It was four Thanksgivings ago that Bruce Boudreau got the call from Capitals General Manager George McPhee asking him to coach the Washington Capitals. Since that day, he has had a mostly successful run, but with some glaring omissions. We all thought Boudreau was on the hot seat last week with this latest losing slide, but Bruce seems to have averted his latest Selden crisis by re-connecting with his franchise player and the foundation of his success, Alexander Ovechkin. Now is as good a time as any to reflect on Boudreau's tenure and relationship with Ovie so we can turn our attention back to how this team can be successful when the Spring rolls around.
Reflecting on Boudreau for a moment, one has to consider his roots when looking at his system and coaching style. Boudreau was a naive, happy-go-lucky offensive phenom growing up. He was never much into nutrition, defense, or making educated decisions, and he never really thought about how his actions would be perceived by others. This is why, right before the NHL draft, he went from a sure-fire first-round pick after a dizzying junior season (68 goals, 165 points in 69 games) to a 3rd round pick after a night of partying got him a bad rap. He immediately rubbed his draft team the wrong way by signing in the competing major pro league, the WHA, for a year (though he never would have been in "Slap Shot" if he hadn't). Even when he made it to the big time, he never took care of his body or his own zone, thinking he could skate by on offensive talent alone. Is this starting to sound familiar? It probably has a lot to do with why he and Ovie hit it off so well.
WASHINGTON - Jason Chimera scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, and Nicklas Backstrom tallied for the second consecutive game as the Washington Capitals won their second consecutive game, 4-3, over the Winnipeg Jets. The Capitals jumped out to three separate one-goal leads in the game, but each time the Jets found a way to tie it up before Chimera tipped home Dennis Wideman's centering pass halfway through the extra period inside Verizon Center. Tomas Vokoun made 22 saves for his second consecutive win in the Washington nets.
The Capitals got off to a good start, pressuring the Winnipeg net and creating two solid chances in the opening 90 seconds. Washington was able to break on top for the lead soon after, as Alex Ovechkin chased down a loose puck in the offensive zone and dished it to Alexander Semin, who blasted it over Ondrej Pavelec's glove a little over five minutes in. The hosts were unsuccessful on a power play immediately after the goal, the Jets began to gain some momentum back, and took advantage of a very poor shift by Alex Ovechkin, who deserted coverage in the neutral zone, to equalize off an odd man break off the stick of Andrew Ladd.
But the cardiac Caps struck back immediately, retaking the lead 12 seconds later when Jason Chimera tipped in a Brooks Laich pass.in front. Winnipeg would not go away, however, coming right back to tie again less than two minutes later when Kyle Wellwood finished all alone in front. The period ended with the teams deadlocked at two goals apiece.
The middle stanza again saw the Capitals come out hot, scoring a third goal a little over three minutes into the period when Nicklas Backstrom cashed a loose puck in front off a pass from Dmitry Orlov, the Russian's first NHL point. Again, Washington was awarded a man advantage soon after scoring, but again, they were unable to extend their lead with the power play.
no comments
Washington Capitals (11-7-1) at Winnipeg Jets (8-9-3)
Location: Verizon Center
Time: 7:00 PM
TV: Comcast SportsNet (HD) (Game On!)
Radio: 1500AM, 820 AM, and XM
Previous Games:
Nov 17, 2011 WAS@WPG, 1-4 L
Games Remaining:
Dec 15, 2011 WAS@WPG, 8:30 PM
Feb 9, 2012 WPG@WAS, 7:00 PM
Mar 16, 2012 WAS@WPG, 8:30 PM
Mar 23, 2012 WPG@WAS, 7:00 PM
Familiar Faces of Former Caps: RW Eric Fehr (230 GP, 2005-2011)
The view from the other side: Arctic Ice Hockey
Will the Russians strike tonight?
The Washington Capitals were on ice Tuesday morning for a practice coming off their 4-3 win over the Coyotes on Monday night. Some notes from Kettler Capitals Iceplex as DC prepares to take on Winnipeg Wednesday night:
Today was a very optional skate, with several of the Caps' regulars missing out. The only players that skated were Alexander Semin, Tomas Vokoun, Michal Neuvirth, John Carlson, Mathieu Perreault, Jeff Schultz, Cody Eakin, John Erskine, and Dmitry Orlov.
Alexander Semin, who was a healthy scratch for Monday night's win, was testy after practice and did not want to speak extensively with the media. Bruce Boudreau indicated that he has not decided what the lineup will look like Wednesday night against the Winnipeg Jets.
That's all for now. Check back later.
no commentsHow do break up with a really, really great person who just isn’t right for you? It’s the hardest thing in the world. Even with the signs mounting, you still get along well enough. There isn’t anyone in particular that you're interested in, you just know that, thinking long term, this isn't right for you.
When you were younger, things were great. You heard from some of your friends that you two would be perfect for each other and from the second you met, you just clicked. Sure, you were awkward together, as every new couple is, but things just felt right. Everyone knew you two would be together for the long-haul. Sure, there was that little argument you had just before summer vacation, but then you were ok again.
The following years only strengthened your relationship. As a couple, you were voted Homecoming King and Queen, won the three-legged race at the local fair and were the talk of the town. “They’re so good for each other!” everyone would say. And you were. Then there was that big fight, again right before summer vacation.
From then on, things were a little different. You were still great, but there were times you didn't speak for a few days. Then the doubts began to creep up. First one of your friends says he thinks you guys should break up. Then another. “But we’re still doing great” you say. And you are. Right up until that now-inevitable pre-vacation fight that seems to happen around the same time every year.
So now it’s time. You need someone who brings out the best in you and this relationship isn’t going to do that. You know it’s for the best, but how do you tell someone you’ve grown to love that you just don’t work anymore? It’s not going to be easy. There will probably be tears, lots of them. But it’s for the best.
“Bruce, we need to talk…”
no commentsGood morning from Kettler Capitals Iceplex. A mustachioed Matt Hendricks was the first player on the ice at 9:45, followed shortly by Mathieu Perreault, John Carlson, Cody Eakin, and freshly recalled Dmitry Orlov. The rest of the Caps on the ice: Schultz, Erkine, Hamrlik, Brouwer, Backstrom, Johansson, Laich, Chimera, Alzner, Knuble, Halpern.
Not on the ice are Ward, Green, Beagle, Wideman, and conspicuously, Ovechkin and Semin.
Both goalies are on the ice to start warmups, but Vokoun came off first, meaning he'll likely get the start.
Orlov is taking rushes with Alzner, and Alzner confirmed they'll get paired together, with the lefty Orlov playing the left side for his first NHL game. Reflecting on his first NHL game, Alzner said his biggest surprise was the size, strength, and intelligence of the players (and getting knocked around by Ilya Kovalchuk). When asked about playing the right side with Orlov, Karl said it's a little adjustment to playing the opposite side, and that he and Orlov shouldn't have any communication issues. We'll see how it plays out on the ice.
Update: Coach Boudreau said that the players not on the ice took their option, so no message sending or injuries for Ward, Wideman, Ovi, or Semin.
Update:. I saw Ovechkin leaving Kettler soon after Boudreau spoke to reporters. If I had to guess, I'd say Boudreau and Ovechkin had a little chat during the morning skate.
no commentsWashington Capitals (10-7-1) at Phoenix Coyotes (10-5-3)
Location: Verizon Center
Time: 7:00 PM
TV: Comcast SportsNet (HD) (Game On!)
Radio: 1500AM, 820 AM, and XM
Familiar Faces of Former Caps: C Boyd Gordon (363 GP, 2003-11), Head Coach Dave Tippett (91 GP, 1990-92)
Our Bloguin Partner: Hipchecks
We'll show you ice in the desert!
The Washington Capitals were on ice Sunday afternoon at 12:30 for a practice following their 7-1 hammering at the hands of the Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Some notes from Kettler Capitals Iceplex:
Bruce Boudreau: taking blowtorches to lines since 2007. The Caps' coach debuted more fancy trios at the skate: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer, Chimera-Laich-Knuble, Eakin-Johansson-Ward, and Hendricks-Perreault-Halpern-Semin. Yes, you read that right. Alexander Semin, on the fourth line.The recently recalled Dmitry Orlov took part in practice as well, rotating in with Jeff Schultz on a pairing with Karl Alzner. Roman Hamrlik was paired with Dennis Wideman and John Carlson with John Erskine. Okay then.
Mike Green was absent from practice again and is clearly nowhere near being healthy enough to play in a game again. Man, that stinks.
That's all for now. Check back later for a game preview of Monday's tilt with the surging Coyotes.
no commentsWashington Capitals (10-6-1) at Toronto Maple Leafs (10-7-2)
Location: Air Canada Centre
Time: 7:00 PM
TV: Comcast SportsNet (HD) (Game On!), CBC
Radio: 1500AM, 820 AM, and XM
Games Remaining:
Dec 9, 2011 TOR@WAS, 7:00 PM
Feb 25, 2012 WAS@TOR, 7:00 PM
Mar 11, 2012 TOR@WAS, 5:00 PM
Familiar Faces of Former Caps: C David Steckel (291 GP, 2005-2011), Head Coach Ron Wilson (Head Coach 1997-2002), Assistant Coach Rob Zettler (90 GP, 1999-2002)
Our Bloguin Partner: Puckin' Eh
More Excellent Leafs Coverage: Down Goes Brown, Pension Plan Puppets
