Ovechkin: I am 70% ready [for new season]
Ovi is getting into optimal shape for 2011/12 season. That's a very delicate process, so if he says he is ready by 70%, that's how it should be.
Nikita Lukyanov from Sport-Express:
How will you assess your readiness for the season?
I am ready by 70 percent. I still have a month and a half to get in the best shape.
Most likely "Russia 2" TV channel will show the NHL games this season. How about that?
I will be happy because all my friends are watching the NHL. They have to look for a broadcast on the Internet.
Thanks to our reader BobbyG's comment: I forgot that Ovi is flying to DC in a few hours, that's why he has to say goodbye to his grandma. And he might get stuck in a Moscow traffic jam for another 4 hours too.
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Aww, how sweet. Ovie wants to say good-bye to his Grandma (we saw her on his DVD) before leaving for the US. This is another reason why I like Ovie so much, he really is all about family. :)
Oh, and BTW, one more thing:
if recent photos show what Ovie looks like at 70% in shape...yowzah, holy moly, what will he look like at 100%? I can't wait to find out LOL.
@BobbyG: I suspect he's going to stay the night. Game started at seven, it'd be a lot of hassle to get on a flight that late, especially at the chance of it getting extended like last year. Probably having time with his family for night.
I can't wait for the season, I think he'll be a lot better. And I don't think it's just the players taking an other step. I'm hoping Bruce's plan will expand. I like what he's doing, I think they'll be able to bring the offence along with it this year as well.
@Yulina: I thought Ovie was going to kiss his Grandma good-bye and head straight for the airport because, as TJ suggested, he'll very likely get caught in a 4-6 hour Moscow traffic jam. If commuters stuck in traffic can leave their cars to get coffee, Ovie can take advantage of the non-moving traffic to get some much-needed and well-deserved sleep. :)
BTW, I agree with you, it's not just Ovie getting more serious. I read an interview with Mike Green and, I'm paraphrasing, he said anyone not committed to doing everything possible to win the Stanley Cup won't make it with this team this year. A while ago I read an interview with Nick Backstrom, and he talked about how he's still terribly disappointed about his drop-off in production and how the Caps got eliminated from the playoffs. GM McPhee said he's expecting a lot more from his core players this year, they're not so young guys anymore. And Coach Boudreau wants a more serious attitude and tone this year. IMO everyone involved is on the same page about what has to be done to win the Stanley Cup.
BTW, some recommended reading from a link posted on Japers' Rink today. It's an interesting timeline following Ovie's use of different manufacturers' equipment over the course of his career, and what to possibly expect from him for the 2011-12 season:
http://hockeyhourly.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/a-sticky-situation/
@BobbyG: I forgot about Moscow traffic! Perhaps he walked? haha! I remember when I was younger, in Moscow for figure skating tournament. on the way to hotel my brother parked the car at a store and we walked! It was so bad he told me to take my skates and walk. It's dreadful at times. I wont even drive in Moscow and I drive like a Russian anyway.
I saw the Mike Green thing, liked what he said. I'm not counting anyone out because last year was pretty much trial and error with the new system. I think a lot is going to happen and I'm hoping they can pull it together and make it happen. Knuble, Green, Backstrom, Ovechkin, the new guys, and whoever I'm missing all seem to want to put it together.
One note about the Bradley thing- I don't think he was completely off on what he said. He said he shouldn't have said it, and you can't really say he was wrong, but David Steckel's comment on it seemed like a dick move. It's been put out there already, it will be dealt with. Should be the end of it.
Anyway, I'm hoping he'll play like we know he can. I have to admit, it's hard when you have the world against you.
@Yulina: here's another case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. Some people complain when hockey players say "No comment" or give vanilla answers to questions. Then when they speak their minds and give their opinions, they still get criticized. I don't have any problem with most of what Bradley said, as I've had issues with what IMO has been a rather loose and casual approach to playoff games by certain Caps players.
And as for Steckel, he didn't say much except to agree with Bradley. The problem with Steckel talking IMO, is he said it at Kettler Capitals Iceplex LOL! Given that he was using the facility of his former team...well, maybe if I were in his shoes I'd be more careful about criicizing one of the team's current players, even if it was done indirectly.
@Yulina again: I forgot to ask you who is the player you're referring to in this comment:
"Anyway, I'm hoping he'll play like we know he can. I have to admit, it's hard when you have the world against you."
Since we're talking about what Bradley and Steckel said, I assume you meant Semin. Actually, it could also apply to Ovie since he's been criticized so much for his work ethic, poor training, and being out of shape going into last season. IMO Ovie wants to prove to himself and his critics that last year was a fluke, an aberration, and he's determined to correct his mistakes.
@BobbyG: I agree, I think mainly the media goes too far with some things. I'm not really talking about that, which is a small problem, but the media really needs to take people into account sometimes.
On the Brads/Steckel thing: They were pretty much cornered and yeah that sucks but I just think what happens in the locker room should stay there. It was different when Arnott criticized Semin because it was more of a "this is what needs to happen, I'm here now" and not "this doesn't technically effect me anymore" comment.
Yes, that comment was about Semin, but I think the whole team can fit into it. I mean, take Mike Green- people hate him for being too offensive and not putting enough effort into defence, when he finally takes a step towards defence, they talk about his lacking offence. Even last year, "look at his point drop, what a shitty player" they don't look at the fact he missed half a season on and off.
@Yulina: you and I are on the same page, we're on the same page as the Caps, and they're on the same page together...sounds like a recipe for playoff success! :)
Via Sergey Kocharov on twitter:
Alex Ovechkin will make a special announcement during his 1st media availability session on Sept. 6 at 2 PM at Kettler Capitals Iceplex
Some people expect he might resign his captaincy. I could see it, but honestly who knows.
@Yulina: Resign his C, that would suck. He hasn't had a chance to really get into that role yet so I would hate to see that happen.
On another note, I just got my ticket to get my picture taken with the man at Caps con, and I am beyond silly excited. Yes, I am a grown woman who now acts like a teenager....lol.
@bwitch16: I wouldn't read too much into it. There are number of things he could be saying, that was just what seemed to be the most popular opinion once joking aside.
For example, his weight, his Bauer status, technically his marital status, but I don't expect that one lol
I'm jealous. I need to make my way to Washington sometime. I'm kind of a chicken when it comes to road trips in North America.
@Yulina: Marital status *faints*
Ok, I'm better now, lol.
Well if you ever decide to come over here, I would be more than happy to help you with tips and advice on where to stay and what to do. I love meeting new people and do so on a frequent basis, and I promise I am no serial killer, haha.
@bwitch16: I'll probably end up coming some time, I just need to talk my brother into driving me! hahaha! I'm not the best with navagation. Never forget the time I got lost in Quebec on my way to Montreal. Nobody speaks English in small towns, I was totally lost!
If I do come to Washington, I'll give you a heads up though!
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