Over the next week and a half I will not be in town. In fact, I will not be near a phone or a computer or the internet. On purpose! Being married for ten years now entitles my wife and I to take a much needed second honeymoon. For the three people that do visit me in this corner of the blogosphere (hi mom!), don't fret. I have found a suitable replacement.
You may have notice that there are now two names in the right column under "About The Thinkers" (now plural). The other name joining me here is Haven. She will be filling in for me with game recaps while I am away and she might even join me for the rest of the year with a few posts of her own.
Haven may be somewhat new to the sport of hockey, but she has proven to me over the span that I have known her that she is very passionate about the sport. She even plays floor hockey in a local recreational league. She is learning more and more about the game and is quickly becoming a die hard Capitals fan.
Haven has been a competitive young gymnast that was featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" and went on to win several titles and awards (I think she was even ranked nationally). She is also a local girl from Northern Virginia and was once a Redskin's Cheerleader.
Throughout her back ground, Haven has understood team work, athleticism and the competitive spirit. The same attributes that I believe parallel what hockey is all about. She is well spoken and very professional. I think Haven will bring a unique perspective to Puckhead's, and I am thrilled to have her join me.
She, like myself, will always welcome your comments for any of our posts on Puckhead's Thoughts. This has always been an open forum for fans to discuss this great sport of hockey and the best team in the world, the Washington Capitals. Even though we may not always agree, we do value your opinions too (besides if everyone agreed with us, who would be fans of the other 29 teams).
I couldn't be happier or more excited to have her on board. Welcome Haven.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Bruce In Print
Caps PR released a statement today about head coach Bruce Boudreau getting his own book deal. I really thought I had him beat for my autobiography. But, what can you do? Bruce's story should be an interesting with his turn around of the Washington Capitals last year as the crowning jewel. It will be a book I would definitely be purchasing.
Press release:
"Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau has signed a deal with Potomac Books, Inc. to publish his autobiography. The book, co-written with Tim Leone of The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa., is scheduled to come out in October of 2009. It will chronicle the colorful Boudreau's playing and coaching career and his storybook rise to the Capitals after more than three decades in the minor leagues. Boudreau guided Washington from last place to the Southeast Division championship in 2007-08 and won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. Leone, a winner of numerous national and state sportswriting awards, covered Boudreau during his tenure as head coach of the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears. Potomac Books, Inc., based in Dulles, Va., is located on the Internet at www.potomacbooksinc.com."
Also per Tarik Tyler Sloan was demoted, which means either Tom Poti is ready to go, or Sergei Fedorov will go back on the blueline
Press release:
"Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau has signed a deal with Potomac Books, Inc. to publish his autobiography. The book, co-written with Tim Leone of The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa., is scheduled to come out in October of 2009. It will chronicle the colorful Boudreau's playing and coaching career and his storybook rise to the Capitals after more than three decades in the minor leagues. Boudreau guided Washington from last place to the Southeast Division championship in 2007-08 and won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. Leone, a winner of numerous national and state sportswriting awards, covered Boudreau during his tenure as head coach of the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears. Potomac Books, Inc., based in Dulles, Va., is located on the Internet at www.potomacbooksinc.com."
Also per Tarik Tyler Sloan was demoted, which means either Tom Poti is ready to go, or Sergei Fedorov will go back on the blueline
Boo!
I did this about a year ago, mixing the latest NHL news with scary titles for the top 5 scary things. It was such a great success that I thought, what the heck, let's do it again.
1. Montreal's "psycho" penalty killing. The Habs killed (with their bare hands... er hockey sticks) 10 penalties as they beat the Minnesota Wild. It's impressive as the "Wicked" Wild have cooled a bit after such a fast start. "Creepy" Carey Price made 28 saves as the "Headless" Habs keep themselves first in the Northeast Division.
2. Brenden "Spooky" Shanahan is still looking for a team. But his salary would have to be severely slashed if he wants to join any team that is up against the salary cap.
3. Adam "Marauder" Mair gets a hefty fine for going where he shouldn't. After a heated Buffalo/Ottawa game, Mair just couldn't let it stay on the ice. He walked over to the visiting locker room to continue some conversation with Chris "Noose Man" Neil. It cost him $2,500 for his little visit. I don't see what the big deal was, obviously he was just going over to make dinner reservations.
4. Zach "Boogie Man" Bogosian will be out with a broken leg. News the Atlanta Thrashers think is pretty scary as they get off to another sluggish start. Bogosian, who was one of the bright spots for the Dizzy Birds, will be out indefinitely.
5. Finally, the scariest news of all. The Montreal Canadians might have just been duped after allowing a prospect return to Russia to attend to family matters and his name shows up on a website that he has signed a contract with the KHL. Didn't the Caps just let Ovi go back? Uh-oh. That is scary! Some one hold me.
Have a safe and happy Halloween! May there be more treats than tricks.
1. Montreal's "psycho" penalty killing. The Habs killed (with their bare hands... er hockey sticks) 10 penalties as they beat the Minnesota Wild. It's impressive as the "Wicked" Wild have cooled a bit after such a fast start. "Creepy" Carey Price made 28 saves as the "Headless" Habs keep themselves first in the Northeast Division.
2. Brenden "Spooky" Shanahan is still looking for a team. But his salary would have to be severely slashed if he wants to join any team that is up against the salary cap.
3. Adam "Marauder" Mair gets a hefty fine for going where he shouldn't. After a heated Buffalo/Ottawa game, Mair just couldn't let it stay on the ice. He walked over to the visiting locker room to continue some conversation with Chris "Noose Man" Neil. It cost him $2,500 for his little visit. I don't see what the big deal was, obviously he was just going over to make dinner reservations.
4. Zach "Boogie Man" Bogosian will be out with a broken leg. News the Atlanta Thrashers think is pretty scary as they get off to another sluggish start. Bogosian, who was one of the bright spots for the Dizzy Birds, will be out indefinitely.
5. Finally, the scariest news of all. The Montreal Canadians might have just been duped after allowing a prospect return to Russia to attend to family matters and his name shows up on a website that he has signed a contract with the KHL. Didn't the Caps just let Ovi go back? Uh-oh. That is scary! Some one hold me.
Have a safe and happy Halloween! May there be more treats than tricks.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What Have You Been Up To?
Not a lot, thanks for asking.
Capitals get a rare week off in many ways. This little lull has allowed the team to get in some much needed rest and healing in before their small stint on the road and a three game home stand. Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov were both absent from today's practice. Alex Ovechkin is still in Russia and his timetable to return on Sunday has not changed. Tom Poti skated today with the team, but it looks like he will have to get a few practices in before he can crack the line up. He pulled a groin muscle in the Penguin's game, this was the first time he took the ice since the injury.
The Caps will be on the road for the next two, visiting Buffalo and Ottawa before coming home to face their division rivals Carolina. It has been ten games since the Caps opened their season against Atlanta for them to meet the next divisional foe. During that time the Caps have renewed a rivalry with Pittsburgh and have gone on a three game western road swing.
Right now the Caps hold a tiny one point lead on the 'Canes for first in the division (actually the 'Canes take the slim lead after beating St. Louis tonight 1-0), so you know that game will be a good one at the Verizon Center on November 6. But first thing is first, Buffalo will prove to be a worthy opponent.
The Sabres will becoming off of a tough loss against Tampa Bay and Olie Kozlig, funny enough. After starting the season red hot, they have cooled since then losing their last three (one a shootout loss). They will be trying to get back their winning ways against the Capitals. The Caps are coming off of two hard fought wins.
The Caps need to play a strong road game and get some consistency under their belt.
Capitals get a rare week off in many ways. This little lull has allowed the team to get in some much needed rest and healing in before their small stint on the road and a three game home stand. Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov were both absent from today's practice. Alex Ovechkin is still in Russia and his timetable to return on Sunday has not changed. Tom Poti skated today with the team, but it looks like he will have to get a few practices in before he can crack the line up. He pulled a groin muscle in the Penguin's game, this was the first time he took the ice since the injury.
The Caps will be on the road for the next two, visiting Buffalo and Ottawa before coming home to face their division rivals Carolina. It has been ten games since the Caps opened their season against Atlanta for them to meet the next divisional foe. During that time the Caps have renewed a rivalry with Pittsburgh and have gone on a three game western road swing.
Right now the Caps hold a tiny one point lead on the 'Canes for first in the division (actually the 'Canes take the slim lead after beating St. Louis tonight 1-0), so you know that game will be a good one at the Verizon Center on November 6. But first thing is first, Buffalo will prove to be a worthy opponent.
The Sabres will becoming off of a tough loss against Tampa Bay and Olie Kozlig, funny enough. After starting the season red hot, they have cooled since then losing their last three (one a shootout loss). They will be trying to get back their winning ways against the Capitals. The Caps are coming off of two hard fought wins.
The Caps need to play a strong road game and get some consistency under their belt.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Versus Sucks; Caps Win Anyway
Which game would you rather watch? A 7-0 blowout between Philadelphia and Atlanta or a tied game in overtime and shootout between to exciting teams in Washington and Nashville?
Hmmm, tough one.
Capitals 4, Predators 3 OT/SO (2-1)
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Tennessean
The Washington Capitals may have been with out Alex Ovechkin, but they were able to find offense from other sources. Much like the last time the Caps played the Nashville Predators, the Caps had the upper hand through out the first half of the game, but the scrappy Preds found a way to stay in the game. The game could not be settled in regulation or overtime and it went to shoot out where the Caps pull out a shootout win in 4 rounds.
David Steckel scored his second goal of the season, both shorthanded. Alex Semin added to his total with a goal of his own and an assist and Viktor Kozlov scored for his first of the year. The Caps shot for the cycle in a way, Semin's goal was a powerplay tally, Steckel's a shortie and Kozlov's goal was at even strength. Semin and Micheal Nylander scored in the shootout for the Caps.
Jose Theodore got the start, even though it was reported that Brent Johnson was supposed to start. He played well, coming up with some pretty solid saves. He turned away 23 shots in regulation, the Preds didn't get a shot off in the overtime period. Theo made three stops in the shootout for the win.
It was a pretty one sided game early as the Caps pressured. But the Predators always seemed to have answer for every one of the Caps goals. Nashville goaltender Dan Ellis played well to keep the Preds in it as he had to turn away 29 shots. I think Nashville should feel fortunate that they came out of Verizon center with a point.
As you may know, the game was not televised because Versus had squater rights for the night. It was the only game that blacked out. If you tuned into Versus to maybe see some highlights, you were out of luck. Not only did they force the game in the dark, they didn't even give you highlights of a very entertaining game. A game that was much better than the 7-0 blowout between Philly and Atlanta. Since the other two games that started at 7 pm had Canadian teams, they were televised and available on Center Ice leaving Caps and Preds fans pissed at the channel that is trying to be NHL friendly. If you are going to black out a game, at least get us some highlights, that's all I am saying.
Steve Kolbe and Mike Vogel both did a great job by the way.
Viktor Kozlov was the first shooter in the shoot out, his attempt was saved. Alex Semin was next and scored on a nice deke to go top shelf on Ellis. Nick Backstrom got a chance to shine but his shot was saved. In the extra round Micheal Nylander roofed a backhander. Theo saved Radek Bonk's attempt, J.P. Dumont missed on his attempt. Ville Koistinen scored on his attempt on a shot that hit Theodore and bounce into the net. Theo made the save for the win against Martin Erat.
F.Y.I. - The Capitals have another game that is blacked out when they play the Panthers on December 2nd.
Hmmm, tough one.
Capitals 4, Predators 3 OT/SO (2-1)
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Tennessean
The Washington Capitals may have been with out Alex Ovechkin, but they were able to find offense from other sources. Much like the last time the Caps played the Nashville Predators, the Caps had the upper hand through out the first half of the game, but the scrappy Preds found a way to stay in the game. The game could not be settled in regulation or overtime and it went to shoot out where the Caps pull out a shootout win in 4 rounds.
David Steckel scored his second goal of the season, both shorthanded. Alex Semin added to his total with a goal of his own and an assist and Viktor Kozlov scored for his first of the year. The Caps shot for the cycle in a way, Semin's goal was a powerplay tally, Steckel's a shortie and Kozlov's goal was at even strength. Semin and Micheal Nylander scored in the shootout for the Caps.
Jose Theodore got the start, even though it was reported that Brent Johnson was supposed to start. He played well, coming up with some pretty solid saves. He turned away 23 shots in regulation, the Preds didn't get a shot off in the overtime period. Theo made three stops in the shootout for the win.
It was a pretty one sided game early as the Caps pressured. But the Predators always seemed to have answer for every one of the Caps goals. Nashville goaltender Dan Ellis played well to keep the Preds in it as he had to turn away 29 shots. I think Nashville should feel fortunate that they came out of Verizon center with a point.
As you may know, the game was not televised because Versus had squater rights for the night. It was the only game that blacked out. If you tuned into Versus to maybe see some highlights, you were out of luck. Not only did they force the game in the dark, they didn't even give you highlights of a very entertaining game. A game that was much better than the 7-0 blowout between Philly and Atlanta. Since the other two games that started at 7 pm had Canadian teams, they were televised and available on Center Ice leaving Caps and Preds fans pissed at the channel that is trying to be NHL friendly. If you are going to black out a game, at least get us some highlights, that's all I am saying.
Steve Kolbe and Mike Vogel both did a great job by the way.
Viktor Kozlov was the first shooter in the shoot out, his attempt was saved. Alex Semin was next and scored on a nice deke to go top shelf on Ellis. Nick Backstrom got a chance to shine but his shot was saved. In the extra round Micheal Nylander roofed a backhander. Theo saved Radek Bonk's attempt, J.P. Dumont missed on his attempt. Ville Koistinen scored on his attempt on a shot that hit Theodore and bounce into the net. Theo made the save for the win against Martin Erat.
F.Y.I. - The Capitals have another game that is blacked out when they play the Panthers on December 2nd.
What Team Am I?
My goaltender is the best in the league with a .941 save percentage. I am also 4th in the league in face off percentage. And I am seventh in the league for goals against. Give up? I would be the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Yes, while the Bolts have a hot goaltender in Mike Smith (not Olie Kolzig), their offense is severely suffering. Averaging only 1.57 goals a game (30th in the league) and giving up 2.43 goals a game (good for 7th). All this with a new look front and a goal scoring dynamite Steven Stamkos. Jamie Heward (2 assists, -1), who was sent to the minors and a defenseman, is scoring more than Stamkos (0 goals, 0 points -3). Ouch.
On their schedule for the week, the surprising Maple Leafs and red hot Sabres.
Yes, while the Bolts have a hot goaltender in Mike Smith (not Olie Kolzig), their offense is severely suffering. Averaging only 1.57 goals a game (30th in the league) and giving up 2.43 goals a game (good for 7th). All this with a new look front and a goal scoring dynamite Steven Stamkos. Jamie Heward (2 assists, -1), who was sent to the minors and a defenseman, is scoring more than Stamkos (0 goals, 0 points -3). Ouch.
On their schedule for the week, the surprising Maple Leafs and red hot Sabres.
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