Everyone wondered how the new Washington Capitals, obtained at the trade deadline, would mesh. How long before any impact. Answer, at least for one player, 24 hours.
Newcomer Scott Walker, obtained from Carolina for a 7th round draft pick, scored two goals, including the game winner, to help lift the Caps to their second consecutive win in as many nights, and start the post-Olympic break off at 2-0. Both Walker goals were pretty backhands in front of the net. It's called, net presence. Best thing is, Walker had a total of three goals on the season, and nearly equaled that in his Caps debut. Let's face it, there are no easy chances in Carolina. But even further, you had to love the grittiness Walker brought to the ice.
Mike Knuble also continues his hot stick, scoring two goals as well, as the Capitals downed the Lightning 5-4 at the Verizon Center. The Caps improved to 24-3-3 at home and improve to 43-13-8 on the season and hold a 14 point lead in the Eastern Conference over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Eric Fehr scored the game opening goal a little over the 6 minute mark on a nasty, Ovechkin-type slapper that went through Tampa goalie Mike Smith. Speaking of Ovechkin, he was held scoreless last night, but you can't say Ovie did not have the opportunities. Ovie had several scoring chances, some of them pretty significant, including a breakaway. The bottom line last night was --- Mike Smith just has Ovechkin's number. Tampa pest Steve Downie scored the equalizer half way through the first period. Caps out shot Tampa in the first period 14-9.
Both Knuble goals came in the second period, 6 minutes apart to put the Capitals up 3-1. They were goals 24 and 25 for Knuble, who has been the hottest Cap over the last 13 games. Since January 26th, Knuble has netted 11 goals and added 6 helpers. He has had 3 multi-goal games since that date.
Both Walker goals came in the third period, just 4 minutes apart. They were goals 4 and 5 on the season for Walker.
Semyon Varlamov nabbed the win stopping 25 of 29 shots on goal. He improves to 13-2 on the season.
Game Notes:
* Kudos and cheers to Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom was instrumental in a second period penalty onslaught, including significant time with a 2 man advantage. Backstrom broke his stick early in the two man advantage and blocked two shots, sacrificing his body. Again, he has proven, he is the ultimate gamer, period. He brings much more than just passing and points to this Caps team.
* The Caps defense failed to show up last night. However, they can't be the blame for all 4 goals allowed. Some of the goals were softies that Varlamov just has to stop. Varly did very little to give Coach Bruce Boudreau the confidence to hand him the starting job over a ever consistent growing Jose Theodore. That being said, the Caps defense simply sucked last night.
DCPSR Player(s) of the Game: MIKE KNUBLE AND SCOTT WALKER
Thursday, 11 February 2010 Written by Tom Threlkeld
Washington Capitals Head Coach Bruce Boudreau wasn't happy after the team fell 6-5 in Ottawa to the Senators tonight. The Capitals have now lost 2 in a row after winning 14 in a row and it's pretty clear Boudreau isn't happy with the 12 goals the Caps have given up in the last two nights. Washington has now allowed 23 goals in its last 5 games and Boudreau doesn't seem inclined to accept the absence of Tom Poti and Shaone Morrisonn as a valid excuse.
"It was an ugly display," Caps coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters in a so-honest-it-hurts postgame press conference. "I thought our defense was horrible and our goaltending was horrible. You're not going to win when you give up six goals and maybe five of them are bad ones and our "D" can't make a play. It's aw ful."
Speaking about goalie Semyon Varlamov, who made his first start since December 7 and gave up 6 goals against 22 saves:
"I don't think he was ready to play. He knew he was going to play. He's had 12 days of practice and a game under his belt. It's his responsibility to be ready. It's an excuse and excuses aren't tolerated," Boudreau said.
On the upcoming break:
"The [Olympic] break can't come soon enough for me," Boudreau said. "Where we can get five or six good days of practice and get back on track here."
I have a hunch those practices will be particularly brutal ones for Caps players.
Thursday, 11 February 2010 Written by Mark Buterbaugh
Washington Capitals netminder Semyon Varlamov, who has been injured since December 7th, will get the nod between the pipes tonight against the Ottawa Senators.
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 Written by Mark Buterbaugh
The Washington Capitals have recalled G Semyon Varlamov from Hershey. Varlamov has been out with a knee injury since December 7th. He made a rehab start in Hershey this weekend, recording 26 saves in a 5-4 Bears win over Adirondack.
The Washington Capitals have benefited from a dynamic duo of veteran Jose Theodore and rookie Michal Neuvirth between the pipes during this incredible 14 game winning streak.
Now Varly makes his return. Varlamov has posted a 12-1 record this season with a GAA of 2.21 and a save percentage of .920. The interesting question looming here is, how does Varlamov fit into the current chemistry between the pipes? Does Neuvirth, despite sensational play in the Net, return to Hershey? Should he? If not, how does HC Bruce Boudreau balance three goalies playing time, particularly with veteran Jose Theodore playing the best net minding of his Washington Capitals tenure?
One thing is clear, between Varlamov, Neuvirth, and Hershey's spectacular goalie Braden Holtby, the Caps are loaded at young talent between the pipes. It will be interesting to watch how this turns out. There is no doubt, the success Neuvirth has had during Varlamov's injury most certainly ramps pressure up on #40, both from a play perspective and a staying healthy perspective.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 Written by Mark Buterbaugh
The Washington Capitals have recalled 2008 draft pick G Braden Holtby. Holtby will backup Michal Neuvirth while Jose Theodore remains listed as day to day.
Theodore left last nights game after the second period because of an undisclosed lower leg injury. The Caps have him listed day to day. Semyon Varlamov remains sidelined with a lower leg injury as well. He has not played for the Caps since December 7th.
Hotlby has been absolutely stellar in Hershey. He has posted a 15-2-1 record for the first place Bears and has a staggering GAA of 1.82 (first in the AHL) and a save percentage of .935 (second in the AHL).
To make room for Holtby, the Caps have optioned D Karl Alzner back to Hershey.
Tuesday, 05 January 2010 Written by Mark Buterbaugh
The Washington Capitals will be glad to see the friendly confines of the Verizon Center tonight as they host the Montreal Canadians. The Capitals have fallen into a mid-season funk, dropping three consecutive games, two coming on a West Coast swing to Los Angeles and San Jose. In the three losses, Washington has been outscored 13-6.
Injuries . . . Nicklas Backstrom returns tonight after missing two periods against the Kings. Backstrom was forced to exit the game early because of a migraine. Alexander Semin left practice yesterday but is not expected to be out tonight.
Varlamov injured again . . . The concerns that have been apparent on young net minder Semyon Varlamov since the day he was drafted, cropped up again. Varly's problem has never been style of play, consistency, and adjustment to the NHL game, but more so, Varlamov's ability to stay healthy, his durability. Varlamov won at Hershey on a conditioning stint in Hershey, stopping 28 of 29 shots and helping the Bears win an impressive 10th consecutive game. However,m once again, Varlamov suffered what the Caps deem to be a 'lower body' injury and will likely be out for two weeks. Varlamov last played on DEC 7 and will now not make a return at least until the third week of January. Little more read on the Varly injury (ESPN).
This has been an ongoing concern for the Capitals. It is also precisely why Capitals fans should be thankful for the excellent young depth they have between the pipes, mainly, Michal Neuvirth and 2008 draft pick Braden Holtby. Holtby made the ECHL all start team and has taken over for Neuvirth in Hershey and has posted a 9-1 record and a GAA of just 1.45 and a save percentage of .949.
Something the Habs need to understand tonight is the Capitals have lost three in a row. Since Bruce3 Boudreau took over the Caps in mid-season 2007, the Caps have never lost 4 in a row.
During coach Bruce Boudreau's 184-game tenure, the Capitals have lost three consecutive games on four occasions. The important statistic is that the team has never lost four in a row on Boudreau's watch.
The Capitals, who lead the Atlantic Division, have had problems with their special teams. They've had a two-man advantage in each of their last four games, but have failed to cash in.
That's why Boudreau spent a good portion of yesterday's practice working on the power play.
"We've been getting away from our game plan," Boudreau said. "We want to shoot the puck, but guys are trying to make passes."
Caps Streaks:
* Caps have lost 3 in a row. They have lost 1 at home and 2 in a row on the road.
* Alexander Semin has a 3 game scoreless streak.
* Tom Poti has recorded an assist in 2 straight.
* Shaone Morrisonn has not scored a single point in 15 straight games, including no points in December.
Friday, 01 January 2010 Written by Mark Buterbaugh
Here is out list of the Top Ten draft picks for the Washington Capitals, 2000-2009. Obviously, this list is the subjective opinion of the writer. We welcome our readers comments.
10. Braden Holtby (2008, 4th round, 93rd). It's an early call on Braden Holtby, drafted just two drafts ago, but the promise is showing, enough to arguably give the Caps the Top 3 young goal tenders in the NHL. This is Holtby's first professional season and has filled in for Michal Neuvith on Hershey, who was recalled to Washington with Semyon Varlamov's injury. His response in Hershey exceeded expectations. Holtby has posted a 7-1 record and a whopping 1.22 GAA and an even more impressive .956 save percentage. Holtby is showing his stuff and showing the Caps may have hit the nail on the head int he 2008 4th round. Holtby's success also give the Capitals tremendous flexibility between the pipes.
9. John Carlson (2008, 1st round, 21st). When the Capitals drafted John Carlson 21st overall, many NHL: draft analysts said Carlson was near NHL ready. We believe he is NHL ready. In his first professional season, Carlson has scored 1 goal and 23 assists with an impressive +17. Briefly called to Washington, Carlson did not earn a point in 3 games. Carlson is going to be good. You can see it. This was an excellent pick for the Caps. He will likely join 2007 first rounder Karl Alzner in Washington at some point to be a long term duo.
8. Mathieu Perreault (2006, 6th round, 197th) Perreault is small, but quick and steady with the puck. He was recalled to Washington earlier int he season and started out with a bang, recording 2 goals and 3 assist in his first 6 NHL games. He finished an 18 game stint with 2 goals and 5 assists, before being sent back to Hershey. In 18 games with the Bears, Perreault has 4 goals and 12 assists and is a +10. Perreault handles the puck well, works hard to not let his small size be a problem for his game, and is a quick skater. The fact he was a 6th rounder, and has shown signs of potential jumps him onto this list.
7. Karl Alzner (2007, 1st round, 5th overall). Alzner is a classic stay at home defensemen. He will not be a big scoring defensemen (IE Mike Green). That's not what he does. He plays solid, sound defense and is progressing and learning the NHL with each and every game. Last season, Alzner was trapped most of the season in Hershey due to salary cap restraints. In 48 games last year with Hershey, Alzner scored 4 goals, has 16 assists and was a +23. In 30 games with Washington, he scored 1 goal, 4 assists and was a -1. This season looked to be more of the same, but when the Caps eventually were able to remove Michael Nylander from the salary cap, Alzner was recalled, and my bet is, Alzner is a permanent Capital. In 21 games with Hershey, Alzner was a +13. So far in DC, Alzner has 4 assists and is a -1 in 12 games. Alzner is considered to be a centerpiece of the future Caps blue line, along with John Carlson.
6. Michal Neuvirth (2006, 2nd round, 34th). Neuvirth was taken immediately after the Caps drafted Semyon Varlamov, giving the Caps a potential potent duo in goal in the future. Caps fans are starting to see a real glimpse of that future. In his first season last year, Neuvirth led the Hershey Bears to the Calder Cup Trophy. Neuvirth posted a 1.92 GAA effort in 22 postseason appearances setting a Hershey franchise record. He posted a 16-6 postseason record with a .932 save percentage. This season, Neuvirth has recorded a 10-5 record with a 1.99 GAA and a .925 save percentage in Hershey. Neuvy was recalled to sub in for an injured Semyon Varlamov. After a shaky start in Toronto, Neuvy put together three impressive consecutive wins, before falling 5-2 to San Jose. In Washington this season, he is 3-3 with a 3.18 GAA.
5. Semyon Varlamov (2006, 1st round, 23rd). Varlamov was taken in the same draft, right before Neuvirth. Varlaqmov struggled early with injuries, but came up to Washington late last season when backup Brent Johnson was injured. Varlamov took over for a struggling Jose Theodore in the Stanbley Cup playoffs and after losing his playoff debut, Varly went on to win game three 4–0 recording his first career NHL shutout. The very next game, Caps won Game 5 and Varly earned his second shutout by the same score. He won the next two games to help the Caps advance to the second round. Varlamov was not handed the starting job by HC Bruce Boudreau this season, but has clearly stood out as the best net minder in DC. He has posted a 12-1-2 record. Overall, Varly in his short career thus far is 16-1-3 with a 2.23 GAA and a .923 save percentage. His biggest challenge now is not mastering the NHL pipes, but trying to prove he can stay healthy. He is due back soon and has set himself up as the present and future goaltender in Washington.
4. Alexander Semin (2002. 1st round, 13th overall). Semin has proven his worth in the NHL. He can be down right lethal. He is crafty with the puck, can dazzle with the stick, and has a high powered shot. He is the third best player on the Caps. In his rookie season, Semin notched 26 goals and 16 assists, but posted a -18. He also racked up 54 PIMs. Last season, Semin went past the the 30 goal plateau scoring 34 goals and adding 45 helpers for a 70 pointy season. This year, in 31 games, Semin has 14 goals and 18 assists. No one questions Semin's scoring prowess. What hurts Semin's game is lack of total consistency and his knack for costly, dumb penalties. Washington recently signed Semin to a one year extension, keeping him in DC next season, but making him a UFA in 2011-12.
3. Mike Green (2004, 1st round, 29th). What a great trade to nab Mike Green. <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/10/nhl.trades.free.agents.draft/index.html">CNNSI agrees</a> listing it as one of the top trade of the decade. The trade was one of the hallmark trades in the rebuild plan of the Washington Capitals that has led to todays success of Washington hockey. Green is the most dynamic 'offensive' defensemen in the NHL. Green broke the long standing NHL record for consecutive games with a goal for a defensemen last season, scoring in 8 straight. He led the NHL defensemen in goals (31) and points (73) last season. It has carried through tot his season as Green leads all NHL defensemen with 38 total points. He is racking up more assists this season with 29, second in the NHL. No one questions Green's scoring ability. Green was passed up for the Norris Trophy last season and just a few days ago was passed over by Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics. That is most certainly due to Green's average defensive play. If Green can boost his play at the blue line and become a more consistent defensive player, he will become the best defensive player in the game. But, much improvement is needed in Green's defensive skill set.
2. Nicklas Backstrom (2006, 1st round, 4th). Backstrom is quickly becoming one of the best centers in all hockey. After posting an impressive 22 goal and 66 assist performance last season, Backstrom is having his best season to date, this year. He finished 3rd overall in assists last season, but was passed over for the Calder Trophy, the NHL's best rookie. This season, Backstrom is on fire, scoring 15 goals and 31 assists. He is 7th overall in total points, 5th in assists, and 10th in goals. Backstrom is also quickly becoming known as one of the most prolific passers in the NHL. This was a no-miss draft pick and Backstrom seemingly just keeps getting better and better. He was recently named to Team Sweden for the 2010 Olympics.
1. Alexander Ovechkin (2004, 1st round, 1st). Need explain in more words than, he is the greatest player on the planet.
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Everyone wondered how the new Washington Capitals, obtained at the trade deadline, would mesh. How long before any impact. Answer, at least for one player, 24 hours.
The Washington Capitals have recalled 2008 draft pick G Braden Holtby. Holtby will backup Michal Neuvirth while Jose Theodore remains listed as day to day.
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please 
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our 
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? 
