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.

Zubrus New Role Suits Him

Dainius Zubrus added size for the Buffalo Sabres, and he hasn't been afraid to use it. Late in the second period in game two of the Sabres/Rangers series, Zubrus didn't shy away from a hit on Jaromir Jagr. Jagr saw the blur that was Zubrus looking to collide at center ice, and just barley side step the full brunt of the hit. But contact sent the Ranger forward flipping over as he left his feet to try and avoid the hit. Zubrus didn't score a goal, or have an assist, but was granted the second star of the game for that hit.

It's clear that Zubrus is thriving off of being a role player. He doesn't need to be a scorer or a set up guy, two aspects he felt pressured to produce in Washington playing with superstar Alex Ovechkin. He just needs to use his size, his puck handling skills are just bonus for the Sabres. Dainius registered 9 hits in the second game. Consider that Ranger tough guy Sean Avery only managing three hits.

With the 800 pound gorilla that is to produce goals and assists off of Zubrus' back, the former Capital has found success on using his size. At 6'4", 224 lbs., Dainius also has the hands of a goal scorer, which was evident against the Rangers again. His ability to keep the puck deep in the zone and maintain possession gave New York fits, and led to goals and scoring opportunities.

Even though there is talk of the Capitals resigning him this summer as he will be a unrestricted free agent, Zubrus is well on his way to not returning to Washington. He may be too valuable to give up. Being a role player is a part Zubrus is playing well.

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).

A Conversation With Shaone Pt.2

Shaone Morrisonn was so nice to sit down at Puckhead’s Thoughts and answer some questions for a mere blogger. The entire interview has been reposted to the first part.

A Conversation With Shaone Pt.1

When the Washington Capitals took steps on rebuilding in 2004, they had to find defensive prospect that could replace a proven talent in Sergei Gonchar. There was a trade with Boston and the Capitals found their prospect. A big defenseman drafted by Boston in the 2001 draft. He was a product of the Kamloops Blazers out of Kamloop British Columbia where he accumulated 25 goals and 57 assists in 179 games played (a span of 3 years).

It was Shaone Morrisonn (pronounced like Shawn). He was drafted in the first round by Boston then traded to Washington in 2004. Shaone finished his second full season with the Capitals with 3 goals, 10 assists and a +3 in the '06 - '07 campaign. Shaone has been the go-to guy when it comes to opposing teams top lines. He would end the year with defensive partner Milan Jurcina, another prospect traded from Boston. The two found chemistry and quickly found themselves as the first defensive pairing for Glen Hanlon’s team.

Shaone was nice enough to answer my some questions. He is the first Capital to be interviewed on Puckhead’s Thoughts. So give a nice welcome to Caps’ big guy, Shaone Morrisonn and some of his thoughts.

P.H.T. I know that this was a very up and down season for the Capitals. It seems every time you guys really seemed to get it going, something always seemed to slow you guys down. All in all, what goals were you able to accomplish this year?

S.M. Personally, I have had my second full year to establish myself as a shut down defenseman and to develop more confidence in my offensive game. As a team we have had an up and down year. We have dealt with injury slumps, and trades which have enabled us to grow together and develop more experience for the future.

P.H.T. What do you think the goals are for this squad next year, what do you hope to accomplish next season?

S.M. Playoffs are in our plans for next year and, personally, I would like to have better overall numbers and become a leader on the defensive core.

P.H.T. What has it been like this season to defend some of the best players in the League? Do you get to brag to friends when you get home, "Well, I did shut down Jaromir Jagr this winter, what have you done?"

S.M. I am honored that I have had the opportunity to play against the best players in the world and I love the challenge every night.

P.H.T. What are your plans for this off-season, what do you feel you have to work on this summer?

S.M. I'm going back to Vancouver to workout, train, and work on all aspects of my game. I'll be strength training without losing any of my speed.

P.H.T. Which team do you look forward to playing against?

S.M. Playing in Montreal, there is not a better experience in hockey then the Montreal crowd. They are passionate and knowledgeable; I get goose bumps every time I play there. They have so much history and success in that organization.

P.H.T. And the team you hate to face?

S.M. I don't enjoy playing in Atlanta. We have a very heated rivalry and they play hard at home, and personally I don’t care for them much.

P.H.T. What has been your personal highlight of this year?

S.M. I would have to say playing in Vancouver was the highlight of the year it has been along time since my family and friends have had the chance to see me play live in my hometown.

(Shaone was born in Vancouver B.C. Dec. 23, 1982. The Caps lost in the shootout against Vancouver, Shaone received a 2 minute penalty for hooking in the first period and had no goals or assists in front of his hometown crowd)

P.H.T. What has been your personal lowlight of this year?

S.M. Not making the playoffs.

P.H.T. Have you had a chance to see the new jerseys for next year?

S.M. I love the red white and blue. It is fitting for us being in the nation’s capital wearing America’s colors.

P.H.T. I know you have been practicing in the new Reebok jerseys at the end of the year, what are your thoughts on them?

S.M. The state of art Reebok jersey fit tight and comfortable and is very light; it’s was a huge difference.

P.H.T. What are your thoughts on the League possibly using bigger nets for more scoring next year?

S.M. I like how the game is now. We don’t need to make anymore changes. Our game is fast, physical, and very entertaining.

P.H.T. Okay, I am going to ask you to put your general manager hat on. With due respect to management, of course, what do you think this team needs to take it to that next level?

S.M. Well I think as a core group guys having two full seasons of development under our belt, we need to be accountable and relied on more next year. We need to bring in two or three veterans and we'll be right in the mix of things next year. We also need to limit the injuries.

P.H.T. What are you personal goals for next season, what does Shaone want to accomplish when the next 82 games are played?

S.M. I would like to play in every game, be consistent every night on all tasks, continue to be a vital player, help the team reach the playoffs, and contribute more offensively while remaining a strong defensive force.

Thanks Shaone for answering my questions and being Puckhead’s Thoughts’ first interview.

Shaone will be a restricted free agent at the end of next season, and most likely be resigned as he has been a bright spot for the Capitals over the past two seasons. Depending on summer signings, Morrisonn will again be on the top defensive pair.