Washington Post Caps beat reporter Tarik El-Bashir chats online about the Caps today. Check it out. We’ll highlight points we find interesting here.
First, Tarik address contract situation for D Mike Green.
I ran into Green’s agent in Buffalo, but didn’t have a lot of time to chat. It’s my understanding that the talks are ongoing, but moving slowly. As for Morrisonn, I haven’t checked on his status recently. But I don’t see any problems there.
Seems like the Ovechkin type situation. negotiation go slowly, and then, boom, out of the air the Green contract will come. I think it is pretty safe to say, that the 4 youngsters the team has clearly centered around (Ovie, Semin, Green, and Backstrom) that the Caps
have Green as top priority and the deal will get done. I don’t find myself as concerned as I was pre-mega deal with Ovechkin. I think both Ted Leonsis and George McPhee have a tailored plan, they will continue to build that plan, and Mike Green is a big part of that plan.
On who will bet the net minder next season …
As for Huet, I definitely see him back next season. But I’m not so sure about Kolzig. He views himself as a No. 1. if the Caps can’t/won’t offer him that opportunity, I think he’ll walk.
This is the exact scenario I see. There is a reason that Kolzig and the Caps have not reached a deal yet, second week into March. Huet is younger, Huet is in his prime, and Huet gives the Capitals a few good season to bridge to the eventual successors, Semen Varlamov and Michal Nuevirth. I can see the caps inking Huet to a 3 year deal.
On Ovechkin and how other players vie whim …
Yes it does. Lots of opposing players are in awe of Ovechkin’s skill, his shot and his ability to do everything at top speed.
But what impresses many of them the most are his hits. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard or read a quote from another player singling out Ovechkin’s physical play — even on a night when he recorded a few points.
Often, Ovechkin’s stunning offensive power over shadows alot of other stuff he brings to the ice. I can’t tell you how many times I saw a huge hit and #8 was the main man involved. Ovechkin to me has also increased in his ability to play effective defense this year, something he obviously works on. To me, more than any other season, Ovechkin is more of a complete player this season, from end to end. Scary thing is — he is just 23. Imagine the big steps he will take each and every season he plays.
On the status of Michael Nylander …
I spoke to GM George McPhee about that today. He shot down my theory. While Nylander has been skating and rehabbing, he’s not coming back until next season, McPhee told me today.
Read the entire transcript. And a shout out thank to Tarik for doing these chats.
Been awhile since we check in on the Hershey Bears.
The Hershey Bears are marred in a 4 game slump. The slump has pushed the Bears out of third place, with Wilkes-Barre Scranton inching ahead by 1 point. In the last 2 games, the Bears have been out scored 10-2. The Bears now embark on a 3 game road stretch beginning tonight, facing off against Manchester and then have a game Saturday (@ Springfield) and Sunday (@ Portland).
You Hershey Bear Leaders:
- Goals: Alexandre Giroux, 22
- Assists: Sami Lepisto, 35
- Points: Alexandre Giroux, 45
- PP Goals: Alexandre Giroux, 9
- + / -: Sami Lepisto, +26
- Def Scoring: Sami Lepisto, 38 points
- GAA: Daren Machesney, 2.42
- Save %: Daren Machesney, .920
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