Players Union Has Good Intentions

Asking a player not to take part in on-ice activities for their country's team is kind of like asking them to to kiss their sisters. It just not going to happen. Earlier this week, the NHLPA asked players not to take part in on-ice practices due to the possibility of injury.

The Players Union is worried about injuries and the insurance to cover said injuries. Since there is no deal between the NHL and IIHF, the country's hockey program is responsible for the players' insurance for any activity for international play. The NHL is not responsible for insuring the players.

The Union obviously is looking out for their own (as they often do) and sent out a memo asking players to not take part of on-ice practices because of "unwarranted and unnecessary risk."

While it's a strongly worded memo, the players have a different take on the subject. Via TSN.ca:

"I've skated for years and have never been hurt, so I'll be skating," said
(Joe) Thornton, who played for Canada at the 2006 Olympics.

While the PA is looking out for their own, I think they failed to realize that players are going to do what they want, memo or not. International teams need to see the boys on the ice so they can make the matchups, get the lines right and see what their own can do. Also from TSN.ca:

"We shouldn't have to worry about the business of things, but it's a fact, and the PA is there to protect everyone's interests," said New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, a three-time Olympian who admits he's confused as to why the NHLPA is more worried for this Olympics than they were in 2006. "It's just normal that they have concerns."

It means the Players Union, the NHL and the IIHF need to sit down and hammer out a deal in the coming years. If the Union and the league decide against using NHL players in international events like the Olympics, that will greatly impact players that want to play for their countries and they may go elsewhere rather than the NHL to play for their homeland. Asking Alex Ovechkin not to play in his home country in another four years might be a tough pill to swallow for the player, the league and the Washington Capitals.

This just points out the distance that the league and IIHF have to close in making a deal.

NHL Notes:

• The Phoenix Coyotes are making a go at staying in the desert. This time there is a bid that involves both U.S. and Canadian interests that would like to keep the Coyotes where they are. Not only does it make sense (since the Coyotes signed a long term contract with the venue), but hockey in that part of the world is starting to gain some interest. If the 'Yotes can put some wins together, the stadium will fill.
• Speaking of owners and money, Len Barrie (the part genius behind the Lightning last season) finally showed proof that he can sustain the team as a majority holder. Barrie basically took over the team with Oren Koules and tried to rebuild the team through free agency. After firing the coach, John Tortorella, and the GM, Jay Feaster, the Lightning floundered near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. There are still some rumbles that it's not new GM Brian Lawton calling the shots, but the two owners. That forced Bettman's hand to make sure Barrie had at least $10 million to maintain the team.
• Believe it or not, but there are still a fair amount of good players that are free agents and haven't signed with a team. For the Caps, Brent Johnson, minor leaguers Alex Giroux, Graham Mink, and Bryan Helmer are still on the list as free agents. Milan Jurcina's arbitration hearing is set for July 28th.
  

In Case You Hadn't Heard...

...Russia won gold at the World Championships thanks to an Ilya Kovalchuk overtime snapper. Alex Ovechkin had the primary assist on the game winner and Canadian hearts are breaking everywhere. Although, I don't really sympathize with our neighbors to the north, remember 2002? Yea, I do. Sucks doesn't it.

What is more exciting than Russia winning the gold and three Capitals players with some big points in the process, is the rivalry starting between Canada and Russia. It's making for some very exciting hockey on the international stage. Maybe NBC would have gotten better ratings showing the gold medal game rather than a Penguins blow out? Hmmm.

I guess that is the frustrating part, here was a game for the ages. Russia down 4-2 going into the third period. Canada look to have the gold in their back pockets when it all fell apart. In the end when the dust settled, the Russians win 5-4 in overtime in an instant classic game. Yet, not a single channel on the US dial carried the broadcast. That was a shame.

It was the best hockey I witnessed in some time on the international level. I don't think the Canadian players should have been so down hearted, they played a hell of a game and in the end they retain the number one spot in the IIHF world rankings. Not too shabby.

If you haven't seen the entire game, I urge you to do so. TSN.ca has been awesome in their coverage of the tournament. You can check out the game in it's entirety here. If you just want the highlights, you can go here instead.

Alex Semin was the tournament's point leader as far as Capitals' players are concerned. He had 6 goals and 13 points, including two goals in the gold medal game. Ovechkin, Sergei Fedorov and Mike Green all had a great tournament and tied in points. Ovie had 6 goals and 12 points, Green had 8 assists and 12 points, Fedorov had 5 goals and 12 points.

While everyone talked about the domination of the Ryan Getzlaf, Rick Nash, Danny Heatley line, it was the Capital connection of Semin, Ovechkin and Fedorov that seemed to steal the show in the end. Throughout the tournament the three of them combined for 49 points, and a +32.

Other Capitals in the tournament:

Tomas Fleischmann CZE - 7 GP, 2 goals, 5 points, +6
Sammi Lepisto FIN - 7 GP, a goal and an assist, +2
Cristobal Huet FRA - 5 GP, 91.12 save%, 3.60 goals against
Nicklas Backstrom SWE - 9 GP, 3 goals and 7 points, +1

As far as Team USA's early exit, that is a hard draw to play the Finns twice and two very heartbreaking games. But the young core can only get better, and maybe good things are in store come 2010 in Vancouver. I still would have liked to see Craig Anderson in the net a bit more, and Tim Thomas' injury I think hindered a chance at a medal. Not that Robert Esche is a bad goaltender, it just would have been nice to see a fresh face in the US net.

International Officials Screw It Up Again

Team USA may not have played well to beat their Finnish counterparts, but the officials certainly didn't help matters. After allowing an obvious non-goal after the puck entered the net from the side, the officials also turned their backs on several obvious infractions on both sides or calling the slightest infraction. In the end the US will have to lick their wounds with a 3-2 loss as the game ended on a violent note.

The highlight of the game was Robert Esche (that's right I said Robert Esche) had the glove save of the century on a Finnish forward that made his way past the defense. The Finn made a move to the back hand and only Esche's glove was there to make the save and did it ever. TSN.ca has the highlights.

Following the game John Tortorella ripped the officiating. Classic JT.

In other World Championship news, Alex Ovechkin seems to be finding his groove. He had a goal and an assist against the Swedes on Saturday. In fact the Capital line of Sergei Fedorov, Alex Semin and Ovechkin seems to generate pure offense for the Russian squad, if Feds isn't doing blind passes to the front of his net.

Nick Backstrom had an assist in Swedes surprise win over the Czechs. So far he has 3 goals and 6 points in the tournament. Tomas Fleischmann scored in that game as well for the losing side. Backstrom's point total matches what Mike Green is doing for Team Canada, who also has 3 goals and 6 points. If I am not mistaken, Semin leads all Capitals in the World Championships with 7 points (3g, 4a).

Canada Barely Escapes USA

Team USA had about the best starts you can think of in a tournament. But Canada quickly grew a 3-0 lead before the United States roared back and tied them 4-4 in the third. That is when Dany Heatley buzzed a one timer past Craig Anderson (who replaced Tim Thomas in the third) with just 47 seconds left to play. Things got a little testy at the end of the game with a few roughing calls being given past the buzzer, but it was a relative and Canada beats the US 5-4.

The best player on the ice for either team was Cam Ward, who had to make some pretty spectacular saves to keep Canada in the game. Thomas was switched out in the third period after tweaking a groin muscle and Anderson took over. Both played well, considering. The Rick Nash line was pretty dominate throughout the game, but when they went for a change Team USA would dictate the play.

I think the game was closer than Team Canada wanted, but the US did not disappoint. Team USA was shaping up to be a resilient group that played hard and never gave up. A good sign when the elimination rounds start.

In other World Championship news, Alex Ovechkin scored a goal and Sergei Fedorov had an assist in Russia's 4-1 win over Denmark. It was Alex Semin's first game without a point. And in the Czech's win over Italy, Tomas Fleischmann had an assist.

There was a really good article on Nick Backstrom on the IIHF website. You can check that out here.

And Tarik got the skinny on Cristobal Huet's intentions this offseason. Sounds like there is a good possibility of seeing Huet in a Caps' sweater next season.

Pittsburgh Plays The Team They Didn't Want

A lot going on in the hockey world. First both my favorites for the Stanley Cup finals got bumped in the second round in deciding fashion. San Jose lost to Dallas and Montreal lost to Philadelphia. That means there are just four teams left.

The Penguins will now play a team that seems to have success against very good skilled teams, the Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the team they had no ambition of playing in the opening round of the playoffs and some have speculated that the Pens threw the last game of the season to avoid playing the Broad Street Bullies in favor of the beat up Ottawa Senators. Myself included in those that speculate.

How hockey karma can be cruel. Now the Penguins will have to face their cross state rivals and let me tell you, the Flyers are no Senators or Rangers. I actually am cheering for the lesser of two evils, and hope that the Flyers can put the Pens in their place. I kinda like this Flyer team (when they aren't playing the Caps), they are the Anaheim Ducks of the '08 playoffs. Tough, rugged with a touch of skill. Plus they are riding the hottest goaltender in the NHL in Marty Biron. There is a 50/50 chance the Cup will be raised by a Pennsylvania team this year.

In the West Conference the Dallas Stars look pretty impressive, but so do the Detroit Red Wings. This should be a battle royal and will be an interesting series to watch. Logic says that the Red Wings should be the stronger of the two, but I have been counting out the Stars for the last two rounds with little luck. Plus, I am secretly a big Mike Modano fan.

In World Championship news, the stage is set for two good hockey teams to butt heads Tuesday as the United States takes on Canada in their backyard. Canada remains heavy favorites in the tournament, but Team USA has been on a winning streak themselves. They will play in the early game at 4:30 pm EST. Both come in with 2-0 records and have had easy success with their previous opponents. Tim Thomas most likely will be in net for the United States.

As for Caps in the tournament, Nick Backstom scored two goals in three shots as Team Sweden crushed France 9-0. Cris Huet did not start, but he did come in relief and made only 3 saves on 5 shots. Backstrom did score on Huet late in the third.

Backstrom leads all Caps in the World Championships with 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist and 5th on the scoring list overall). Alex Semin is right there with him with 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) and leads all Capitals with a +4 rating (ranking him tied for fourth overall).

Hop Switz! Vs. Hip Hop Huet!

As good as Cristobal Huet may be, when you are under a barrage of 48 shots some are bound to go in. Switzerland defeated France 4-1 on Saturday, Huet had 44 saves in a one sided affair. Huet's return to Quebec brought out a raucous French contingent cheering "Allez les bleus!" (Go the blue ones! translated) amongst other things. While the Swiss side hollered "Hop Switz!" (Go Swiss! translated) to counteract. Martin Gerber was in net for the Swiss stopping 25 of 26 shots.

In other World Championship news (concerning Capital players), Nick Backstrom's Team Sweden eek out a win versus Belarus. Backstrom scored a goal, had an assist, and was a +1. Sami Lepisto did not play for the Finnish in their 5-1 win over Germany.

Also Friday, I forgot to mention that Tomas Fleischmann recorded an assist and was a +3 in the Czech Republic's win over Denmark. Jakub Klepis also played for the Czech and recorded 6 shots. Klepis was seen with a very clean shaven head.

USA Too Much For Latvia

Team USA started their World Championship quest for gold with an impressive opening game. The US attack was at it's best, beating their opening opponents Latvia 4-0. In their retro 1960's jerseys, the United States scored in every period and out shot the Latvia squad 49-24.

All four goals were scored on the powerplay. Team USA's passing was crisp and they were able to keep the Latvians in their end for much of the game, besides a stretch in the first period and in the middle of the second when the Latvians found some life.

Tim Thomas gets the shutout and Patrick Kane finished with a goal and two assists. Lee Stempniak was pulled down and granted a penalty shot, but failed to convert in the second period. Dustin Brown, Zach Parise and Patrick O'Sullivan were the other scorers for USA.

Russia pounded Italy 7-1. Capitals Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Sergei Fedorov connected to help lead the Russian club for their first win. Semin had two goals, an assist and was a +4. A clean shaven Ovie scored a goal and Fedorov had an assist.

The Russians wore their retro jerseys which had the old Soviet Union logo of CCCP. “It was a little strange to have the CCCP logo there, but we had the Russian one too,” said Ovechkin of the retro look. “We consider it like a gift to the older players.”

Team USA Starts WC Quest Today

Team USA will start their quest for WC gold today at 7:15 pm EST at the Halifax Metro Centre in Halifax, NS, Canada. Their opponent will be Latvia. The Americans will start off in the B group which includes Latvia, Slovenia and Canada. While team USA has loaded up on young talent, they aren't even the favorites for their group or for gold or silver. Canada and Russia have those honors.

But the youngsters can make some noise. Especially now, which seems this is the year where the torch has been passed to a new generation of hockey players. Team USA's development program has paid dividends with gold and solid competitive edge in the U18 group for the past couple of years. Now many of those players have come to age.

While there still seems to be the standard veterans that pepper the line up, like Robert Esche (who didn't play in the NHL this season, but in the Russian Super League) and Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils), now there are new faces in the USA sweater. Young talent like David Booth (Florida Panthers), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes) and James Wisniewski (Chicago Blackhawks) get their chance on a bigger stage. Former Capital Jeff Halpern takes captain honors from current Capital Chris Clark, who is still nursing a bad groin.

It's all about experience, something that will be needed in two years time when the Winter Olympics rears it's ugly head. How these youths perform will be something to take some interest in now and could predict Team USA's chances in 2010. The group Team USA has been placed will be no easy task with Canada in the mix and will most likely be the toughest team to play on their home soil.

Team USA's chemistry seems okay as they won easily against Team Sweden in an exhibition game 5-1. Their camp in Portland, Oregon seemed to be productive and the team gelled well. They would have to, with the two favorites Russia and Canada picked to play in the gold medal game with inflated rosters. One thing is for sure, this new group should prove to be an exciting bunch to watch, and of course they are my dark horse for the gold medal game.

O' Canada

Canada romped the Finns 4-2 for gold in the IIHF's World Championship winning their 24th gold medal overall in hockey. It ends two weeks of relatively obscure hockey across the pond in Moscow. Russia holds on to win in the Bronze Medal Game beating Sweden 3-1. If you are wondering how our Capitals did, well wonder no more. I did all the stat digging for you. I am sure the boys over at On Frozen Blog who were there have a better scoop than me.

Alex Ovechkin
Ovie finished with just one goal and two assists. He was a +1, and assessed 29 PIM. Not his best work. He might have been a little shaken up though after a shocking hit on a Swiss player after stepping out of the penalty box. The player hit left the game with a concussion.

Although he didn't have the numbers, he was a very potent offensive threat for Russia. He always seemed to be on the ice for a Russian goal, but also on the ice for goals against Russia. Ovie had 3 points, but 14 other Russian players matched that or were better. The numbers just weren't there for Ovechkin.

Chris Clark
He captained the U.S. squad and had a great start to the tournament, only to lose his scoring touch late in the tournament. Clark finished with 2 goals and one assist. He was USA's grinder in this tournament, always in front of the net and mixing it up along the boards.

The Americans gave a much better performance than in the Olympics in Turin. But their medal hopes were dashed after a shoot out loss against Finland. The Finns went on to beat Russia and lose to Canada in the gold medal game.

Brian Potheir
Not a huge stand out on the American squad, Potheir did make a difference on speeding up the defensemen for this tournament. Potheir never produced any offense other than one assist but while Team USA's defensemen of the past were big bruisers Potheir added speed and offensive threat that the Americans have a hard time producing.


Milan Jurcina
I didn't see a whole lot of Jurcina, but I heard he had quite the tournament. He had a goal and an assist and was a +6. He played well against some top lines and always seemed ready to help produce.

In big game situations, Jurcina responded well. Staying defensively sound and helping his team score in clutch situations. He is certainly coming into his own as a defensemen, and hopefully that can translate into next season rewards.

Nicklas Backstrom (future Capital)
So he is not a Capital yet. And I am not going to count my chickens before they hatch. Backstrom's father promised his boy would be in a Capitals' uniform next season, but other sources say he may stay in Sweden for another year.

That being said, Nick had an okay tournament. Although his team Sweden did not medal, they did play well. Backstrom finished with 1 goal and 5 assists, proving he is a set up man, and most likely will play that role on the Capitals squad. Backstrom held his own against some NHL Caliber teams and his feisty attitude should fit in with a scrapper of a club like the Caps.

All in all it was a pretty good tournament, Canada can breath a collective sigh of relief now that the gold is in their pocket and USA Hockey looks pretty good considering they went with a younger squad. Maybe one of these days they will broadcast the Championships next time here, but don't hold your breath.

By the way, we could be looking at the opening lineup for the '07-'08 season.

Hershey Bears Win, Caps Struggle

After a huge overtime win against the Baby Penguins in W-B, the Hershey Bears are on their way again to an Eastern Conference Final to face either the Providence Bruins or the Manchester Monarchs. It appears the Bears are a tough team to play in the AHL. What's more exciting is this experience should translate to more wins in the NHL.

Just how soon remains to be seen. Capitals fans are turning impatient, the club is losing money and the owner is looking for change not just in jersey color. The Caps could lose a few develop players to trades if they decide the free agent route isn't working. But there has to be a point where the Caps stop trading talent and look towards the future.

What bothers me more than any of that drama is Alex Ovechkin's play of late. We haven't seen those streaks of brilliance we witness in his rookie season. It seems teams have sort of figured Ovie out. And it's just going to get harder.

Ovie only scored one goal and two assists for Team Russia in the IIHF World Championship. Nine other Russians had more points than Alex Ovechkin. If that is his experience in games that have a playoff type atmosphere, the Caps may have more to worry about than finding free agents.

So while Hershey waits for it's next opponents, Caps' fans wait for a team that can pull it together again, for a season like the one in '98.

USA Earns Respect With Win

Team USA is looking a lot better than a little over a year ago. In Turin Italy, they just couldn't gel, couldn't get going. At the World Championship, it has been a different story. That might be held to the fact that this is a younger and grittier team than during the Olympics. With a win over the Slovaks in the qualifying round, the Americans are showing that they can contend for top spot.

Although Capitals' Cris Clark and Brian Potheir did not contribute, Milan Jurcina did get an assist for the Slovakian team. Phil Kessel did get on the scoreboard for Team USA as did Andrew Hutchinson, Brandon Boschenski and David Backes.

On this continent, Vancouver's season ended strangely after Roberto Luongo broke concentration raising his arm after a heavy Anaheim hit along the boards in second overtime led to a easy Duck tally that ended the series. Anaheim is the first team to survive the Conference Semifinals, finding themselves in the Western Conference Final for a second consecutive year.

Americans Can't Rally - Sans Internet

I broke my internet. So posting will be harder for me to do for the next week or so until they fix it. It kind of a bummer to not be able to check email, post on here, or find out what the heck is going on in Moscow.

Last I heard, Team USA couldn't get past the Czechs, losing 4-3 after a late rally. Details are here.

Insulted French Canadians

Canadian Parliament is at it again. What's the issue? Taxes? Healthcare? Turning water into wine? No. The number one problem on Canadian minds is whether or not Shane Doan should have a "C" on his chest at the IIHF World Championship. This is why no one likes the French Canadians very much.

Apparently Doan said something dumb about the officiating during a Coyotes/Canadiens game, and maybe something about French Canadians. Since the Alberta born forward Doan was named Captain of Team Canada, the Canadian Parliament found it necessary to take up taxpayer time and money to discuss the issue.

Some had cooler heads:

"It's not a government decision," said Secretary of State for Sport Helena Guergis to repeated questions in the House of Commons.

Some are not and speak with a heavy French accent:

"I cannot understand why the government wouldn't put out a single comment to say that this is disrespectful to French Canadians," [Gilles] Duceppe said.

I guess all Canadian teams from now on must clear all player movement through committee. But at least the drugs are cheap. Canada just barely squeezed by Norway, 4-2 yesterday and will be welcoming Dion Phaneuf who will be joining the team shortly.

Soon to be Capital Nick Backstrom scored in the first 28 seconds and Sweden never looked back crushing Latvia 8-2 (he had an assist too). Team USA will play the Czechs to find whose is number one in Group B noon today (Tues. 4/1).

Team USA Wins Again

Chris Clark scores again and Team USA looks a little more formidable as they prepare for a show down with top ranked Czech Republic. Captian of the American squad, Clark has scored in each of his IIHF tournament games. USA beats Belarus 5-1.

USA's head coach Mike Sullivan said his team was playing "inspired hockey" with strong forechecks and timely scoring. USA has been able to score early and often. But the American team must be ready to play the Czechs, who have also won their previous two games by large portions.

In other news, Russia continues to dominate at home. Alex Ovechkin was the first Russian to be called for a penalty in the tournament with a high sticking call. But it did little to slow down the home team. Russia went on to defeat the Ukraine 8-1. Ovie also had an assist on a late goal.

Canada Shakey In First Game

I am sure when Canada looked at the schedule and saw Germany looking back at them, they must have thought what an easy assignment to start with. Little did they know that Germany wasn't fooling around. Canada squeezes by with a 3-2 victory.

It all started with a bad hit early for Canada where Shea Weber hit a Germany player, Yannic Seidenberg, in the head at center ice just 1:18 into the game. Weber was given a five minute major, twenty minute misconduct and thrown out (and now has been suspended for 3 games). Although Germany wasn't able to score during the major, they did tie the Canadiens early in the second before a early third period goal Jamal Mayers sealed the victory for Canada.

Is this just early tournament jitters, or is Canada in trouble here? Canada did dominate the play late in the game against Germany who was sans Olie Kolzig (who called it quits after the Winter Olympics in Turin). Perhaps too many Canadiens are distracted by Stanley Cup Playoffs to grumble too much, yet.

Caps' prospect Nick Backtrom got an assist in Sweden's win over Italy as well.

Also get your questions in for Paul Stastny, but remember to keep your questions tasteful! (That means no boxers or breifs questions) If you just want to submit and be damned the article, submit your questions with an email here, stastny@ihwc.net.

Clark Contributes, USA Off To Good Start

U.S.A. got a great start in the IIHF World Championships with a solid win 6-2 against opening round opponent Austria. Chris Clark scored in the second to make it 4-1. Brian Pothier had an assist. In related news, Alex Ovechkin had an assist and a "spectacular" goal in Russia's 9-1 rout of Denmark.

Just about every european team has advertisements on their helmets and jerseys, which begs the question, when will USA and Canada follow suit to supplement their finances? Would you want to see a Dodge sticker on the helmets of the USA players? I am all for organzations doing what they can to make money and I am a little surprised it hasn't hit the NHL yet. But then again, it could get out of hand, like soccer (where my friend still thinks that the Fly Emerites team is pretty darn good).

Semin Gets The Shaft

As per Tarik, Alex Semin got kicked off the Russian national team for the World Championship for showing up late. Apparently, the Ferrari had engine problems (I kid 'cause I care). The coach thought it disrespectful for Semin to be late for practice when Capitals teammate Alex Ovechkin shows up for workouts on time.

Don't know if that cost Semin at all in the pocket, not sure if the Russian players get paid (or if any national team pays their players for the World Championships). Looks like Semin won't get any professional workouts until the Caps return to the Kettler for late summer Caps camp.

All The Way, U-S-A!

Good news for Caps fans and USA Hockey fans. Finally, a couple of Capitals make the roster for the World Championship:

Washington Capitals right wing Chris Clark and defenseman Brian Pothier were selected by USA Hockey to represent the United States at the upcoming 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship in Moscow, Russia. - Capitals Press Release

We all know that Alex Ovechkin will be representing the Russians and a few other Capitals are sprinkled around here or there. But it is nice to see some of the home town boys get a chance to represent their country.

IIHF website is here. More on the USA Hockey roster at USAHockey.com.

Other notable entries: Forwards Erik Cole (Hurricanes), Phil Kessel (Bruins) and Paul Stastny (Avelanche), and defensemen Kieth Ballard (Coyotes) and Matt Greene (Oilers). The American team will annouce more players in the coming days.

Goaltenders Robert Esche (Flyers) and John Grahame (Hurricanes) will be between the pipes. Not the greatest, but the best are all in the playoffs right now. That maybe a good sign for the Olympics in a couple of years.