Caps Daily Report, Bears Win Opener

My fellow hockey fans — it all kicks off TONIGHT, the NHL in action!  Of course, the Capitals kickoff their season tomorrow against Atlanta.
The Wash Post points out the obvious — one of the biggest questions facing the NHL in 2008/09 — who is better, Ovechkin or Crosby.  Get used to it, because this story will dominate for years, but likely include some new greats soon.  We’ll add one to their story, a 6th point to make, and we will keep track of it here — NHL attendance.  The NHL seems to be on a train that is gaining passengers, will it continue in 2008/09?  Will Washington DC fans flock to the Verizon Center?
While Alexander Ovechkin grows in fame worldwide, the Capitals have no worries about that fame and Ovechkin’s focus on hockey.

“You worry about him like a father worries about one of his kids,” Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said. “Not at this point. I think I’m pretty sure that hockey is his focus. The way he has played in the preseason proves that it is. Maybe as the team has more success and he has the success he’s had, then as we become more visible people are going to want him to do more things. Then maybe we might have to talk to his handlers or Alex and say, ‘Slow it down a little bit,’ but as this stage it is no problem.”

Added general manager George McPhee: “Never with this player – when we signed him to this [13-year, $124 million] contract, one of the things I said was we would never have to worry about his commitment. He did all of these other things this summer, and just look at him. He’s 230 pounds of solid muscle.”

Ovechkin himself reaffirms where his head is …

There will be more opportunities for Ovechkin to branch out and explore. Perhaps his role in the music video could lead to other acting offers. But for now, Ovechkin wants to keep his attention (at least the majority of it) on scoring goals and winning hockey games.

“No, no, not really – I just want to play hockey,” Ovechkin said. “I don’t want to be a movie star or something like that. I’ve heard some players stop playing hockey and go to movies, but I don’t want to do this. My life is hockey, no question.”

The AP does a story on Ovechkin’s intensity and his drive for a Stanley Cup Championship.
If you haven’t had enough Washington Capitals previews, here is one, and another.
The Caps Care Classic Gold Tourney raised over $1 million for the Children’s National Medical Center.  Congrats to the Caps, those involved and to the Children’;s National Medical Center.
Minneapolis Star writes who are the movers and shakers this year.   You got to love the comment for the Washington Capitals …

Washington Capitals: If goalie Jose Theodore could replicate 2007-08 for Colorado, Washington could be downright terrifying.

Hershey Bears
What a night it was for the Bears, opening the AHL season by destroying the Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins on the road.  The Bears tallied 8 goals and had to 5 point scorers, crushing the Penguins in the season opener.  When is the last time we heard of two different 5 point scorers in one game?
The points racked up came from newly signed veterans, veterans that were brought into to anchor this team that is loaded with young, blue chip prospects.  Graham Mink added a hat trick and 2 assists while 3 time AHL all star Keith Aucoin added a goal and 4 assists to lead the Bears offensive onslaught, both in their first seasons with the Bears.  Mink played for the Bears in 2006 Calder Cup year, before departing for Worcester last year.
The key to victory … the Bears were an astonishing 5 of 7 on the power play.  All 3Mink goals came on the power play and in addition, Chris Bourque, who had a 3 point night, and Mathieu Perreault each scored on the potent Bears power play.  Daren Machesney was in goals for the Bears and stopped 21 of 25 shots.

Multi-Point Scorers for the Bears:
Keith Aucoin (5 points) 1 Goal, 4 Assits
Graham Mink (5 points) 3 Goals, 2 Assists
Chris Bourque (3 points)  1 Goal, 2 Assists
Alexandre Giroux (3 points) 1 Goal, 2 Assists
Andrew Gordon (2 points) 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Hershey Bears Season Record: 1-0
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