The New York Islanders limp into town down yet another defenseman, with the 4 to 6 week injury to Andy Sutton. Then again, the Caps have been down Brian Pothier and Chris Clark for nearly 20 games or more. But, the Islanders do bring a 4 game win streak into DC.
Tarik reports on the Post that Tomas Fleischmann will remain on Line 1 with Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Fleischmann is on a mini-roll with two gaols in two games. Now, Tomas, just add a bit of consistency and we’re good to go.
Olaf Kolzig gets the nod in goal this evening. Caps are coming off a three game road trip where they went 1-1-1.
Nice article from Corey Masisak on Alexander Ovechkin’s quest for a 70 goal season.
Provided his health remains sound, the 23-year-old Ovechkin will notch his second 50-goal season and surpass Jonathan Cheechoo’s 56 from two years ago as the most since the 2004-05 lockout. But Ovechkin has the opportunity to go beyond great and enter the realm of historic.
Sixty-one goals would set a franchise record and be the second most scored by a Russian-born player. Sixty-three would be more than any player besides Lemieux in the past 15 years.
And if he can average a goal a game over the final 22 games of the season, Ovechkin can reach 70.
The feat would be spectacular in multiple avenues for Caps fans. First, for Ovie himself. This year
has set Ovie apart and I don’t give a crap about Sidney Crosby’s injury, Ovechkin has proven this season that he is arguably the best int he game. What is scary about Alex is not only his increased speed and net prowess, but his game improved on the defensive side as well. He is a fierce and dominating hitter. Not too many ‘stars’ are willing to mix it up like Mr. Ovechkin. Even scarier, Ovie is still learning. Second, if Ovechkin averages 1 or a little more per game, Caps WILL win the Southeast. Finally, the quest for 780 and a playoff berth would generate so much enthusiasm and renewed spirit for hockey int he nation’s capital. We already see increased crowds at the Verizon Center as testament.
Corey also priovides the injury list for tonight.
Injuries: Islanders ” Out: D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring), D Brendan Witt (sprained knee), D Chris Campoli (shoulder), D Bruno Gervais (strained oblique), C Mike Sillinger (hip), Shawn Bates (hip), LW Jon Sim (knee surgery). Capitals ” Out: C Michael Nylander (torn rotator cuff), RW Chris Clark (groin), D Brian Pothier (concussion). Probable: D Tom Poti (bruised thigh), C David Steckel (illness).
Guys at the Times also report that Dave Steckel and tom Poti will be ready for this evening.
Eric Fehr and Sami Lepisto were dispathced to the Hershey Bears. Lepisto was brought up and played in one game, against Tampa Bay, and impressed the Caps brass. But, with Tom Poti returning to the ice, Lepisto’s return to Hershey is for ice time. Same goes for Fehr. Fehr has played in 10 games over the past two seasons due to injury. He will benefit with more playing time with the Bears as he tried to regain the scoring prowess that made him a super prospect.
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