Ovechkin talks after loss to Canes
Ovechkin, Carlson and Johansson
WashingtonCapitalsHD: After a hit to the head by Ruutu, Ovechkin made sure to go after him every chance he got.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ovechkin breaks Cam Ward's stick with a wrister
It was nice to see how much energy Ovi had on his return. A bit rusty? Maybe, but it will be gone in the next game. Caps lost in shootout to Canes who were a hungrier team than Caps, but what's more important, you could see that the rest really worked, it gave Ovi more energy. His wrist shot is back, you could tell it since he destroyed Cam Ward's stick with it. Is it actually possible? How strong the wrister must be to break a goalie's stick? Unbelievable!
We had it before, on how hard Alex Ovechkin's wrister is...
Here are the reactions from the recipients of Ovi's shot:
- “The whole left shin pad was caved in,” the Maple Leaf centre Tim Brent said in amazement. “That’s never happened to any of my equipment.”
- Scott Clemmensen, former NJ goalie: "I have been hit in the mask a lot, but never like this. When it hits the wiring, the wiring bents and takes the velocity out of it. I couldn't believe it went in after that.
Ovechkin breaks the goalcam's protective plastic.
TV commentator: "So much velocity, it breaks the goal cam."
Here's the nice article by Stephen Whyno about the bond between Alex Ovechkin and Jason Arnott that could be a big element in team's chemistry going into playoffs:
It all started with a haircut. Jason Arnott had just been traded to the Capitals and needed one, so Alex Ovechkin offered to take him to have lunch and get a trim at Tysons Galleria.
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Ovechkin may be playing tonight
This is what Stephen Whyno reports from morning skate.
I'd rather keep Ovi on the bench for another game, but it's up to management to decide of course.
The (finally) healthy guys were tight-lipped about the situation, even though it’s almost certain both guys knew they would play against Carolina. Ovechkin said “maybe tonight” but deferred to Boudreau.
“Well, we’re gonna see what’s gonna happen,” he said. “It’s about coach’s decision, so we’ll see.”
Stephen Whyno really rocks, he beats TWP on every move. The first to report from Kessler, the first to provide full transcripts of interviews... This is how it should be, a full transcript BEFORE video interview is posted on the Capitals web site. Awesome job so far...
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Off topic: Why Nabokov quit SKA St.Petersburg :-)
Found why in one of the Russian blogs:
Japanese railways after the Earthquake
St. Petersburg, Russia streetcar railways before and after the Earthquake (Hint: they never have Earthquakes :-)
haha
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Monday, March 28, 2011
Semyon Varlamov is considering return to KHL
According to Sovetsky Sport (3/25/2011) Semyon Varlamov is considering return to KHL. His contract ends this summer and he gave a 'go ahead' to his Russian agent Vyacheslav Mahrensky.
"I was talking on the phone with Semyon yesterday and he said, "Let's try to consider the proposals of the Russian clubs in the offseason," said Vyacheslav Mahrensky to SovSport correspondent Sergey Begishev.
SB: But first of all you would probably look at the NHL offers?
VM: That's true. My partner Paul Theofanous is working on it now. But if the offers won't satisfy us it's not ruled out that Semyon will come back to Russia.
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Interview with Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin, the Vancouver Canucks Captain, gave an interview to Natalia Shmeleva, of Sport-Express, March 28, 2011:
What do you think are the differences in Canadian and European hockey styles?
I think they're getting closer. If you now look at the North American hockey, it has become very technical. Of course, the most technical players are still the Czechs and the Russians, but others have their strengths too.
Which Russian goalkeeper is the hardest to score?
Not easy on anybody. (After a long, typically Scandinavian pause.) But, perhaps I would single out Nabokov.
What was your impression of Ovechkin as a person with whom you have recently played at All-star game?
I didn't communicate with him much. And it was my brother Daniel who played for Ovechkin's team. But when you observe Ovechkin on and off the ice you can see how he can captivate people and lead them, how he enjoys life and loves hockey. He is a nice fellow.
What style do you like more, Malkin's, Ovechkin's or Kovalchuk's?
If you evaluate all the qualities, then I think Malkin is the strongest player. His style is good both defensively and offensively. But personally as a fan I prefer to watch Ovechkin. He is the best player in the league! And he shows a lot of skill on the ice (smiles).
And what about Datsyuk?
Well, he is a total monster! In puck possession he is probably the best. What he does with the puck I've never seen before I met him!
Henrik and Daniel are so identical that even Canucks can't tell them apart. The rumor is that Henrik used it on faceoffs. When he was sent off by referee, he would make a circle and come back as if he was Daniel. LOL
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Interview with Eric Fehr
Got email from Jon Kelman, DC Landing Strip:
Our blog has kind of been MIA of late, but I managed to make some new Caps friends and have what I think is a pretty awesome interview with Eric Fehr, and soon will have DJ King. I just posted the first installment and would very much appreciate it if you could link it, tweet it, and or even use it for another post.
The interview is very good indeed, read part 1 here:
JK: Hardest shot?and part 2 here...
EF: I'll give it to Ovie for now. It used to be Jurcina and I'm trying to think of somebody else but no it's probably Ovie. Wideman can shoot pretty hard but Ovie's a safe bet.
JK: Hardest hitter?
EF: Ovie's a real hard hitter, I'd probably give it to him, but Bradley's a good hitter too.
JK: Who has the nicest car?
EF: I really like Ovie's batmobile. I don't even know what it is, but it has a matte black paint job on it like the batmobile. Mike Green has a really nice Bentley that I like as well.
What happened to Mike's Lamborghini?
It's a shame if he sold it...
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Ovi had full practice (video update)
Ovechkin, Green, Arnott talk to media after morning skate
Is that Stephen Whyno on the right?
By Katie Carrera, Capitals Insider, March 28, 2011:
Asked what he looks for to determine that he is feeling better, Ovechkin replied: “I just skating over there like to see if it bothers me or not. It’s not bother me and I think I’m ready to go.”
Ovechkin wasn’t sure if he would be back in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against Carolina, though.
“I don’t know. It’s not my decision,” Ovechkin said. “How I said, I’m ready to go, but I don’t know how it’s going to work right now with tomorrow.”
Asked if he was 100 percent healthy, or could be at this time of the year, Ovechkin didn’t answer the question directly. “Everybody wants to be 100 percent, but right now it’s time to recover best from what happened to you.”
SWhyno: Doesn't appear that light blue Caps jerseys for Ovechkin, Arnott are no-contact... because Jay Beagle is also wearing one.
And full transcript via Stephen Whyno (good job!)
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Sunday, March 27, 2011
Got dentist?
LOL
Here's a reminder how Ovi lost his tooth by Alex himself from his abandoned livejournal blog:
Oct. 11, 2007:
How did it happened? Ovi was high-sticked on October 5, 2007 in a game vs. Thrashers.
3rd PeriodAnd 2 minutes later he assisted on a goal by V. Kozlov? Wow, I really don't remember that.
Washington hooking - 2 min 2:39, B. Pothier
Atlanta hooking - 2 min 6:15, J. Slater
Atlanta high sticking - 2 min 7:47, K. Klee
3rd Period
Washington 5:27, Viktor Kozlov 1 (Mike Green, Alexander Ovechkin)
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Saturday, March 26, 2011
Rest now, win later
Why is it so beneficial for Ovechkin to sit now? Here's Igor Larionov triple overtime game winner in Stanley Cup playoffs:
Later he even made wine called Triple Overtime. But it's not about that, it's about the rest that Igor Larionov got that year. He recalled that he went to Florida with his family during All-star break that year, and that little vacation really helped him in playoffs.
So when Ovi had a break like that? Never. Not in the last 3 years for sure.
Also Igor was a true professional and his reasoning was to never play with nagging injury until it would be healed completely. Igor skipped several playoff games in that Stanley Cup run with the injury that a lot of players would play with. But that made the game winning goal in triple overtime possible.
Having Ovi rested is going to pay Caps big time in playoffs. Why Ovi didn't travel with the team? In previous years he would do that because there was a chance he would play. Now it is all about resting him. Why would he be on the road then? It doesn't make sense at all.
It is very interesting to see how all the cards have fallen in place. Because Ovi's scoring is so comparatevely low this season he doesn't have to keep the lead or chase someone like last year for Maurice Richard trophy. That's another reason why he can afford a little rest. Seems like this could be the year for Ovi and Caps because hockey gods are taking care of everything.
KNOCK ON WOOD! :-)
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Monday, March 21, 2011
Ovechkin's out for 10 days? Good!
It's a much welcomed rest for Ovi before playoffs, couldn't be better.
Washington Capitals site, March 21, 2011, "Ovi to Sit Out":
“He just needs to take some time off to get completely healed up,” says Caps’ general manager George McPhee, who estimates the Caps’ captain would require somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-10 days away from the lineup.
So when did Ovi had a cortisone shot? It was January 7, 2011. About 2.5 months ago. Like we posted before the best recommendation for tendonitis treatment is rest, and Ovi didn't get it.
I expect Ovi won't play till April, and then he will have 4 games to warm up before playoffs:
SAT APR 2, 2011 SABRES CAPITALS
TUE APR 5, 2011 CAPITALS MAPLE LEAFS
WED APR 6, 2011 PANTHERS CAPITALS
SAT APR 9, 2011 CAPITALS PANTHERS
Here's full unedited transcript of Bruce Boudreau on Alex Ovechkin's injury via Stephen Whyno, Washington Times, March 21, 2010:
Why the decision to sit Alex for a while?
Well he’s had some nagging injuries for a while now that have bothered him, and we’ve only had one game in six days, and so we thought this would be the best time to get completely healed up so by the time he starts playing again, he’ll be 100 percent healthy.
You said injuries. Is it multiple things?
OK – injury. He’s probably got more aches and pains than the normal guy ’cause he A. is a physical player and B. he gets hit more often. But he’s just sore.”
Let’s go back to January when he was taking a lot of heat for his offensive production being down and all that stuff and there were a million theories – was that hard on him?
Ask him. I don’t know. Well I can’t answer that. He’s pretty quiet. He’s a very proud person and he cares very much what happens to this hockey club. If he’s not playing well and the team’s not doing well, he’s probably taking it home with him.
Would you attribute some of maybe that slow start and slump earlier in the season to whatever’s been bothering him?
Again, I don’t wanna make excuses for him, and Alex wouldn’t make excuses for himself. But I don’t know. It all could, or it may not. It depends how you guys wanna spin it.
His points have been up lately – he’s been playing really well lately but now that’s why it almost seems ironic that now he’s sitting down.”
If you’ve also seen that he hasn’t practiced with the team in a while, too. He wants to feel better. He doesn’t like waking up every morning and feeling that he has to go through an hour of just doing stuff to get ready to practice or play. He wants to feel healthy. The playoffs are very important to him, and he wants to be at his best when we arrive there.
What’s he feeling?
Sore. You guys are trying.
Does it have anything to do with the knee-on-knee hit in Detroit with Darren Helm?
No. (laughing it off)
Has it been bothering him for a while Bruce?
Boudreau: Would you guys quit it? He’s sore. He’s gonna be maybe seven to 10 days, and that’ll be it.
Is there any concern level, Bruce, with so many good players out – Mike and Jason and Ovi – you got nine games now to get your lines rolling and get everything in order here, and you’re not gonna have some of these guys for a good portion of it.
In a perfect world you’d love everybody to be healthy all the time. But I looked through every team’s lineup and every team has injuries of major players. You can look at the Rangers have got [Marc] Staal out and [Chris] Drury out. Pittsburgh’s got [Brooks] Orpik out, [Evgeni] Malkin out, [Sidney] Crosby out. Montreal off and on they’ve got all their defensemen out. For us to sit here and in a perfect world, we’d all be healthy. But it’s not, and that’s what playoffs are about and that’s what the end of the season is you sacrifice to get to where you can to be the highest seed that you can get. That’s what every team does, and as the games get more important, people pay the price a little bit more.
With the system you play now, is it easier to lose players like Alex, is it easier to plug and play? It would’ve been devastating two years ago to lose this many top players in my opinion than it is now.
Yeah I don’t know. I guess time will tell.
Did he fight you on this, or was this mutual?
No, this is fine. There was no fighting on it.
If this was a playoff game, he’d be in there?
I don’t know. Probably not.
Don't worry about the last sentence "Probably not". You can't just sit your franchise player for nationally televised game, it is against NHL rules. That's why Boudreau cautious to say "probably not".
Also it seems like Ovi was playing with that injury for entire season, at least how I read Boudreau's words.
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Saturday, March 19, 2011
Alex Ovechkin and Ryan Zimmerman Advance To Elite Eight in Northwest Region
Alex Ovechkin and Ryan Zimmerman Advance To Elite Eight in Northwest Region: MyFoxDC.com
In the Round of 16 of the D.C. Sports Bracket Madness, Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin easily dispatched DC United newcomer Charlie Davies in a 90%-10% landslide victory.
He will face Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman in the Northwest Region Finals. The Nationals slugger was involved in a much more competitive matchup in the Round of 16 by defeating Ovechkin's teammate, Mike Green, in a 55 percent to 45 percent.
Will Ovie avenge his teammate's loss or will Zimmerman make it 2-for-2 in eliminating Capitals out of the tournament?
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The making of 'Ovechkin Pranks Sindey Crosby'
Gosh, it's been BEFORE Ovi signed his huge contract. Time flies...
No matter how much we "hate" Sidney Crosby, we wish him to get back on ice soon and completely recover from his concussion. He actually has started skating 'symptoms free' already.
Five lobsters, eight chicken fingers, Canadian bacon for Sid! Get well soon!
And Ovi will wait for you in Sochi! :-)
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Friday, March 18, 2011
Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, styling in Montreal
By Arina Yakovlev, March 17, 2011, Spletnik.ru:
Photos by ULTRAWIG
Here are two Russian epic heroes, Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, in Montreal, where the other day Washington Capitals played Montreal Canadiens. Shortly before the game the paparazzi's caught players on the walk.
In general the athletes have a their own sense of style, but Ovechkin and Semin did well. They dressed up in somewhat pretentious style for a walk, but didn't go overboard.
Alexander Ovechkin, for instance, prefered the suit in bright stripes, striped shirt and a belt with his cherished "DG" letters. His teammate opted for the black suit and a fashionable hat with the number 28 (this is his team number). It was simple and it was tasteful.
H/t to our field reporter Emily B.: "Ovi and Sasha, styling in Montreal".
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Thursday, March 17, 2011
O'Byrne, O'Sullivan, O'Donnell, O'Vechkin and Larry O'Nov
We posted it somewhere in this blog (like 2 or 3 years ago?) about some hockey fan from the era of Fedorov and Larionov thinking that Larionov was actually Larry O'Nov... From there came the name of Irish O'Vechkin. haha
H/t to NBC Washington
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Alex: Ovechkin over Rodriguez, English and Ferguson
By Rick Reilly, March 16, 2011, ESPN.com:
Here at the only sports bar in Heaven, it's always Happy Hour and the tab never comes. The beer is colder than a DMV clerk's smile, the Cheetos bowl refills itself, and all the waitresses make Marisa Miller look like the "before" half of the ad.Read more...
The problem is, you can't get in.
It's reserved for the greatest names in sports history and even most of them can't get by Jack Dempsey, Our bouncer. If your personal beer mug isn't hanging on the wall, you are staying thirsty, My friends.
Problem is, there's only room for one Johnny mug, one Jim mug, one Jenny mug. One mug per name. Period.
Rick Reilly is the 11-time National Sportswriter of the Year. He contributes essays and commentary to "SportsCenter" and ESPN/ABC golf and tennis coverage. He's also the host of "Homecoming," ESPN's unique, one-hour interview show set in the hometowns of legendary athletes.
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CCM "Crazy Ovie" stick and Ovechkin U+ Crazy Light Limited Edition Skates
Got this email from Reebok CCM yesterday:
I am e-mailing you on behalf of Reebok-CCM Hockey. On March 15th, CCM released Alexander Ovechkin’s custom U+ Crazy Light skate and stick into stores.
I can send you a half pair of the skates and/or stick for photography purposes and/or wear testing, but I would need the equipment back once you are done with it.
Details on the products can be found here: ccmhockey.com/en/ovie-gear/
Attached are hi-resolution pictures of the skates and stick.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Kaiser
The skate’s color and design, which made its debut during the Winter Classic, was created with direct input from Ovechkin himself. The skates include the logo that CCM Hockey designed for Ovechkin.
The U+ Crazy Light Stick is one of the lightest sticks on the market. For the first time, CCM is making the stick available with the “Crazy Ovie” curve. Alex is the only player in the league with such a dramatic curve and open face.
(All comments by Jeremy Kaiser. -TJ)
Dealer finder
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Vintage Ovechkin goal and post-game interview
Alex Ovechkin has his shot back, and the score even with this hard shot past Jimmy Howard.
Post-game interview with Alexander Ovechkin in Detroit Wednesday, March 16, 2011.
Again, Ovi looks like he lost a lot of weight. He is peaking up for playoffs, baby!
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Howard, Lidstrom on Alex Ovechkin
RedWingsFront.wordpress.com, March 15, 2011:
DETROIT – Jimmy Howard remembers the first and only time he has had to face Alexander Ovechkin.
It was during the 2003 World Juniors in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Ovechkin lit Howard up.
“It wasn’t pretty,” Howard laughed. “I think he had a hat trick halfway through the second period.”
That he did.
Ovechkin recorded a natural hat trick by the second period in helping lead Russia to a 5-1 win over the United States.
Howard wasn’t around for the final 20 minutes of play.
“I didn’t see the third,” laughed Howard, who was 17 years old at the time. “It was a fun game to watch the way they were zipping the puck around the arena and around the zone. It was sort of mesmerizing.
“I remember his third goal on me, it was a one timer he hit out of the air,” Howard continued. “It was a cross-ice pass, dot-to-dot and it was like, ‘Wow, lineup at center.’”
Ovechkin had two hat tricks during the tournament in helping lead Russia to the Gold Medal.
“He was ridiculous in that tournament,” Howard recalled. “It was actually fun to watch, to be honest with you.
“Ovechkin might be the best player in the world, along with Pav on our side,” Nicklas Lidstrom said. “It’s a great challenge for our team. Ovechkin is such a dynamic player. He’s got the speed, he’s the power and he’s got that shot.
Wikipedia:
At the age of 18, Alex Ovechkin was named Captain of the Junior Russian National Team. Russia finished 5th in the tournament. In 2003, the team would go on to win a gold medal in the IIHF World U20 Championship.
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Monday, March 14, 2011
Alex Ovechkin might play for KHL team
Alexander Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals forward and Russian national team's leader, might step on the ice opposing Washington Capitals in a friendly match against Moscow Dynamo.
Tden.ru has learned that Moscow Dynamo hockey club is negotiating with the Washington Capitals to allow Alexander Ovechkin to play one friendly game in Moscow Dynamo's blue and white uniform vs. Washington Capitals.
So far even for this friendly game Moscow Dynamo had to make some big concessions. First of all Dynamo Moscow is ready to renounce their dividends. Washington was offered to split the money at the rate of 65% to 35% in favor of their club.
The Moscow Dynamo's anonymous source said, "We haven't got a positive response from the Washington Capitals yet because they are not really impressed with this idea. It would be great for white'n'blue though, because it will attract a huge number of fans, but it could be also a blow to the reputation of the Washington Capitals. They can't just let their franchise player [to play for someone else].
At this moment the talks are only at the very early stage, but what is really encouraging so far that there's a positive trend, the Washington Capitals continue to talk instead of giving an unequivocal refusal. And Moscow Dynamo has still almost six months to persuade their overseas counterparts to accept the offer.
I'd say why not? At least Moscow Dynamo won't be hunting Caps like St. Petersburg's SKA was hunting Carolina Hurricanes.
On the other hand, you know Ovi, he could go after Aaaaahlex Semin. It might get nasty, like in a Civil war, bro vs. bro:
Hey, Sasha, are you playing for Reds? :-)Ka-booooooooooooooom!
Ok, just kidding. :-)
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Sunday, March 13, 2011
Need some help again
Ok, Ovi experts, need your help. Who is Petey and Abe? Ovi is constantly referring to them, and I think I actually have them somewhere in my blog.
Petey, Abe, Arny, Weisy
Who is Weisy? I glad that Ovi and Arny clicked, maybe the most important chemistry thing for going in playoffs.
Go Caps!
Update (h/t to out readers, esp. O):
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More on DJ Pauly D
Jersey Shore:
Jersey Shore star DJ Pauly D rocked the house when he took the stage in front of 40,000 fans Saturday at ShamRockFest 2011 in Washington, D.C. In front of a sea of green, the MTV reality star lead a massive fist pump at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. Pauly D played two sets during the all day 10-stage concert – including being the headliner in the DJ Pauly D VIP House.
Pauly D also gave a huge shout out to the hometown hockey team, the Washington Capitals, and then got some Caps love in return. “Beat That Beat Up!!! My boy PaulyD is the BEST!!!!!” Caps captain Alex Ovechkin tweeted after Pauly’s ShamRockFest set.
Don’t tell Vinny, but Pauly D and the Caps have an on-going bro-mance. The hockey team originally grabbed Pauly’s heart when locker room video of the team leaked showing them doing a fist-pumping victory dance to Pauly D’s single “Beat Dat Beat.” Today (Sunday) Pauly D revealed he’d be in attendance at the Caps game before hitting the road for an all-ages gig tonight in Harrisburg, PA.
Uploaded by homermcfanboy on Mar 13, 2011
Russian Jersey Shore
Photo by Marge
John Carlson:
@DJPaulyD beating that beat up after a huge win against a very good team. Me and @EricFehr16 #beatdatbeatup #caps http://t.co/v2DfbKJ
Fehr? How could you? You love country!!! :-)
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