What an honor!

 What an honor, and I really mean it, Ted Leonsis added me to his favorite sports blog list...

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Washington Capitals Legends

Ovechkin attended 3rd period of Dynamo - Lada game

  From SovSport.ru, by D. Ponomarenko, Nov. 1, 2008:

"Alexander Ovechkin came to cheer for his Dynamo club in the third period."

The whole article is about increased security because of yesterday's smoke bomb flare. Dynamo won 4:3.

Boudreau expecting Ovechkin for Monday morning skate

  Capitals Insider:

*Alex Ovechkin, who is back in Russia with his ill grandfather, isn't expected back until Monday's practice, Boudreau said.

AP:

Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau says he thinks Ovechkin will be back for practice Monday.

And like Tarik says, "More later". :-)

Any pro athlete for one day?

  

Mike Vogel asks Caps players: "In the spirit of Halloween, if you were to become any pro-athlete for one day, who would you be?"

Personally I would want to be Alex Ovechkin in his first game in the NHL, crush the guy into the boards, score two goals and celebrate like crazy... That would be awesome... :-)

And I am asking you, my fellow Caps fans, leave a comment if you are in a mood...

Alex with a new "companion"

  
From visualrian.ru

Photo by V. Fedorenko

Alex Ovechkin with a companion during the game between Moscow Dynamo and Ak Bars at Luzhniki arena in Moscow.

This could be just a person sitting next to him, a nice looking person. :-) But she is not at the picture below where you could see Alex is leaving. Also the Gazeta.ru correspondent didn't mention her.


Photo by K. Ivanov, SovSport

Ovechkin is circling his finger at the temple commenting the crazy situation with the smoke bomb flare.

Ovechkin: I am flying back to DC on Sunday

  By D. Ponomarenko and B. Slavin, SovSport, Oct. 30, 2008:

The Captain of Ak Bars Alexy Morozov: "The smoke drove the fans and my friend Sasha Ovechkin out from arena".

"I came to Moscow to see my sick grandfather," Ovechkin joined the conversation. "He has not yet been recovered, so the smoke bomb is not the worst thing in my life right now. But I am going back to Washington, I am flying back on Sunday..."

After Ovechkin left Luzhniki arena, he told to SovSport correspondent Kirill Belyakov:

"In such situation the hockey players can't play, they shouldn't even be on ice. I was sitting on the top of the podium and it was impossible to breathe there. A bitter taste in the mouth, eyes with tears... So the cancellation of the game was absolutely the right decision. And in my memory I don't remember anything like that. I certainly respect the fans, but... that's too much!"

The Head Coach of Moscow Dynamo Vladimir Vuytek is from Czech Republic. He said that it happened before in Czech Republic, they waited for 2 hours, but the smoke didn't disappear and the game was also canceled back then.

Russian fans: Good luck to Washington!

  As I reported here Ovechkin was at the Dynamo - Ak Bars game (he is Dynamo's alumni) when some Flyers fan (ok, kidding) threw a smoke bomb. The game was stopped and the fans started leaving the arena. The correspondent of Gazeta.ru tried to take an interview from Ovechkin:

Ovechkin left the scene with the fans screaming: "M-V-P, We wish you to win! Good luck to Washington!"

Q. Are you upset that you were was unable to see this match?
Sorry, I do not give the interviews.

Okay ... But now you'll certainly tell everyone over there in the NHL about this...
No, about what happened here I won't say a word (smiles).

Ovechkin Sees Disruption of Dinamo-Ak Bars Match

  JEFF KLEIN reports that Ovechkin can be seen in the video from the game:

Alex Ovechkin, in Russia to visit his ailing grandfather, was on hand at the Luzhniki Arena in Moscow on Thursday as road flares set off by celebrating Dinamo Moscow fans filled the rink with enough smoke to force officials to suspend the game.



The flares were set off after Dinamo’s Aleksei Badyukov scored against Ak Bars Kazan goalie Wade Dubielewicz to tie the match, 1-1, at the 17:48 mark of the first period. Setting off road flares, or bengalas as they’re known elsewhere, is a common feature at hockey and soccer matches around the world. Usually the smoke disperses after a short while.

Play continued until the intermission, when the teams retired to their dressing rooms. But the smoke continued to accumulate, spreading a dim haze throughout the rink. Before the start of the second period, officials from the arena, the K.H.L. and both teams decided to suspend the match because the “health of the players and fans cannot be guaranteed.”

Despite the smoky conditions, the entire episode unfolded calmly and without violence or panic in the stands.

To watch the Russian telecast of the match, click on this link. The flares go off about halfway through, and at about the two-thirds mark the haze in the rink spreads and officials can be seen discussing what to do next.



Ovechkin is shown at various points near the end of the first period and during the intermission, in the stands with a friend and talking on a cellphone.

Sportbox.ru also reports that Ovechkin was at the game.

Flyers fans moved to KHL!

  KHL web site reports that the game between Dynamo and Ak Bars was stopped after the first period. With two minutes left in the first period someone threw a smoke bomb. Russian police sought Flyers smoke-bomb suspects. :-)

Clement on Fedorov

  By Bill Clement, NBCSports, Oct. 30, 2008, "Fedorov a truly unique talent":

What perhaps most rubs off on Ovechkin and Semin from Fedorov’s play is his commitment to team defense. He’s always been so responsible defensively and add to that the way he carries himself with such professionalism and his younger compatriots and other teammates have quite a role model in the 38-year-old.


A forward shifting to rearguard when his team is not on a power play is something almost never seen in the NHL and it’s quite a difficult transition but one Fedorov excels at. Ask most NHL forwards if they can play on the blue line and they will look at you like you are crazy. Not a chance, they’ll say, they won’t even consider trying it. Yet it seems to come naturally to Fedorov, which is a real testament to his greatness as an athlete.

I am so happy for Fedorov getting a lot of press lately. He finally found the team and teammates he wants to play for, the owner who has been his long time fan, GM, who mentioned that Fedorov was the only one who congratulated him on the trades he made...

A lot of Detroit fans didn't like it, but my opinion on him leaving Detroit was to change the scenery after his divorce with Kournikova, he left for less in pursue of happiness, but he couldn't find it until he finally arrived to DC. He is older and wiser, but he looks like young Sergei Fedorov nowadays. Good for him!


Fedorov! Couldn't stop him...

KHL's delusions of grandeur? :-)

  From Championat.ru, Oct. 30, 2008 "Fetisov: The KHL will have half of the teams outside of Russia:

The KHL's Chairman of the Board of Directors Vyacheslav Fetisov once again called for the development of the Asian direction and suggested that based on economic considerations out of expected 30 teams in the KHL only half will be Russian.

RIA Novosti cites Fetisov:
"Over the next five years the League could be expanded to neighboring countries such as China, Japan and Korea. We will probably have four divisions: the Pacific, Siberia or the Urals, Central and perhaps the West. The best option in the vicinity of 30 teams in the league. The number of teams from our country will be determined by economic matters. Not all regions will be able to meet the standards"

"With such an approach in the next 5-10 years we will be able to bring new Malkins and Ovechkins. Imagine that, if our league has existed for three years, both would be playing here", added the famous hockey player.

GMGM spoke to Ovechkin

  Corey Masisak reports:

GM George McPhee said he spoke to Alex Ovechkin on the phone in Moscow, but does not have an update on a timetable for his return.

Just to remind that when Alex first arrived to DC, he was living in the hotel and George invited him to stay at his house with his family.

DCist Interview: Alexander Ovechkin, Oct. 27, 2005:

Have you moved into your new house in Arlington yet? How is it living with George McPhee?
I will move in soon. I only lived with George for a few days. He was very good – good family, good people.

Update:

Alexander Ovechkin was at the show of Yulia Dalakyan and tried to remain unnoticed. (Oct. 30, 2008)

And before you open your mouth:

Yes, his Grandpa is sick and so what, Alex can't go anywhere? I am pretty sure he spends most of the time with Grandpa, and so does his mother. Mom probably was the first to say, "Go, take a break!".

But Alex definitely doesn't look happy for someone taking a shot.

Pavel Lysenkov from SovSport called Tatiana Ovechkina on Monday. "It's a life", sighed Tatiana Ovechkina. "We are having a hard time right now. I would like to thank the Washington Capitals for their understanding and for letting Alex to go..."

Sedins have a good excuse on their slump

  By Jason Botchford, The Province, Oct. 30, 2008 "Slumping is nothing new for twins":

Slumps happen to the stock market regularly. The best investors ride it out. Alex Ovechkin, for example, has scored in just one of eight games. He is a good investment.

Players slump for different reasons. Sometimes it's the linemate, sometimes it's exhaustion, and sometimes it's inexplicable.

"I've been talking to Henrik about this," Daniel said. "We've been feeling good out there but pucks aren't going in. It's a weird feeling because I don't think we've ever felt this good on the ice and not produced.

"We're not squeezing our sticks, and we haven't lost our legs. But we're not scoring."

Hradek and Barnaby about Ovechkin's slump

  Click here to listen to ESPN's EJ Hradek and Matt Barnaby who discuss Ovechkin's slow start on their podcast 'Hockey Today'. H/t to Katie Carrera, Capitals Insider.

Personally I strongly believe the slump is due to Alex' Grandfather's illness, but I agree with ESPN guys that last year's success does put a lot of pressure on Alex. He already set a high standard upon himself. Like in that interview:

"Alex, you've scored 65 goals, how much you gonna score next season?"
Ovechkin (smiling): 66

See? You can't even say 64, it's one less. :-)

Missed video interviews with Ovechkin, part 2

  This one comes from Marge, who reads my blog regularly (and I really appreciate it) and is a big Caps and Ovechkin fan like me...

Alex looks more charismatic than he usually is, I wonder if it is because he has his tooth up front? :-)


Here come the comments from YouTube:

edge102102 (6 months ago)
lmao @ orange text, *claps* two thumbs up for that concept, idiot.

alalaaska2005 (6 months ago)
when i made it on wmm it showed up fine, black couldnt be read at all. so fuck you all. dont like it then dont watch.

AliceAndSally (9 months ago)
lol

ditto on lol :-) ...hmmm... the last comment was made 9 months ago? somewhere a baby was born, but the video was posted 5 months ago... lol even youtube can be wrong...

I've read Ovechkin's interview in the Russian newspaper back when Alex was in his rookie year with Caps. He said that his Grandpa installed a satellite dish and was watching all Caps games (after midnight as you can imagine).

Since Marge likes the Beatles (who doesn't) she inspired me to post 'Let It Be' by The Beatles (1970).



Nikolai Kabaev was 45 back then and his daughter Tatiana Ovechkina was 20. I received quite a few comments wishing him well. My thoughts and prayers with him, Alex and the family. Get well, Grandpa, and come to Washington DC, Alex' second home! You're strong, you survived WWII, come on! Let's go Caps! Alex will score in your honor!

Sleduyushy Vopros (Next Question)

   This is a great video interview with Alex. I don't know how I missed it, it was added in May to YouTube (h/t to Foxman)

Some excerpts:
What was the celebration in Russia after you won the Worlds?
lots of vodka and... lots of fun

Why haven't you dated Anna Kournikova yet?
because Sergei Fedorov tell me he kill me

Is Sidney Crosby a cry baby?
no

A little bit?
no

A tiny bit?
next question

Who is the best soccer player?
Semin.

I can believe it. Semin looks more like a soccer player than a hockey player.

Who's the best golfer for Washington Capitals?
me

And this will be with us forever "It went een! I swear Gawd!"

One Canadian?

  


Semin is all over the place, but look who is minority here! 2 1/2 Russians, 2 Americans, 1 Swede and... 1 Canadian?

Who has better chances in Vancouver?

An Epic Read About Russia, KHL and Jagr

  Quote:

Russia, as oil-company executives in Houston can tell you, boasts the largest reserves of oil and natural gas outside OPEC.

“Flip a switch around here,” goes an old joke at Gazprom headquarters in Moscow, “and the lights go out in Frankfurt.”

H/t to NYT Slap Shot for this article "Score Another One for Putin" by Andrew Meire, Oct. 27, 2008.

Jarg loves it there (no kidding, they made him the highest paid hockey player in the universe) and another former Caps player Chris Simon says that he likes everything in Russia, the level of the hockey, the city, the team and teammates, the team owner with whom he has a great relationship. "I feel great here to think about aomething else including the NHL. I think I have enough gas in tank to play for several years more and help Vityaz."

One for Ovie

  
Semin's interview (capitals.nhl.com).

Slava Malamud is translating and at one point Semin corrected his translation (he said, "after warmups", in English), lol, he needs to start giving the interviews himself!

Correction! It was not Semin, someone else, maybe Chesnokov? Anyway some dude who knows Russian corrected Malamud. Semin said that he read Ovechkin's text(SMS) message POSLE RASKATKI(after warmups).

Semin says it was very strange to play without Ovechkin because he always was there.

By Tarik El-Bashir, Washington Post, Oct. 29, 2008:

Semin dazzled the Verizon Center crowd of 17,011 in regulation with a pretty goal and an even prettier primary assist. Then he wowed them in the shootout, netting a beautiful backhander to help the Capitals clinch a 4-3 victory, their second in a row.

"He's been really good all year, and it's great to see," Coach Bruce Boudreau said of Semin, who has eight goals and eight assists in nine games. "I really believe he is coming of age now."

Semin said he received an inspirational text message after warmups from Ovechkin, who returned to Russia yesterday to visit his ailing grandfather. Ovechkin missed the second game of his career -- and first since the 2005-06 season -- and saw his consecutive-games streak snapped at 203.

"He asked me to say hi to all of the guys," Semin said through an interpreter. "And that he is with us."

Capitals Insider:

Alexander Semin, who had another strong performance with a goal and an assist in regulation along with a pretty shootout goal - he roofed the puck over Dan Ellis and popped the water bottle up off the top of the net - told reporters after the game that Alex Ovechkin sent him a text message after warm ups. Ovechkin asked Semin to tell the team that he was with the team in spirit and wished them good luck against the Predators.

Semin recorded two or more points for the sixth time in nine games this season and moved ahead of Evgeni Malkin (who plays tonight in San Jose) for the league lead with 16 points (8G, 8A).

Semin, Green, Fedorov and Boudreau on Alex (video)

  Lisa Hillary, Comcast SportsNet, Oct. 27, 2008:

Alex Semin, Mike Green, Sergei Fedorov and Bruce Boudreau speak about Alex' unexpected leave to Russia due to his Grandpa's illness.

Update:

Ted Leonsis:

We encouraged Alex Ovechkin to be with his family in Russia. We will miss him but he is doing the right thing in the right way. I have lost all of my grandparents and my mom and dad. I have high levels of empathy for how much people miss their closest relatives once they are gone.I hope we can all respect Alex’s privacy and pray for a speedy recovery for his grandfather and for peace of mind for the family. The family and Alex are in our thoughts and prayers.

Amen.

Tales from K.H.L.

  I was looking at Slava Malamud's blog and accidentally ran into this blog on Sport-Express. This is what in NHL goes as 'rumors du jour'. It was very hard to understand because it was intentionally written that way. Those who know Russian will confirm.

By Mikhail Zislis, Sport-Express blog, Oct. 24, 2008 "Tales from K.H.L.":

Colorado wants to see in their roster Atlant's Goalkeeper Ray Emery, as if people over the pond have forgotten about the adventures of a black guy who loves to drink excessively and gets into the fights. In Mytischi the season for a Canadian started badly, he gave up 6 goals, plus another 2 that were not counted. When Emery was pushed aside by backup goalie Kolesnik, Ray went on a bender. And he did it in such a way that even accustomed to anything Russians kept their mouths open in surprise.

The management of the team realized that if they won't take an action there would be irreversible consequences. They started to play Emery because otherwise it would mean nothing but trouble. And so it is, he plays, and at times he plays well. And everybody's happy. Nobody can afford to waste two million dollars per year, that's Emery's salary, especially in these troubled financial times. Incidentally since then the report is that the Canadian calmed down.

By the way, about the millions. The story is that Forsberg 's agent asked Kazan Ak Bars for the contract exceeding Jaromir Jarg's contract in Omsk. [Jagr is the highest paid hockey player in the world]. People in Kazan naturally were a little surprised, they circled finger at the temple and tactfully sent people with such requirements back to Örnsköldsvik, Forsberg's home. And, indeed, does someone in Sweden thinks that Russians are ready to pay that much to a disabled guy on the skates, well, maybe outstanding disabled guy on the skates?

Money, the most pressing issue.

It's not always goes as a cash like before. But how to collect the racketeering bucks? Ok, let's not make a puzzled face. The establishment of KHL at the moment does not make hockey transparent and profitable. In general, what takes place in sports is the same what is taking place in real life. I've heard one story. One team, I just say that it is outside of Moscow region, is direct depositing the hockey players salary to their accounts. As it is in the best places in Europe. But how do some people get their, let's say, commission? The question has appeared to be settled easily. Some veterans, like in times under a Tatar rule, collect the required percentage from other players.

They get those the correct amounts in envelopes. And, curiously enough, even foreign players make a contribution, apparently aware of all the nuances. Then the collectors give it to the head coach who in his turn relays the money to a superior person. Interestingly in the light of global financial crisis is something in this regard going to change? I think, yes. They'll stop direct depositing the money so that the whole operation will be easier to execute.

I told you so... :-)

  Here's my comment about Semin dated September 13, 2008 regarding Ovechkin-Crosby rivalry:

"I think Malkin can steal the show, he needs to be included in the mix. And Caps have their own Malkin, his name is Alex Semin. Watch out, this kid will have a breakthru season. His contract is about to expire and he wants to prove that he is no worse if not better than Ovechkin."

Now comes my gloating moment "I told you so" :-) Right now Alex Semin shares the first place in the NHL with Evgeny Malkin in points, and is third in goals scored. I was a bit mad at Semin that he didn't show much in exhibition games, but that's why they are exhibition games. Ovechkin scored a lot back then, but now he struggles.

Speaking about it, the theory that Ovechkin's Grandpa's illness could affect his game... I think it is very close to truth. Alex Ovechkin once answered the question about the happiness and the money and he said that happiness is when everybody in your family is doing well, money is just not thinking how much you'll pay when you go to the restaurant. Obviously if you feel depressed it can affect your game. My best wishes to Ovechkin's Grandpa and the family.



With Ovechkin out due to family illness all attention is on Alex Semin.


Here's the video interview from capitals.nhl.com, in the first half Semin answers questions through Slava Malamud, who once called Semin 'The Wild Siberian'. But it didn't make Semin angry, Slava Malamud claims Semin never refused an interview to him.

It is clear that Semin understands the questions in English, but still answers in Russian... More important that he doesn't answer in Russian to his teammates. Like Mark Crawford once said, "We speak English and profanity", and Semin learned the second language well enough because when he talks to opposite team players you can see they have no problems understanding him. :-)

Ovechkin's out due to family illness

  Ovechkin's Mom about Alex' grandfather:

Our grandfather, my father, is even more amazing! Modest and kind. When Alex was born, he was not even one month old, grandpa moved in with us. His work became a secondary thing, he was babysitting Alex. He fed him, walked him while I was at work. He was taking him to the training, traveled to many games. He carried his duffel bag. Now he is really proud of his grandson. Just couldn't reach Washington yet. He is old.

By Mike Vogel, capitals.nhl.com, Oct 27, 2008:

Caps left wing Alex Ovechkin is back in his native Russia where he is visiting his grandfather, who has taken ill. Ovechkin will miss Tuesday night's game with the Nashville Predators at Verizon Center and his status beyond that will be determined on a day-to-day basis.

Capitals Insider, Oct. 27, 2008:

GM George McPhee said Ovechkin called him last night to tell him about his grandfather.

"I'm not sure how tough the decision was for him, he was basically looking for permission to go," McPhee said. "Family is more important than anything and you go and come back when you're ready."

Boudreau said: "It's tough because it had nothing to do with team, it has everything to do with family. It's like everybody here, if a loved one, who was very close to us, was not in good health, we would feel the same way. Sometimes he bottles it up. But you can tell from the way he relates with his mother and father that they've got a very close family relationship."

I asked both McPhee and Boudreau whether they thought maybe his grandfather's health had been weighing on him in recent days or weeks. Both said they did not know and had not asked.

"Who knows?" Boudreau said. "I just said, 'You have to get going home.' Because it's more important that he be with his family at a time like this."

Update:

I found one article (May 8, 2008) where Alex speaks about his Grandpa. His Grandpa's name is Nikolai and he is almost 80 years old. This was about a Victory Day (The Russia's World War 2 victory over Nazi Germany) which is also a Memorial Day in Russia. SovSport asked several hockey players what the Victory Day meant to them.

Alexander Ovechkin:

My grandfather Nicholai fought [in the World War 2]. He is old, almost 80. Every time I call him on May 9th to congratulate him on the occasion. Frankly he told me very little about the war. He doesn't want to share the memories, it was a difficult time, he is holding it to himself... If I was in Moscow on the Victory Day, I always tried to watch the parade on Red Square. I take this opportunity to congratulate all our Veterans. A bow to you for your deeds!

Update:

Capitals Insider, Oct. 27, 2008; 2:53 PM ET, "Ovechkin Could Miss Two Games":

I just spoke to Konstantin Selinevich, Ovechkin's business manager and a friend of the family. He said Alex's grandfather has been hospitalized for a few weeks, but in the past 48 hours has taken a turn for the worse. Selinevich said he's not sure exactly what is ailing 83-year-old Nikolay Kabayev but his vital signs are weak.

Kabayev is Ovechkin's mother's father, and he helped look after Ovechkin when he was a young boy, and that's why they have such a close bond.

Ovechkin left Washington this morning, will take a connection from Atlanta to Russia this afternoon and will arrive in Moscow tomorrow.

Right now, Ovechkin is scheduled to return on Sunday, Selinevich said. That, of course, would mean he'll miss Saturday's game in Buffalo, too.

Selinevich also said Ovechkin was grateful that GM George McPhee and the Caps have been so understanding of the situation.

By Eric McErlain, Off Wing Opinion, Oct. 27, 2008:

Click here for Washington Caps head coach Bruce Boudreau talk about Alex Ovechkin leaving the team to be with his ailing grandfather.

capitals.nhl.com:

First half, Semin answers questions through Slava Malamud, second half, same as above, Boudreau talks about Alex Ovechkin leaving the team to be with his ailing grandfather.

Ovechkin's video interview after the win over Dallas

  capitals.nhl.com, Oct. 25, 2006::

Alex interview after the win over Dallas.

The kid

  All right, no hockey tonight... :-)

We all know that Moms love to dress up their kids.
But when Dad is a graphic designer, anything is possible.

It all started out with the innocent baby picture below...

Q & A with Mike Green

  The Calgarians said it again, the Washington Capitals are one of the NHL's most exciting teams, and the Calgarian said Alex Ovechkin is his hero. And if it comes from Mike Green, it's an honor.

The Calgary Sun, October 26, 2008:

Calgary's Mike Green mans the blueline for one of the NHL's most exciting teams, the Washington Capitals. It's a long way from Calgary Minor Hockey to hangin' loose with Alexander Ovechkin. We caught up with Mike and put him to the test with our 20 Questions.

It's Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?
Scrambled eggs and oatmeal.

If you didn't do what you do for a living, what would you be?
That's a tough question. Something to do with hockey. Coaching.

Who's your hero?
Alexander Ovechkin.

What's one DVD you had to buy?
Me, Myself and Irene. I love it.

Dogs or cats?
Dogs

What's playing in your iPod right now?

Seether.

If you could see one concert, what would it be?

Seether. I've seen them, but it was only briefly. I didn't see the whole thing.

What's the best thing about Calgary?
The people.

What's the one gadget you can't live without?
My phone.

Book or video game?
Video game. I play NHL'08. I think it's better than '09, but I'm never Washington. I'm too superstitious.

What's your favourite meal?
Steak.

What's your culinary specialty?
Salmon and rice.

Where do you like to vacation?

Tofino. I like to surf.

How do you take your Tim Hortons?
I try to stay away from there because you get addicted. I usually just get the mocha.

Who's the funniest person you know?
Alexander Ovechkin.



What's your dream car?
Lamborghini Gallardo


[here's GREEN Lamborghini Gallardo :-)]

What is your proudest moment?
I'm not a father and I'm not married. I'd say winning the Under-18 championship in Russia (in 2003).

What's the one thing you haven't done that you'd love to do?
Ride a chopper, a motorcycle.

If we're buying, you're having...
A double vodka and water.

What are your words to live by?
Live life to the fullest.

Sergei Fedorov is still going strong

Fedorov has scored two goals tonight and is leading the NHL in most goals (475 for his career) and points for all Russian born players. He has two more goals over Alex Mogilny, one of his best friends, who greatly influenced Fedorov's defection to NHL from former CCCP.

In the interview between second and third periods Fedorov said that obviously he was happy to set a new record, but mentioned that Alex Mogilny career was cut short because of the injuries.

Nice, Sergei, you rule.

At some point last season all the indication were for Fedorov going back to Detroit. He said by himself that all his friends in Detroit were telling him he was going back. Holland had 13 people's meeting about trading for Fedorov and Babcock said the team didn't need him. Back then it sounded bad. Now we should thank Babcock for that. Obviously Babcock was right, his suffocating boring trap had no place for players like Feds. We know the trap wins Stanley Cups, but it doesn't win the fans. Just check Red Wings game attendance.

In the summer it was obvious Fedorov wanted to be with the Caps and it was obvious that the Red Wings flirting idea to bring Sergei back was dead. So they got Hossa for one-year, $7.45 million deal. Meanwhile Fedorov was signed for one-year, $4 million deal by the Caps. According to the salary Hossa should outperform Fedorov in double numbers, now check this:

Hossa          GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW  S  PCT 
REGULAR SEASON  7 3 6 9  7   8   0  0  1 30  10.0  
               
Fedorov        GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW  S  PCT 
REGULAR SEASON  8 3 4 7  7   8   1  0  0 23  13.0

Oh, and just to remind, Fedorov played almost half of these games as a defenseman... That helps the scoring stats a lot... :-)

AP. Oct. 25, 2008:

Fedorov scored twice to give him 475 goals for his career, breaking a tie with Alexander Mogilny (473), who retired in 2006.

"It's just a record," Fedorov said. "I'd rather talk about Alex than the record. I know his career was shortened by injury. I didn't expect to ever get it. He had a great shot and amazing hands. Realistically, if he'd played more he'd have a lot more stats. He was a powerful forward, a scoring machine."

Whew

Dump 'n Chase, Oct. 17, 2008: "The Caps have come from behind in all three of their wins. Even in their lone loss, they came back from a three-goal deficit to tie the score."

AP, Oct. 24, 2008: "Washington has carried a lead into the third period in two of its last three games and has lost both."

The Stars have scored first, the Caps have came from behind...

Ok...

Washington has carried a lead into the third period in three of its last three games and has won...

We got the original trend going on tonight... :-)

GOAL SCORERS

Washington: Fedorov, S. (PPG, 12:38 in 1st), Fleischmann, T. (16:58 in 1st), Fedorov, S. (11:23 in 2nd), Fleischmann, T. (15:16 in 2nd), Sloan, T. (02:22 in 3rd), Semin, A. (02:17 in OT)

Dallas: Avery, S. (10:19 in 1st), Brunnstrom, F. (PPG, 19:50 in 1st), Crombeen, B. (15:55 in 2nd), Eriksson, L. (00:56 in 3rd), Modano, M. (19:03 in 3rd) GOALIES
WSH: J. Theodore DAL: M. Turco


By Gregg Kanner, The Hockey News, Oct. 25, 2008:

It's not often you can call a 6-5 game a goaltending duel, but that's exactly what it was in Dallas on Saturday night. The Capitals won a wild affair in overtime on Alex Semin's sick top shelf wrister from the circle.

You might look at the score and think it was a bad night for the goalies, but that was far from the case. Both Jose Theodore and Marty Turco may have had goals they would have liked back, but they both stood on their heads and made some amazing stops that kept their respective teams in the game.

Both defenses were horrible. Hideous. The Caps really have a problem on their hands if they don't start stepping it up on D. I realize Bruce Boudreau's style is an aggressive offensive swarm and there will be some breakdowns and some odd-man rushes, but they were outworked in the corners in the defensive zone for the 3rd straight game and gave up tons of quality scoring chances. If not for the pourous Stars defense, this one might have been ugly for Washington.

As it was, the Caps scored 6 goals and could have scored 10. Congrats to Sergei Fedorov on his two goals, the first making him the top Russian goal scorer in the history of the NHL. Another strong outing was turned in by Tomas Fleischmann, who is thriving on the same line with Michael Nylander. Flash scored twice and had two other opportunities go off the goalpost. Tyler Sloan scored his first NHL goal in the 3rd period to give the Caps a 5-4 lead, but his defensive play was average again. I like the guy and like his toughness and energy, but we would be much better off if we had Tom Poti back or if we give Karl Alzner a try.

Semin was swarming all night long as well and he finally was able to get one of his wicked shots off in the OT. It was another scoreless night for Alex Ovechkin, but he looked a lot more like the Ovie of old and did not seem as frustrated as he had been the past 3 games. Ovie's presence on the ice helps open things up for the rest of the team and they capitalized on those chances against the Stars.

This was a HUGE win for the Caps after two miserable losses during the week. They still have a lot of work to do in their own zone, but having two days off before being back at home on Tuesday night should give them time to work on some things.

I'm thrilled to see them pull out the win and to avoid a 3rd straight regulation loss. Let's just shore up that blueline and wait for the rest of the offense to get hot.

Why Crosby, not Ovechkin?

  Quote: "Jennings said Ovechkin was not included in the ad campaign because he had commitments in his native Russia at the time the ads were being shot."

The NHL couldn't check the reigning NHL MVP, Scoring title holder, Goal king, Player’s Association MVP schedule while planning to shoot the ads? What a lame excuse...



By LYNN ZINSER, The New York Times, Oct. 24, 2008, "The N.H.L.’s Marketing Plan: Count on Crosby":

At the beginning of a new feature-length DVD about Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ spectacular center, a procession of commentators finishes the thought: “Sidney Crosby is . ... ” One proclaims, “Sidney Crosby is the N.H.L.”

“We’ve seen television ratings increase in games he has been in, increased attendance where he plays,” said Brian Jennings, who is the league’s executive vice president for licensing and marketing. “He’s a powerful force.”

But the question is whether the N.H.L.’s promotion of Crosby is enough, whether one player in a medium-size market can lift the league.

A current national ad campaign features Crosby and includes Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf and Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane; they step out of still photos of themselves and speak to the audience.

“The N.H.L. is kind of stuck in this,” said Bob Stellick, president of Stellick Marketing Communications in Toronto.

“The N.B.A. was at its best when it had Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, big stars who were in the right markets. Sidney is the right guy in the right market. But the N.H.L. is less of a broad-based sport. Ovechkin seems to be No. 1-A.”

Jennings said Ovechkin was not included in the ad campaign because he had commitments in his native Russia at the time the ads were being shot. The inclusion of Lundqvist and Kane was a nod to their rising profile as players and the huge media markets in which they play.

All the exposure of Crosby has increased his profile in the United States. According to Henry Schafer, executive vice president of Marketing Evaluations Inc., Crosby’s rating in terms of popularity and marketability has risen drastically since he was added to its tracking list in 2006.

His recognition numbers — 29 percent of sports fans, 18 percent of the general population — have increased only a bit, Schafer said, but add in his likability factor, and his rating score has nearly tripled in that time, to a 22 among sports fans, from a 7 in 2006. The top team-sport athlete, Schafer said, is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who has an 84 percent recognition factor and a rating score of 37.

In uber-vanilla NHL Ovechkin is an exception

  BY TRACEY MYERS, Star-Telegram.com, Oct. 25, 2008 "Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin brings both talent and fun":

Photo Peter Lockley, TWT

Even if you’re not a hockey aficionado, chances are you’ve heard of Alex Ovechkin. You’ve seen the highlights, seen how his passion for the game is evident on and off the ice.

And if not, you’re missing a heck of a show.

He’s the Washington Capitals phenom who broke his nose but still came back to score four goals in a game last season. He became the first player to win the Hart, Pearson, Richard and Ross trophies in the same year. He’s that crazy guy who jumps face-first into the glass to celebrate his scores.

And he is the unabashed, non-homogenized face of the NHL.

In this uber-vanilla NHL, Ovechkin is the wonderful exception. And hockey fans in Dallas-Fort Worth will get their first glimpse of him in a while when he and the Capitals take on the Dallas Stars tonight at American Airlines Center.

Granted, his talent is certainly a selling point unto itself. But there are a lot of talented guys who don’t have that wild exuberance. And he’s not bad for a good comment or two, either. When given a key to Washington, D.C., this summer, Ovechkin announced to the crowd: "I’m the president this day in the city, so everybody have fun — and no speed limit."

Ovechkin’s not the ho-hum type that’s so rampant among the league, not a guy with a lot of talent but little personality. He’s more the player who can bring character back to a league that’s terribly lacking in it, the type that some players miss seeing on a regular basis.

"It’s pretty rare when you see talent like that with the personality," Stars center Mike Modano said. "Usually guys now let their work on the ice speak for them, they don’t try and draw too much attention. You wish it was that way [more], like when you had guys back in the day who had great personality."

Alex Ovechkin brings a much-needed shot of personality and fun to the NHL, which could use a few more guys like him.

By Corey Masisak, TWT, Oct. 24, 2008

Alex Ovechkin did not practice, but he spoke to us shortly after Boudreau. He was pretty upbeat about the team's and his own stuggles putting the puck in the net. Boudreau said he thinks teams are paying even more attention to him than last year (if that is possible) and Ovechkin thinks the puck just isn't going in for him right now. He seemed to think that if this is going to be his one prolonged goal-scoring slump, he's glad to get it out of the way this early in the season.

From cap365, Oct. 24, 2008:

Alex talks about his slump: "It's just a matter of time..."

Japer's Rink, Oct. 24, 2008:

Alex Ovechkin - who has two goals through seven games so far this season - scored 65 times in 2007-08.

Five times he had seven-game stretches in which he scored two goals or fewer, including a seven-game goal-less drought, and he had a single nine-game span during which he had only a pair of tallies.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Jim Matheson, The Edmonton Journal, Oct. 25, 2008:

VANCOUVER - Sam Gagner has no goals and no points after five Edmonton Oilers games, which cries out sophomore jinx, but the young centre is not into woe-is-me territory -- at least not yet.
He's not alone in his troubles.
Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, also in his second NHL season, hasn't scored either, in seven games, while New York Rangers captain Chris Drury, 30, has just two assists in 10 games, which is hardly leadership.

"I'm only two goals behind (Alex) Ovechkin," chuckled Gagner, trying to find a ray of sunshine in his dark day.