The weekend of all weekends. Rookies report to camp tomorrow and their first practice is bright and early at 10:30 am Sunday. Hockey is back in DC. There are some obvious players to look out for in this rookie camp like Karl Alzner (favorite to make the team) and Oskar Osala.
But someone who was not on the roster in July for the development camp but will be here this weekend would be Anton Gustafsson. We didn't get a chance to see the offspring of former Cap Begnt Gustafsson for injury reasons. While it will be a stretch to see Gustafsson on the team or going to Hershey, it will be a very important camp for him to make an impression on management.
It also exactly a week away from the big boys taking the ice for the official start to (big voice here) Training Camp 2008. A start to a promising season, if the fireworks carry over summer. It's a season of high expectations and camp is the first start to be playoff bound for a second season in a row.
It seems that most of my readers (based on the small poll on the right) are looking forward to see how Jose Theodore will fare. The goaltending situation seems pretty straight forward, Theodore the starter Brent Johnson the back up. But don't say that to Johnny. He is looking at this as a competition for the number one spot. Which can be a good thing.
A full roster of the rookies should be out later today.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
50 Goals In 50 Games?
After watching too much of the NHL network, (partly because I have been sick the last few days, and partly because I have the TV to myself) a spot that keeps playing is Wayne Gretzky's amazing 50 goals in 39 games. But it made me think, could 50 goals in 50 games be duplicated again? And who has the best chance to do that?
50 goals in 50 games is a mark that was only achieved by five players, eight times in the NHL. Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Mike Bossy, Mario Lemieux, Brett Hull and Gretzky. In modern day NHL that milestone seems to have taken a back seat in recent years.
In today's players, Alex Ovechkin and Sid "the Kid" Crosby are the two names that come to mind that may be able to break that record again. Maybe Vincent Lecavalier, Jerome Iginla or Ilya Kovalchuck could hit that mark if the conditions are right.
It is a harder aspiration to make in today's NHL. The goaltenders are bigger and are much better than Gretzky and Lemieux's time. The dreaded butterfly that was perfected by Patrick Roy has changed the game making it harder for the outside shot to slip by other stand up, old school goaltenders.
But if there was a chance to see that number crumble, dynamic scorers like Crosby and Ovechkin are your best bets. Ovechkin more so since this season Capitals will be a much more aggressive offense on the direction of Bruce Boudreau.
Here is some food for thought, in Ovie's last 50 games (a stretch from Dec. 15, 2007 to April 5, 2008), he scored 42 goals. Eight shy of 50 goals in 50 games. If the Caps get off to a quick start (knock on wood), could he be the next player to bear down on the 50 goals in 50 games mark?
50 goals in 50 games is a mark that was only achieved by five players, eight times in the NHL. Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Mike Bossy, Mario Lemieux, Brett Hull and Gretzky. In modern day NHL that milestone seems to have taken a back seat in recent years.
In today's players, Alex Ovechkin and Sid "the Kid" Crosby are the two names that come to mind that may be able to break that record again. Maybe Vincent Lecavalier, Jerome Iginla or Ilya Kovalchuck could hit that mark if the conditions are right.
It is a harder aspiration to make in today's NHL. The goaltenders are bigger and are much better than Gretzky and Lemieux's time. The dreaded butterfly that was perfected by Patrick Roy has changed the game making it harder for the outside shot to slip by other stand up, old school goaltenders.
But if there was a chance to see that number crumble, dynamic scorers like Crosby and Ovechkin are your best bets. Ovechkin more so since this season Capitals will be a much more aggressive offense on the direction of Bruce Boudreau.
Here is some food for thought, in Ovie's last 50 games (a stretch from Dec. 15, 2007 to April 5, 2008), he scored 42 goals. Eight shy of 50 goals in 50 games. If the Caps get off to a quick start (knock on wood), could he be the next player to bear down on the 50 goals in 50 games mark?
A Time To Remember
I remember exactly where I was that morning. I know exactly what I was doing. To see the Pentagon 9/11 memorial finished makes today both a sad occasion and a happy one as well. It's a tremendous memorial for those caught in the crosshairs of mad men. It's the opposite of what those evil men wanted, it is peaceful.
Those in New York, here in Washington DC, and those who will be honored in Pennsylvania all have our respect today.
In other news, Comcast will be on top of 73 games this season including all home games in beautiful High Def (50 games will be in HD).
And more players trickle in to Kettler which is an earlier start for some players on the season. Micheal Nylander is the latest in town. That tells me that this team is excited about this season. And that should make any Cap fan smile.
Those in New York, here in Washington DC, and those who will be honored in Pennsylvania all have our respect today.
In other news, Comcast will be on top of 73 games this season including all home games in beautiful High Def (50 games will be in HD).
And more players trickle in to Kettler which is an earlier start for some players on the season. Micheal Nylander is the latest in town. That tells me that this team is excited about this season. And that should make any Cap fan smile.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
5 Things Caps Must Improve
Training camp looms on the near horizon. It may be a good thing to look at what the Caps need to work on. These are the five things they must improve upon in order to return the the playoffs and move farther. The Caps have their first real expectations that have to be met this year. It's a burden that this rebuild team has yet to encounter in over 5 years. Overall consistency will be key.
5. Veterans Must Play To Potential - While this is still a young team, the veterans have to pull their weight as well. While the veteran core had to deal with injuries last season (Nylander, Clark, Potheir), the Caps veteran core will have to produce their fair share to keep the team balanced through out the year. The Caps will still rely on their young guns for a large majority of the offense, they will still need the veteran leadership and consistency to help with any lulls through out the year.
4. Stop Lazy Penalties - Discipline will be key if the Capitals need to return to the playoffs. Not just because of the Tom Poti trip lead to the game winning goal in game seven, but overall last season, the Caps took bad penalties late in close games. From Alex Semin's lazy stick fouls to Donald Brashear's blow up in the Bruins debacle, the focus has to be there for the entire team.
3. Faster Start - Probably the most obvious improvement needed for the Capitals. They can't afford a slow start to the season. The Southeast Division will not be as weak as it was last season. But there has to be a balance it. Look at the Ottawa Senators as an example. The Senators got off to one of the best starts, but fell apart midway through the season. Consistency every night is the key to getting off to a good start and a strong finish.
2. Improve the Power Play - While it improved some toward the end of the year, the Capitals power play was a source of pain for them all season long (and can be argued a problem in the playoffs series with Philly). Plus, the Caps 5 on 3 was dismal last season. To me, it seems a bit slow and predictable. The passes need to be crisper and the play has to be set up much faster to get the penalty killers off kilter. With the talent they have in snipers and set up men, their numbers on the power play must improve.
1. Three words: Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending - It's like location but different. Jose Theodore has to prove he is a capable replacement for not just Cristobal Huet (who took his pads and stick to richer waters), but long time Cap Olie Kolzig too. Brent Johnson can't be a slouch either. For the Caps to make it to the post season Theodore as to at least match his performance with the Aves (which was 28 wins). But it would be better if the Caps can get 30+ wins out of him.
Another thing to mention would be the Caps have to get quicker starts in the game. When the Capitals led after the second period they had a .900 winning percentage. But they spent a lot of time in games playing catch up.
5. Veterans Must Play To Potential - While this is still a young team, the veterans have to pull their weight as well. While the veteran core had to deal with injuries last season (Nylander, Clark, Potheir), the Caps veteran core will have to produce their fair share to keep the team balanced through out the year. The Caps will still rely on their young guns for a large majority of the offense, they will still need the veteran leadership and consistency to help with any lulls through out the year.
4. Stop Lazy Penalties - Discipline will be key if the Capitals need to return to the playoffs. Not just because of the Tom Poti trip lead to the game winning goal in game seven, but overall last season, the Caps took bad penalties late in close games. From Alex Semin's lazy stick fouls to Donald Brashear's blow up in the Bruins debacle, the focus has to be there for the entire team.
3. Faster Start - Probably the most obvious improvement needed for the Capitals. They can't afford a slow start to the season. The Southeast Division will not be as weak as it was last season. But there has to be a balance it. Look at the Ottawa Senators as an example. The Senators got off to one of the best starts, but fell apart midway through the season. Consistency every night is the key to getting off to a good start and a strong finish.
2. Improve the Power Play - While it improved some toward the end of the year, the Capitals power play was a source of pain for them all season long (and can be argued a problem in the playoffs series with Philly). Plus, the Caps 5 on 3 was dismal last season. To me, it seems a bit slow and predictable. The passes need to be crisper and the play has to be set up much faster to get the penalty killers off kilter. With the talent they have in snipers and set up men, their numbers on the power play must improve.
1. Three words: Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending - It's like location but different. Jose Theodore has to prove he is a capable replacement for not just Cristobal Huet (who took his pads and stick to richer waters), but long time Cap Olie Kolzig too. Brent Johnson can't be a slouch either. For the Caps to make it to the post season Theodore as to at least match his performance with the Aves (which was 28 wins). But it would be better if the Caps can get 30+ wins out of him.
Another thing to mention would be the Caps have to get quicker starts in the game. When the Capitals led after the second period they had a .900 winning percentage. But they spent a lot of time in games playing catch up.
Friday, September 05, 2008
I Was Promised Hockey
Bored, bored, bored. I see other bloggers typing away at their keyboards scrambling to put up stuff I just don't want to read and could care less about. Let's not get into mainstream media either. I am just ready for the crunch of the ice, the smell of sweat on the equipment, the flashy bright colors contrasting with the white ice. Let's go already.
The election season has gone on for far too long now and the bitching between the KHL and the NHL seems to be reaching a feverish pitch (entertaining but not very interesting). I would rather see the boys on the ice.
I am looking forward to spring training to see the Capitals form a collective. I want to see this team prove that last year was no fluke. That they have the potential to go deep in the playoffs and sustain their good fortunes in the years to come.
These last two weeks seem unbearable. I found myself debating with friends over the Redskins. I never talk shop about the 'Skins. For two reasons, one, I am just a casual watcher and two, football isn't a sport I am overly knowledgable about. Maybe a tough year for the Skins could mean more support for the Caps. Of course I say that every year and it never happens.
I am tired of watching youtube craziness on players or reading about worthless stats from a year ago or probable salary cap scenarios. I am just ready for hockey.
The election season has gone on for far too long now and the bitching between the KHL and the NHL seems to be reaching a feverish pitch (entertaining but not very interesting). I would rather see the boys on the ice.
I am looking forward to spring training to see the Capitals form a collective. I want to see this team prove that last year was no fluke. That they have the potential to go deep in the playoffs and sustain their good fortunes in the years to come.
These last two weeks seem unbearable. I found myself debating with friends over the Redskins. I never talk shop about the 'Skins. For two reasons, one, I am just a casual watcher and two, football isn't a sport I am overly knowledgable about. Maybe a tough year for the Skins could mean more support for the Caps. Of course I say that every year and it never happens.
I am tired of watching youtube craziness on players or reading about worthless stats from a year ago or probable salary cap scenarios. I am just ready for hockey.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Eleven To Be Retired
The Washington Capitals will be putting number 11 out of commission. No, not for Jeff Halpern. The Caps are going to raise 11 to the roof in honor of Mike Gartner. The honor will happen on December 28th when the Caps play Toronto. According to the Caps' press release:
“Capitals fans have fond memories of Mike Gartner flying down the right wing and scoring goals at the Capital Centre,” said Capitals chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis. “This is a fitting tribute to one of the elite offensive players in the history of the game who was a crucial member of the first Capitals playoff teams.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Washington Capitals and to join the distinguished company of my fellow teammates Ivan Labre, Rod Langway and Dale Hunter,” Gartner said. “I look forward to the upcoming evening in December and sharing those fond memories with my family and those fans in attendance.”
Sounds like fun.
“Capitals fans have fond memories of Mike Gartner flying down the right wing and scoring goals at the Capital Centre,” said Capitals chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis. “This is a fitting tribute to one of the elite offensive players in the history of the game who was a crucial member of the first Capitals playoff teams.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Washington Capitals and to join the distinguished company of my fellow teammates Ivan Labre, Rod Langway and Dale Hunter,” Gartner said. “I look forward to the upcoming evening in December and sharing those fond memories with my family and those fans in attendance.”
Sounds like fun.
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