What would an elite hockey player that has collectively gathered $68 million in his previous two NHL contracts need a mere $2 million for? Not sure, but it seems Sergei Fedorov's past caught up with him in D.C. A bank in Michigan is suing the two way forward for $2,108,405.66 plus lawyer and court fees. No one seems to know what the loan is for. Fedorov will make $4 million in a one year contract with the Capitals. Is this one of those Uncle Ted clean ups? I wouldn't be surprised to see this just sort of melt away by training camp.
Former Capital Brian Willsie found a new home in Colorado. It's homecoming of sorts for the forward that was claimed off waivers from the Avalanche by the Capitals at the beginning of the '03-'04 season. Willsie was then traded to LA in '06 for draft picks during the "rebuild." Willsie signed a one year contract.
Kris Beech will stay a Penguin signing one year contract with Pittsburgh. Beech, a seventh overall pick by the Capitals, will help with the depth at center for the Pens, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is used sparingly.
Showing posts with label Beech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beech. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Life's A Beech
Does this guy ever get a chance to unpack in one place? After starting the year with Columbus, Kris Beech was picked up by Vacouver on waivers, then picked up by the Capitals, only to once again claimed off waivers again by Pittsburgh. It's like a mini tour of the NHL. The Penguins do need the help though since they have a slew of injuries (much like the Caps, but what can you do).
Not sure which team is paying what half of Beech's salary but it will be interesting to see if he gets traded or grabbed up once more before the end of the year. It would be his 5th team in one year. Let's hope it's a Stanley Cup contender.
Not sure which team is paying what half of Beech's salary but it will be interesting to see if he gets traded or grabbed up once more before the end of the year. It would be his 5th team in one year. Let's hope it's a Stanley Cup contender.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Replacing Nylander
As you may know, Kris Beech was claimed off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. This was done to "bolster" the Hershey Bears lineup (uh, okay). And being a center, if anything should happen to the already fragile position, he will most likely see some action in a Capitals' jersey. Beech was set to make $585,000 in the two year deal he signed with Columbus Blue Jackets. But the Caps are just looking to keep Beech in the minors for half price.
The best part of trade deadlines and off season moves is always the speculation and rumors that go on with fans. So I am taking this opportunity to speculate a little myself. Alex Ovechkin's contract will not hit the salary cap until next season which still gives the Capitals some room to play with for the rest of this season. Since the Caps may be looking for a Micheal Nylander replacement, here are a couple interesting names to throw out there.
Peter Forsberg still wants to play in the NHL. While still recovering from injuries, Forsberg could start his recovery in a Caps sweater. He would cost around $5.75 million (what he made when he left the league) and his Swedish countrymen on the Caps could help convince him to make a return to "bolster" the Capitals' line up. Just how recovered the playmaker is from his injuries remains to be seen, but the Caps could sign the dynamic center to a one year contract to fill an empty slot.
If the Captials are looking for temporary help, why not trade? Mats Sundin's future in Toronto seems to be on the rocks as new management takes over there. It would cost the Caps a few first rounders and maybe some prospect talent (Fehr, Beech?) but the Caps could take Sundin's $5.5 million contract then he is a unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Sundin would be a grinder of a center with the skills to both be a playmaker and the ability to score.
Those are just two of the possibilities the Caps could take. I am not saying that they would, but the Caps can afford it since they are still $14 million shy of the Cap ceiling. If the Capitals do want to make a playoff push it might be wise to get some proven talent like Sundin or Forsberg to help out for the rest of the season. Then next year, Micheal Nylander will be able to return and both Forsberg and Sundin are free to sign with who they want in the off season.
The best part of trade deadlines and off season moves is always the speculation and rumors that go on with fans. So I am taking this opportunity to speculate a little myself. Alex Ovechkin's contract will not hit the salary cap until next season which still gives the Capitals some room to play with for the rest of this season. Since the Caps may be looking for a Micheal Nylander replacement, here are a couple interesting names to throw out there.
Peter Forsberg still wants to play in the NHL. While still recovering from injuries, Forsberg could start his recovery in a Caps sweater. He would cost around $5.75 million (what he made when he left the league) and his Swedish countrymen on the Caps could help convince him to make a return to "bolster" the Capitals' line up. Just how recovered the playmaker is from his injuries remains to be seen, but the Caps could sign the dynamic center to a one year contract to fill an empty slot.
If the Captials are looking for temporary help, why not trade? Mats Sundin's future in Toronto seems to be on the rocks as new management takes over there. It would cost the Caps a few first rounders and maybe some prospect talent (Fehr, Beech?) but the Caps could take Sundin's $5.5 million contract then he is a unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Sundin would be a grinder of a center with the skills to both be a playmaker and the ability to score.
Those are just two of the possibilities the Caps could take. I am not saying that they would, but the Caps can afford it since they are still $14 million shy of the Cap ceiling. If the Capitals do want to make a playoff push it might be wise to get some proven talent like Sundin or Forsberg to help out for the rest of the season. Then next year, Micheal Nylander will be able to return and both Forsberg and Sundin are free to sign with who they want in the off season.
Leafs One Ups The Caps
Capitals 2, Maple Leafs 3
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Wash Times
The Caps were victims of bad passing and making it a little too cute at times. The Leafs were able to gum up the neutral zone against the Caps and wait it out. Then in the last 29.2 seconds it was all over on a Mats Sundin rebounder and the Caps see their nice little win streak come to an end.
Alex Ovechkin continued his scoring streak putting some distance in the Rocket Richard award race with 39 goals. Alex Semin also put a wicked move on Vesa Toskala to score late in the third. But the Leafs perseveared even though they were badly outplayed at times. The Caps just weren't themselves this game which was a shame because Olie Kolzig played one of his better games.
The Capitals were 0 for 4 on the powerplay, but was perfect on the penalty kill. John Erskine's hitting picked up with some pretty heavy weight hits. He laid out Darcy Tucker mid way in the first that caught the attention of the fans, then a hit later against Jiri Tlusty in the cornor. Steve Eminger was in the line up again, and looked better even though he took a bad boarding penalty in the first. Tom Poti just couldn't stay out of the box getting a hattrick of penalties, a double minor for cross checking and roughing in the second, and interference call in the third that gave the Leafs some momentum to score with just 30 seconds left.
The second period was horrible for the Caps. They just couldn't pull a comeback this time. That snapped a 4 game winning streak for the Caps. The loss doesn't hurt the Capitals in the standings, they will stay in tenth spot and stay tied with Atlanta. But the Caps will have to play strong against the Leafs again as they round out the home and home before the All Star break. The Caps don't want to leave for vacation with another loss fresh on their minds.
All this and Kris Beech just can't stay away from a Caps uniform. Beech was claimed off waivers for his fourth stint in a Capital's sweater, sorta. I understand we are low on centers, but Beech, really. If we wanted him so bad, why didn't GM George McPhee sign him when he was here? I really don't understand this move, but I am not a NHL General Manager (neither is John Ferguson for that matter). Beech has hardly had time to unpack his bags as he was picked up by the Blue Jackets, then waived and picked up by Vancouver, then is back in the DC area all in this season. Beech won't see much action in the bigs though (unless there is yet another injury), he was sent to Hershey to help bolster the Bears line up. Again, it just doesn't make sense.
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Wash Times
The Caps were victims of bad passing and making it a little too cute at times. The Leafs were able to gum up the neutral zone against the Caps and wait it out. Then in the last 29.2 seconds it was all over on a Mats Sundin rebounder and the Caps see their nice little win streak come to an end.
Alex Ovechkin continued his scoring streak putting some distance in the Rocket Richard award race with 39 goals. Alex Semin also put a wicked move on Vesa Toskala to score late in the third. But the Leafs perseveared even though they were badly outplayed at times. The Caps just weren't themselves this game which was a shame because Olie Kolzig played one of his better games.
The Capitals were 0 for 4 on the powerplay, but was perfect on the penalty kill. John Erskine's hitting picked up with some pretty heavy weight hits. He laid out Darcy Tucker mid way in the first that caught the attention of the fans, then a hit later against Jiri Tlusty in the cornor. Steve Eminger was in the line up again, and looked better even though he took a bad boarding penalty in the first. Tom Poti just couldn't stay out of the box getting a hattrick of penalties, a double minor for cross checking and roughing in the second, and interference call in the third that gave the Leafs some momentum to score with just 30 seconds left.
The second period was horrible for the Caps. They just couldn't pull a comeback this time. That snapped a 4 game winning streak for the Caps. The loss doesn't hurt the Capitals in the standings, they will stay in tenth spot and stay tied with Atlanta. But the Caps will have to play strong against the Leafs again as they round out the home and home before the All Star break. The Caps don't want to leave for vacation with another loss fresh on their minds.
All this and Kris Beech just can't stay away from a Caps uniform. Beech was claimed off waivers for his fourth stint in a Capital's sweater, sorta. I understand we are low on centers, but Beech, really. If we wanted him so bad, why didn't GM George McPhee sign him when he was here? I really don't understand this move, but I am not a NHL General Manager (neither is John Ferguson for that matter). Beech has hardly had time to unpack his bags as he was picked up by the Blue Jackets, then waived and picked up by Vancouver, then is back in the DC area all in this season. Beech won't see much action in the bigs though (unless there is yet another injury), he was sent to Hershey to help bolster the Bears line up. Again, it just doesn't make sense.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Caps Squeak Past Flyers
Preseason
Capitals 1, Flyers 0
Kris Beech wrapped the puck around the net, Robert Esche was out of position, and the Flyers defense collapsed just enough for Beech to squirt the puck through. With 3:14 left in the game, Beech was the hero and the Caps improve their preseason record to 3-1-1. The Caps played a close scoreless game, and come out victors. This is a good sign that the Capitals are finding ways to win.
Compare that to a scoreless game last season, when the Caps were happy just to get the game into overtime. Now, they are putting the pressure on late in close games. Even before Beech’s game winner, the Caps were knocking on the door with good pressure on net, and using their speed for aggressive forechecks.
Brent Johnson grabs the shut out after a couple of spectacular stops. Every one were game saving saves. The defensive core looked faster and were able to use their speed to at the very least got them to the red line for quick dump-ins.
The Caps special teams were also something to watch. The ability to kill off a two minute, 5 on 3 was a turning point in the third period. While the penalty kill was impressive, the power play still looks a bit sloppy. The Caps are keeping the puck to the outside, which is good for puck control, but they have to find more movement to get the puck in to the slot for gold mine power play goals.
They certainly have the talent, now they need to execute. The Capitals do need to capitalize on their opportunities a little better. Even during some great attacks on net, the Caps sometimes will miss an open man with a better shot, or shoot it right into the goaltenders chest stopping play. As the chemistry grows for those on the power play, I expect to see some of those issues to clear up.
Capitals have a final preseason game against Carolina October 1st that will be a dress rehearsal for their home opener on the 7th. Caps will be facing a winless Carolina team in the preseason, so they must stay sharp.
In other news, Steve Konowalchuk’s career has been snubbed short by a disease that can lead to irregular heart rhythms. The former Capital, now Colorado Avalanche retired amid concerns of his health after tests showed positive for Long QT Syndrome. Konowalchuk made the decision in a written statement stating that family came first. I wish him the best, and will miss his seeing him on the ice.
Capitals 1, Flyers 0
Kris Beech wrapped the puck around the net, Robert Esche was out of position, and the Flyers defense collapsed just enough for Beech to squirt the puck through. With 3:14 left in the game, Beech was the hero and the Caps improve their preseason record to 3-1-1. The Caps played a close scoreless game, and come out victors. This is a good sign that the Capitals are finding ways to win.
Compare that to a scoreless game last season, when the Caps were happy just to get the game into overtime. Now, they are putting the pressure on late in close games. Even before Beech’s game winner, the Caps were knocking on the door with good pressure on net, and using their speed for aggressive forechecks.
Brent Johnson grabs the shut out after a couple of spectacular stops. Every one were game saving saves. The defensive core looked faster and were able to use their speed to at the very least got them to the red line for quick dump-ins.
The Caps special teams were also something to watch. The ability to kill off a two minute, 5 on 3 was a turning point in the third period. While the penalty kill was impressive, the power play still looks a bit sloppy. The Caps are keeping the puck to the outside, which is good for puck control, but they have to find more movement to get the puck in to the slot for gold mine power play goals.
They certainly have the talent, now they need to execute. The Capitals do need to capitalize on their opportunities a little better. Even during some great attacks on net, the Caps sometimes will miss an open man with a better shot, or shoot it right into the goaltenders chest stopping play. As the chemistry grows for those on the power play, I expect to see some of those issues to clear up.
Capitals have a final preseason game against Carolina October 1st that will be a dress rehearsal for their home opener on the 7th. Caps will be facing a winless Carolina team in the preseason, so they must stay sharp.
In other news, Steve Konowalchuk’s career has been snubbed short by a disease that can lead to irregular heart rhythms. The former Capital, now Colorado Avalanche retired amid concerns of his health after tests showed positive for Long QT Syndrome. Konowalchuk made the decision in a written statement stating that family came first. I wish him the best, and will miss his seeing him on the ice.
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