The Washington Capitals were finally on ice Sunday morning for their first formal skate after the lockout, as training camp for the 2013 season got underway.  Some news and notes from a packed Kettler Capitals Iceplex:

Defenseman Tom Poti, who is attempting a comeback following two years lost to injury, has passed his physical and has been sent to Hershey of the AHL for a conditioning stint as he tries to break the Caps' lineup.  If healthy, the stable, reliable Poti could be a big boost to a top-heavy Washington defensive corps.

Late Saturday night, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that forward Brooks Laich is expected to miss the first week or two of the season because of a groin injury suffered while playing abroad.  This was confirmed by the lines, as Laich was absent.  The units were as follows: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson, Wolski-Ribeiro-Brouwer, Chimera-Beagle-Ward/Wilson, and Hendricks-Perreault-Crabb/Fehr.

Defensive uberprospect Dmitry Orlov was also absent from camp, expected following George McPhee's comments on his injury earlier in the week.  As a result, the defensive pairs were as follows: Alzner-Carlson, Green-Hamrlik, Schultz-Erskine, and Hillen-Schilling.  Orlov is expected to miss the start of the season as well, meaning this is what the Caps could be forced to roll with at the onset of the season.

That's all for now.  More to come later.

Harry Hawkings is a college student credentialed to cover the Capitals for RtR.  Follow him on Twitter here for all your news needs this season.

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Photo by Chris Gordon

For almost four full months, as the NHL lockout wore on, Capitals fans and fans all over the League were asking one question: when would their teams take to the ice?  Early on the morning of January 6, that question was answered when the Board of Governors and the NHLPA agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement that will lead to a shortened, 48-game season that will begin on January 19.

But since that cold January morning, as players have begun to trickle in from their teams abroad and their residences away from Washington, more questions have arisen for the Capitals than answers.  Once again, as hockey makes its comeback, the Capitals must adjust on the fly to a new coach, a new system, and new players in less than a week before the games count for real.  Twenty-seven bullets:

1. First thing first – Nicklas Backstrom has got to stay healthy at all costs.  I wrote in this space in late October that though I was happy to see Nick playing and producing, the fact that he was doing it in Russia made me a bit uneasy.  It’s not because KHL coaches don’t care for players, it’s because he was away from Washington fresh off a season in which he missed 40 games with a concussion.  The Caps dodged a bullet when news broke Friday that Nick had been cleared and was on ice practicing, but as always, you never know with a concussion.

2. Backstrom, when healthy, is the best player on the Washington Capitals.  He is the engine.

3. Alex Ovechkin had quite the season in the KHL before coming home, with 40 points in 32 games for his hometown club in Moscow.  That in itself is obviously very encouraging, but I don’t think it’s a signal of a potential return to dominance for Alex in America.  He’s obviously still a good player and  a top-level goal scorer, but he’s not going to score something ridiculous like 35 goals and 70 points in 48 games.  Adam Oates’ biggest task is getting him as close to that as he possibly can.

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Although we are still awaiting for the players to ratify the CBA recently reached between the NHL and the NHLPA for official word, the Tampa Bay Lightning have made mention it will open the 48-game season against the Washington Capitals. The Caps were 3-2-1 against the Southeast Division opponent last season, including a 0-2-1 record at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Formerly a date only known in DC-sports lore for Sylvain Côté's birthday and the day Michael Jordan returned to the NBA as part owner of the Wizards will now be known as the day hockey officially returns.

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The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have agreed in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement Sunday, according to multiple reports.  The absence of a collective bargaining agreement prior to this point had resulted in the NHL’s third major work stoppage in the last 18 years, as well as the loss of more than half of the 2012-13 schedule’s games, including the 2013 Winter Classic in Detroit.  Though the document still has to be officially ratified, the agreement is very close.

According to reports by TSN’s Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie, highlights of the new CBA include a change in the draft lottery system, new revenue sharing, a new pension plan, and new variations in player rights including contracting and free agency.  There will be a 48-game schedule beginning in the third week of January, with training camps opening this week.  Now, the fun begins, as teams scramble to get their rosters assembled and systems implemented.

Whoever you want to attempt to blame for this lockout – Gary Bettman, Don Fehr, rich people, whatever – the fact of the matter is that in the end, it was all about the players and owners as groups.  When they wanted to get a deal done, they were able to do so, and it wasn’t because of the meeting that was without union or League leadership.  It was because the pressure finally got to the breaking point, with reports that reaching the middle of January without an agreement would result in the cancellation of the entire season.  There was

But that is neither here nor there – it’s time for hockey.

Follow me on Twitter for all your news here.

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Call me a pessimist. I've already come to terms with the loss of another NHL season, with hopes that there will be compromise and agreement in time to salvage a 2013-2014 campaign. Thinking in that mode saves me from disappointment and allows me to think of story lines from this coming summer, including the 2013 NHL Draft. One can assume that with the loss of an entire season, a lottery systems similar to the one used in determining how to give the Penguins Sidney Crosby the 2005 draft order will be implemented. For those who have forgotten how that process worked: -Each team starts with 3 ping pong balls -Subtract 1 ball for each playoff appearance in the prior 3 seasons -Subtract 1 ball for each #1 overall pick made in the last 3 drafts -Each team gets at least 1 ball Based on that simple process, the ping pong ball totals would look like this: 3 Balls: Calgary, Carolina, Columbus, Dallas, Minnesota, Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg 2 Balls: Anaheim, Colorado, Florida, St. Louis, Tampa Bay 1 Ball: Everyone Else So, two Southeast Division teams have three ping pong balls in the hopper, while another two will have two balls. Poor Edmonton, despite not having seen playoff hockey in a long time, gets only one ball on account of winning the lottery in each of the last 3 seasons. Boo. Hoo.  So is this the best way of determining the lottery order? Maybe. It certainly takes into account recent upward or downward trends in the standings. But a team like Dallas, with several high-end scorers and tons of upside, receiving the same number of balls as Toronto or Columbus seems odd.  Let's take a look at the breakdown if you look at the league as a whole, with the overall top-16 teams in the league (regardless of conference) losing a ball: 3 Balls: Carolina, Columbus, Minnesota, Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg 2 Balls: Anaheim Calgary, Colorado, Dallas, Florida, Montreal, Rangers, Tampa Bay 1 Ball: Everyone Else So Dallas and Calgary move down, while Montreal and the Rangers move up. Seeing as how I have problems giving either of those teams anything, I propose a simple twist to the lottery rules: Subtract one ball for EITHER a playoff appearance or top-16 finish in the overall NHL standings. That would take a ball away from Montreal and the Rangers, leaving a final draft lottery looking like this: 3 Balls: Carolina, Columbus, Minnesota, Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg 2 Balls: Anaheim Calgary, Colorado, Dallas, Florida, Tampa Bay 1 Ball: Everyone Else Does this account for trends (the Caps dropping from a 1 or 2 down to a 7th seed, St. Louis' rise last season, Carolina's 'now stacked on paper' team)? No. But in the spirit of compromise, it's probably the best we can do.

Bear Bye-Friday after the AHL Showcase win in DC the Bears traveled to Wilkes Barre-Scranton to face the Baby Pens. The game was physical from the start and both teams ended up trading goals back and forth until the final horn had sounded with both teams at 4 goals. Overtime started out very cautiously as both teams didn’t want to make a mistake to give up an offensive rush but midway through, that is exactly what happened. The Bears forced a Pens turnover at the blue line and TJ Syner exploded through the neutral zone on the left side. Kevin Marshall skated down the right wing and took the pass from Syner low in the slot to beat Zatkoff for his first goal as a Hershey Bear and the OT winner. Saturday the Hamilton Bulldogs rolled into Giant Center to face the Bears. Ryan Potulny seemed to enjoy his goal on Thursday night and potted 2 more in this game. It would be the only 2 for the Bears this night. The Bears kept the pedal down and had some great chances but Hamilton fought back twice to tie the game and took the lead late in the second period. Hershey seems to be getting the shot situation worked out and keeping shots even in games but the power play seems to be the struggle right now.  The Bears have games on the Rock Tuesday and Wednesday at 6pm EST and a Saturday tilt back at Giant Center against Worcester.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri

 

Banished Brothers-Another of the banished Patrick brothers returned to the Hershey lineup this past weekend. Patrick Wellar was recalled to Hershey with injuries to both Patrick McNeill and Dmitry Orlov. Wellar was a +1 on Friday with 2 shots and 2 penalty minutes. He went -1 on Saturday with a 5 minute fighting major. I thought he played solid defense and gave a little grit to the blue line. It was certainly good to see the familiar face back in Hershey. We will see what his status is this week as Patrick McNeill is very close to returning to the lineup.  

 

Coco goes Gagnum-One of the major complaints that came out of the 2011 AHL All Star Game in Hershey was that, compared to the other AHL mascots in the league, Coco was very conservative. Fans asked for a more energetic, humorous, and entertaining mascot in Hershey. Management listened and at the beginning of the season a new Coco was debuted. It seems Coco has been slowly working his way into the outgoing Bear. Recently he has been seen on the scoreboard more and certainly showing off some dance moves not even possible in the previous big costume. I would think by the end of the year the transformation into a very outgoing and exciting mascot should be complete.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri

 

Steve Oleksy-22 games played for Steve Oleksy in a Hershey uniform now and he is making a name for himself around the Giant Center. 4 assists, a +6 rating, 21 shots, and 91 penalty minutes. His solid work on both of the ends of the ice is very evident and appreciated by Bears Fan. He also has no problem being the straw in the drink to stir things up a bit or defend a teammate. Steve looks to have a great deal of talent and hopefully things will continue to progress for him in the future. The future looks bright for this blueliner.

 

 

Go Bears.

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AHL Showcase- It is almost the holidays but that is not what created the festive atmosphere at Verizon Center last night. The ice was down and ready for a hockey game in Washington, DC. The Hershey Bears vs the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL Showcase was on tap for a sold out crowd of 18,506. Braden Holtby and Dmitry Orlov felt right at home and received huge ovations pre-game. But the comfort quickly dissipated as the first Norfolk shot of the game hit the twine over Holtby’s glove hand ten seconds into the game. Brandon McMillan launched a shot with a defenseman in front just inside the blue line that eluded Holtby. Both teams exchanged powerplays but came up empty through the middle of the first period.  At 13:54 Evan Barlow received a cross ice pass and buried it top right against Anderson to tie the game at 1.The period finished with an Admirals power play which gave some sustained pressure in the Hershey zone but Holtby stood strong until the horn.

 

The second period opened with some more back in forth play. Chances were pretty even at both ends of the ice but the teams started to get chippy after the whistle. The Bears and Admirals powerplay had yet to strike in a combined 10 attempts. The second period ended with Hershey having a one shot lead with a total of 20. The Bears were without Dmitry Orlov who suffered an upper body injury in the first period and would not return to the game.

 

The Bears got an early power play in the third on an Admirals cross checking penalty. This seemed to help Hershey set the tone early in the third. Play seemed to even out 5 on 5 with some rushes both ways. At 4:26 into the third period Ryan Potulny potted one in the back of the net to give the Bears a 2-1 lead. It was a shot from low in the circle that beat Anderson high. The Bears ended up with another powerplay midway through the stanza but just couldn’t break the powerplay drought. The Admirals started to apply pressure on Hershey but then a late penalty by Norfolk slowed that effort. Norfolk got Anderson to the bench and had a great chance with 20 seconds remaining on the clock but Holtby was square and swallowed it up. One last faceoff and the victory was sealed. Ryan Potulny earned first star honors with the game wining goal and Evan Barlow followed as the second star with his first period tally. Holtby earned the third star with 26 saves on 27 shots on the night. The Bears tallied 30 shots to Norfolk’s 27 in the game. Neither team could take advantage of the man advantage as Hershey went 0 for 8 and Norfolk 0 for 6. A very entertaining game was played for all the hockey starved fans in DC and they appreciated it greatly. The building was pretty loud for being of mixed company and Bears chants could be heard throughout the game.

 Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri

 

Evan Barlow- Evan Barlow’s one timer goal while practically falling to the ice in the first period of the AHL Showcase capped a great 2 weeks for him. Since being called up from Reading Evan has certainly been a key part of the speed that Hershey needs in their transition game.  His snap shot off of Zach Hamill’s cross ice pass was perfectly placed above Anderson’s glove. Evan has 15 points in his 13 games with Reading this season and 3 points in 5 games with Hershey.

 

 Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri

 12,501-It has become a tradition in Hershey to have a Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. The game has created its own playoff atmosphere as all in attendance wait for that first Bears goal to launch bear after bear onto the ice. I wonder if the players get jacked up to try to be the one to start the stuffed animal bedlam. This year Kundratek won the pool with his second period goal and started the onslaught of 12,501 towards the ice. As a fan it is one of my favorite nights. The cause is wonderful and the childlike innocence of throwing a stuffed animal is unique and special. I also enjoy being absolutely pummeled by them as the animals that fall short of the ice usually cover the attendees in the first 5 or 6 rows. A sight to be seen but even better to experience.    

 

Go Bears.

 

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[Ed. Note: Rock the Brock will be a reoccuring post from Brock Kerchner, co-host of the Old Barn Hockey Show on 1460 The Ticket in Harrisburg, PA featuring a weekly chat on all things Hershey Bears.]

Bear Bye- Wednesday night the Baby Pens came to Hershey and silenced the cheers at the Giant Center.  After a decent first period by the Bears, the Pens converted on 2 power play chances and took control of the game.  They would add 2 more goals for the 4-0 win and Bears Fans were not happy.  George McPhee was in attendance and many comments were tossed his way (in the Bears’ executive Suite) during the game with Co-Coach Oates as the subject matter.  McPhee did not return to his seat for the third period.  After the game it was announced that the Capitals Co-Coaching experiment in Hershey was over.  This was apparently in the works from earlier in the week.  Many Bears fans voiced their support of Mark French and Troy Mann taking back control of the bench.  Friday the Bears bused to Adirondack for a tilt.  The Bears looked good in the game but fell 2-1.  The forward lines were in flux for the entire game.  It seems the coaching staff was trying to see who fit together best or shake things up a little.  On Sunday the Bears returned home to face the Toronto Marlies.  The first 2 periods of the game were the best 2 periods played at Giant Center yet this year.  The shots were not plentiful but they counted.  The Bears lost energy in the third and the Marlies applied plenty of pressure.  Holtby saved 40 shots in the 4-2 win.  Forward line and lineup changes were very evident in Sunday’s game.  This could be something to build upon moving forward.  The responsibility now fully rides on the shoulders of Mark French and Troy Mann to turn this team around.  The Bears head to the Scope in Norfolk to distance themselves from the basement of the East Division on Wednesday Night.  They will return home Friday night to face Bridgeport and then Saturday against Norfolk in the annual Teddy Bear Toss game.  If you have never had 11,000 stuffed bears rain down on you from above, it is something to behold!  [Update – the Bears did take the W against Norfolk on Wednesday night]

P-Mac is Back!- Patrick McNeill returned to the lineup on Sunday for his 3^rd game this season.  The Hershey veteran blueliner since 2007 was suiting up for his 1st game since October 20th and not due to injury.  Unreal. Coincidentally, Adam Oates had left Hershey recently.  P-Mac stepped up and delivered an assist and +2 rating for the game.  Apparently McNeill and Oates just didn’t see eye to eye as his 41 points last year and tenure in Hershey couldn’t by him a spot under Oates’s rule in Chocolatetown.  Bears fans will be expecting more of the same McNeill as they have seen in the past from the 2-time Calder Cup Champion. [Update – In the Bears’ win against Norfolk Wednesday night, P-Mac scored a goal and was the game’s #1 star]

Ryan Potulny (Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri)

Ryan Potulny- Ryan Potulny’s return to the lineup will certainly help the Bears on the offensive side of the ice.  His 33 goals and 32 assists in 61 games last year was no accident. Ryan is a solid consistent player who always ends up being in the right spot.  He also shows great balance in passing or shooting, which can be tough for a goalie to read.  Ryan’s veteran leadership was surely missed as well with many younger forwards joining the team this year.  He is someone to watch and to learn from by example for sure.  I would expect him to be in the top 3 for scoring in the team by the end of the year.

Bears' Practice Facilites- Hershey doesn’t have the dedicated practice facility that most NHL teams enjoy; they have 3 different places they frequent.  Practice facility number one is the Giant Center itself.  This is most preferred as obviously everything is there for them at their home building.  If Giant Center is booked or unavailable the team will look to the Old Barn.  Historic Hersheypark Arena is still in use with ice down.  The former home of the Bears opened in 1936 and is still a grand building to visit.  A place to step into for sure if you make it to Chocolatetown. The Bears third practice rink is an outside covered rink at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey.  The ice is good but locker rooms are on the small side for a full AHL team.  The ice surface is a little smaller then the Giant Center but it is a great way for the Bears to get ready for the Winter Classic.  The Bears really have a triforce of facilities to skate in: an AHL state of the art coliseum, a historic treasured relic, and an outdoor link to childhood beginnings.   

Hybrid Icing- November 19^th was the extension date for the new hybrid icing rule that was temporarily installed in the AHL rulebook at the beginning of this year.  It has had a tall learning curve on both sides of the call.  Officials, especially linesmen, have had to learn to quickly make the judgment call.  Without a quick call the players could end up susceptible to injury due to the chase.  The players have also had to learn what they need to do to have the call waved off or given a shot to reach the puck.  I feel by the end of the season officials and players in the AHL will be fairly adjusted to the new rule, but it is still a judgment call and there will be “too close to call” situations.  I am still not sure if it will truly cut down on player injuries, but time will tell.  Curious to see if it makes it to the NHL or if it is dismissed.

Go Bears.

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[Ed. Note: Rock the Brock will be a reoccuring post from Brock Kerchner, co-host of the Old Barn Hockey Show on 1460 The Ticket in Harrisburg, PA featuring a weekly chat on all things Hershey Bears.]

More of the same- I continue to repeat: I am thankful for Bears hockey. I am thankful for Bears hockey. Friday the chocolate and white headed to the CUSE to face the Crunch. The Bears were crunched. The Bears managed only 2 shots vs 18 in the first period. Holtby only played 36 minutes and stopped 24 of 28. Tokarski played a full 60 minutes for   Syracuse   and only faced 21 shots! The Bears need to turn the shot clocks around or it will be a long season. Saturday the Bears hosted the Baby Pens and went to 3-0 against them in this young season. The Bears started off the 4-1 win with a shorthanded penalty shot goal by Garret Mitchell. They followed with a goal awarded after a video replay and a goal scored with .4 seconds left in the second period, moments after one second was put back on the clock. The Bears held the Pens to 24 shots which seemed like a great victory on its own. Sunday the Crunch battled into Hershey and things looked even up for the first 2 periods but quick goals by the Crunch in the 3^rdended hopes of Hershey’s 2 points. Connolly and Johnson combined for goals just 46 seconds apart in the 3^rd to open up the game. The Crunch claimed the 5-3 victory with 25 shots. The Bears look to go 4-0 against the Baby Pens on Wednesday Night at the   Giant   Center  .

Red Rockers Revisited- I need to revisit this topic from 2 weeks ago. Shortly after I proclaimed I didn';t quite get the Red Rockers and whether they fit into the hockey atmosphere it was announced that they would be visiting   Reading  . I got an education. The Rockers are so much more then just cheerleaders at the games. They are the face of the team in the community. The outpouring of help for charities in the way of volunteering, fundraising, and more is incredible. I was more touched with their work at the   Reading   Hospital  . They shared puzzles with the kids and just had a great time with the admitted children. Kudos to the Rockers for being that good will ambassador to the community and sharing the game we love with all. Rock the Brock salutes you.

Read on.

Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri

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[Ed. Note: Rock the Brock will be a reoccuring post from Brock Kerchner, co-host of the Old Barn Hockey Show on 1460 The Ticket in Harrisburg, PA featuring a weekly chat on all things Hershey Bears.]

Bad News Bears- Friday night the Bears headed to the home of the rival WBS Penguins. The Bears skated a good game with solid checking and okay offensive pressure. Thankfully the Bears PP came alive and scored 3 to win the game 3-1. Holtby made 38 saves and really seemed to keep the Bears on top of the scoreboard. Saturday the Bears returned home to face the St. John’s Ice Caps. Dany Sabourin got the start and put up a great effort in the blue paint stopping 25 shots. The Bears just didn’t seem to have the gas in the tank to get the job done. They simply couldn’t keep the play out of their defensive zone most of the night. A 2-1 Ice Cap victory was the result. On Sunday the Portland Pirates came to town to grab 2 points and succeded. The Pirates left town with a 3-1 win over a Bears team that once again spent a lot of time in the defensive zone minus a couple of breakout moments here and there. Holtby ended up with another strong game with 31 saves but not the win.

Adam Oates Game Plan-It is pretty obvious that the “Adam Oates Game Plan” is a very defensive minded setup. It asks the goalies to get involved and move the puck as well. This has not been the case here in Hershey for some time and I think the team is built to more suit an offensive first strategy. Hershey has a great goaltending team and very competent blue-liners but many of the forwards are a more experienced bunch who can put the puck in the net. The issue I believe so far is the transition to that offensive zone. The “AOGP” calls for fast, sly forwards to move the puck quickly out of a defensive stature and through the neutral and offensive zone. Hershey isn’t built this way. They are built with older experienced offensive weapons who can bury some rubber. I think this is the inconsistency that is happening right now with the Bears. They just can’t make that transition through the neutral zone fast enough and with enough bodies to setup a lengthy offensive threat. To support my theory I looked at game shot totals. The Bears have been giving up 30-50% more shots then they have been firing. Take it or leave it but this is my take so far.

Photo Courtesy of Carl Minieri

T.J. Syner- One player who has helped bridge the gap between the defensive and offensive threats for Hershey has been T.J. Syner. His speed and puck handling has been a fresh and welcome force since his call up from Reading in late October. His cousin Barry Almeida has also given us this speed to help transition the Bears through the neutral zone and up ice. We have started to see a younger, faster player on a line paired with 2 veteran offensive threats. I hope that continues to help the Bears gain some substantial time in the offensive zone and not blocking shots in front of their own netminder. I look forward to seeing the growth of these younger players as they transition into professional hockey from their college years.

Adam Oates HOF induction-The remarkable career of Adam Oates cannot be overlooked. 19 season in the NHL as an incredible playmaker. He was always ready to dish the puck to a teammate. This is something he relates back to his father teaching him to be unselfish. It led to 1,079 assists and I am sure his teammates always appreciated the pass. He is a true bank of hockey knowledge and experience. His very analytical mind will suit him well in his coaching future. Congrats on the HHOF induction Oatesy. It certainly was a mere formality.

Bernie Parent-No, I didn’t stumble. Bernie “Only the Lord Saves More” Parent. I got to interview a living legend on Monday’s The Old Barn Hockey Show. I got goose bumps three times in 20 minutes while we interviewed the 2 time Stanley Cup Champion, 2 time Vezina winner, 2 time Conn Smythe winner, and Hockey Hall of Famer. I am pretty sure a better story teller would be hard to find. Listen in here. 

Go Bears.

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