All posts in hockey

12Oct

caps take on a new personality

In blog, hockey, murf by b murf / October 12, 2010 / No Comments

(photo by Greg Fiume)

[Note: Every Tuesday I write a column for SB Nation DC. This is that column.]

At first glance, the 2010-11 Washington Capitals appear to be awfully similar to previous incarnations. Sure, we’re only three games into the season, but it’s never too early to make a first impression.

We’re less than a week into the regular season, but it’s painfully obvious that some players still suffer mental lapses in the defensive zone. And yes, some players still take selfish penalties at the worst-possible time. Oh, and the Capitals can still play quality hockey for 20 minutes a night and beat most teams in the NHL.

Add in the highest-scoring offense in hockey and it would appear that, even though a handful of the names and faces have changed, the Caps are very much the same team that was unbeatable during the regular season and then fell asleep at the wheel in the playoffs.

I could understand if you watched the team’s first three games and had a bad case of déjà vu (followed by profuse consumption of alcohol). But let me make one counterargument – even though many of the key pieces on this team are the same, the mindset in the locker room and on the ice is very different this time around.

Take, for example, the home opener against the New Jersey Devils this past weekend.

The Capitals got off to a sluggish start (surprise, surprise), but woke up in the second period and eventually steamrolled the Devils in a 7-2 thumping. I don’t care who you are or where you’re playing hockey – whether it’s a beer league or the NHL – it hurts feelings when you get waxed by an opponent.

People take that seriously, and if guys think an opponent is trying to show them up or run up the score, then tempers are going to flare. I can’t speak on behalf of the Devils, but apparently Caps coach Bruce Boudreau is qualified to do so.

“They’re frustrated because they’re a proud team,” he said after the game. “I don’t know if they’ve been beaten like that for a while.”

Once the Caps decided to show, they made up for lost time – scoring an even-strength goal, a shorthanded goal, a powerplay goal (for the first time since Ronald Reagan was in office) and a penalty shot.

After allowing four goals on eight shots in the second period, Devils goalie Martin Brodeur was pulled. Defenseman Anton Volchenkov left the game with a broken nose after taking the brunt of a Nicklas Backstrom slapshot. While those two players had little say in their nights ending early, the rest of the roster was left there to suffer until the very bitter end.

Eventually they had seen enough and Devils players apparently decided to show their displeasure by getting physical with Washington. And although Donald Brashear is long gone and newly acquired tough guy D.J. King was a healthy scratch, the Caps had no problem standing up for themselves and refusing to let anyone push them around.

So Jason Chimera dropped the gloves. As did Matt Hendricks. Matt Bradley has always been willing to bleed on … I mean fight when the time calls, so he too joined in the fun. And here’s the kicker – Mike Green got into a fight. Yes, that Mike Green. The guy who routinely leads all defensemen in points scored decided to throw down with Ilya Kovalchuk in the third period, and while it won’t bring tears of joy to tough guys like Stephen Peat, Craig Berube and Chris Simon, it did serve a larger purpose.

It let the rest of the league know that the Capitals aren’t going to stand there and get pushed around.

“I think we did make a statement that we’re not the same team that we were last year,” said forward Mike Knuble. “We’ve got some different personnel and we can still do it on the scoreboard, but when it gets physical, we’re not going to get pushed around. It was good to see.

“I don’t know if we had a game like this last year, but they can bring a team together faster than anything,” he continued.

Click here for the full article.

05Oct

six players to watch for 2010 capitals

In blog, hockey, murf by b murf / October 5, 2010 / No Comments

(photo by Brian Murphy)

[Note: Every Tuesday I write a column for SB Nation DC. This is that column.]

This weekend, the Washington Capitals will once again begin their quest for the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup victory.

And yes, the pain from last season’s stunning opening-round loss at the hands of eighth-seeded Montreal is still very fresh in the minds of many Caps fans. But trust me when I say the Capitals organization has moved on and is only looking forward.

The high-flying Capitals offense set record after record during the regular season, even capturing the first Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history, but couldn’t put the puck in the net in the playoffs. And somehow, for the third-consecutive season, the Capitals lost a Game 7 at home, in front of a sellout crowd at the Verizon Center.

Many front offices would have been tempted to retool the roster after witnessing such a disastrous collapse, but general manager George McPhee remained convinced that the pieces are already in place.

Critics continue to say that the Caps need to upgrade at center, defense and goalie, but McPhee firmly believes a handful of youngsters from within are more than capable of stepping up and filling the void.

Casual fans already know the names of the “Young Guns” – Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Mike Green. But, if McPhee is to be believed, the next wave of young talent is here to stay.

If the Capitals are going to get over the proverbial hump this season and make that elusive playoff run, then these six homegrown players are likely going to play a vital role.

Marcus Johansson

With the 24th pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Capitals selected Marcus Johansson, a smooth-skating Swedish center. Although he’s barely old enough to shave (he turns 20 tomorrow), Washington believes they found a gem in Johansson.

During the Caps Convention this past weekend, the always-candid Bruce Boudreau even compared Johansson to Backstrom, the team’s other Swedish center, who Boudreau said just might be the best all-around player in the entire NHL.

Johansson has speed, he’s smart and he’s defensive minded, which could earn him solid minutes on the penalty kill. A lot of 19-year-olds get their first glimpse of NHL action and wilt under the pressure. But Johansson has continued to play well and look the part so far this preseason.

Even if he’s not a mainstay on the roster this season, by all accounts he’s going to be around for a while once he does earn his way into the rotation. Backstrom is the top-line center for good reason, but there appears to be an opportunity for a youngster like Johansson to lock down the second or third line center role.

Mathieu Perreault

While Johansson came to Washington as a highly-regarded first-round pick, his main competition at center is a guy who had to face much stiffer odds. Perreault is also a Capitals draft pick, but his name wasn’t called until the sixth-round (177th overall) in the 2006 draft.

Over the last two seasons with the Hershey Bears, Perreault has registered 27 goals and 73 assists for 100 points in 133 regular-season games. In his limited time with the Capitals last season, Perreault picked up four goals and five assists for nine points in 21 games.

“He’s a really skilled forward and he’s really quick,” said Hershey teammate Keith Aucoin of Perreault. “I haven’t seen a defense yet who is able to hold him off down low. He’s so quick and wiry, and he sees the ice as well as any player I’ve ever played with. He’s also a really solid passer. At times, he reminds me of me a little bit, back when I was younger. I may have lost a couple steps since then, but he reminds me a little bit of me back when I was younger. He’s a really great player though and he’s got a really bright future ahead of him.”

Perreault will start the season in Hershey, but it’s a safe bet that he’ll see time in Washington again in the not-too-distant future.

Click here for the full article.

30Sep

keith aucoin: i’m just hoping for a chance

In blog, hockey by b murf / September 30, 2010 / 1 Comment

(photo by Brian Murphy)

Washington Capitals center Keith Aucoin knows the odds aren’t in his favor.

Although he’ll turn 32 this November, Aucoin has yet to play a full season’s worth of games at the NHL level (he’s played in 74 total games since 2005-06). He’s been called up to the Capitals for just 20 games over the last two seasons. And he can’t help but be realistic when he sees the names of highly-touted prospects like Marcus Johansson and Mathieu Perreault next to his on the team’s depth chart.

But don’t expect Aucoin to quit without a fight. Generously listed at 5-foot-9 and 187 lbs., Aucoin has always been somewhat of an underdog. Other players might look like a prototypical hockey player, but the Waltham, Mass., native is never going to be outworked or out-hustled on the ice. Even if he starts the season back in the minors, he’s not going to let it affect his game.

And with a mindset like that, it’s impossible not to root for a guy like Aucoin. We caught up with him earlier this week, before he was assigned to the Hershey Bears, to get his take.

“I’m here at camp, where I see an opportunity at center, and I’m battling a couple young guys who have a good chance at making it,” he said. “But I’m coming in with the mindset to work hard and show them what I can do. They’ve seen it from me in the past. I’ve just got to go out there, work hard and hope they like what I can do. I’m just hoping for a chance.”

Coming into training camp, what, if anything, have the coaches said to you about the competition at center?

“They don’t tell you much,” admitted Aucoin. “They tell you there’s an opening at one of the center spots and it’s up for grabs between three or four guys, but that’s about it. You’ve just got to go out there and work hard. If you worry about it, it’s going to affect your play. You just can’t worry about it. You just go out there, show people what you’re capable of and hopefully put up some numbers. If you do all that, then hopefully they like you enough to keep you around. I feel like I can help this team out, so hopefully I earn that chance.”

The Hershey Bears have won back-to-back Calder Cups in the AHL and you’ve posted 60 goals and 142 assists for 202 points over the last two regular seasons. How do you not stop for a minute and say, “What the hell do I have to do to prove once and for all that I can play hockey?”

“It’s definitely something that comes across your mind from time to time,” he said. “Over the last couple years, you put up decent numbers here in the nine or 10 games that you get and, at times, it gets frustrating. You know, I’ve been through it most of my career – being called up and sent down. I try to not let it get to me, because when I do think about it too much, it gets into my game and I don’t play as well.

“When you do get sent down, you’re going to a great organization,” Aucoin said. “You know it’s a team that’s going to win and it’s a great group of guys, so that does make it easier.”

If that does happen and you’re sent back down to Hershey to start the season, then how are you going to handle that?

23Sep

alzner is finally ready to buy groceries

In blog, hockey by b murf / September 23, 2010 / 3 Comments

(photo by Brian Murphy)

As a rookie during the 2008-09, defenseman Karl Alzner played 30 games for the Washington Capitals.

Last season, for whatever reason, Alzner took a step back and was called up to the National Hockey League for just 21 games. And while he saw action in just playoff game, it was during Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Alzner was paired with defenseman John Carlson during that game, and Caps coach Bruce Boudreau is on record as saying they were the best line on the ice for Washington that night.

Now, we’ve reached year three with Alzner in D.C., which is affectionately referred to on this blog as the “put up or shut up” year with professional athletes. I’m of the firm belief that, if you can’t definitively prove to your team in three seasons that you deserve a full-time roster spot, you’re wasting everyone’s time.

Fortunately for Alzner (and Caps fans begging for help along the blue line), it finally appears that he’s going to be given every opportunity to be a full-time member of the Capitals. With that in mind, I caught up with the quirky 21-year-old this week to see how everything is coming along.

Okay, I’m going to come right out and say it – this is the “Year of Alzner.” You’re here with the Capitals to stay and I’m expecting big things from you this season. What say you?

“I hope this is my year,” he said. “I know a lot of people have been saying things like that and I’m working as hard as I possibly can. I’m trying to do a little bit of everything in hopes of rounding out my game so that, when the time comes, I’m ready to step up and make plays.”

If I’m being honest, this time last year I thought you’d be a mainstay in Washington. Obviously that didn’t really happen, with you spending the bulk of your time in Hershey with the Bears. How do you look back on last season?

14Sep

caps players crash fedex field

In blog, football, hockey by b murf / September 14, 2010 / No Comments

(photo by Eric Espada)

As I said on Twitter, FedEx Field was apparently the place to be when the Washington Redskins hosted the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night. Forget the fact that the Redskins won just four games a season ago. A new general manager, head coach and quarterback were apparently enough to restore hope and/or faith in the burgundy and gold.

The Redskins announced that more than 90,000 people were in attendance for the season opener, and included in that number were several familiar faces. Of course, there was LeBron James. He brought a personal point guard with him, Chris Paul.

There was also the unofficial rapper of the Washington Redskins – Wale. But for my money, the best random cameo goes to David Steckel and Mike Knuble of the Washington Capitals. First of all, who knew that Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines could co-exist (especially when it comes to football)?

Second of all, this continues last season’s trend that saw Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green and Bruce Boudreau take in a game at FedEx Field (and attempt a few field goals during warm-ups). I think I’m qualified to speak for D.C. sports fans in general by saying it’s always cool to see your favorite local athletes supporting other D.C. teams. Since the Capitals have been much more consistent winners over the last few years, I can only hope that their good karma is rubbing off on the Redskins. Because, let’s be real – after the Maroon and Black era, ‘Skins fans are due for a turn of good luck.

Either way, thanks again to Steckel and Knuble for coming out and supporting the other local teams. And we’ll see you guys back in action in the near future as well.

23Jul

what we’re reading

In baseball, basketball, blog, football, hockey, links by b murf / July 23, 2010 / No Comments

(courtesy photo)

Sorry for the lack of content this week. My schedule has been fairly hectic, but with Redskins training camp right around the corner, it’s a safe bet that I’ll be back in action next week. In the meantime, here are a few links to tide you over:

The Washington Capitals are in the news this week and it’s for all the right reasons. The Caps donated equipment to the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program and then hosted a hockey clinic involving 40 wounded servicemembers. Very cool stuff.

In other Caps news, Alex Ovechkin recently suited up for Dynamo back in Mother Russia. To recap, while Albert Haynesworth, the Redskins $100-million athlete, can’t be bothered to practice, Ovechkin, the Caps $100-million man, is willing to play pickup wherever they’ll have him. Which team do you think is happier with their investment?

And finally, the cleverly-titled King of Leonsis blog asks the simple question – is Tomas Fleischmann worth the cash? The answer is no, but you should still give it a read anyway.

The Nationals won 7-1 yesterday, which is newsworthy because it was the first time the team won a game in which Stephen Strasburg wasn’t involved since July 8th. Prior to Thursday’s victory, the Nats were 3-0 in Strasmas games and 0-7 when anyone else took the mound in their last 10 games. And yet, team president Stan Kasten believes his Nats are “so much closer than it appears.” Spend some money to get some more depth in the lineup and I might actually agree with you, Stan.

If the Nationals are going to be competitive anytime soon, they’ll likely need to add more to the lineup. That would mean players like Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham and Matt Capps – all of which have been mentioned in trade rumors over the last month – would likely stay around. SB Nation DC looks at the value of keeping Dunn on board.

According to Bullets Forever, Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld is the 18th best GM in the NBA. I’m not sure I’d rank him that high – especially after giving Gilbert Arenas a six-year, $111-million contract in 2008 and his continual desire to trade away top five draft picks and get nothing in return – but it’s still worth checking out.

In preparation for training camp, the folks at NFL.com take a look at the 2010 Redskins. In their opinion, the transition to a 3-4 scheme on defense, the wide receiver battle and the renovated offensive line are the biggest focal points.

In other Redskins-related news, Skinscast is back for a fifth season. With a new general manager, a new head coach, a new quarterback and countless other changes from last season at Redskins Park there’s no shortage of stuff to talk about concerning the burgundy and gold.

And finally, former Redskins tight end Clint Didier has a new teammate – Sarah Palin. Try not to hold it against him.

09Jul

d.c. sports: state of the union address

In baseball, basketball, blog, football, hockey by b murf / July 9, 2010 / 1 Comment

(courtesy photo)

Now that LeBron-a-thon is over and the rest of the sports world can return to some semblance of normalcy, I thought it would be appropriate to take a moment for an impromptu state of the union address for the D.C. sports scene.

In no particular order, here are 10 thoughts on all of your favorite local sports franchises.

1. Strike while the iron is hot and trade Gilbert Arenas to Cleveland. Like, right this minute. Seriously. Do it.

My plan all along was to wait for the New York Knicks to fall flat on their face and miss out on the big-name free agents like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, etc.

Unfortunately, Amare Stoudemire took the money and ran, which leads me to believe that the Knicks aren’t likely to be as desperate to acquiring someone with name recognition. Maybe if Isiah Thomas was still calling the shots it could happen, but I doubt that their new regime is in as much of a hurry to pull the trigger on an Arenas deal.

Same concept, different city.

The Cavaliers just took the biggest stomach punch in the history of professional sports. Their chosen son just went on primetime television to break up with them. Honestly, it’s more disrespectful than anything Albert Haynesworth has done since he came to D.C.

But the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. The Cavs could swallow Arenas’ contract if they shipped the Wiz back Antawn Jamison and some spare parts. The Cavs are obviously reeling from this blindside hit – so much so that their owner, Dan Gilbert, guaranteed Cleveland will win an NBA title before James. His remarks reek of desperation, which is exactly what you want if you’re looking to unload someone with as much baggage as Gilbert.

So let’s get on the phone now and make it happen before they have a chance to even rebound. Do it for the kids.

2. While we’re at it, be sure the deal includes a sign and trade for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. I’m pretty sure he still has his Wizards jersey from the last time he was traded here, so you’ve got that going for you. Which is nice.

3. Speaking of the Wizards, their roster is starting to take shape after Washington drafted John Wall and acquired combo guard Kirk Hinrich and disappointing forward Yi Jianlian via trade. But regardless of what happens with the artist formerly known as Agent Zero, they’ve still got some work to do this offseason.

Personally, I’d like to see them sign Josh Childress. Dude’s got some game and he’d be an upgrade over Nick Young or whoever else he’d be taking minutes from. The only issue seems to be that after a stint in Greece, Childress seems to be a highly sought after player. No worries. If the price tag is too high, then the Wiz should turn their attention to re-signing Josh Howard once he’s fully recovered from his knee injury.

Unfortunately, the Wizards renounced the rights to Howard this week, as well as Mike Miller and Randy Foye (you know, the two guys they traded away a top-five draft picks for one year ago). So yeah, general manager Ernie Grunfeld continues to make the job harder than it needs to be.

Is it too late to include Grunfeld in a package deal with Arenas to Cleveland as well?