way, it was a heart breaker to see him fall in pain in overtime. When Eminger was helped off the ice with the help of the trainer and teammates, he did not put pressure on the injured leg. Bad sign.
Wash Post will love to fill you in on the sayings and stories of the night (if they stayed up past their bed time). The Caps play the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday, traveling overnight after this game. Kolzig is a likely starter versus Gretzky’s squad. The game is 4 pm local time in D.C.
1/14 Editors Correction: Caps play the Coyotes on Monday which is Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, hence the start time at 4 pm eastern.
All the Capitals needed were two men: Alex Ovechkin and Brent Johnson. Both played phenomenal versus a good Western Conference team, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. It was all the Caps needed.
The Caps came into this game needing a win, needing to give Olaf Kolzig a rest, and needing to produce more goals. It was the return of Jeff Friesen (who changed his number from 12 to 41 out of respect of Bondra’s scoring record in DC), both back in the line up for the Capitals and back in Anaheim where he played. There was so much behind this game for the Caps that the Mighty Ducks could no longer contain the super rookie getting his first career hat-trick.
Not only did Ovechkin score all three goals, but won the game with less than two minutes left in overtime. It was almost poetic. And as Mighty Ducks fans looked on in awe and shock, a collective scream of joy rippled through the homes of Caps fans in the Capital City close to 1 in the morning.
The Mighty Ducks did not go quietly in the night, it only seemed that way with some of the miraculous saves by Johnson (Johnny). He had 32 saves which included defusing a 2 on 0. Johnny looked good in net with great pad stops and glove grabs.
Some other players that played well but was not found on the score sheet were Brendan Witt who played the best all year, I thought. Brian Sutherby was another that seemed to find the puck and was always tough on the boards in the forecheck.
Overall Grade: A
The Caps fought this one out. Plus leaning on Ovie doesn’t hurt either. The Caps need to find a way to continue this hard working play. It was quite obvious the Mighty Ducks were not ready for the speed of the Capitals.
Bad news, Steve Eminger was hurt badly with either a tweaked knee or ankle. Either way, it was a heart breaker to see him fall in pain in overtime. When Eminger was helped off the ice with the help of the trainer and teammates, he did not put pressure on the injured leg. Bad sign.
Wash Post will love to fill you in on the sayings and stories of the night (if they stayed up past their bed time). The Caps play the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday, traveling overnight after this game. Kolzig is a likely starter versus Gretzky’s squad. The game is 4 pm local time in D.C.
1/14 Editors Correction: Caps play the Coyotes on Monday which is Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, hence the start time at 4 pm eastern.
Monday, October 24, 2005
A Team Beaten
The cool thing about being a Washington Capitals fan is that we have an owner that is very fan friendly, which includes post game video of players in the locker room on www.washingtoncaps.com. For a person like me that has been in Sports Radio, there is nothing that tells the story more than the looks on the faces of the players after the game. Below are some of the interviews after the 4-0 shelling from the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. Just take and look and you will see a beaten team. Even if you don't have audio, just watch the videos.
Olaf Kolzig can't look anyone in the eye while talking about the game.
Jeff Friesen almost looks depressed and saddened.
Steve Eminger takes it hard, voice low and searching for words.
Glen Hanlon is finally showing some signs of frustration, although very minor signs.
All of the Caps voices are low, and most of the conversations you hear in the background is mostly other reporters. The Caps took this one hard, you can tell by their manners and in how they are speaking. They are frustrated and perplexed and any other quizzical word you can come up with.
Most Caps fans knew coming into this season that we were going to be treated to one heck of a rollercoaster, but I see the competivness in the eyes of this team. They want to win. I expect a few harder practices and some steam let off over the next couple of days.
I had a coach once tell me, "It's okay to lose big sometimes, but only if you learn from your mistakes and apply that knowledge the next time you hit the ice to better yourself."
Wise words. So I may vent, I may yell and cry fowl. But I will be watching the next game to see if the Caps can learn from a big loss, and put together a better game.
Olaf Kolzig can't look anyone in the eye while talking about the game.
Jeff Friesen almost looks depressed and saddened.
Steve Eminger takes it hard, voice low and searching for words.
Glen Hanlon is finally showing some signs of frustration, although very minor signs.
All of the Caps voices are low, and most of the conversations you hear in the background is mostly other reporters. The Caps took this one hard, you can tell by their manners and in how they are speaking. They are frustrated and perplexed and any other quizzical word you can come up with.
Most Caps fans knew coming into this season that we were going to be treated to one heck of a rollercoaster, but I see the competivness in the eyes of this team. They want to win. I expect a few harder practices and some steam let off over the next couple of days.
I had a coach once tell me, "It's okay to lose big sometimes, but only if you learn from your mistakes and apply that knowledge the next time you hit the ice to better yourself."
Wise words. So I may vent, I may yell and cry fowl. But I will be watching the next game to see if the Caps can learn from a big loss, and put together a better game.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Why Wait 3 Years, Signs of Growth Now
The Washington Post did a great article on Steve Eminger and how his improvement after being sent down to the minors in the '03 - '04 season is now paying off for the Capitals. Eminger was always supposed to be the fast offensive minded defenseman, and with the new "no grabbing, clutching, and hooking" rules, he has more room to work his speed and offensive know how on the ice.
However, it still seems as though GM George McPhee is ignoring the problem on the blue line. The inexperienced defensman in front of Olaf Kolzig has been the story line for every game. Just watching opposing team's broadcasts of the Capitals games they all say the same. Crash the net, use your veteran forwards to aggressively attack the D-men and they will make a mistake.
With the Caps win over the Lightening, we saw the center coming back to help play defense. In the Capital's zone, they look more like a penalty kill setup with a box with the center low, close to the goal. Glen Hanlon is obviously looking to the forwards to help with the defense.
Sure if you have five defensemen out there, it would be harder to score. The Caps now have to be patient and be opportunistic goal scorers. So players like Eminger can play up and use their speed on the aggressive forecheck.
Of course you have to do that in an empty building, as attendance at the MCI Center are dismal. Let's hope the NHL is serious about keeping teams or we may be first on the chopping block.
--Other Notes --
However, it still seems as though GM George McPhee is ignoring the problem on the blue line. The inexperienced defensman in front of Olaf Kolzig has been the story line for every game. Just watching opposing team's broadcasts of the Capitals games they all say the same. Crash the net, use your veteran forwards to aggressively attack the D-men and they will make a mistake.
With the Caps win over the Lightening, we saw the center coming back to help play defense. In the Capital's zone, they look more like a penalty kill setup with a box with the center low, close to the goal. Glen Hanlon is obviously looking to the forwards to help with the defense.
Sure if you have five defensemen out there, it would be harder to score. The Caps now have to be patient and be opportunistic goal scorers. So players like Eminger can play up and use their speed on the aggressive forecheck.
Of course you have to do that in an empty building, as attendance at the MCI Center are dismal. Let's hope the NHL is serious about keeping teams or we may be first on the chopping block.
--Other Notes --
- The New York Rangers continue to perform well with a big win against another hot team, the Florida Panthers (who would have thought that). Jaromir Jagr scored twice on power play goals in the exact same spot on the ice. Apparently Jagr now is trying to prove he is worth the money New York is spending on him.
- Steve Shields may be the saving grace in net for the goalie-less Atlanta Thrashers. After losing starter Kari Lehtonen and back up Mike Dunham to groin injuries, the Thrashers have been on the look out for a suitable replacement in net.
- Who said that "Cujo" was past his prime? Coyotes goaltender Curtis Joseph gives Wayne Gretzky's team a big win on the road against the Calgary Flames. Cujo posted a shutout with 25 saves and he is 25-8-3 against the Flames. Talk about domination.
Preparing for the Carolina rematch on Thursday! Bring on the 'Canes (again)!
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