(photo by Getty Images)

While we were hanging with coach Bruce Boudreau at Congressional Country Club yesterday, the Washington Capitals, who promised to be bystanders during the NHL’s free agency period, made a quick splash on day one, signing forward Mike Knuble away from the Philadelphia Flyers.

The soon-to-be 37-year-old winger, who, unlike the majority of his new teammates in D.C., is comfortable crashing the net and scoring short-range goals, signed a two-year deal worth $2.8 million per year.

Shortly after the signing, the Capitals announced that Knuble will play on the team’s top line alongside superstar Alex Ovechkin and center Nicklas Backstrom, meaning he’ll effectively be replacing free agent forward Viktor Kozlov (who made $2.5 million last season and is likely headed to Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League).

Over the last six years, Knuble has 165 goals and 161 assists for 326 points in 467 games (which translates to 27 goals and 26 assists for 53 points in 77 games per season).

For the sake of comparison, Kozlov has 101 goals and 159 assists for 260 points in 431 games over the same span (for an average of 16 goals and 26 assists for 42 points in 71 games per season).

So basically, using history as our guide, we see the Caps are getting 11 more goals and six more games out of Knuble than they would out of Kozlov per year. Of course, you could just look at last season, when Knuble finished with 27 goals, 20 assists, 47 points in 82 games and Kozlov had 13 goals, 28 assists, 41 points in 67 games and see the team is getting an upgrade.

Or as Capitals general manager George McPhee said during a conference call with reporters yesterday, “We replaced a 13-goal scorer with a 27-goal scorer, and the team is better as a result.”

Kozlov was maddening at times because he possesses the big frame that NHL general managers desire (he’s 6-5 and 235 lbs.). But instead of crashing the net to screen goalies and be in position for rebounds while Ovechkin fires his eight to 10 shots on goal a game, Kozlov was always more comfortable skating around on the fringe. It’s as if he’s always seen himself more as a speedy, smaller wing than a big, burly grinder willing to do whatever is necessary to help his team.

By all accounts, Knuble is just what the doctor ordered. His teammates loved him in Philly, and it’s not a stretch to think the same won’t hold true here in Washington. He plays in all three phases of the game (powerplay, penalty kill and even strength) and has no issue going to the goal. He’s not flashy and isn’t concerned with making highlight reels, he just wants to help his team win. It’s not always pretty, but Knuble gets results. And on a related note, the Caps are a better team because he’s on the roster.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

Wednesday was a fun day for local sports fans. Not only was the biggest name in professional sports, Tiger Woods, in town to host his tournament, but a handful of local sports celebrities were also on hand.

Quarterback Jason Campbell and wide out Antwaan Randle El of the Washington Redskins, and coach Bruce Boudreau of the Washington Capitals teamed up with former Masters winner Mike Weir during the Earl Woods Memorial Pro Am at Congressional Country Club and we were fortunate enough to walk 18 holes with them.

Sure, Woods opted to play with Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, one of the better golfers in the NFL, but when it came to having fun, no team could compete with Team Weir on this day. To share a glimpse of the shenanigans, we present to you our interview with Boudreau, which was conducted as the guys began the back nine of their round.

Both of the Redskins players openly admit that you’re carrying this team for the D.C. guys. How would you rate your game?

(Laughs) “It’s mediocre at best right now,” Boudreau said.

“Hey man, you gotta say more than that,” Redskins wide out Antwaan Randle El interjected. “That means we’re doing terrible …”

“Well then, I’m playing AWESOME,” Boudreau said, still cracking up. “I don’t know what to say after that.

“No, we’re having a lot of fun,” he said. “We’re having a lot of fun and really enjoying watching Mike Weir play. I think none of us are used to playing in front of more than the three guys you’re out with, so it makes it a little more difficult.”

Now Shaun Suisham, the Redskins Canadian kicker, says he’s sticking with you and Weir because you’re a safer bet than siding with his teammates – Campbell and Randle El. What do you say to that?

“Way to jump ship, Shaun,” Boudreau said.

Suddenly we were interrupted again – this time by the one professional golfer in the bunch.

“What’s this, a TV timeout, Bruce,” asked Weir with a smile. “You’ve got Pierre McGuire over there talking to you between the benches during the game.”

(Laughs) “He’s no Christine Simpson, I know that,” Boudreau fired back, gladly kicking us in the process.

“No, this is the first time in my lifetime I’ve ever been able to do something like this,” he said. “And quite frankly, to do it with one of your heroes is pretty cool.”

We know you can coach hockey, but we don’t know much about you on the golf course. Tell us a little bit about your game.

“I can … I don’t lose balls,” Boudreau said, immediately showing he’s better than Campbell and/or Randle El. “You know, I hit it straight and struggle – just like every other duffer – around the green. If we could just play tee to green I’d be pretty good. But I’ve got to play the ones around the greens as well.”

And what’s it like playing alongside Weir, who you’ve said you’re a huge fan of?

“Phenomenal,” he said. “An experience I’ll never forget.”

(photo by Brian Murphy)

You might have heard that Tiger Woods and friends invaded the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., today for the Earl Woods Memorial Pro Am. The biggest names in golf, as well as quarterback Jason Campbell and receiver Antwaan Randle El of the Washington Redskins, Bruce Boudreau of the Washington Capitals and Tony Romo of those damned Dallas Cowboys were all on hand for the festivities … and we’ll get to them later.

For now, enjoy this shot of Jessica Simpson, who sang the national anthem at the opening ceremony – which explains why the soldiers in the background are all standing at attention.