Brian McNally

Injuries mount as Caps lose to Montreal, 3-2

It is beginning to look a lot like Thanksgiving. A year ago at just this time a rash of injuries decimated the Capitals and left them with a defense corps filled with minor leaguers. Washington actually came through that rough stretch in good shape by the New Year. But they wouldn’t want to go through it again. Now, after six weeks of relatively good health – star left wing Alex Ovechkin did miss six games with an upper-body strain – injuries are again an issue. This time defenseman Tom Poti left in the second period of a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night at Verizon Center. He is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, departing early in the...

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Caps Second Period Update

Montreal 2, Caps 1 Kind of a disjointed period. Caps defenseman Tom Poti played just a few shifts and left with an injury. He is not expected to return. Will have more after the game. So Bruce Boudreau was shifting his lines all over the place. Matt Bradley took the elevator from the fourth line to the first. Tomas Fleischmann dropped to third with Mathieu Perreault and Eric Fehr. Tyler Sloan had to move off the fourth line and back to "D" to replace Poti. Caps had some decent scoring chances - rookie John Carlson banged a shot off the post - but couldn't convert. Meanwhile, Tomas Plekanec and Travis Moen both scored for the Canadiens to give them the lead. Give credit to...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Canadiens 0 Caps were outshot 14-7 - and at one point were down 8-1. Rookie Michal Neuvirth looked steady in goal in first NHL start of the year. Montreal did a pretty good job of getting traffic in front, but the 21-year-old appeared pretty calm. Fellow rookie John Carlson held his own playing alongside defensive partner Tom Poti. Six shifts for the 19-year-old - the youngest player to suit up for Caps since Alex Semin in 2003. Played 6 minutes, 19 seconds. No glaring mistakes at all or obvious nerves. Caps power play looked lethargic on its first attempt and dangerous on the next two. Mike Green blasted a good half-dozen shots just wide of goalie Carey Price. Just didn't get...

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Nats coaching staff

Been in Caps mode today as they get ready to play Montreal tonight at Verizon Center. But didn't want this to slip by. The Nats have finalized their coaching staff for 2010. Not real surprises were expected since Jim Riggleman simply had the "interim" tag removed from his title last week. Hitting coach Rick Eckstein drew rave reviews last year from players and front office personnel alike and may have even stayed if Riggleman wasn't the choice. Pitching coach Steve McCatty is back. He was promoted June 2 after the team fired Randy St. Claire and has a good relationship with some of the team's younger pitchers who have come up through the farm system. Third base coach Pat...

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Caps Game Night

Game #22 Caps (13-4-4, 30 points) vs. Montreal Canadiens (10-11, 20 points) Rookie Michal Neuvirth will make his first start of the year in goal for the Caps. The 21-year-old, who led Hershey to the AHL title last season, is up as Jose Theodore deals with the "personal matter" that kept him out of Tuesday's game against the Rangers in New York. "No reason. We wanted to see him play," Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said when asked why Neuvirth was in goal. "He had a great training camp and then got hurt. So it's early on in the season and we've got three games in four nights and we just wanted to see him play." Theodore will accompany the team on its two-game...

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Carlson eyes NHL debut against Canadiens

Brian Pothier was horrified. Tom Poti was so nervous the details remain hazy. Both men know exactly what rookie defenseman John Carlson will be feeling when he takes the ice on Friday night at Verizon Center in his NHL debut. Carlson, a first-round draft pick by the Capitals in 2008, was called up from AHL Hershey on Thursday. He will likely play in place of defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, who was knocked unconscious during Tuesday night’s game against the New York Rangers. Friends and family will make the short drive from New Jersey as Carlson, 19, and the Caps take on the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. He’s young – the first player from Washington’s 2008 draft class...

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Strasburg hurt

At this point, every bump or bruise for Nats top draft pick Stephen Strasburg takes on ominous signifigance. Even if it's something minor. So hearts are aflutter tonight as Washington has scratched Strasburg from his scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League championship game on Saturday. While shagging fly balls in the outfield during a workout today with his Phoenix Desert Dogs, Strasburg twisted his left knee. The injury was considered serious enough that he went for an MRI. The Nats say the results showed only inflammation. Still - Strasburg will be examined by Dr. Lewis Yokum in Los Angeles on Friday. The Nats changed plans, originally scheduling a consultation for Strasburg with...

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Shaone Morrisonn dinged

Caps defenseman Shaone Morrisonn is not expected to play Friday night againt Montreal. He suffered a head injury during Tuesday's win at New York - though no team official used the word "concussion". With defenseman Milan Jurcina on injured reserve (hamstring) and Tyler Sloan needed at forward because of Quintin Laing's broken jaw, the Caps had to recall defenseman John Carlson from AHL Hershey. Morrisonn played just 10 minutes, 27 seconds against the Rangers on Tuesday. His last shift came at 3:05 of the third period and lasted 53 seconds. "When you get hit in the head and you get basically knocked out it’s one of those things you want to really make sure that...

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Shaone Morrisonn dinged

Caps defenseman Shaone Morrisonn is not expected to play Friday night againt Montreal. He suffered a head injury during Tuesday's win at New York - though no team official used the word "concussion". With defenseman Milan Jurcina on injured reserve (hamstring) and Tyler Sloan needed at forward because of Quintin Laing's broken jaw, the Caps had to recall defenseman John Carlson from AHL Hershey. Morrisonn played just 10 minutes, 27 seconds against the Rangers on Tuesday. His last shift came at 3:05 of the third period and lasted 53 seconds. "When you get hit in the head and you get basically knocked out it’s one of those things you want to really make sure that...

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Jose Theodore's status uncertain for this weekend

Caps goalie Jose Theodore was back at practice for the second day in a row. But he couldn't shed any more light on if he'll play this weekend in games against Montreal at home and Toronto on the road. Theodore left the team earlier this week for "personal reasons". He returned to Northern Virginia while the Caps played the Rangers in New York. "I don’t know. I just expect that we got a [10 a.m. morning skate] tomorrow and I’m going to come here," Theodore said. "I’m back with the team and practicing hard." Theodore has allowed four or five goals in four of his last six starts, including last Saturday against the Devils. And he was pulled...

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Carlson to make NHL debut

Caps rookie John Carlson was a late first-round draft pick just 17 months ago. Tomorrow night he will make his NHL debut at Verizon Center against the Montreal Candiens. It's been a whirwind year for Carlson, who was playing junior hockey at this time last year. The 19-year-old is considered one of the organization's top prospects along with Hershey teammate Karl Alzner. "When I was on my couch five years ago I never knew that I could ever be in this position," said Carlson, who was the 27th overall pick by the Caps in 2008. "But I’m happy to be here. I was happy to be in Heshey...I can’t wait for tomorrow." The 6-foot-3, 208-pounder has never lacked...

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Caps coach Boudreau races to the century mark in victories

He is fourth-fastest to 100 in NHL history No one had any idea what to expect when Bruce Boudreau took over as head coach of the Capitals almost exactly two years ago. All general manager George McPhee knew was that he couldn't stick with then-coach Glen Hanlon as his promising team went into a free-fall. All Boudreau knew was that he was going to coach the team his way or fail trying. That first game -- a win at Philadelphia the day after Thanksgiving -- was the beginning of a brilliant stretch of hockey. Boudreau took the Caps from the worst record in the Eastern Conference to a Stanley Cup playoff spot that season -- the team's first in five years. Tuesday night in New York,...

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More Caps chime in on Quintin Laing injury

Got some more reaction from Quintin Laing's teammates on the broken jaw he suffered during Tuesday night's 4-2 win over the Rangers. Laing went down to block a shot by New York defenseman Michal Rozsival - well, because that's what Laing does. I wrote about this in detail in Tuesday night's game story. But needless to say, Laing is on this team to make plays like that. Not blocking shots isn't an option for him if he wants to stay in the NHL. And he does. "He’s not the most skilled guy, but he’ll do anything it takes to get the puck," said teammate Mike Green. "He’s never gonna score you 40. But he’s instrumental in what our team does," added...

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A bumper crop of talent

Alright, so Stephen Strasburg isn't the only Nats prospect performing well in the Arizona Fall League for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. Drew Storen, the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2010, is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA, building on a fine start to his pro career since signing in June. He has pitched in 11 games, recorded three saves and ranks third in the AFL in ERA. He walked just three batters in 12 2/3 innings and struck out 11. Nats prospect Chris Marrero has had a nice AFL season after making it to Double-A Harrisburg last season. Still a work-in-progress at first base, Marrero needs his bat to carry him to the big leagues, according to scouts. He has batted .338 (ninth overall) with six...

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Are NHL and KHL destined to duel?

There was a summit in Washington, D.C. last week. No it had nothing to do with Dmitry Medvedev or President Obama -- although those men have their own problems to work out. This meeting between Russia and North America was all about hockey. The NHL thinks the upstart Kontinental Hockey League -- made up of teams in Russia and former Soviet bloc states -- disrespects valid player contracts. For now, the KHL is signing aging Russian stars and younger players who can get more money playing back home thanks to big-revenue clubs there and the NHL salary cap. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman met with KHL President Alexander Medvedev at Verizon Center last week. Unlike pro soccer -- where...

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Bruce Boudreau and Sean Avery: Together again

Caps coach Bruce Boudreau has a noted history with New York Rangers agitator Sean Avery. He said so during the playoff series between the two teams last season when Avery was doing everything possible to get under the skin of Washington's players. That's a big part of his job, of course. Avery skated past the Caps' bench and called Boudreau "the biggest, fattest [explitive] pig he'd ever seen," according to Boudreau in his new autobiography "Gabby: Confessions of a Hockey Lifer". Remember, Boudreau coached Avery when both were in the AHL with Manchester so he comes by his feelings the hard way. Avery must have grabbed a copy of Boudreau's book, though, because he...

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Bruce Boudreau and Sean Avery: Together again

Caps coach Bruce Boudreau has a noted history with New York Rangers agitator Sean Avery. He said so during the playoff series between the two teams last season when Avery was doing everything possible to get under the skin of Washington's players. That's a big part of his job, of course. Avery skated past the Caps' bench and called Boudreau "the biggest, fattest [explitive] pig he'd ever seen," according to Boudreau in his new autobiography "Gabby: Confessions of a Hockey Lifer". Remember, Boudreau coached Avery when both were in the AHL with Manchester so he comes by his feelings the hard way. Avery must have grabbed a copy of Boudreau's book, though, because he...

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Injuries creeping up on Caps

It isn't quite last November when players were dropping all over the ice. But the Caps have some roster issues to attend to over the next few days. Forward Alex Semin didn't play against the Rangers last night. He didn't participate in the optional practice today and showed up wearing a wrap on his right wrist. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said there's a chance Semin will miss this weekend's games against Montreal and Toronto. Defenseman Milan Jurcia (hamstring) is not ready yet, either - though he did skate before practice and Boudreau said he's doing better than last week. The news isn't so good for Boyd Gordon. The forward has been battling back issues all season and the team is...

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Caps Postgame

Caps 4, Rangers 2 Just a great game to watch and a fun story to write. Matt Bradley, who scored two goals in Game 5 of last year's playoff series vs. the Rangers, had the game-winner again tonight for Washington. Oh, and he had a momentum-changing fight, leaving the ice bloodied and needing stitches. And he dished out four hits. Just tremendous stuff and it overshadowed the return of Alex Ovechkin, who scored goal No. 15 on the power play in the first period after missing six games with an upper-body strain. Feel awful for forward Quintin Laing, who suffered a broken jaw when he dove to block a shot in the third period with the Caps up a goal. It was a courageous play and left his...

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Laing, Bradley show Caps' toughness in 4-2 victory

Ovechkin scores in first game back from injury NEW YORK - Matt Bradley skated to the dressing room with blood streaming down his face. No surprise there. It seems to happen every time the veteran forward gets into a fight. Capitals forward Brooks Laich clomped back down the corridor at Madison Square Garden to make sure his teammate was okay. Finding out Bradley was fine – “A few stitches so no big deal. Seems my skin is pretty paperish,” Bradley joked. Laich foresaw a game-winner from Washington’s unsung winger. Somehow, that off-the-wall prediction came true. In the third period, Bradley stripped New York defenseman Wade Redden of the puck, beat rookie...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 2, Rangers 1 Brooks Laich does his best Mike Knuble impression. Bangs home a tipped shot by defenseman Mike Green, who was a blur in front of the net on a Chris Clark centering pass. So the Caps enter the third period up a goal. The Rangers have come back against Washington once already this season - down 3-2 in the third on Oct. 8 at Verizon Center. Marian Gaborik - already with a goal tonight - scored twice to beat the Caps that night. Laich now has five power-play goals on the year - one more than Ovechkin, who scored one earlier in the night - and nine goals overall. Right now, Caps are out-hitting New York 24-15, outshooting them 21-11 and just generally controlling play. We'll...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Rangers 1 Thought New York came out harder in the first 10 minutes. Rangers got pucks in deep, dished out some big hits. Sean Avery was jawing at every Caps player he could - as usual - but especially with defenseman John Erskine. Looks like he's found his target for the night. As for who would crack first - a question I asked on Twitter - Avery took a tripping penalty that Alex Ovechkin converted into a power-play goal. Assists on that one go to Mike Green and Tomas Fleischmann. Ovechkin scored goal No. 15 in his first game game since missing six in a row with an upper-body strain. For Fleischmann, that's nine games in a row with at least one point, upping his career high....

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More on Nats/O's AFL prospects

Okay, so Stephen Strasburg isn't the only local prospect performing well in the Arizona Fall League. The Phoenix Desert Dogs are made up of players from the Nats (six), Orioles (six), Tampa Bay (six), Oakland (seven) and Toronto (five). For the Nats, Drew Storen, the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2010, is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA, building on a fine start to his pro career since signing in June. He pitched in 11 games, recorded three saves and ranked third in the AFL in ERA. He walked just three batters in 12 2/3 innings and struck out 11. He also tweeted last night that he "may or may not have just purchased the album "License to Ill" by the Beastie Boys on iTunes." Can't...

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Strasburg gets one more start

The Nationals will indeed get one more look at top draft pick Stephen Strasburg. His Phoenix Desert Dogs clinched their division title last night in the Arizona Fall League so Strasburg will pitch in the championship game this Saturday. Game will be broadcast live on MLB Network at 2:30 p.m. Strasburg so far? He is 4-1 with a 4.26 ERA. But one very, very bad outing - seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings - skewed his ERA. In the other four stars Strasburg has been excellent. He's been clocked as high as 101 miles-per-hour. Remember, the AFL is considered a hitter's league since the pitchers generally take longer to get back into game shape. Most of these kids last played a real game in...

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Caps Game Night

Game #21 Caps (12-4-4, 28 points) at New York Rangers (11-8-1, 23 points) Second meeting of the year between these two and a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup playoff series that went seven games. Rangers won 4-3 at Verizon Center on Oct. 8. Caps will be without goalie Jose Theodore, who team officials say has left the team for one day to deal with a "personal matter". Semyon Varlamov gets the start in his place. Michael Neuvirth has been recalled from AHL Hershey to be the backup. Rest of the lineup is in flux. David Steckel hopes to play, but is clearly hurting. Alex Semin didn't participate in the morning skate, according to coach Bruce Boudreau. Is he in or is he out?...

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Zim wins the U.Va. hot corner showdown

The irony didn't escape Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. In a span of two days last week he won both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger. The defensive award? Not a surprise. Zimmerman has been touted as a defensive whiz since he was drafted out of Virginia in 2005. But the whole reason Zimmerman even plays third base is because of former college teammate Mark Reynolds. He was the star shortstop on those Cavaliers teams earlier this decade and his presence pushed Zimmerman to third in the first place. And it's there, of course, that Zimmerman beat out Reynolds for the Silver Slugger -- despite 44 homers and 102 RBI for the Arizona Diamondbacks star. Zimmerman got to talk a little...

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Ovechkin appears set to return

Injured star takes part in team contact drills He was gone for six games with an upper-body injury. But take a look at the NHL leaderboard and Alex Ovechkin's name still sits atop the goals scored category. That's how good a start the 24-year-old left wing had in October. That's what the Caps hope they're getting back tonight when they face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. Ovechkin participated in his first full practice since the injury on Monday morning at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where Washington lost to the Devils on Saturday night, 5-2. He wore his familiar red practice jersey -- the one that allows him to take part in contact drills -- and...

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Where are the Manning haters?

You know who you are. Three years ago -- at about this time of year as a matter of fact -- you tried to look like a know-it-all. "Peyton Manning is a loser," you smugly told your friends. "Couldn't win at Tennessee when it mattered. Can't beat the Patriots in the playoffs when it matters. Chokes at home against the Steelers when it matters." You didn't like all his commercials -- not even the one where he chants "cut that meat" at the butcher. You hated his annoying pointing and primping and gyrating as he gets the Colts' offense set. "Just snap the ball, you bum!" Sure, you had to eat your words a bit when Indianapolis won the Super Bowl later...

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Caps notes: Ovi eyeing return?

The Caps remained in the New York City metro area this weekend after Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Devils in Newark. They take on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night and held practice this morning across the river at Prudential Center. The big news? Forward Alex Ovechkin was wearing his red - i.e. contact - practice jersey. So is he playing for the first time since Nov. 1? "We'll see tomorrow," Ovechkin told reporters in New Jersey on Monday. "I feel good, excited. Again, we'll see tomorrow how I'm going to feel." Ovechkin was on the top line with center Nicklas Backstrom and right wing Chris Clark - who replaced the injured Mike Knuble, out...

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More front office hires for Nats

Nats general manager Mike Rizzo has been a busy, busy man this fall. Yes, he had to find a field manager - and settled on interim Jim Riggleman, who was hired full time last week. But Rizzo has also remade a front office that too often the last few years seemed like a patchwork of differing philosophies. We had the holdovers from when the team was in Montreal - led by scouting director Dana Brown. We had Jim Bowden, the former GM, who had his own group of trusted advisors from his days in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. And we had men like Rizzo, scout Kris Kline and others who were hired in the years since the Lerner Family took over the franchise in 2006. I have no evidence the front office...

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Craig Stammen update

Had a chance to catch up with Nats pitcher Craig Stammen at the press conference for Nats manager Jim Riggleman last Thursday. The 25-year-old was a nice surprise in 2009 after arriving from Triple-A on May 21. He was a ground-ball pitcher who didn't walk anybody (24 total in 19 starts). He shut out the World Series champion Yankees in New York on June 18. He pitched brilliantly in Colorado on July 6 - seven innings in a 1-0 loss - and his next start at Houston was a complete game with two runs allowed. Stammen's ERA was down to 4.14 after a 7 1/3 inning, one-run effort against the Mets on July 22. But it was all down hill from there as the elbow pain that had bothered Stammen all season...

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Caps Postgame

Caps 3, Minnesota 1 Entertaining non-conference game at Verizon Center tonight - even if the two teams only combined for four goals. The Caps (12-3-4, 28 points) have now won four in a row heading into Saturday night's showdown with New Jersey (13-4, 26 points). That's a battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference as of now. The injury to forward Mike Knuble, of course, overshadows the win a bit. He's out for three-to-four weeks with a broken left finger. That's a bummer, especially considering Knuble (5 G, 10 A) had been playing well in the absence of star winger Alex Ovechkin. Does this mean Ovechkin is a lock to play against the Devils? It would certainly make sense....

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Caps Postgame

Caps 3, Minnesota 1 Entertaining non-conference game at Verizon Center tonight - even if the two teams only combined for four goals. The Caps (12-3-4, 28 points) have now won four in a row heading into Saturday night's showdown with New Jersey (13-4, 26 points). That's a battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference as of now. The injury to forward Mike Knuble, of course, overshadows the win a bit. He's out for three-to-four weeks with a broken left finger. That's a bummer, especially considering Knuble (5 G, 10 A) had been playing well in the absence of star winger Alex Ovechkin. Does this mean Ovechkin is a lock to play against the Devils? It would certainly make sense....

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Capitals dominate the Wild, 3-1

The late lead held this time in a game the Capitals dominated for the final 40 minutes. Two defensemen scored, rookie goalie Semyon Varlamov shook off a soft goal to stop the other 29 shots he faced and Brooks Laich sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute. It all added up to a satisfying 3-1 win for Washington over the Minnesota Wild on Friday night at Verizon Center. The two points did come at a cost, however. Forward Mike Knuble will miss three-to-four weeks with a broken finger suffered in the first period. The Caps (12-3-4, 28 points) moved back into first place in the Eastern Conference. Afterwards, they immediately jumped on a plane for the short flight to Newark...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 1, Wild 1 Washington took control that period. Outshot Minnesota 16-6. Wild goal came from Caps killer Cal Clutterbuck. He scored twice against Washington in their game in St. Paul last season. Have to wonder if last night's shootout loss to Tampa and subsequent late travel to D.C. will hurt the Wild in the final period. Mike Green scored for the Caps to tie the game. It was his first power-play goal of the year. He posted 18 last season - a Caps' record for a defenseman. Tomas Fleischmann and Brendan Morrison had the assists. Flash found Green streaking into the slot. It was his third assist of the season. Washington has 31 shots to 16. They're also being outhit 13-8 - for what...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 0, Wild 0 Caps held scoreless in the opening period for the first time in eight games (thanks Caps PR staff). Took almost eight minutes for Washington to put a shot on Minnesota back-up goalie Josh Harding. Almost 12 minutes in they had a measley two shots. That changed during a power-play after a questionable tripping call on Wild defenseman Nick Schultz. The Wild got some calls of their own, though. Nick Backstrom - the Swede not the Finn - took a retaliatory cross-check that didn't seem worth much. Minnesota went up 5-on-3 when the Caps were whistled for a too-many-men call. Technically it was the right call. Then again, Caps forward Chris Clark was literally lifting his leg to...

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Zimmerman taking over?

The Nats made third baseman Ryan Zimmerman available via conference call twice this week - once for winning his first Gold Glove. The second for winning the Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive third baseman in the National League. Other than an unintenionally hilarious mishap during Wednesday's call - let's just say Channel 9 weather man Topper Shutt ended up taking over a call he didn't even know he was on - there was one especially noteable quote. We still tend to think of Zimmerman as the young gun here. Seems like just yesterday he was drafted and handed the unfortunate label of "Face of the Franchise" - which is sort of like being casually tossed a grenade....

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Caps Game Night: vs. Wild

Game #19 Caps (11-3-4, 26 points) vs. Minnesota Wild (7-10-1, 15 points) The season is starting to fly by here. Just about a quarter of the way through already and the Caps are on top of the Eastern Conference - though tied with the New Jersey Devils (13-4), who have actually beatem them twice. I mentioned this in a post last week but that club is the Jason Voorhees of the NHL at this point. If GM Lou Lamoriello wants to write a book about how to be awesome at life I'm buying that thing. Well, the Caps won't have to worry about the Devils until tomorrow night when they hit The Rock (Prudential Center). For now, they get a Minnesota Wild club that struggled early this season under new...

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Riggleman extras

Just a few bonus thoughts/quotes on Jim Riggleman's hiring as the Nationals' new manager. I had remembered an interview Riggleman did with MASN during a game last summer where he spoke about his situation in Seattle last fall. Then - as now - he was the interim manager waiting to see if he'd get the gig full time. So during yesterday's press conference at Nationals Park, I asked how that process - where he didn't get a job he really wanted - affected his thoughts as decision time came near in Washington. Make no mistake - Riggleman thinks of himself as a manager first and foremost - even if he hasn't held that title full time in 10 years. If he hadn't been hired by Mike Rizzo? "I...

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Top spot in East belongs to Ovechkin-less Caps

Minus star forward, Washington has won three consecutive games It is just six weeks into the NHL season and the Capitals find themselves on top of the Eastern Conference standings. No, 18 games don't define a season. But Washington still feels good about itself heading into a weekend slate at home against the Minnesota Wild on Friday and at the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. The Caps (11-3-4, 26 points) still are waiting for the return of star winger Alex Ovechkin (upper-body strain), who looked better at practice Thursday after shooting slap shots for the first time since his injury. But Ovechkin was still listed as questionable by Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. The 24-year-old says...

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A different ending for Riggleman

Nats tab local native as manager for 2010 Jim Riggleman faced the same situation last fall. After a summer spent as interim manager of the Seattle Mariners, he desperately wanted that job full time. But he didn't get the chance as a new front office went in another direction. One year later, Riggleman again spent six weeks waiting by his phone after the season ended. He piloted the Nationals -- again on an interim basis -- for two-and-a-half months. It was the only interview Riggleman would need. Thursday, he was introduced as the Nats' newest manager. "I really wanted to go back [to Seattle] because I felt we had left a lot undone," Riggleman said. "There were some...

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Jim Riggleman press conference

The Nationals introduced Jim Riggleman as their new manager for 2010. The 57-year-old Rockville, Md. native held the interim title last summer after Manny Acta was fired. Mike Rizzo, Nats general manager, said the team started with a list of 18 candidates, whittled that down to around 10 for phone interviews and then further cuts led to Riggleman and Bobby Valentine as the finalists. Those two men, of course, are polar opposites in terms of personality. Valentine a consumate showman with a magnetic personalty that some in the game find grating. Riggleman is "a simple baseball man", according to Nats third basebam Ryan Zimmerman. Riggleman had what amounted to a four-month...

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Caps Practice Notes

Some brief notes from Caps practice this morning. Alex Ovechkin was indeed back on the ice and looking a iittle bit better than in recent days. Forward Alex Semin, who scored twice in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Islanders, was not. He is still dealing with a sore wrist. Center Nicklas Backstrom also too the day off - it was an optional skate. Center David Steckel was not here either. His grandmother passed away this week so thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau thought Steckel would be back for the morning skate Friday. But his status for the game against Minnesota, obviously, is up in the air. Fellow center Boyd Gordon, though, looks ready to go on...

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Caps Practice Notes

Some brief notes from Caps practice this morning. Alex Ovechkin was indeed back on the ice and looking a iittle bit better than in recent days. Forward Alex Semin, who scored twice in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Islanders, was not. He is still dealing with a sore wrist. Center Nicklas Backstrom also too the day off - it was an optional skate. Center David Steckel was not here either. His grandmother passed away this week so thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau thought Steckel would be back for the morning skate Friday. But his status for the game against Minnesota, obviously, is up in the air. Fellow center Boyd Gordon, though, looks ready to go on...

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Ovechkin update

Greetings from Kettler Iceplex, where the Caps wrapped up a short optional practice about 90 minutes ago. Remember, this team is in the middle of another three-games-in-four nights stretch. First up: An update on injured winger Alex Ovechkin (upper-body strain), who took to the ice with a little more vigor today. Still no contact drills. And the thought has been that Ovechkin would need a few days of legitimate practice before returning to the ice for a real game. He disputed that today, though. "It’s not about hitting. It’s some different things," Ovechkin said. "I can make a hit. It’s not my shoulder, it’s [other] things...No, I can make some...

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Riggleman named Nats skipper

The Nationals have named interim manager Jim Riggleman to that position full time, Major League Baseball sources said on Wednesday. Riggleman, 57, is the organization’s third manager since it moved to Washington from Montreal in 2005. After Manny Acta was fired last summer, Riggleman piloted the Nats to a 33-42 record during the second-half of the season and saw his team end the year with a seven-game winning streak. Riggleman was informed of the decision on Wednesday. He was chosen from a pool of applicants that included Bobby Valentine – who won a pennant with the New York Mets in 2000 – and former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin, among others. An official...

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Caps edge Islanders in shootout, 5-4

Again, they faltered after a fast start. Again, late penalties cost them a lead in the third period. Less than seven minutes into the game, starting goalie Jose Theodore was sitting on the bench, his night done before it ever really started. All the discouraging trends that have hampered the Capitals early this season were on display Wednesday night at Verizon Center. Yet they still found a way to win. They almost always do these days. Chris Clark scored in the 11th round of the shootout and rookie goalie Semyon Varlamov made the game-ending save as Washington managed a 5-4 victory over the New York Islanders. Check out Brian McNally's blog, Loose Pucks So despite the sloppy first...

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Caps Postgame

Caps 5, Islanders 4 (shootout) Another wild night at Verizon Center. The Caps had a lead in eight seconds thanks to Alex Semin. They lost it less than a minute later. They fell behind 3-1. They fought back to go up 4-3 entering the third. Then they took three penalties and one of them proved costly as the Islanders tied the game with 2:08 to play. Semin was his spectacularly combustable self in this one. He scored twice. He missed a wide open net and probably could have posted three or four goals. He also tried to get fancy again and got drilled to the ice by an Islanders defenseman. That led to a breakaway goal for Sean Bergenheim. No one knows the roller-coaster ride that is Semin...

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Nylander update

Sorry folks. Would love to be done with this Michael Nylander story. But general manager George McPhee would only say he "didn't know" if a French-Canadian network report saying Nylander was definitely headed to the KHL is accurate. That was after tonight's 5-4 win over the Islanders. McPhee seems as exasperated as anybody to still be answering these questions. RDS is the network and - for what it's worth - they are saying the team is Dynamo Minsk, a club based in that Belarussian city. Again, no one with the Caps will confirm that and I don't have sources in Minsk, either, where it's closing in on 7 a.m. Nylander has been quiet throughout this whole process. But at the very...

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Nats name Riggleman manager

The Nationals have named interim manager Jim Riggleman to that position full time, Major League Baseball sources said on Wednesday night. Riggleman, 57, is the organization’s third manager since it moved to Washington from Montreal in 2005. After Manny Acta was fired last summer, Riggleman piloted the Nats to a 33-42 record during the second-half of the season and saw his team end the season with a seven-game winning streak. Riggleman was informed of the decision on Wednesday. He was chosen from a pool of applicants that included Bobby Valentine – who won a pennant with the New York Mets in 2000 – and former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin, among others. An...

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Caps First Period Update

Islanders 3, Caps 2 That was some wild stuff. Caps scored in just eight seconds. Alex Semin tied a team record with that one. Hat tip to Brendan Morrisonn for creating the turnover that led to the goal. But goalie Jose Theodore struggled to hold that lead. He allowed three goals on just five shots. Yeah, not good. One was a true softie. Another he could have stopped, but would have been tough. The third? Well, that should be credited to Semin, who was knocked down in the offensive zone to start a gimme breakaway. But the Caps fought back with a strong final 10 minutes. Nick Backstrom and Tomas Fleischmann hooked up for a goal. Flash now has six goals in seven games so far this year. I'd...

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Riggleman tops Valentine in Nats' managerial sweepstakes

The quietest managerial search in Major League Baseball history — still not sure how team president Stan Kasten pulled that off — came to an end last night when interim manager Jim Riggleman was named to that position permanently, according to Major League Baseball sources. The final candidates were believed to be Riggleman and ESPN baseball analyst Bobby Valentine. But Riggleman won out for several reasons. A steady hand in the second half of last season, Riggleman went 33-42 with a team Manny Acta could only manage to a 26-61 record. Riggleman’s players never quit, winning their last seven games. There’s also no question that he was a cheaper option than...

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Cap space opens if Nylander's gone

With the expected subtraction of forward Michael Nylander's $4.875 million salary-cap hit, the Capitals will have a little bit of money to get by the rest of this season under the NHL's $56.8 million limit. Washington entered the season about $75,000 or so under the ceiling. That effectively handcuffs general manager George McPhee's ability to improve his club later in the year. With Nylander gone, however, wiggle room opens up. A healthy 23-man roster would put Washington about $4.2 million below the cap ceiling at this point in the season. That won't get you a star player, but at the very least the Caps could add a quality defenseman as teams fall out of the playoff chase and dump...

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Zimmerman wins Gold Glove

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman earned his first Gold Glove on Wednesday. It was only a matter of time. I must have watched 70 of his games in person this year and there was nobody better. Not David Wright. Not Kevin Kouzmanoff. With a range factor per game of 2.97, Zimmerman gets to more balls than any other third baseman in the National League. He led MLB in total chances (459) and assists (325). His UZR number - a rating system that tries to explain how many runs a player saved relative to his position - was 18.1. That was the third highest of any qualifying player at any position. Have a conference call with Zimmerman in about an hour. Will have an expanded story up on our...

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Caps' best record in the East?

Blown third-period leads. Bad penalties. Four overtime losses. Occasional shaky goaltending. Sometimes after games it seems like we're talking to a team that just lost - even when it didn't. It's fair to say the bar has been set high for the Caps this year. Some fans believe they not only have to win, but also must put on a performance that would plausibly have beaten the Penguins in the playoffs. So it's almost gone unnoticed that if Washington wins tonight against the Islanders - or even loses again in overtime or a shootout - it will have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 11-3-4 with 26 points. “That is positive. We get to talking as if we’re in the 12th spot...

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Caps Game Night

Game #18 Caps (10-3-4, 24 points) vs. New York Islanders (6-6-5, 17 points) Good to see you again! This is the third game in 19 days between these two teams. Needless to say, the Caps are kind of tired of the scrappy Islanders. New York probably won't make the playoffs this season. But it's definitely stockpiling a decent group of young players and likely will make life difficult for teams in the Atlantic Division. Gee, you think this game will need overtime? The Caps have seen four of their last six games with New York go beyond regulation. They won, 3-2, on Oct. 24 on Long Island. That was thanks to a Brooks Laich goal. But they lost, 4-3, at Verizon Center on Oct. 30. Defenseman...

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No Nylander news and Ovechkin update

Caps officials say general manager George McPhee won't have an update on the status of forward Michael Nylander today. The 37-year-old is believed to be weighing an offer to join a KHL team on loan. But that is not confirmed and it's closing in on 10 p.m. in Russia now. In other words - check back Wednesday. McPhee himself is in Toronto for the NHL GM meetings and will be in meetings much of the afternoon. It's possible - though unlikely - he could still drum up interest for Nylander from another NHL team. Nylander's $4.875 salary-cap hit makes that difficult, of course. That's why Europe is even an option at this point. Will post again if we get any update. As for forward Alex Ovechkin...

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Michael Nylander status

TSN hockey guru Bob McKenzie reporting that Caps forward Michael Nylander needs only to give his approval for a loan to a Russian team to get done. Out at Kettler now trying to track down confirmation if and when Nylander gives the go-ahead. Should hear from general manager George McPhee soon. Nylander has backed out of deals before at the last minute - most notably a free-agent contract with Edmonton in 2007 where both sides traded barbs after the fact on whether there was - or was not - a deal. He, of course, signed with Washington instead. A move to Europe would clear a decent chunk of money for the Caps to make trades later this season or even bring up top prospects from the minors....

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Caps practice

Underway here at Kettler Capitals Iceplex as Caps prepare for tomorrow's home game with the New York Islanders. Star left wing Alex Ovechkin (upper-body strain) is not on the ice. He skated before practice alongside injured defenseman Jeff Schultz (lower-body injury). Everyone else - save forward Michael Nylander, of course - is accounted for. Hope to have news on Nylander later. The Caps were working on some kind of deal to move Nylander and his $4.875 million salary-cap hit yesterday. We'll see if anything panned out. Washington general manager George McPhee is in Toronto for the NHL General Manager meetings so we'll try and get him by phone later in the day. Forward Alex Semin is also...

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Forward Nylander clears waivers

Ovechkin says he hopes to return within a week Capitals forward Michael Nylander cleared NHL waivers on Monday, moving one step closer to leaving the team for good. Nylander still must approve any move -- either a loan to a team in Europe, a trade to another NHL team or an assignment to AHL Hershey. But if he agrees, then he no longer would count against Washington's salary cap, which stands at $56.7 million for NHL teams this season. Nylander, 37, has not played a game for the Caps since last year's playoffs, yet his cap hit of $4.875 million is third highest on the team. "Some decisions have been made," said Caps general manager George McPhee. "There are just some...

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Strasburg's road has lots of bumps

The Nationals have lost so often over the last two years we think they deserve to have No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg immediately become one of the game's best pitchers. All the scouts say he has the talent to do so. But is it ever that easy? "As much talent as Stephen has, that road to becoming an [elite player] is paved with a lot of bumps," said former major-leaguer Tony Clark, who saw his share of phenoms during a 14-year career. "And they'll leave some bruises on you along the way." Clark, now an analyst with MLB Network, was set to see Strasburg pitch Saturday in the Arizona Fall League All-Star game before he was scratched with a sore neck. It's a minor...

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Caps news and notes

Busy, busy day out at Kettler for a Monday practice. Alex Ovechkin (upper-body strain) skated - albeit with a yellow non-contact jersey. He is definitely out for Wednesday's game against the Islanders, but could return this weekend against Minnesota or New Jersey. I wouldn't say that's likely to happen, though. Just that Ovechkin and general manager George McPhee wouldn't rule it out. But either way, the injury appears to be getting better, Ovechkin came onto the ice about halfway through practice and afterwards he spent about 15 minutes skating under the watch of strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish. Meanwhile, forward Michael Nylander cleared waivers and we should know by...

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Caps' Fleischmann turns it up

Winger has scored five goals in six games So who needs Alex Ovechkin? Maybe the superstar left wing has won two Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player and is averaging a goal-per-game this season, but when Ovechkin got hurt eight days ago against Columbus, the Caps had a ready replacement: winger Tomas Fleischmann. Okay, nobody can replace Ovechkin -- and nobody should even try. Ever. All the Caps really need is someone to pick up the slack while their top player recuperates from an upper-body strain. So far, Fleischmann has done his part. The 25-year-old spent most of the summer dealing with a blood clot in his left leg. He could skate as hard as he wanted after a few weeks....

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Caps Postgame

Caps 7, Florida Panthers 4 That was a good weekend for the Caps. They swept the Panthers and managed to win games even without stars Mike Green (upper-body injury) and Alex Ovechkin (upper-body strain). Both of those players will be re-evaluated after practice on Monday and Tuesday along with defenseman Jeff Schultz (lower-body injury). Interesting comments from Caps coach Bruce Boudreau when asked if Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom struggle without Ovechkin on the ice - especially considering the strong chemistry that trio has. Semin had a pretty pedestrian game - not the disaster that he had Wednesday in New Jersey, but not exactly Disneyland, either, He committed two more...

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Knuble, Fleischmann score a pair as Caps tame Panthers, 7-4

The stars were most definitely not out for the Capitals on Saturday night. Forward Alex Ovechkin and defenseman Mike Green watched the game from a Verizon Center suite – the last place either wanted to be. That’s 87 goals from last season that Washington couldn’t count on as it played the Florida Panthers for the second night in a row. But Caps players have said for a week now that they can win games even without their top stars on the ice. A productive weekend against the Panthers helped prove that theory. Mike Knuble and Tomas Fleischmann each scored a pair of goals for Washington, which broke open a tight game with five third-period goals en route to a 7-4...

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Caps Second Period Update

Panthers 3, Caps 2 Not a great period there. Florida scored three times. Brooks Laich did have a power-play goal for Caps - his seventh of the year. But Jose Theodore probably should have been in better position to see Florida's second goal - the first NHL tally by Dmitry Kulikov. The third goal was just a matter of the Panthers working hard behind their own net and then a great pass by Kenndal McArdle to Michal Repik - who just moments earlier took a big hit from Quintin Laing at the other end of the ice. That was also his first goal of the season. Florida also received a goal from forward Michael Frolik at 1:35 of the first. Florida leads in shots, 23-16. Panthers goalie Scott...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Panthers 0 Washington jumps on top early. Brooks Laich earned the secondary assist on goal by Mike Knuble. Laich kept puck alive for Brendan Morrison, who found Knuble from back of Scott Clemmensen's net. Not doubt both are angry about Michigan's football loss at home to Purdue. That's just unacceptable. Another tough year for the Wolverines - but I digress. Morrison was coming off a two-goal game last night against the Panthers. Laich's assist means he's had a hand in five of his team's last 10 goals - thanks to Caps PR for that nugget. We'll play 4-on-4 for first 14 seconds of the second period. Then the Panthers will have a brief 18-second power play thanks to an Alex Semin...

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Caps Game Night

Game #17 Caps (9-3-4, 22 points) vs. Florida Panthers (5-8-1, 11 points) Long time, no see. These two teams met last night, a 4-1 Caps win. It was a little costly, though. Defensemen Mike Green and Jeff Schultz are both out. Green was hurt in the first period last night (upper-body injury). Schultz went out in the second (lower-body injury). Caps coach Bruce Boudreau called both "day-to-day" and said they'd be re-evaluated at practice on Tuesday. He hedged when asked if they'd be back Wednesday for the game with the Islanders. No surprise, Alex Ovechkin will miss his third game in a row (upper-body strain). His only action in recent days was Thursday's practice in Sunrise,...

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Nats decline Kearns' option

The Nationals on Friday declined a $10 million option for outfielder Austin Kearns, who instead was granted a $1 million buyout and is now a free agent. That ends a dissapointing tenure for the 29-year-old in Washington. He was acquired with high hopes in a 2006 trade with the Cincinnati Reds along with second baseman Felipe Lopez, among others. Kearns was given a three-year, $17 million extension by then-general manager Jim Bowden the following winter. A thumb injury proved costly in 2009 as Kearns hit .195 with three homers and 17 RBI. But 15 of those RBI came in the season's first five weeks. He has a long history of hand injuries and finally went on the disabled list for good in...

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Caps Postgame

Caps 4, Florida 1 That may have been the craziest game of the year so far. No other way to describe a night where the Caps lost three defensemen - Mike Green was injured in the first, Jeff Schultz went down in the second and Shaone Morrisonn was ejected for a boarding major in the third. Washington played the final 8 minutes, 18 seconds with just four defensemen - and that was only because natural defenseman Tyler Sloan happened to be in the lineup as a winger and could move back to his normal spot. That led to Tom Poti playing 28:42. Brian Pothier played 25:20 and Milan Jurcina logged 23:12. Even Sloan played 18:25. Those minutes will have an affect on Saturday night when these two...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 2, Panthers 0 Brendan Morrison put Washington up by two heading into the third period. It was his fifth goal of the season. Florida has yet to beat Jose Theodore on 20 shots so far. But injuries continue to mount for the Caps. Jeff Schultz left the ice at 15:30 of the second period. He joins fellow defenseman Mike Green in the dressing room. Green did not return after his fourth shift in the first period. They made up for one of those by putting Tyler Sloan back on defense. But Caps will have to play down a forward and down a defenseman now with Schultz out. We'll see if they can hold. But they may want to add a goal or two to salt this one away....

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Panthers 0 Tyler Sloan does it again with his second goal in as many games. He scored at 4:53 of the first on an assist from Chris Clark. The big news, though, is the injury to Mike Green. He played just four shifts in that period before leaving with an undisclosed injury. Total minutes: 2:44. Not good. Team officials say he "may return." Of course, that's what was said about Alex Ovechkin on Sunday against Columbus. We'll see. That means extra work for the other "D" if Green can't return. Sloan moves back to his natural defense position from the wing, where he's filling in for Eric Fehr (rib). Could be a factor tomorrow, too, when these two teams play again...

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NHL Faceoff, 11/06/09

Player to watch Dustin Penner, F, Edmonton A key part of the Ducks’ Stanley Cup run in 2007, Penner had a target on his back the last two years after signing a controversial offer sheet with the Oilers. The 28-year-old regressed from 29 goals with Anaheim to 23 in his first year in Edmonton and then only 17 last year. He spent much of the season in the doghouse of former coach Craig MacTavish. Penner looks far more comfortable under new coach Pat Quinn with nine goals and 10 assists in 15 games. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound left wing is difficult to dislodge from the front of the net — a classic power forward. He said what?! “It is not my thing to sit in the press box and...

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Caps Game Night

Game #16 Caps (8-3-4, 20 points) at Florida Panthers (5-7-1, 11 points) First meeting of the year between these two Southeast Division rivals. They'll make up for it when they both fly to D.C. right after tonight's game for another one at Verizon Center tomorrow night. I'll be on the radio pregame show with Jonathan Warner on WFED-1500 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday so check it out. Caps still trying to shake off a tough 3-2 loss to New Jersey on Wednesday. Penalties were their downfall in that game - four in the third period alone. From the Caps official web site - coach Bruce Boudreau says defenseman Brian Pothier is back in the lineup and John Erskine is out. Erskine returned from a hand...

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Caps forward Bradley using a special helmet to avoid concussions

For Capitals forward Matt Bradley, it is simply a matter of substance over style. He knows his new helmet looks different. But if it helps him avoid a concussion that doesn't really matter. He'll take the abuse. Caps notes » Other NHL players using the M11 helmet — Aaron Ward (Carolina), Jesse Winchester and Chris Phillips (Ottawa), Christoph Schubert (Atlanta) and Stephane Veilleux (Tampa Bay). » Washington (8-3-4, 20 points) begins a home-and-homer series at the Florida Panthers tonight. » Caps F Alex Ovechkin (upper-body strain) skated at practice in Florida on Thursday. He told reporters he would not play in either of this weekend’s games. Bradley...

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Le Moyne: The best hoops team in Syracuse

Sizzle Anze Kopitar » You’ve never heard of him. But the L.A. Kings forward just took the NHL scoring lead away from Alex Ovechkin. The 22-year-old Slovenian has 11 goals and 13 assists for the surprising Kings (9-4-2, 20 points). Le Moyne’s basketball team » When Division II Le Moyne stunned No. 25 Syracuse in a preseason game Tuesday night, players reacted like they’d won a title. Who cares if it didn’t count? The kids from the “other” Syracuse school will never have a bigger win. Fizzle Cleveland Browns » Tough to pick an NFL franchise in more turmoil. Don’t we say that about a new team every week? After firing their...

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The Caps' 'freak of nature'

He had missed just four games during his NHL career and only two because of injury. Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has played hurt in the playoffs two years in a row, including wrist and groin injuries last spring that required injections. Let's just say the man has a high tolerance for pain. That reputation won't change now that he's on the shelf with an upper-body strain. But shouldn't he curtail the physical part of his game? That question has been asked several times this season. It's not why he was hurt Sunday. But in the long run isn't Ovechkin at greater risk of injury because of his rugged style? "Absolutely. But Alex is one of those guys that if he didn't play that way he...

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Caps Postgame

Devils 3, Caps 2 On Tuesday, NHL agent Mark Gandler told Examiner.com's Dmitry Chesnokov that he "doesn't believe in discounts" as he begins contract discusions with the Caps on behalf of client Alexander Semin - a restricted free agent next summer. He also reportedly said "You don't trade one of your best players from a playoff team to another playoff team. It is self defeating" when asked if a trade was possible if negotiations with general manager George McPhee falter between now and the trade deadline in March. (And just to be clear, Chesnokov is an independent blogger for Examiner.com - a sister company to the Washington Examiner - and the reporting is his own. I...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 1, Devils 1 Set up for a good third period. Both goalies are playing well. Semyon Varlamov was unlucky on the one goal he did allow and his rebound control has been good. Martin Brodeur flat robbed Caps defenseman Mike Green with a glove save on a blast from the slot. Both have 16 saves. There was even a nice fight between Caps captain Chris Clark and Devils forward Rod Pelley - trying to generate some energy in a building that hasn't had much life tonight. The referees have called just one minor penalty on each team. Have to believe that will change in the third as both teams push for the win. Alex Ovechkin - just on with Comcast SportsNet for a between-periods interview - said...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Devils 0 Tyler Sloan with the goal for Washington at 17:10 of the first period. Give credit to the entire third line on that one. Sloan got the puck into the zone with a pass to himself in the neutral zone, then fired a shot in on New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur. Rookie Mathieu Perreault kept possession along the boards, passed to captain Chris Clark - who almost gave the puck away, but swiped at it before it could exit the zone. He batted it right back to Perreault, catching the Devils heading up ice in the process. Perreault drove the net with only one defender back and dropped a sweet saucer pass to Sloan, who beat Brodeur short side for the goal. Perreault received a good...

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Caps Game Night

Game #15 Caps (8-2-4, 20 points) at New Jersey Devils (8-4, 16 points) I've come to the conclusion that the Devils will never be bad. Ever. Almost every season they lose a few key free agents. None of their additions seem splashy or designed to impress. Goalie Martin Brodeur gets a year older. I always, always pick them to fade away and finally start a true rebuild. Yet at the end of the season they're in the playoffs. And it's not like they scrape by and grab a No. 8 seed. This team has won the Atlantic Division three of the last four years and finished second the other time. New Jersey has made the postseason 19 of the last 21 seasons and won three Stanley Cups during that stretch....

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Boudreau, Capitals prepare to play without Ovechkin

Washington faces off against New Jersey For just the fifth time since 2005, the Capitals will take to the ice without forward Alex Ovechkin. Tuesday morning during a practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, his teammates took the first step towards learning to play without their star left wing. Ovechkin is listed as "week-to-week" with an upper-body strain suffered during Sunday's 5-4 overtime loss to Columbus. Team officials don't know for sure how long he will be out of the lineup. So Washington's players may have to deal with that uncertainty for some time. Are they up to that challenge? "We're not a one-man show," said Caps defenseman Brian Pothier....

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Nats' front office hires

The Nationals continued adding to their front office staff on Tuesday. Former White Sox general manager Ron Schueler was named a special advisor to Nats general manager Mike Rizzo and Bill Singer was promoted to director of professional scouting. Schueler has been in baseball for 42 years - 11 of those as the GM in Chicago, where his teams won a pair of division titles in 1993 and 2000. He also pitched professionally for four different big-league clubs. Most recently, Schueler spent two years as senior advisor of player personnel for the San Francisco Giants. Singer, meanwhile, will coordinate all Nats' pro, minor league and winter league scouting efforts. Last season, he was a special...

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Ovechkin's pain threshold

I'll touch on this subject a little more in Thursday's print edition of Cheers & Jeers. But this topic has come up enough early on this season I figured I'd share some quotes from a few Caps players after practice today. It's relevant given Ovechkin won't play Wednesday night against New Jersey, His "upper-body strain" will keep him out of just his fifth game since he started his NHL career in 2005. One question reporters have asked all season - starting first with the beat reporters who follow the team on a daily basis and now extending to national writers/analysts - is whether Ovechkin needs to curtail his sometimes reckless style of play to keep his career going well...

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More from Kettler

The theme of the day out at Caps practice was that Alex Ovechkin's injury is a chance to prove this is not a one-line team or a one-man team. Several players made that claim. I'd love to know what knuckleheads are actually out there saying that. Because the remaining top six - Backstrom, Semin, Knuble, Morrison, Laich and Fleischmann - is a group you could make the playoffs with even without Ovechkin. Seems like a straw man argument to me. Then again - maybe it's what athletes need to believe to play with an edge. Either way, the Caps will certainly compensate with a renewed focus on the defensive side of the ice. "I think that’s been coming. That’s a long time coming...

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Ovechkin Speaks

The Caps held their first practice without injured star forward Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday morning. Bit of a media circus here in Arlington - at least by Caps standards. Losing your best player for a stretch will do that. Not much new to report on the injury - officially an "upper-body strain". Ovechkin is still listed as week-to-week. So...uh....what does that mean exactly? "I don’t have a clue," Caps coach Bruce Boudreau admitted. "I know it’s an upper-body strain. But I don’t know what that means. So I just know [Ovechkin] is very tolerant of pain and he wants to play so badly. Given those two equations is why I’m saying if anybody can be...

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Strain puts Ovechkin on shelf

Capitals star left wing listed as week-to-week Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will not play in Wednesday night's game at the New Jersey Devils and is listed as "week-to-week" by the team after undergoing an MRI exam on Monday afternoon. According to team officials, Ovechkin suffered an "upper-body strain" during Sunday's loss to Columbus. He will travel with the club to New Jersey and Florida to continue his treatment. Monday was an off day for Washington's players after a busy stretch of four games in six nights. Ovechkin, however, did appear at the organization's Arlington County headquarters to meet with athletic trainer Greg Smith. Ovechkin was hurt in the...

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A star-studded injury list

Since the NHL lockout ended in 2005, the sport has been built around its star players. Gone are the dark days when Mario Lemieux had to carry four players on his back as he skated into the offensive zone. The problem? Those stars -- now with space to work their magic -- are getting hurt at an alarming rate. "It seems like an inordinate year for injuries," said Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. "The game is getting bigger, stronger and faster. And because it's an Olympic year, there's been a lot of games played [in October and November] and the body takes its wear and tear." Caps star winger Alex Ovechkin was hurt Sunday and is listed as "week-to-week." But he is...

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Ovechkin update

Updated story up on the Web site soon. But the Caps have announced star forward Alex Ovechkin as week-to-week with an "upper-body strain" Got to love those NHL injury reports. Given how Ovechkin fell to the ice - and the fact that you can't "strain" a wrist and an elbow "strain" seems unlikely for a hockey player who wasn't shooting when hurt - we can assume this is a shoulder injury. That's an educated guess, of course. NHL teams do not have to disclose the exact nature of a player's injury. Ovechkin underwent an MRI on Monday. It seems unlikely he will be back for any of this week's games - on the road at New Jersey (Wednesday) and Florida (Friday) and a...

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Busy day for Ovechkin

No update on Alex Ovechkin's injury. There will be a story up on our website soon with reaction from Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. Ovechkin, who suffered an "upper-body" injury during Sunday's 5-4 overtime loss to Columbus, is not expected to play Wednesday night against New Jersey. But Boudreau guessed he could return Friday or Saturday. The Caps play the Florida Panthers both nights - on the road Friday and back at Verizon Center on Saturday. The Caps had a day off on Monday and Ovechkin only showed up at Kettler Capitals Iceplex to see athletic trainer Greg Smith. But it was a busy day for Ovechkin off the ice, anyway. Management powerhouse IMG announced it has signed Ovechkin...

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Caps Postgame

Columbus 5, Caps 4 (OT) Another overtime loss for the Caps. But that pales in comparision to the status of forward Alex Ovechkin, who left the game in the second period thanks to an upper-body injury and is listed by the team as day-to-day. We'll see if that holds when the Caps reconvene on Tuesday for their next practice. Ovechkin appeared to be favoring his left shoulder - but that's just speculation based on TV replays and a view from six stories up at Verizon Center. Could be a wrist or an elbow or even a rib injury, too. He could have been hurt during the scrum with Columbus' Jason Chimera - or maybe when tough guy Jared Boll forced his way into the mix. A bunch of players were...

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Blue Jackets top Caps in OT, 5-4; Ovechkin injured

Around the NHL, top stars are dropping like flies thanks to a rash of injuries. Sunday afternoon, it was the Capitals’ turn to experience that dreaded feeling. Star left wing Alex Ovechkin – who leads the NHL in goals (14) and points (23) - left the ice at 13 minutes, 50 seconds of the second period, minutes after a physical confrontation with Columbus forward Jason Chimera. His absence overshadowed a wild, 5-4 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets at Verizon Center. Washington (8-2-4, 20 points) lost leads of both 3-2 and 4-3 in the third period. Columbus forward Raffi Torres scored with an extra attacker on the ice with just 22.4 seconds left to tie the game at 4. R.J....

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Caps Second Period Update

Blue Jackets 2, Caps 1 That's about as bad a period as you can have. Caps F Alex Ovechkin seemed to favor his right shoulder as he skated off the ice in the second period. He had gotten into a scrum with Columbus F Jason Chimera right in front of the Blue Jackets' bench. Reacted to something, Ovechkin gave out a two-handed cross-check. It actually resulted in a Caps PP. F Jared Boll got 2 for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct. Ovechkin came back for a shift when his penalty expired. But he was knocked to the ice and immediately skated for the locker room. He hasn't been seen since. We'll have more when we get an update from the team. To add insult to injury, Rick Nash continued his...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Columbus 0 Entertaining first period. A sick display of passing - Fleischmann to Backstrom, between the legs to Semin, back to Fleischmann and then to Backstrom to finish it off - gave Washington a 1-0 lead. Not a power-play goal - it came just after the PP expired - but just as good. Scary moment when defenseman Milan Jurcina fell/was tripped awkardly into the boards. Appeared to hurt both his right leg and right shoulder. Was clearly in pain and doubled over in the tunnel. But returned to the ice a few minutes later so seems to be okay. Jose Theodore made some nice saves, 11 overall. Columbus F Rick Nash haunts almost every PK his team is on. Few in the league are tougher to...

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Caps Game Night

Game #14 Caps (8-2-3, 19 points) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (6-5-1, 13 points) A busy stretch - four games in six nights - concludes with a Sunday 5 p.m. game against the Blue Jackets. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau calls defenseman Mike Green (undisclosed injury) and center Nicklas Backstrom (illness) gametime decisions. Forward Quintin Laing (swine flu) is back in the lineup. Jose Theodore is again in goal after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders on Friday night. Caps nemesis Steve Mason is in goal for the Blue Jackets. When asked for one word to describe a Ken Hitchcock team, Boudreau tossed out "structured". A big part of that is Mason, who shut out the Caps twice last season...

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Islanders stun Caps in OT, 4-3

Capitals forward Tomas Fleischmann spent his summer lifting weights, riding an exercise bike and skating all by himself. On doctor’s orders, that’s about all the blood clot in his left leg allowed him to do. It was hardly an ideal regimen for a player hoping to build on his breakthrough season in the NHL. He missed all of training camp and the first three weeks of the season, whiling away the hours just waiting for clearance. Now that Fleischmann has finally received the go-ahead he is playing like a man who clearly missed the game. His performance Friday night at Verizon Center against the New York Islanders came in a losing effort, but Fleischmann scored two goals during...

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Caps Postgame

Islanders 4, Caps 3 Again, probably a game the Caps should have won. The problem with saying that, of course, is they usually have won these types of games so far in 2009-10. They were 8-2-2 for a reason. But Washington allowed a late goal in the second period. It whiffed on two power-play opportunities in the third - although that was due as much to Islanders goalie Dwayne Roloson (37 saves) as anything else. Once it went to overtime, Caps coach Bruce Boudreau implored his team to cover the point. He figured a New York team that keeps losing in overtime or the shootout would go for the win. And they did just that when rookie John Tavares - is he really just 18? - found Mark Streit...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 3, Islanders 3 Call it the Tomas Fleischmann and Frans Nielsen show. The pair each scored twice in the second period for their teams and we're all set for what should be a fun final period. Have to feel good for Fleischmann. He had a trying summer dealing with the blood clot in his left leg and missed all of training camp and the first three weeks of the season. Hasn't shown much rust so far, though. He had a couple excellent scoring chances Thursday in Atlanta and has been dangerous all night against the Islanders. His first goal was thanks to a turnover by Islanders goalie Dwayne Roloson behind the New York net. But Flash was opportunistic and finished the wrap-around chance....

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Islanders 1 Entertaining first period. Alex Ovechkin scored goal No. 14, tying the most he's scored in one calendar month. Islanders responded with one from Kyle Okposo, who looks like a prize fighter doing his intermission interview with Islanders TV. Left eye swelling up pretty good. Didn't see when he got hit. Ovechkin's was a power-play goal at 4:41. Aucoin and Green on the assists. Okposo's is one the Caps would like to have back. He skated unopposed into the slot all the way from center ice. No one stepped up to eliminate him from the play and Jose Theodore probably wishes he could have it back. Got a piece of it, but the puck deflected past him. Only Caps penalty was on...

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Caps Game Night

Game #13 Caps (8-2-2, 18 points) vs. New York Islanders (2-4-5, 9 points) Wait, didn't we just do this? It's a busy, busy stretch for the Caps, who are in the midst of four games in six days. Luckily, three of them are at home, including tonight's rematch with the New York Islanders. For the second game in a row Washington faces a rested opponent. Atlanta had five days off entering Thursday night's game. The Islanders did play Wednesday - but that was a home game against the Rangers and they had Thursday to recover. That makes the third-period struggles against the Thrashers harder to take. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau lamented the energy his team wasted holding off Atlanta in a 4-3 win....

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Caps Postgame

Caps 4, Thrashers 3? Well, that one got interesting - again. Caps were up 3-0 and had to hold on in the final two minutes. Thrashers added a goal at the buzzer by defenseman Zach Bogosian that appears to have counted. Literally beat goalie Semyon Varlamov with a half-second to go - or even less. Brooks Laich had a nice night with three assists. He was just on Comcast SportsNet with Al Koken and Alan May for a postgame interview and wanted to go with the "a win is a win" theme. I guess you can't quibble with a victory on the road against a rested team. But the Caps really are playing with fire here. They were up 3-0 and had a couple golden chances to blow the game open....

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 3, Thrashers 0 Caps threatened to blow this one open early. Brendan Morrison's power-play goal - assisted, of course, by Alex Ovechkin - gave Washington a 3-0 lead less than five minutes into the second period. Looked like the Caps lost interest later in the period, though. Several bad shifts led to a rash of Atlanta scoring chances. Thrashers should have buried one or two - especially a wide-open Max Afinogenov on a beautiful backdoor pass from teammate Rich Peverley. Washington will have to kill most of a Tyler Sloan penalty to start the third period. Goalie Semyon Varlamov has 21 saves on 21 shots. Forward Tomas Fleischmann has already logged 10 minutes, 5 seconds of ice time,...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 2, Thrashers 0 So, Alex Ovechkin is on pace for about 88 goals as of now. That's absurd. He already has two in the first period as the Caps are up early on Atlanta. Ovechkin leads the NHL with 13 goals total in just 11 1/3 games. He has scored twice in six different games. The first goal tonight came on the power-play and was set up by a Brooks Laich faceoff win back to defenseman Mike Green, who found Ovechkin for the one-timer. The puck looked like it deflected off Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey. The second goal was a breakaway off a tremndous pass up ice from Nick Backstrom. Might as well have been a penalty shot. From the Caps crack PR staff: Ovechkin has 232 career goals -...

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Caps Game Night

Game #12 Caps (7-2-2, 16 points) at Atlanta Thrashers (4-3-1, 9 points) Déjà vu for the Caps, who were just at Philips Arena in Atlanta last Thursday for a wild 5-4 win. That game featured: a goal from about 150 feet by Caps defenseman Jeff Schultz; three Washington goals in 88 seconds in the second period; an Atlanta goalie change; a shorthanded goal allowed by the Caps; and a chaotic final two minutes where Washington kept taking penalties and the Thrashers kept pushing for the equalizer. Atlanta scored with 39 seconds left and then had a 6-on-4 advantage, but forward Max Afinogenov popped an easy scoring chance over the net. Oh – and the Caps also went 0-for-7 on...

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Aucoin making best of opportunity with Caps

Journeyman centering Washington's third line He has only been back with the Capitals for a week. But every single day brings the possibility that Keith Aucoin will get that familiar tap on the shoulder and instructions to head back to the organization's minor-league affiliate in Hershey. It is a process Aucoin knows all too well. The 30-year-old center has long since fallen off the top prospects list. Instead, he is a 5-foot-9, 187-pound journeyman whose size has always limited his ceiling as an NHL player. Caps notes » Déjà vu for Washington, which heads back to Atlanta for the second time in a week to play the Thrashers at Philips Arena on Thursday night at 7...

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NHL has become teenagers on ice

All over the NHL it seems like the kids are taking over. Dozens of hockey players drafted in 2008 and 2009 already have made their NHL debuts. A few are even making an impact already. It's nothing new for a league that has seen phenoms like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane and Evgeni Malkin burst onto the scene as precocious teenagers. But the numbers seem to grow every year. Here are a few of the best: Steven Stamkos, 19, Tampa Bay Lightning » Top pick in 2008 draft posted 23 goals as a rookie. He centers the second line in Tampa and already has seven goals this season. Drew Doughty, 19, Los Angeles Kings » Struggled at times as rookie. But the No. 2 pick in 2008...

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Caps Notes

Some of the on-ice news got lost earlier as I tried to track down all things swine flu. Forward Alexandre Giroux has been sent back to Hershey. Meanwhile, forward Tomas Fleischmann is back with the Caps after a two-game conditioning stint with the Bears but has not yet been officially activated. That could come soon because he traveled with the team to Atlanta, where the Caps play Thursday night. Fleischmann said his timing was an issue at Hershey as he tried to mix it up with players who had been in action for almost a full month. But he feels a lot better with some games under his belt as he looks to return from the blood clot in his left leg. Forward Boyd Gordon again missed practice...

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Laing diagnosed with swine flu

Caps forward Quintin Laing has been diagnosed with swine flu, according to team officials. Laing was sent home from Tuesday's morning skate and did not play against Philadelphia last night. He will not travel with the team to Atlanta for Thursday night's game and is being isolated from his wife, Aimee, and his two young boys. Laing was tested for the seasonal flu and that turned out negative. But because he still showed three of the four most common symptoms doctors consider him positive for the H1N1 virus. Laing will stay away from the team until he's deemed symptom-free. He is at least the third NHL player diagnosed, according to Caps officials. Laing just can't catch a break. The...

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Caps dealing with Swine Flu

Caps forward Quintin Laing has been diagnosed with swine flu, according to team officials. Laing was sent home from Tuesday's morning skate and did not play against Philadelphia last night. He will not travel with the team to Atlanta for Thursday night's game and is being isolated from his wife, Aimee, and his two young boys. Laing was tested for the seasonal flu and that turned out negative. But because he still showed three of the four most common symptoms doctors consider him positive for the H1N1 virus. Laing will stay away from the team until he's deemed symptom free. He is at least the third NHL player so diagnosed, according to Caps officials. Laing just can't catch a break. The...

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Caps Postgame

Caps 4, Flyers 2 Almost every game between these two teams is a blast it seems. The Caps endured a 6-5 overtime loss on Oct. 6 where they had a lead late in regulation. Last season saw a 2-1 shootout win on Jan. 6 then a 4-2 loss on Feb. 24 and a 2-1 win on March 12. The only blowout? A 7-1 loss at Philadelphia last Dec. 20. This one gets added to the list. Both teams were physical. Flyers captain Mike Richards and Alex Ovechkin banged each other around as usual. Jose Theodore was excellent in goal for Washington with 41 saves as Philadelphia took advantage of five power plays to fire pucks his way all night. But in the end the Caps overcame a 2-0 deficit for the second game in a row....

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World Series preview: Anything you can do ...

Firepower on display as Yankees, Phillies meet in World Series Postseason baseball always comes down to the man on the mound. So often over the previous 105 installments of the World Series, big, powerful lineups lumber in with swagger only to be cut down by so many Orel Hershisers or Curt Schillings or Bob Gibsons. It doesn't seem like that should change when the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees begin the Fall Classic on Wednesday night in the Bronx. After all, two recent Cy Young Award winners will start Game 1 -- Cliff Lee for the Phillies and CC Sabathia for the Yankees. Schedule Game 1 » Phillies at Yankees Wed. Oct. 28 7:57 p.m. FOX Game 2 » Phillies at...

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Theodore, Caps defeat Flyers

Goalie's 41 saves leads Washington to 4-2 win For the second game in a row, the Capitals trailed by two goals and fought back for a victory. That’s not the blueprint for coach Bruce Boudreau – at all. But he’ll take it. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin – reunited together on the top line – each scored a goal and combined for nine points as Washington rallied for a 4-2 victory at Verizon Center on Tuesday night. It was just another fun chapter in what has become one of the NHL’s most entertaining rivalries. Caps notes » Caps improved to 7-2-2 and have 16 points. Tuesday’s win was their fifth in a row. » Flyers D...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 2, Flyers 2 Who didn't see that coming. Flyers went up 2-0 on goals by Scott Hartnell and Braydon Coburn - both on the power play. Caps answered with goals by Alex Ovechkin and Nick Backstrom - the latter also a power-play tally. Those last three goals all came within a 3 minute, 43 second stretch. Plenty of physical play. Caps may have gotten too caught up in Philly's game. Thought for a minute Backstrom was going to start playing bongos on Mike Richard's dome during a scrum in front of the Philadelphia goal. Not a great second period for special teams. Yes, Backstrom had a PP goal. But the Caps also allowed two and couldn't score during 1:41 of a 5-on-3. To be fair, they...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 0, Flyers 0 Even first period. Both teams had some decent scoring chances. Pace of play was good. Few stoppages. Caps had the only power play thanks to a cross check by Flyers D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen with 2:09 left in the period. Washington again struggled to manintain possession in its own zone and is now scoreless on the last 12 PPs. Caps had 11 shots to Philly's 10. Pretty sure this game isn't ending 0-0 with a shootout so stay tuned. Could be some fireworks in the second....

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Nats add to front office

The Nationals have named Casey McKeon as director of player procurement and Jay Robertson as a special assistant to the general manager. That further adds to the organization's front office, which had been understaffed after the firing of former GM Jim Bowden last March. Earlier in the month, general manager Mike Rizzo hired respected scout Roy Clark as an assistant GM and vice president of player personnel. Johnny DiPuglia was named director of Latin American operations after a stellar tenure with the Boston Red Sox. And Doug Harris was hired as director of player development with scout Kris Kline earning a promotion to director of scouting when Dana Brown left for a job with the...

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Caps Game Night

Game #11 Caps (6-2-2, 14 points) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5-3-1, 11 points) After a 2-0 road trip, the Caps return to Verizon Center to face the Flyers at 7 p.m. tonight. The lineup is in flux as Alex Semin returns, but both Quintin Laing (flu) and Eric Fehr (upper-body injury) are out. Boyd Gordon (back) is also out again. Defenseman Tyler Sloan will play wing on the fourth line. Special teams - as always against Philadelphia - are critical. The Caps allowed a short-handed goal last week against Atlanta and have allowed two through 10 games. The Flyers don't have one yet this season. But last year they led the NHL with 16 and are always dangerous on the penalty kill. Washington lost...

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Will Lakers' new cast member help repeat?

The Los Angeles Lakers begin their title defense Tuesday night with a new cast member. Instead of smooth forward Trevor Ariza, who seemed to do whatever the Lakers asked of him during last year's title run, the always controversial Ron Artest has been added to the mix. There are going to be doubts about that move -- especially since the Lakers signed him to a five-year contract. Artest, after all, is a special talent who always seems to walk that fine line between eccentric and crazy. Is that really what Los Angeles needed given the pressure already facing the defending champs? At least one analyst thinks so. "He's a perfect fit," according to ESPN basketball analyst Jon Barry....

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Capitals getting work in the AHL

While their teammates spent the weekend winning games in Atlanta and New York, Capitals forwards Michael Nylander and Tomas Fleischmann were toiling in the minors as they work their way back to the NHL. Well, at least in Fleischmann's case. The 25-year-old was cleared to practice last week after missing all of training camp and the first three weeks of the season with a blood clot in his left leg. Fleischmann needed game action to shake off the rust and so he played two games with AHL affiliate Hershey. His first taste of game action wasn't great. Fleischmann was on the ice for three goals against in a 5-2 loss. He rebounded with the primary assist in a 3-2 win over Portland on Sunday,...

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Caps look to solve power play woes

Semin back in lineup It has not been a perfect start. The power play is scuffling, third period leads continue to be an adventure and Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has seen maybe two complete games from his team so far. But in the NHL -- especially this early in the season -- results are what really matter. And through 10 games Washington (6-2-2) is in first place in the Southeast Division and has the third-most points in the Eastern Conference with 14 overall. The Caps are coming off a 2-0 road trip against Atlanta and the New York Islanders that was a microcosm of the season's first month. They won despite a lethargic first 30 minutes on Saturday night against New York, falling...

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Former Nationals manager Acta gets Cleveland job

His job security was an issue from the first day of spring training. Just a week into the 2009 season Manny Acta already was on the hot seat. Eventually, two-and-a-half years of losing cost the former Nationals manager his job at the All-Star break. But he didn't have to wait long for a second chance. Acta, 40, was hired to manage the Cleveland Indians on Sunday. He had already been offered the Houston Astros' job and turned it down, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle, because the length of the deal didn't match Cleveland's three-year contract with a club option for a fourth. Even after a miserable stretch in Washington -- where Acta's teams went a combined 158-252 -- it is...

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Caps Postgame

Caps 5, Thrashers 4 The Caps have talked a lot over the last two weeks about developing a killer instinct to close out games. Keep trying, boys. Because that third period against Atlanta won't get it done. Despite outshooting the Thrashers 13-10 in the third period, Washington found itself struggling to hold on in the final seconds. Caps were whistled for three penalties in final 2 minutes, 42 seconds - including one on Alex Ovechkin. After the Thrashers pulled goalie Johan Hedberg, Washington faced a 6-on-3 penalty kill for 45 of the final 57 seconds. It was 6-on-4 for the other 12 seconds. It is just October. And any win on the road is a good one. But Bruce Boudreau will still want...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 5, Thrashers 2. Crazy second period. Jeff Schultz scored a goal from about 160 away. Still not sure how it went in. From his own zone, Schultz sent a stretch pass up ice, it hit somebody's stick on the way and bounced past Atlanta goalie Ondrej Pavelec. The 22-year-old has played well in net so far this year. But he was so rattled by that one he allowed two more quick goals - Matt Bradley and Chris Clark both scored. Three goals in 88 seconds was enough for Thrashers coach John Anderson, who pulled Pavelec and went with backup Johan Hedberg. Call it a career night for Schultz. He has a goal and two assists. The 23-year-old has never posted three points in one game before. Four...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps and Thrashers tied at 2 after the first period. Eric Fehr and Alexandre Giroux scored for Washington. Max Afinogenov has a power-play goal for Atlanta and then Ilya Kovalchuk added his eighth goal in seven games. He's now just one behind Alex Ovechkin for the NHL lead. Those were two big goals for the two Caps. Fehr is fighting for playing time. He hardly saw the ice last Saturday against Nashville despite a solid offensive game. Giroux just wants to stay on the roster. He's only here because of injuries to forwards Boyd Gordon and Alex Semin. Think Giroux and fellow Hershey callup Keith Aucoin aren't used to playing together? They knew exactly where the other one was on Giroux's...

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Final thoughts on Nylander

One last follow up to the Michael Nylander saga. Confirmed with the Caps that Nylander's two-week conditioning stint began Wednesday and lasts through Nov. 4. That would give him at most five games in the AHL with Grand Rapids to give European and NHL teams a chance to look at him. It's not a good situation - for Nylander or the Caps. But George McPhee knew the risks when he signed Nylander - then 34 - to a four-year contract in July, 2007. Let's remember the context. At the time, the Caps were coming off a second straight 70-point season. They had missed the playoffs both years after the NHL lockout and had absolutely no one on the roster to play center on the top line with Alex...

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Caps Game Night

Game #9 Caps (4-2-2, 10 points) at Atlanta Thrashers (4-1-1, 9 points) Believe it or not, first place in the Southeast Division is on the line tonight when the Caps play in Atlanta. Okay - that means absolutely nothing in October. But give credit to the Thrashers, who have been better than expected so far. The big reason? Special teams. Atlanta has only played six games, but it has the NHL's best power play with six goals in 20 attempts (30 percent). It also ranks fourth in the NHL on the penalty kill, allowing just three power-play goals in 25 chances (88 percent). Caps will have to start this brief road trip without forward Alexander Semin, who did not accompany the team to Atlanta....

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More on Nylander

A little more on the Michael Nylander situation. The Grand Rapids Griffins (awesome name, by the way) have written on their website that Nylander will be in the lineup Friday night. Remember, Nylander is on a conditioning assignment and according to the NHL collective bargaining agreement those can't last more than two weeks. That's also the reason Nylander wasn't subject to waivers. Will have to check with the Caps when Nylander's conditioning stint officially begins and ends. If the clock started Wednesday he would be eligible to play in five AHL games between now and Nov. 4. If the clock starts Friday then Nylander could play in a sixth game. Of note - all six of those games are at...

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Caps welcome first division foe

Washington begins road trip in Atlanta It is eight games into the season and the Capitals still have not played a Southeast Division opponent. That all changes on Thursday night when Washington begins its first multi-game road trip against the Atlanta Thrashers. Their travels will be brief with a contest against the New York Islanders set for Saturday. Still, there are benefits to playing away from Verizon Center. CAPS NOTES » Caps F Alexander Semin (six goals) is “touch and go” for Thursday’s game with an illness, according to coach Bruce Boudreau. » F Boyd Gordon (sore back) will not play Thursday, but is on the trip to Atlanta and New York. John...

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Yankees reload with wallets

At this time last season, the Yankees looked like a team on the decline. Of course, they were coming off an 89-73 record that teams like the Nationals and Orioles would kill for, but they also finished third in their own division with little immediate help coming from the farm system. But there is no rebuilding in the Bronx. The Yankees instead targeted three key free agents -- and somehow landed them all. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett have stabilized the pitching staff. First baseman Mark Teixeira filled a gaping hole at first base. Nine months after that free-agent haul, New York resumed its rightful place atop the AL East with 103 wins. It's easy to write checks. But give the Yankees'...

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Narrowing Nats' manager options

Cheers & Jeers earlier looked at the Nationals' rotation options for next season as well as possible infield changes. Let's take a break from the field positions and check out a few candidates -- new and old -- to manage the team in 2010. Jim Riggleman » There are reasons this makes sense -- he knows the personnel already; he's a local guy -- but here's a more cynical one: Why spend money on a bigger name when the team isn't ready to compete? Along those lines, if the Nats find the next Manny Acta -- a younger manager who wows them during the interview process -- will that person have a chance to win before his seat heats up too? Don Mattingly » The Nats have been given...

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On the hotseat: Ron Wilson, Maple Leafs coach

Capitals fans likely have a soft spot for Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson. He is, after all, the man who brought Washington its lone appearance in the Stanley Cup finals way back in 1998. Well, things aren't going so well for Wilson right now. That's because the Maple Leafs are doing a pretty good imitation of the Redskins with an 0-6-1 record heading into Saturday night's game against Vancouver. Toronto has been outscored 20-6 in its last four games and fans are starting to flip out. New GM Brian Burke did give Wilson a vote of confidence this week, saying he'd start trading players well before he fires his coach -- and good friend. But patience has its limits....

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Nylander to the AHL

Capitals forward Michael Nylander will begin a conditioning stint with a minor-league team in Michigan, the team announced Wednesday afternoon. Washington has been trying to unload the veteran center for months because of his high salary and ineffectiveness on the ice. The team will still have to pay Nylander and – for now – his contract still counts against the team’s salary cap. But by agreeing to accept a conditioning assignment to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, Nylander, 37, has a chance to improve his trade value. That’s not something that could happen with the Caps. Nylander has practiced with the team since training camp opened, but...

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Caps Injury News

The Capitals were again down two forwards at practice on Wednesday. Forward Boyd Gordon is still dealing with a sore back and will not play in Thursday's game at Atlanta. Forward Alexander Semin is dealing with...something. "He's - I don't know how to say it. I think he's ill," said Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. Meanwhile, center Michael Nylander will remain planted firmly on the bench and two players will be recalled from AHL Hershey. Neither call-up was on the ice at Kettler and they will instead meet the team in Atlanta. Expect Keith Aucoin to be one of the recalled players. He can fill in for Gordon at center and was just sent down to Hershey on Monday anyway. Boudreau - as...

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Caps sign draft pick Eakin

The Caps have signed forward Cody Eakin, 18, to a three-year entry-level contract. The team’s third-round draft pick in 2009 – No. 85 overall - has already scored nine goals in nine games for Swift Current, a junior team in the Western Hockey League. He also has three assists. Eakin isn’t the biggest guy in the world at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds. But he made a nice first impression during the Caps’ developmental camp in July and then again at rookie camp in September. They even let Eakin hang around for a bit at training camp with the big club before he returned to Swift Current. The Winnipeg native is an excellent skater. He finished with 24 goals and 24 assists...

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Caps news and notes

Caps coach Bruce Boudreau wasn’t yelling. He was just “encouraging” his players during a lengthy 80-minute practice on Tuesday morning at the Iceplex. With five days between games, Boudreau put the Caps through a conditioning skate – the kind that teams almost never have time for once training camp ends. No one afterward thought it was overly taxing. “A six” out of 10, according to defenseman Brian Pothier. Uh…we’ll take his word for it. But it looked a little harder than that. “I’ve always said you can work really hard with a smile on your face. Working hard doesn’t mean feeling depressed or upset,” Boudreau said....

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Caps' Fleischmann returns to practice

Caps forward Tomas Fleischmann was back on the ice Tuesday for a morning practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. The 25-year-old had missed all of training camp and the first three weeks of the season with a blood clot in his left leg. Now, Fleischmann didn’t participate in any contact drills during the first 20 minutes of practice. He is still working with team doctors to find a lower dosage of blood thinners that will allow him to take that next step. But a smiling Fleischmann did say he was just happy to be out on the ice with his teammates again – even if coach Bruce Boudreau put them all through a pretty hard skate. Fleischmann was diagnosed with the clot in June. It...

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Fleischmann happy to be back to practice after start of season with blood clot

Forward would add scoring to lower lines It was one of the tougher skates the Capitals have endured since training camp ended last month. But even as he and his teammates raced up and down the ice to exhaustion, forward Tomas Fleischmann was all smiles. Just a good old conditioning practice on Tuesday courtesy of coach Bruce Boudreau, who finally had a chance to conduct a proper one with five days between games. Fleischmann didn't mind at all. The 25-year-old was practicing for the first time after missing all of camp and the first three weeks of the season because of a blood clot in his left leg. "I was skating almost two months by myself and so the skate today wasn't hard for...

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Caps off to strong start; Boudreau pleased with the defense

Washington has early lead in Southeast So far, so good for the Capitals. Through eight games they have won four of them and earned another two points thanks to overtime or shootout losses. The schedule has been littered with strong playoff contenders in October, yet they still have an early lead in the Southeast Division. So with four days off until their next game at division rival Atlanta on Thursday, Washington (4-2-2, 10 points) has a chance to examine what's gone right and where things still need to be tweaked. "I'm happy with the goals allowed, which is eight in the last four games, and the shots allowed, which is at about 27 per game," Caps coach Bruce Boudreau told...

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Even more honors for Alex the Great

No need to toss more superlatives at Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin. At this point, he's almost expected to send fans and teammates home shaking their heads in wonder. But the 24-year-old already is off to his best start as a pro. Ovechkin scored two more goals on Saturday night against Nashville and produced the eventual game-winner in the shootout. For his effort, Ovechkin was one of the NHL's Three Stars for the week ending Sunday. He was named the league's Third Star just one week after earning Top Star honors. By scoring twice against the Predators, Ovechkin recorded his fourth two-goal game of the season. He has long struggled in shootouts during his young career, but Ovechkin...

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A legend joins the booth for the World Cup

Think ESPN isn't going all in on its soccer coverage? A Sports Illustrated story Monday said the network will add British broadcasting legend Martin Tyler to its 2010 World Cup coverage. It is a continuing trend for ESPN, which has placed added emphasis on the sport in recent years as the appetite for international soccer in the United States grows. Tyler is the Pat Summerall of the English Premier League -- an understated presence who says more with less better than anyone. A presence at Sky Sports for almost 20 years, Tyler is shut out of the World Cup on European television because Sky doesn't have the event's rights. After all the criticism ESPN took for its 2006 World Cup team of...

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Top 10: LCS moments from the past 25 years

Some of Major League Baseball's iconic postseason moments don't happen in the World Series at all. The League Championship Series can be just as good as teams fight for a pennant. Will this year's matchups add one to the list? 10. Brilliant Livo, 1997 NLCS The Marlins became the first wild-card team to reach the World Series. Livan Hernandez was awesome in Game 5 with a complete-game three hitter. He outdueled Greg Maddux -- with some serious help from umpire Eric Gregg's strike zone -- in a 2-1 win. Hernandez also won Game 3 in relief. BEFORE THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES The Shot Heard 'Round the World, 1951 Back in the days before divisions and expanded playoffs there was only...

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Nats fill three positions in front office

The search for a field manager will continue through the end of the month, but the Nationals and general manager Mike Rizzo already have begun the process of adding front-office staff to the organization. The team announced the hiring of Roy Clark as vice president of player personnel, Johnny DiPuglia as director of Latin American operations and Doug Harris as director of player development. Clark previously was director of scouting for the Atlanta Braves for 11 years. DiPuglia was a respected presence in the Dominican Republic for the Boston Red Sox. That's an important step for the Nats, whose Dominican operations slammed to a halt last spring after a scandal involving the age and...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 3, Sharks 1 Alex Ovechkin scored the fastest consecutive goals of his career when he struck twice in the second period 28 seconds apart. Credit linemates Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison for creating those chances. Each ended up with a pair of assists. Semyon Varlamov has looked steady in goal so far in relief of the injured Jose Theodore. And, yes, San Jose did in fact get two power plays in the first seven minutes of the second period. But the Caps PK was up to the challenge. Now they need to hold the Sharks off for another 20 minutes to earn the win....

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 1, Sharks 1 UPDATE: Caps goalie Jose Theodore was injured in the first period and is out of the game. Rookie Semyon Varlamov is in net now. A team spokesman says Theodore will be re-evaluated after the game. No word on the nature of the injury - not even the old "upper body/lower body" ID. More later...Oh, and in the time it took to write this update, Alex Ovechkin has scored twice. Good times. The Caps spent just about half the first period on the power play - 8 minutes, 52 seconds in all. That's the good news. Unfortunately, Washington hit on just one of those five power plays. They even had :56 seconds of 5-on-3 play and that led directly to Alex Semin's goal at 7:21....

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Caps Game Night

Game #7 Caps (2-2-2, 6 points vs. San Jose Sharks (3-2-1, 7 points) Should be a good one tonight at Verizon Center. The Sharks are one of the few teams in the league that can match the Caps' offensive firepower as they make a rare appearance in the District. San Jose posted an NHL-best 117 points last season before flaming out in the first round of the playoffs. They also whipped Washington, 7-2, last November in California. Center Boyd Gordon is out with what is likely back spasms - though the team won't confirm that. Keith Aucoin comes up from Hershey and will be the third-line center. David Steckel drops to fourth line center. Earlier in the day, defenseman John Erskine (hand) was...

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2009 Baseball League Championship Series preview

AL CAPSULES New York Yankees Record » 103-59 Manager » Joe Girardi How they got here » AL East champ The skinny » A combination of solid pitching, clutch hitting from the likes of Alex Rodriguez (who knew?!) and Mark Teixeira, opponent’s mistakes and some mistakes by the men in blue helped New York sweet Minnesota. Instead of falling apart in October like they’ve had in previous seasons, the Yankees continued to build upon the enormous success from the previous months. Joe Girardi’s club doesn’t seem to be as tense. They play looser … and much better when it counts. Los Angeles Angels Record » 97-65 Manager » Mike...

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Penalties, shaky defense haunt Caps

Washington struggles early against NHL elite No one in the Capitals' locker room will make excuses. During the first two weeks of the season they have shown a propensity for dumb penalties, shaky defending and an inability to close out games in the third period. One factor overlooked in the early going, however, is the schedule. Washington has already played road games at Boston and Philadelphia. Both of those teams are considered strong contenders in the Eastern Conference. Add in another road game at Stanley Cup runner-up Detroit and a home game against the red-hot New York Rangers (5-1-0) and you can see why opponents are taking advantage of the Caps' mistakes. Only five teams have...

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A middle infield full of questions

While the big boys continue their postseason party, general manager Mike Rizzo and the Nationals interview front office and managerial candidates and plot next year's roster. Cheers & Jeers previously looked at Rizzo's options to upgrade the pitching staff. Next, we check in on the infield, where at least the corners are set. Ryan Zimmerman, 25, signed his contract extension in April and made it seem like a bargain by September. He's the best defensive third baseman in the sport and hit a career-high 33 homers with 106 RBI. On the other side, Adam Dunn did what he does -- 38 homers and 105 RBI while getting on base all the time. He is a bad defensive first baseman. That's better than...

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A defensive SS or RP ... really?

One final Major League Baseball award preview from Cheers & Jeers as the league championship series get set to begin on Thursday. It wasn't exactly a banner year for rookies in the American League -- especially for position players. Apologies to Tampa Bay starting pitcher Jeff Niemann (3.94 ERA) and Baltimore's Nolan Reimold (15 home runs) and Matt Wieters (.288 batting average and a red-hot September). But the following players did a little bit more in their first big-league season. Elvis Andrus, Rangers (.267, 6 HR, 40 RBI) » A wizard with the glove. According to the defensive metrics, only Jack Wilson was better at shortstop defensively than Andrus. Yes, he committed 22...

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Theodore earning minutes in the net with a strong start

Goalie bouncing back from poor postseason The first shot hit Jose Theodore's stick and maybe even nicked the right post as he flailed to make the save. A follow-up chance somehow hit his glove. New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise was so flustered that his third attempt on a wide-open net sailed harmlessly above the goal. In the end, the Capitals eventually fell, 3-2, in a shootout on Monday night. But the fact they even gained a point from that contest was in large part thanks to Theodore, who is off to a strong start this season. His two acrobatic stops on Parise in overtime capped a fine night in goal. And while Caps coach Bruce Boudreau won't say who his goalie will be Thursday...

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Hoyas look to bounce back

Role players will be key for Georgetown Georgetown's men's basketball team is ready to start a brand new season. But before the Hoyas get down to business with their Midnight Madness celebration this Friday night -- and first true practice the following morning -- they spent an afternoon answering some lingering questions about last year's team. That's not a good thing. Georgetown was 12-3 on Jan. 16 with a win under its belt at then-No. 2 Connecticut. But it lost 10 of the final 14 games, including in the first round of the Big East tournament and the first round of the NIT. Three of those losses came in overtime and another four were by six points or less. It was the first time the...

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Caps lose as third-period woes continue against Devils, 3-2

Devils win in shootout The Capitals had several golden chances to put Monday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils out of reach. They had five different power-play opportunities, including a 5-on-3 advantage for 53 seconds that failed to produce a critical goal. In the NHL, that will always prove costly. So it was against the Devils, who instead scored the game-tying goal with 6 minutes, 26 seconds left and then stole an extra point in the shootout at Verizon Center when goalie Martin Brodeur made a pair of saves for a 3-2 win. Capitals notes » Devils G Martin Brodeur earned his 34th career win over the Caps. The 37-year-old made 31 saves on 33 Washington...

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Devils 3, Caps 2 (shootout)

Devils 3, Caps 2 The Caps faltered again in the third period on Monday night. It is the fourth time in a row they have had the lead or been tied in the final period only to come away with four losses - albeit one in overtime and one in a shootout. Washington certainly looked better against New Jersey, building on a nice game at Detroit on Saturday. But finishing opponents has become a problem. The Caps failed to convert on three power plays in the third period and never extended a 2-1 lead. It's hard to complain too much about the power play, of course. This group will carry the Caps for much of the season. But still - the chances were there and they didn't convert and the Devils were...

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Will early wins lead to late success?

There are five teams left in the NFL with a perfect record. But do four or five wins in a row guarantee a team is a contender? Remember, the Bills won their first four games in 2008 and didn't even reach the playoffs. So who's for real and who is just hot? BRONCOS » An improbable story got better when the Broncos upended the Patriots on Sunday. But we're still suspicious. This group was supposed to be among NFL's worst. With a killer schedule coming up, 5-0 can turn into 5-3 in a hurry. Verdict » Pretender GIANTS » Already have championship pedigree. Quarterback Eli Manning showed grit playing hurt Sunday. Schedule has been soft, but the Giants (5-0) are taking care of...

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Marshall winning over the Mile High fans

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall has gone from team cancer to a civic institution in the Mile High city in, oh, about six weeks. Let's be honest -- fans are real easy. A 5-0 start with 24 receptions and four touchdowns is really all it takes to make them forget a petulant offseason filled with sulky behavior and trade demands. Another good way? Repping the city's other sports teams. After Denver's dramatic 20-17 win over the Patriots on Sunday, Marshall did all his postgame interviews wearing a Colorado Rockies jersey -- and a batting helmet to go with it. He even did one with NBC's Tiki Barber long after the game ended that was pure comedy gold. Little tip, Tiki -- we...

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Caps Second Period Update

Caps 2, Devils 1 The Devils pulled to within a goal in the second period with a nice counterattack of their own. A Brooks Laich shot from the right wing was blocked and set up a 3-on-2 the other way. A pair of crisp passes later, forward Brian Rolston whipped a shot past Theodore from the right side at 8:18. Goalie Martin Brodeur helped his New Jersey keep it that way minutes later. The Caps peppered him with five shots during a power play – Green thought he’d even scored on a one-timer in the slot from Nicklas Backstrom. But they left empty-handed and that gives the Devils a fair shot headed into the third. Washington was 0-for-2 on the power play in that period. Their...

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Caps First Period Update

Caps 2, Devils 0 The Caps have responded to a pair of losses with a very nice first period. They lead New Jersey 2-0 on goals by defenseman Mike Green – his first of the year – and forward Mike Knuble. Alex Ovechkin assisted on each. Washington scored twice on its first five shots against future Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur. The Caps are generating a good forecheck and have kept mistakes to a minimum. Give credit to Jose Theodore on Knuble’s goal at 14:16 of the period. He made a sweet kick save when the Devils had numbers on a broken play and that directly led to a counterattack up ice. Ovechkin was on the left wing and found Knuble streaking towards the goal on the...

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Caps Game Night

Game #6 The Caps (2-2-1, five points) return home to Verizon Center to play the New Jersey Devils (2-2, four points) on Monday night. They looked better Saturday at Detroit, but still gave up a third-period power-play goal with about seven minutes to go and lost to the Red Wings, 3-2. That came on the heels of an awful 4-3 loss at home to the Rangers last Thursday when Washington gave up a pair of bad third-period goals. The penalty kill needs to be better. But the Caps can't afford to keep taking dumb penalties, either. Put yourself in that spot enough times and any good power play will take advantage. Meanwhile, New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur has beaten Washington 33 times in 49...

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Caps lick their wounds

Writing to you from George Bush International Airport in Houston, where i have a wedding this weekend. Won't see a minute of the Red Wings game Saturday unfortunately, but I have the Tivo on duty. Should be a good one along the lines of Tuesday's wild 6-5 overtime loss to Philly. While I have the time, figured I'd take one last look back at Thursday's disappointing loss to the Rangers. Bruce Boudreau was asked why his team is struggling to keep the puck out of its own net - are the goalies that bad? Is the "D" just not getting the job done? His extended answer was telling. "I think it has to be a combination of the two. A combination of three really – the forwards...

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Top 10 notable DeMatha alumni

Adrian Dantley, Basketball, 1973 » A two-time All-America at Notre Dame, a gold-medal winner at the Montreal Olympics in 1976 and a Basketball Hall-of-Famer after a 15-year NBA career. Six-time All-Star led the league in scoring twice. Cover Story A culture of winning Rick Snider » For Wootten, it's a wonderful view Falcons challenge Stags, again Top 10 notable DeMatha alumni Danny Ferry, Basketball, 1985 » Played in three Final Fours at Duke, where he was named All-America and won the Naismith Award as a senior. Had a 14-year pro career and now is general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brian Westbrook, Football, 1997 » Star running back at Villanova,...

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Caps struggle again in 3rd period, fall to Rangers, 4-3

A fluke goal swung the momentum and, for a few minutes at least, the Capitals were on the way to another victory. But in what has become a worrisome trend early this season, a third-period lead disappeared thanks to defensive breakdowns and shaky goaltending. So instead of leaving Verizon Center with their third win in four games, a pair of quick goals by New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik left Washington on the losing end of a 4-3 score. The Caps have now allowed 14 goals over the last eight periods of hockey. That’s an unacceptable rate for a team that fancies itself a contender in the Eastern Conference. The 2-1-1 record may be fine for now. But other than an opening night...

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Rangers 4, Caps 3

Not a good night at Verizon Center after a 4-3 Rangers' win. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau had some strong words for his players during the postgame press conference. When asked if his offensively-gifted team allows that skill to get in the way of their committment at the other end of the ice, Boudreau reacted. "It shouldn’t. Because that’s all we talk about. We don’t talk about offense. We talk about defense. And play without the puck. And the guys that are making mistakes are not first year guys. They’re guys that have been in the league 10 years – [or] five years, six years. And it’s been what they’re jobs are. They know what they’re...

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So far, so good for Ovie, Caps

Washington off to a hot start on offense The first week of the NHL season went about as well as could be expected for the Capitals. They are 2-0-1 and gained points out of tough locations in Boston and Philadelphia. Both of those teams are expected to be Stanley Cup contenders in 2009-10. Star forward Alex Ovechkin has scored five goals already and teammate Alex Semin is right behind him with four. Center Nicklas Backstrom has reaped the benefits with eight assists. That trio hasn't always played together in the past simply because they sometimes abandon all defensive principles. But their chemistry is undeniable and the three are playing like they don't ever want to be broken up as a...

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MLB Division Series story lines

AL CAPSULES New York Yankees Record » 103-59 Manager » Joe Girardi How they got here » AL East champ The skinny » No stadium, much less their new bandbox, can contain the Yankees' power. As a team, New York slugged 244 home runs, including 39 from offseason acquisition Mark Teixeira. Minnesota Twins Record » 87-76 Manager » Ron Gardenhire How they got here » AL Central champ The skinny » Even without Justin Morneau, the Twins went 16-4 down the stretch to catch the faltering Tigers and subsequently pass them in a one-game playoff. Leading the offense is likely AL MVP Joe Mauer. The Minnesota catcher led the majors with a .365...

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Caps postgame notes

Tough night for Caps rookie goalie Semyon Varlamov, who was pulled in the second period of a 6-5 overtime loss to Philadelphia. Bruce Boudreau offered his thoughts when asked if Washington's defensemen were struggling to clear Flyers out from the front of Varlamov's crease. "Well, I don’t think it had a lot to do with that. I thought there were some soft goals in there. Varly’s got to be mentally tougher to play. The one thing that’s reared – for want of a better term – it’s ugly head is they score in bunches on him. He can be fabulous for two periods and then Buffalo scores three in the third. He can be great against the Leafs and then they get...

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Caps fall short against Flyers

Philly wins in wild home opener, 6-5 PHILADELPHIA - If every game is like this, the race for the NHL Eastern Conference title is going to be a wild, combustible ride. The Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers combined for a head-spinning seven goals in the second period alone during a contest neither team seemed intent on winning. Caps notes » The Capitals and Flyers combined for 17 penalties during Tuesday night’s game. Philadelphia was 3-for-8 on the power play. Washington was 1-for-5. » Caps F Alex Ovechkin registered his fifth goal in three games. Last year, it took the two-time MVP until Nov. 14 to reach that mark. Teammate Alex Semin also scored twice. He has...

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Caps 1st Period Update

Caps 0, Flyers 0 Good chances for both sides during a scoreless first period. The Caps had 14 shots and three power plays. The Flyers had 11 shots and one power play. Goalie Ray Emery has been solid for Philadelphia . Washington has tried to move the puck around only to find Emery in good position almost every time. Made a nice stop in the slot on Caps F Mike Knuble and a better one on the follow-up rebound. Stop us if you've heard this one before - Caps need more traffic in front. Emery has rarely had someone in his face - other than Caps F Chris Clark's goalie interference...

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Caps Game Night

Game #3 Capitals (2-0) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (2-0) Getting set for yet another home opener - this time at Wachovia Center when the Flyers host the Caps. The two teams split four meetings last season - although a shootout loss gave the Flyers an extra point. Philadelphia has upped the ante by acquiring defenseman Chris Pronger from the Ducks in the offseason. The last two teams he's played for have reached the Stanley Cup finals. The Flyers certainly look like a contender to get there, too. Pronger and Caps F Alex Ovechkin have had their battles over the years. Ovechkin consistently found ways to score against Anaheim. We'll see how he does tonight with Pronger targeting him...

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Knuble unsure of fan reaction in Philadelphia

Former Flyer faces his old team for first time Will they cheer or will they boo? Capitals forward Mike Knuble will not know for sure until Tuesday night when his new team squares off with his old one, the Philadelphia Flyers. Knuble, 37, spent four years in Philadelphia, scoring 114 goals during that time, including 27 last year. He had hoped to work out a new contract with the Flyers last summer, but they had salary-cap issues and needed to give younger players some of that precious ice time. A one-year deal was doable. A multi-year contract wasn't in the cards. Instead, Knuble signed a free-agent deal with Washington for two years. He may hear a bit about that decision from the...

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Offseason looms large for Nats

A year has passed and the broad goals are no different for the Nationals as their offseason begins Monday. The organization that earlier this season became the poster child for dysfunction in Major League Baseball must find a way to shake off its second consecutive year with more than 100 losses. There will be one major difference this winter, however. In August, the Nats appointed Mike Rizzo the permanent general manager. He will be the point man for a host of offseason moves — hiring a field manager and coaching staff, retooling a disjointed front office and adding as much talent as possible to baseball’s worst club. “We’re definitely not satisfied with the way...

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Capitals hold off Toronto, 6-4, in home opener

The crowd roared from the very start, any memories of last year’s Game 7 home playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins drowned by the sheer noise at Verizon Center on Saturday night. It’s a new season for the Capitals and another chance at a Stanley Cup. And while the old issue of protecting leads reared its ugly head, it was at least a lesson cheaply learned Washington scored three times on its first seven shots in the first period – including, of course, one by star left wing Alex Ovechkin –built a five-goal advantage and then held on for a 6-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Alexander Semin scored twice for the Caps, who received goals from five...

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Just like old times for Caps' Varlamov

It did not take long for the memories to come racing back. Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov felt the adrenaline course through his veins as soon as he skated onto the ice for warm-ups during Saturday night’s home opener at Verizon Center. It was just about five months ago that he was dropped into the postseason fire as Washington turned to the 21-year-old rookie in the middle of its Stanley Cup playoff run. The noise. The sea of red jerseys and t-shirts. It was a familiar scene for Varlamov, who was making his first start of the new season. Call it a good beginning with a shaky finish – but not all of the late struggles can fall on Varlamov, who finished with 27 saves on 31...

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Caps 6, Toronto 4

That's the final from Verizon Center, where the Caps looked great for 40 minutes and then had the inevitable letdown over the final 20. It was 6-1 entering the third period when the Maple Leafs scored three times. Check out our website in a few minutes for my game story, where several players give their thoughts on that issue, which plagued Washington at times last season. Also have a web story up soon on rookie goalie Semyon Varlamov, who played like his 2009 playoff self through the first two periods before allowing three goals in the third. None of those were really his fault. The play of the defensemen in front of him slipped a bit. Maybe that's understandable up five goals. But still...

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Caps 2nd Period Update

Caps 6, Maple Leafs 1 "Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean, that got out of hand fast." I'm going with the classic quote from the movie Anchorman to describe that period. The Caps did whatever they wanted. Not even a goalie change could save the Leafs. Alex Semin scored twice and probably could have had another. Brendan Morrison also scored his first goal as a Cap with a sweet backhand on a breakaway. Toronto coach Ron Wilson might need to go back to the drawing board the next time these two teams play. The Caps are bombing passes up ice and keep slipping behind the Maple Leafs defense. Only two penalties on each team at this point. Toronto has just one shot on two power...

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Caps 1st Period Update

Caps 3, Maple Leafs 0 Well, Thursday's strong performance has continued into the home opener tonight. Caps had three goals on their first seven shots. Alex Ovechkin scored less than two minutes into the game, taking advantage of a one-on-one with Toronto D Luke Schenn, who looked all of 19-years-old on the play. Mike Knuble did exactly what the Caps pay him for - scoring from, oh, two feet in front of the net as he banged home an Ovechkin shot on the power play. Later Brooks Laich scored his third goal on a breakaway - showing he's not just a front-of-the-net presence. He's got some open ice moves, too. Credit D Milan Jurcina for his excellent outlet pass to spring Laich. Jurcina has...

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Caps Game Night

Game #2 Capitals (1-0) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (0-1) Getting set for the Caps' home opener at Verizon Center tonight. Don't expect much pomp or circumstance as the Caps raise their second straight Southeast Division championship banner in front of a sellout crowd. The players and coaches have made clear they have far bigger goals in mind this season. The banner will go up, draw a cheer and that's pretty much it. Lineups are the same as they were for Thursday's 4-1 win at Boston - save for goalie Semyon Varlamov, who gets the nod for the first time in 2009-10 in place of Jose Theodore. The Leafs have revamped themselves during the offseason as general manager Brian Burke puts his stamp...

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Top 10: Memorable baseball playoff races in divisional era

Baseball fans didn't have any memorable pennant races this season. Most division titles have been wrapped up for a while now, with the exception of the AL Central. So instead, let's look at some post-1969 races that did go down to the wire: 10. Mets vs. Reds, 1999 The two teams met in Cincinnati for a one-game playoff to determine the NL wild card. Al Leiter pitched the Mets into the postseason with a complete-game two-hitter. The Reds didn't advance a runner even as far as second base until the ninth inning of a 5-0 loss. When will the Nats or O's be in a playoff race? One day we'll see a pennant race in Baltimore or Washington again -- just not any time soon. The last pennant race...

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Friday Caps Notes

The mood was light out at the Iceplex on Friday. After a long flight home from Boston – mechanical trouble, of course – the Caps pushed practice back to noon and kept things simple during a 45-minute skate. No reason to push it with the home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs set for Saturday night. Some topics of interest… » The Caps scored twice on the power play in that impressive 4-1 win at Boston, making the Bruins pay for some questionable penalties. Star defenseman Zdeno Chara took one when he leveled Alex Ovechkin as the second period expired. Ovechkin had just done the same to Boston forward Mark Recchi, a clean hit that still drew the ire of the...

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More on former Caps prospect Chris Bourque

Here’s more on the Caps as we get ready for some real hockey tomorrow night when the season begins in Boston. There’s no other way to describe it - practice ended on a bummer when the team learned forward Chris Bourque was claimed on waivers by the Penguins, of all teams. For the first month of the season, waivers is based on last year’s regular-season standings. That means 22 teams passed on Bourque before Pittsburgh claimed him. The Caps receive nothing for their loss, obviously. It could be argued that this isn’t a huge deal. Bourque will always be limited by his size at 5-foot-8, 181-pounds. He was almost certainly going on waivers within the next few weeks...

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Caps begin Cup quest

Bourque claimed off waivers by Penguins The roster decisions are over for now, the preseason already a distant memory. It's time to play hockey games that actually count -- a moment the Capitals have been waiting for since last spring's heartbreaking end in the second round of the NHL playoffs. Washington opens a season of high expectations on Thursday night in Boston against the Bruins. There are familiar young stars (two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin, defenseman Mike Green, center Nicklas Backstrom), a pair of new additions (center Brendan Morrison and right wing Mike Knuble) and a holdover whom the team tried desperately to drop, but in the end couldn't find a new home for (forward Michael...

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Caps lose Chris Bourque to Penguins

Capitals winger Chris Bourque was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. It was an ironic end in Washington for a player who finally made the Caps out of training camp - only to be placed on waivers a day later because the team was less than $77,500 over the NHL salary cap. It didn't help that the Caps have yet to find a new spot for forward Michael Nylander and his $4.875 cap hit. The Caps have replaced Bourque on the fourth line with AHL callup Boyd Kane, who makes $500,000. That was the difference between giving a 23-year-old prospect who has produced at the AHL level (73 points last season) a chance and losing him for nothing. Kane is a 31-year-old journeyman who...

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Nylander remains on the roster on eve of season opener

Bourque thrown curve, is placed on waivers The Capitals took their team photo on Tuesday morning at Verizon Center, showing off a group it believes can contend for the Stanley Cup. Standing along with his teammates, a half smile frozen in place, was veteran center Michael Nylander -- an unlikely presence as the NHL season gets set to begin Thursday. For months Washington has tried to find a new home for Nylander, who was a healthy scratch in 11 of 14 playoff games last spring. At $4.875 million, he has the third highest salary-cap hit of any Caps player. But no realistic option to move Nylander had materialized as of Tuesday evening. So despite not playing in a single preseason game,...

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Making the team just the beginning for Bourque, Sloan

Capitals forward Chris Bourque spent much of his Monday morning avoiding his own coach, Bruce Boudreau. With just two days left until final NHL rosters must be submitted, no one could blame Bourque for seeking refuge from team officials. After all, the 23-year-old was one of the last players cut from last fall's camp. But he needn't worry. Bourque was one of three Caps told they will be on the roster when the season opens Thursday at Boston. "I have to prove to them that they made the right decision. It's up to me now," Bourque said. "They're giving me a chance and I've just got to capitalize on that chance and hopefully I do." Bourque returns home to Boston, where...

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Project Capitals

The Caps needed Heidi Klum out at Kettler Iceplex on Monday morning as they told players on the roster bubble who was in and who was out. Here's an analysis of who made it and why. In… » Chris Bourque was a question mark after a mild concussion last week against the Buffalo Sabres and then missing two preseason games. Instead, he returned to the lineup, scored a goal Sunday and made the cut. Will be an energy player on third or fourth line. But he must produce with Eric Fehr (shoulder) just a few weeks away. » Caps coach Bruce Boudreau called Tyler Sloan the team’s best defenseman in camp. His salary-cap friendly contract also helped as did the need to get...

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More Caps news and notes

More news and notes from Kettler Iceplex, where the Caps had a morning practice soon after making another round of roster cuts. In an earlier post we noted that defenseman Tyler Sloan and forwards Chris Bourque and Quintin Laing will be on the final roster – which must be submitted to the NHL by 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Left off? Center Keith Aucoin and forwards Alexandre Giroux and Brandon Sugden along with defenseman Karl Alzner, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 draft who joins fellow top prospect John Carlson at AHL Hershey. Sugden and Alzner did not have to clear waivers. » No word yet on the status of center Michael Nylander, who is still with the team as of Monday...

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Caps make their roster decisions

The Caps have made their final training camp cuts with 23-year-old forward Chris Bourque finally cracking the official 23-man roster along with defenseman Tyler Sloan and forward Quintin Laing. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau confirmed the move moments ago after practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Obviously, forwards Eric Fehr (shoulder) and Tomas Fleischmann (blood clot) will both be ready some time in October so Laing and Bourque especially have some work to do to stick around. But neither one cares about that right now. They'll be on the team plane to Boston for the season-opener against the Bruins on Thursday night and both wore huge smiles on their faces as they headed out for a day of...

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Postgame notes from Caps/Blackhawks

Well, that was impressive. The Caps whipped Chicago 6-2 in their fourth preseason game on Wednesday night. Alex Ovechkin had two goals. More important, forward Mike Knuble banged home a pair as well in the first period. There's no question Washington's already-potent power play takes on an added dimension with the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder parking himself in front of the net. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau dished out some effusive praise for Knuble afterwards. “Mike is a meat-and-potatoes guy and coaches love guys like that - and with a scoring touch. He goes to the net. It's an element I think other than [Ovechkin] we really didn't have last year. A guy that just loves to go to the front...

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Caps rock Blackhawks in preseason tune-up, 6-2

Ovechkin, Knuble notch pair of goals for Washington There are just two tune-up games left for the Capitals until the NHL’s regular season begins. But so far, so good after Wednesday’s night decisive 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at Verizon Center. Forward Mike Knuble scored a pair of goals in the first period and forward Alex Ovechkin added two easy tallies early in the second as Washington cruised to the victory. Goalie Semyon Varlamov, last year’s postseason hero, finished with 26 saves on 28 shots as he went the distance in a solid performance. The 21-year-old Russian continues to fight for the No. 1 job with Jose Theodore while also holding off fellow rookie...

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Olie Kolzig interview

Getting ready for the opening faceoff here at Verizon Center as the Caps play the Chicago Blackhawks in preseason game #4. Only two left after tonight so players on the roster bubble are running out of chances. Check back after the game for analysis - who played well, who hurt their chances, how the goalies looked etc. - as well as postgame quotes from players and coaches. Also, check the website during the game. Wrote a print story on the retirement of longtime Caps goalie Olie Kolzig. It was too late to make deadline for the deadtree edition, but I spoke with Kolzig this afternoon and will post a web story in a bit with his comments added. Sounds like his mind was made up early in the...

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Kolzig announces his retirement

Goalie was 17-year NHL vet and holds Caps record for wins It came as no surprise when longtime Capitals goalie Olie Kolzig announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 39-year-old had fought through a painful hip injury for the better part of two years and realized this summer that it was time to call it quits. Kolzig was the face of the Caps’ franchise for a decade starting in 1997 when he finally became the full-time starter after eight years bouncing between the minors and the NHL. He was a two-time All-Star, won the Vezina Trophy in 2000 as the league’s top netminder and led the Caps to their only Stanley Cup finals appearance in 1998. It wasn’t a Hall-of-Fame...

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Green embraces celeb status on and off ice

Defenseman to appear on ‘MTV Cribs’ episode Capitals defenseman Mike Green has officially made the leap. No, he hasn’t reached the cultural heights of teammate Alex Ovechkin. A public appearance by Green will draw a crowd, not a mob scene. But he is young — still just 23 for a few more days — with an interest in cars, design, fashion and music. He is also one of the NHL’s elite scoring defensemen with 31 goals last season and 73 points. And it is that flair — both on and off the ice — that makes him a popular figure in areas far beyond Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, Green even filmed an episode of “MTV Cribs,” a program...

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Going in opposite directions: Dodgers club Nats, 14-2

Nats worst MLB record, Dodgers eye playoffs One team is trying to wrap up a division title. The other has nothing on the line except jobs for next season. That was exactly how things looked at Nationals Park on Tuesday night. The Los Angeles Dodgers, in first place in the National League West and well on their way to a second consecutive postseason berth, used a seven-run fourth inning to blow out the Nationals, 14-2. Four different Dodgers batters -- including former National Ronnie Belliard, traded to Los Angeles on Aug. 30 -- recorded multi-hit games. Washington starter Livan Hernandez had his worst outing since signing with the club on Aug. 26, allowing eight earned runs in 3 2/3...

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More from Caps-Sabres

More notes from the Caps preseason home opener - a 2-1 loss to Buffalo - along with a link to the game story in the Examiner's print edition. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/Capitals-stars-return-to-ice-fall-to-Sabres-2-1.html Jose Theodore, G Team's No. 1 goalie gave up two goals in 11 seconds, but otherwise stopped 19 of 21 Buffalo shots. There were few great chances for the Sabres so Theodore basically made the saves he needed to. The first goal was a deflection by forward Drew Stafford on a point shot. The second took a weird bounce in front and was chopped home by Patrick Kaleta. Defenseman Karl Alzner took the fall for that one. All in all, a good night for Theodore. The...

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Caps fall 2-1 in preseason home opener

It was a disjointed effort for the Capitals during Monday night's 2-1 preseason loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The Caps were 0-for-5 on the power play - to be expected considering the units were a mishmash of veterans and roster hopefuls. But their effort was a little flat and an ugly minute in the second period led to two Buffalo goals 11 seconds apart. Defenseman Karl Alzner is trying to fight his way onto the roster. And while he had his moments on Monday he was also a -2. He was paired with fellow defenseman Mike Green for the first time this preseason and that unfamiliarity showed at times. Alzner spent a lot of time backing up when Green made his patented rushes up ice. "Yeah,...

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Capitals' stars return to ice, fall to Sabres, 2-1

The stars returned to the ice Monday night at Verizon Center. Two-time NHL Most Valuable Player Alex Ovechkin was at his usual left wing spot for the Capitals. Defenseman Mike Green and right wing Alex Semin also were alongside for their first preseason action of the season as Washington played its third exhibition game and first at home. But the stars didn't really matter much against the Buffalo Sabres. Their status is secure. With time dwindling to impress Washington's coaching staff and front office, names like Karl Alzner, John Carlson, Chris Bourque, Keith Aucoin, Alexandre Giroux and Jay Beagle are under the microscope as they battle for the final few roster spots. The Caps...

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Ovechkin takes the ice tonight

Caps trim roster to 42, host Sabres at Verizon Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will make his first appearance of the preseason tonight when his team hosts the Buffalo Sabres at Verizon Center at 7 p.m. Teammate Alex Semin also will see ice time and goalie Jose Theodore is expected to get his first start. None of the three played during Washington’s first two preseason contests — a 4-3 overtime win last Thursday against Buffalo and another 3-2 overtime win on Saturday night against Chicago. Meanwhile, the Caps have trimmed the training camp roster down to 42 players with just one week left before the final 23-man roster must be submitted to the NHL. There were no notable...

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Fearless Forecast for week of 9/20/09

EVENTS TO WATCH MLB » Dodgers at Nationals, Thursday, 7:05 p.m., MASN HD Nats have an outside shot at continuing a dubious streak. Each of last two seasons the Phillies have clinched an NL East division title vs. Washington. Even with nine games left after leaving the District, Joe Torre’s Dodgers could also be in position to clinch N.L. West by the series finale. NFL » Giants at Cowboys, Sunday, 8 p.m., NBC Lots of big story lines in Big D, but the biggest is the coming out party for new Cowboys Stadium. It’s so big it could have its own zip code. We also hear it has a pretty nice television set. NCAA men’s soccer » North Carolina at Maryland,...

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Don't forget about Nats pitcher Detwiler

Lost amidst the hoopla of the Nationals signing top draft pick Stephen Strasburg last month and the elbow injury to talented rookie pitcher Jordan Zimmermann are the future prospects of former first-round pick Ross Detwiler. Chosen fifth overall in 2007, the 23-year-old Detwiler signed quickly with Washington and was supposed to move fast through the farm system. Command problems hampered him during his first full pro season in 2008 at Single-A Potomac (8-8, 4.86 ERA). But the 6-foot-5, 185-pound left-hander made some adjustments late in the year and carried them into 2009, where he made six fine starts at Double-A Harrisburg and earned a trip to the majors. Detwiler started 10 games...

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Theodore No. 1 goalie, for now

Veteran will be pushed by Varlamov, Neuvirth Capitals goalie Jose Theodore watched most of last season's two playoff series from the bench. One shaky performance against the New York Rangers in the first round was all it took for the Caps to turn to promising rookie Semyon Varlamov. But anyone expecting Varlamov to parlay his fabulous postseason performance into a starting gig right away was surprised when Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau opened camp by naming Theodore the team's No. 1 goalie. Boudreau has seen enough hockey over the years to know one brilliant spring isn't guaranteed to carry over into the following season -- even for a 21-year-old who looks like the organization's...

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Nats' 2010 schedule released

The Nationals released their 2010 schedule on Tuesday afternoon. The interleague opponents this time are from the American League Central – meaning President Obama’s beloved Chicago White Sox visit the District on June 18-20. You can, of course, expect na presidential appearance at Nationals Park that week - barring any scheduled overseas trips. Think the players aren’t excited about the schedule from mid-June through the mid-July? Starting with that June 18th series against the White Sox until July 16th when its begins a road trip to start the second half of the season, Washington will play three true road games. That stretch includes 16 homes games, three...

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Bourque tries to grab spot on Caps after great year in Hershey

Capitals forward Chris Bourque entered training camp knowing there was at least one spot available on the opening night roster. A blood clot that will keep forward Tomas Fleischmann out until at least the middle of October has opened up another -- for now. That's not the way Bourque wants to make it. But life on the NHL roster bubble means taking advantage of any opportunity. The 23-year-old is already entering his fifth full pro season. He was one of the last cuts from training camp last season and put together a terrific year in the minor leagues at AHL Hershey -- 21 goals, 52 assists and 73 points. Now, Bourque is ready for more. "Sometimes that's what it takes to open a spot up...

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Bourque on the brink

Have a story coming in tomorrow's Examiner on Capitals prospect Chris Bourque. The 23-year-old is again fighting for a roster spot. At 5-foot-8, 181 pounds, he is noticably stronger in the early days of training camp and with both F Tomas Fleischmann (blood clot) and Eric Fehr (shoulder surgery) still working their way back into shape, Bourque has a good shot at sticking. He put together a fine camp last fall, but was one of the last player's cut. He then responded with 73 points at AHL Hershey and another 21 in the playoffs en route to a Calder Cup title. Bourque even played eight games with the Caps during the season, recording his first NHL goal. Washington coach Bruce Boudreau...

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Nylander, Caps are coexisting for now

Fleischmann out for at least one month Capitals forward Michael Nylander said on Sunday that his representatives are not negotiating a new contract with clubs in Europe. Caps general manager George McPhee made that claim at the team’s Media Day on Saturday, which marked the start of training camp. But Nylander, a 36-year-old center, says he is here to play hockey. “No,” Nylander said when he was asked if a deal with a European club was in the works. “I’m coming here with the intention to play for the Capitals. I have two years left on my deal.” And that’s the crux of the matter. Nylander played in 72 games last year at center for the Caps, but...

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Nylanders' quotes

Capitals forward Michael Nylander said on Sunday that his agent is not negotiating a new contract with clubs in Europe. Caps general manager George McPhee made that claim at the team’s Media Day on Saturday, which marked the start of training camp. But Nylander, a 36-year-old center, insists he is here to play hockey. And that, really, is the crux of the matter. Nylander played in 72 games last year at center for the Caps, but appeared in just two playoff games before becoming a consistent healthy scratch. His salary-cap hit is $4.875 million this year and next year. And that money is a burden to a team that will be close to the NHL’s salary-cap ceiling – especially if...

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Caps' Fleischmann to miss start of season with blood clot

Caps forward Tomas Fleischmann has been diagnosed with a blood clot, according to team officials, and is out until at least mid-October. The 25-year-old forward is taking blood thinners and not allowed to participate in any contact drills. Fleischmann was in the mix for a second-line forward spot. But his absence gives a little extra hope to players who entered training camp on the roster bubble – especially wingers Chris Bourque and Alexandre Giroux. Fleischmann had a career high 19 goals last season and added 18 assists in 2008-09. He apparently suffered the clot – known as deep vein thrombosis – on an airplane flight. If left untreated, such clots can travel to the...

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Fehr back on the ice

Forward Eric Fehr was on the ice in a non-contact jersey for the first Capitals practice of training camp. Fehr had double shoulder surgery during the summer. "It's kind of just day-by-day. But I have a feeling it's going to be about two weeks before I can start full contact," Fehr said. "But it could change. I'm feeling pretty good right now. We'll see how it goes." Fehr added that while he feels like he's in good shape it's still unclear if he will be ready for the Caps' first game of the season on Oct. 1 against Boston. The 24-year-old had a career high 12 goals and 13 assists last season. But injuries have long been a concern. He played just 61 games in...

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Caps training camp underway

Capitals training camp is officially underway at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. The first group is out on the ice now with two more to come. Forward Michael Nylander is here, according to a team spokesman. He is expected to skate this afternoon during the team’s 2:15 p.m. practice and later speak with the media. Meanwhile, forward Tomas Fleischmann is not expected to participate today. Not sure the extent of Fleischmann’s injury. Will get an update later this...

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Top 10: Worst area baseball teams

You want bad baseball? The Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area can give it to you. The Orioles and Nats have combined for 370 losses the last two seasons. Both cities have seen worse, though. Here are 10 teams that made the Mid-Atlantic region hang its head in shame. 10. 2009 Orioles (56-83) This is harsh. But 14 of Baltimore’s last 23 games are against the Yankees, Red Sox and Tampa Bay. The O’s entered the weekend 5-25 against Boston and New York and 10-30 against those three teams overall. Yikes! Even with games against Toronto (six) and Cleveland (three), we’re not sure they can reach 67 wins. 9. 1961 Senators (61-100) MLB: “Hey, sorry about those 22 losing...

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Capitals preseason outlook

STORY LINES 1. Going for Gold » Aside from the regular season, NHL players also are gearing up for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The league will take a three-week break in February and early March so its elite players can compete. The Caps will be more affected than most. As many as eight players could be headed to Canada to represent six different countries, including star wingers Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin (Russia). The travel will be minimal, which is nice. But how much gas will be left in the tank for the stretch run when everyone gets back? 2. Fight On » When heavyweight Donald Brashear took his fists to New York during the offseason the Caps were left without an...

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Media Day at Capitals training camp

Ready or not, the 2009-10 NHL season is less than three weeks away. The Capitals open on Oct. 1 in Boston against the Bruins. In the meantime, Saturday afternoon was Media Day at Kettler Capitals Iceplex – a morning for players to undergo physicals and have photos taken. The Caps officially open training camp on Sunday in preparation for another season of high expectations. Washington, of course, lost a seven-game series to the Pittsburgh Penguins last May in the Eastern Conference semifinals – the team that eventually won the Stanley Cup. One issue facing the organization is the status of veteran center Michael Nylander. The 36-year-old did report to Kettler on Saturday. What...

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Ian Desmond makes big league debut for Nats

The Nationals' minor-league system certainly looks more flush than it did at this time last year. With top draft picks Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen on board, the club can put together a top 10 list with a decent number of legitimate major-league prospects. One of them is SS Ian Desmond, who is now in his sixth pro season since the Nats drafted him out of high school in 2004. Still just 23 - for a few more days at least - Desmond was slowly slipping off the prospect radar. But despite missing a month early in the season with a wrist injury, he has rebounded and put himself in contention for a big-league spot next season. Desmond hit .354 in 178 at-bats at Triple-A Syracuse. He also...

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Lineups from Nationals Park

The Nats get set for game No. 2 against the Phillies tonight at Nationals Park. Hometown kid Justin Maxwell gets the start in CF while Josh Bard moves back into the lineup at catcher. Starter Garrett Mock must find some way to navigate through Philadelphia's potent lineup. The 26-year-old had a strong August and put himself in the mix for a starting job next season. But he has to rebound from an ugly three-inning, six-run effort against the Marlins last week. If Mock could find some way to get Phillies OF Raul Ibanez out that would be an added bonus. No one on Washington's pitching staff has done that yet. A lot of people made fun of Philadelphia's front office when they let OF Pat...

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Phillies' solo homers sting Nats

Pedro Martinez has another strong start It happens every September. The Phillies travel down I-95 with a winning record and a caravan of fans, grab a couple of wins from the Nationals and leave town a step closer to a National League East championship. Gunning for its third straight division title, Philadelphia blasted three solo home runs in the top of the seventh inning en route to a 5-3 victory over the Nats on Tuesday night. Washington starter John Lannan was the victim this time. He had allowed just three hits and two walks and recorded 12 ground-ball outs entering the seventh, shackling the defending world champs. But in a span of four batters, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez and...

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Best move of '09: Locking up Zim

Nats third baseman has 28 homers, 93 RBI The most important moment of the Nationals' season did not happen on the field. It came, instead, at the negotiating table. But not in August when top draft pick Stephen Strasburg signed with the club just seconds before it lost his rights. That was an important night, but Strasburg -- as talented as any pitching prospect this decade -- still is all potential. He has yet to throw a professional pitch. No, the critical moment happened back in April when -- with the stroke of a pen -- Washington locked up third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to a five-year, $45 million extension. Zimmerman could have held off, taken a huge raise in arbitration this...

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Ryan Zimmerman does it again

Down two runs going into the ninth inning, the Nats were headed for their ninth loss in a row on Sunday afternoon against the Florida Marlins. Then Willie Harris homered, Cristian Guzman beat out an infield single on a bad foot and Ryan Zimmerman belted a two-run homer of his own - yet another game winner from the undisputed Face of the Franchise. Just like that, fans left Nationals Park smiling thanks to an improbably 5-4 victory. Zimmerman has done this before - many times. It was his fifth walk-off homer and the ninth walk-off hit of his career. Zimmerman now has 28 home runs - a career high - and 93 RBI. He is 17 shy of his career high in that category with a little over three weeks...

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Decision time looming for the Nats

The Nationals have decisions to make — big and small — over the next several weeks. Has interim manager done enough to earn a full season in that spot? How will general manager Mike Rizzo revamp the front office? But most important, who makes the starting rotation next year? That adds a little juice to the final month of the season as veteran Livan Hernandez makes a push to return in 2010. Rizzo has said repeatedly his team needs a veteran starter. Too often this season the Nats' inexperience in the rotation has cost them. Of course, the chances of Washington landing an elite free-agent pitcher are remote — even if the team was inclined to make a run at one of the few...

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Fearless Forecast, 9/6/09

Events to watch MLB » Braves at Cardinals, Saturday, Fox, 4 p.m. Maybe the two best pitching staffs in MLB. Tim Hudson’s return from Tommy John surgery gives Atlanta yet another quality arm. Meanwhile, Joel Pineiro (3.19 ERA) has been excellent — even if teammates Adam Wainwright (2.47) and Chris Carpenter (2.28) have been better. NCAA Football » USC at Ohio State, Saturday, ESPN, 8 p.m. A rematch of last year’s early-season game in Los Angeles. It was no contest then as the Pac 10’s best ripped Ohio State, 35-3. Maybe the Buckeyes can earn some revenge at home. USC will start true freshman Matt Barkley at quarterback. MLB » Dodgers at...

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A quick lesson for Nats' Strasburg

We had our first Stephen Strasburg media blowup earlier this week. The Nationals’ No. 1 draft pick was confused and a little annoyed that a handful of reporters showed up for his first workout at the team’s spring training complex in Florida. No big deal. Just a 21-year-old kid getting used to the attention that comes with being pinned a phenom. But his ornery remarks to the assembled reporters led to columns chastising Strasburg and others defending him. This isn’t the first time Strasburg has been miffed at the media. During his very first conference call, he sniped at a reporter from the New York Times who asked if there was anything to learn from elite pitching...

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Wicks' outburst costs United in U.S. Open Cup final

Their slogan entering the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final was “We win Trophies.” That is not bragging. It has been true throughout the 14-year existence of D.C. United. But on Wednesday night at RFK Stadium a chance to add to their historic collection was lost. Goalkeeper Josh Wicks spent much of the first half saving United with one remarkable stop after another against Seattle Sounders FC. But during the second half of a scoreless game, a momentary lapse in judgment turned a bad play — Seattle’s first goal — into a disaster. Wicks intentionally stomped on the chest of forward Fredy Montero after the 22-year-old Columbian slammed a loose rebound into the...

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Fearless Forecast 08/30/09

What to watch U.S. Open Tennis, All Week, USA » One of the signs summer is slipping away - late-night tennis at the U.S. Open. Even casual fans can find themselves drawn in by the rambunctious atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium as the top seeds try to deal with the heat, the disorderly NYC crowd, and upset-minded challengers. South Carolina at North Carolina State, Thursday, ESPN » In last year's season opener, the Gamecocks threw four interceptions and still stomped the Wolfpack, 34-0. So it's not that we think this is a great matchup (it isn't) or that we're dying to see these two teams again (we aren't). We just miss college football. It's good to see you again, old...

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MacDougal making most of role as Nats closer

Pitcher has a 1.98 ERA in 37 games this season The high point for Nationals relief pitcher Mike MacDougal came in the same city where he began the 2009 season. Back in April, the 32-year-old experienced the bad side of baseball after allowing six earned runs in five games with the Chicago White Sox. MacDougal's control, which has disappeared on him so often during his nine-year career, was gone again. He walked seven batters in 4 1/3 innings and was unceremoniously cut. MacDougal couldn't know that four months later he'd be back in Chicago -- but this time at Wrigley Field against the Cubs and now as a closer, not some mop-up man just hoping to keep a gig. That's the life of a relief...

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Nats' Morgan lost for the season

Nats Town - where even a series victory brings bad news. The Nationals took two of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field after a 5-4 win on a blustery Thursday afternoon in the Windy City. Afterwards, they learned that center fielder Nyjer Morgan is out for the season with a broken left hand. The injury occured in the first inning. Morgan singled, stole second base and then stole third. As he often does, Morgan slid - hard - headfirst into the bag at third. But his hand slammed against the stationary base. Morgan left the game after that half inning. Willie Harris will take his place in the starting lineup and the Nats will add a player on Friday for the weekend series in St. Louis....

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Hernandez signing helps Nats protect young pitchers

Welcome back to the District, Livan Hernandez. Now, tell us again why the Nationals needed you and your 5.47 ERA? Just a week ago the Mets deemed you expendable. Now, Washington is guaranteeing you five or six starts in September? Actually, the reason for the move is clear. The club does not want to push its young pitchers too far past their career innings mark - which studies have shown can do serious damage to inexperienced arms. This is a team, after all, that just lost 23-year-old Jordan Zimmermann - the best prospect they have not named Strasburg - to Tommy John surgery last month after he tore ligaments in his right elbow. Caution is the key word now. And that's a problem because...

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Livan Hernandez returns to Nats

After Tuesday's 15-6 drubbing of the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Nationals made a surprise move. Washington has signed free agent pitcher Livan Hernandez, who was cut last week by the New York Mets. Hernandez, 34, will always have a special place in D.C. baseball history. He was the man who threw the first pitch on April 14, 2005 when the Nats played their first game in the District after moving here from Montreal. He was the workhorse for that club (246.1 innings), which shocked Major League Baseball by competing for a playoff spot well into the summer. Hernandez had a 3.98 ERA in 2005. He didn't fare as well in 2006 (5.34 ERA), but retained enough value for Washington to trade him to...

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Brewers deep-six Nats, 7-1

Off the field, things took a rare turn for the positive last week for the Nationals. On the field? That’s still the same old story. Top draft choice Stephen Strasburg has been signed. Acting general manager Mike Rizzo is now in charge full time. And while all of that was welcome news to Washington’s players, none of it immediately helps their current plight. Instead – on the field, where it really counts – the Nats endured another lost homestand. Monday afternoon, Washington was drubbed by the Milwaukee Brewers, 7-1, and lost six of the seven games played at Nationals Park over the past week. It wasn’t exactly the way to build on those recent good vibes....

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Top 10 most notable top-5 D.C. draft picks

The Nats’ signing of phenom pitcher Stephen Strasburg on Monday night brought to mind other top draft picks by Washington pro sports teams. Some have worked beautifully while others quickly flamed out. We will limit the list to players picked in the top 5 overall: 10. Heath Shuler » Redskins, No. 3, 1994 Was supposed to be Redskins’ quarterback for a decade after his No. 3 selection in 1994. Instead became one of biggest busts in team history. Spent two years as part-time starter before supplanted by Gus Frerotte in 1996. Foot injury ended career before the 1998 season. Now, a U.S. congressman representing a district in western North Carolina. 9. Kwame Brown »...

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Nats ready to name Rizzo as permanent GM

The Nationals will introduce acting general manager Mike Rizzo as their permanent general manager on Thursday, according to industry sources. The move comes just 24 hours after a Yahoo Sports report claimed that the organization was poised to name Arizona Diamondbacks vice president Jerry Dipoto to the position. The other finalist for the job was Red Sox assistant general manager Jed Hoyer. Instead, Rizzo inherits the job he assumed on an interim basis when Jim Bowden resigned March 1. During that time, Rizzo has solidified the franchise's activities in the Dominican Republic, acted as the point man in negotiations with top draft pick Stephen Strasburg - who signed at the deadline on...

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Nats' GM situation still up in the air

The Nationals may be bad - but they are always interesting both on and off the field. Late Tuesday night, a Yahoo Sports report claimed that the organziation was prepared to offer its general manager job to Arizona Diamondbacks vice president Jerry DiPoto. The timing of that news was curious considering acting general manager Mike Rizzo took center stage Monday night after the long, tense negotiations with No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg finally ended with a signed contract just minutes before a midnight deadline. DiPoto is a finalist for the job - along with Rizzo and Boston Red Sox assistant GM Jed Hoyer. But the organization has given no indication a decision is Imminent. The...

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Boom or bust?

For Strasburg, Nationals, the future is a crapshoot The Nationals agreed to pay $15.1 million over the next four years and in return acquired an amateur pitcher many baseball scouts see as a once-in-a-generation player. Stephen Strasburg can throw 100 mph. He has a devastating curveball that leaves batters flailing. He is tall -- 6-foot-4 -- and strong, with a work ethic that in three years whittled a pudgy teenager who could barely run sprints into a young man who can still throw in the high 90's deep into games. That's the legend of Strasburg, who signed his first pro contract with the Nats just 77 seconds before the team would have lost his rights Monday night. Now, here is the...

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More on the Strasburg signing

It was a wild night at Nationals Park - and, no, they weren't playing baseball. Instead, the entire front office was huddled in the third-floor offices finalizing a deal with top draft pick Stephen Strasburg. Meanwhile, a dozen or so reporters were on the sixth floor waiting...and waiting...and waiting. Finally, at 11:58 and 43 seconds (team president Stan Kasten was keeping careful track) the team learned that Strasburg had accepted the team's offer of about $15.1 million. It set off a jubilant celebration. Principal owner Ted Lerner, 83, was there all day - from 9 a.m. until the announcement was made. His son, Mark Lerner, and the organization's entire board was on hand. Not to...

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Nats have until midnight to sign top pick

Time has run out on the Nationals and No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg. By midnight Monday, the two sides must agree on a contract or the team loses the rights to one of the most hyped prospects in Major League Baseball history. Strasburg timeline Aug. 13, 2008 » San Diego State rising junior Stephen Strasburg is the only collegiate player to represent the United States at the Olympic Games in Beijing. The USA earns the bronze medal. May 29, 2009 » The right-handed pitcher leads San Diego State to an NCAA tournament berth in 2009. He finishes with a 13-1 record and a 1.32 ERA. June 9 » Strasburg is chosen No. 1 overall by the Nationals in the 2009 Major League...

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Nats ink Strasburg

After more than two months of waiting and worrying and fretting and negotiating, Stephen Strasburg is finally a Washington National. The 21-year-old phenom, considered one of the top amateur pitchers since the Major League Baseball draft was instituted in 1965, has signed a contract with Washington. According to industry sources, the deal is a major-league contract for four years and worth about $15.1 million, far surpassing the $10.5 million record bonus set by Mark Prior with the Chicago Cubs in 2001. The Nats drafted Strasburg No. 1 overall in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft in June. Nats notes » Washington also agreed to terms with its 12th-round draft pick,...

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Nats sign top pick Stephen Strasburg

The Nationals have come to terms with No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg. Terms have not yet been confirmed, but Baseball America is claiming the deal is for four years and $15.67 million. The 21-year-old phenom is considered one of the top amateur pitchers since the Major League Baseball draft began in 1965. Washington and Strasburg's advisor, Scott Boras, finalized the contract - which included a record bonus - in the final seconds before a midnight deadline as Monday night turned to Tuesday morning. More to come on washingtonexaminer.com as soon as the media here at Nationals Park has a chance to speak with team president Stan Kasten and acting general manager Mike Rizzo....

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Nats look to lengthen their win streak

Washington is 17 for last 26 going into three-game set vs. NL Wild Card leader There is still baseball to be played at Nationals Park. Off the field, the organization has finished negotiations with prized draft pick Stephen Strasburg and now turns its attention toward hiring a permanent general manager. But on the field the Nats look to continue a surprisingly strong second half that has put all thoughts of a historically bad season behind them. Washington begins a three-game series at home tonight against the Colorado Rockies, who entered play Monday night leading a jumbled fight for the National League wild-card berth. The Nats still have baseball’s worst record at 43-75. But...

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Fearless Forecast 08/16/09

Events to watch MLS » Los Angeles Galaxy at D.C. United Saturday, 7:30 p.m. The controversy surrounding David Beckham’s return to Major League Soccer may have simmered down. But his presence on the field overshadows the fact that the Galaxy had already turned things under head coach Bruce Arena and with or without Beckham are well on their way to returning to the playoffs for the first time since winning MLS Cup in 2005. 2009 Little League Baseball World Series Aug. 21-30, ESPN For the third consecutive year, the entire Little League World Series is scheduled to be televised by the ESPN family of networks, giving young players from all over the country and world a chance...

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Nats/Reds lineups from Great American

The last three days have been a unwanted intrusion of reality for the Nats. Their bats have gone quiet. Their starting pitching, for the most part, has continued to struggle. The bullpen, steady since the All-Star break, has even had a few rough nights. Last week's eight-game winning streak is a fading memory now. After three humbling losses in a row, Washington tries to get back on track tonight in Game No. 2 of this four-game set against the Cincinnati Reds. Garrett Mock (1-4, 6.14 ERA) goes for the Nats. He is coming off a nice outing against the Diamondbacks - six innings, two runs, five hits. He earned his first career win as a starter and a pie to the face for his...

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New goalie coach looks to future

The Capitals announced the hiring of new goaltender coach Arturs Irbe on Thursday. Irbe, 42, was a 13-year veteran in the NHL and helped the Carolina Hurricanes reach the Stanley Cup finals in 2002. A native of Latvia, Irbe is also fluent in both English and Russian. That's important because Washington has two top European goalie prospects in Semyon Varlamov, a Russian, and Michal Neuvirth, who is from the Czech Republic. One of those two players -- each is just 21 -- will be the club's goalie of the future. And while both understand English -- Neuvirth speaks it better at this point -- Irbe's ability to speak, especially in Russian with Varlamov, is crucial. "It will be easier to...

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Lineups from Great American Ballpark

While the Stephen Strasbuurg negotiations finally heat up this weekend, the Nationals are in Cincinnati tonight for the start of a four-game series with the Reds. Lineups are listed below as Alberto Gonzalez gets back in at second base. Otherwise, standard issue applies. Collin Balester makes his fifth start of the year for Washington. He is 1-1 with a 5.21 ERA and struggled last time out - 4 2/3 innings of five-run ball vs. Arizona. He has walked just four batters since his recall so that's a positive. Long hitting streaks for Cristian Guzman (17) and Ryan Zimmerman (15) are on the line. Zimmerman was asked about his most recent streak late last week at Nationals Park and immediately...

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Lineups from Turner Field

Nats and Braves set to finish this brief two-game series at 7:10 p.m. tonight in Atlanta. Washington adds Josh Bard at catcher and Ronnie Belliard at second base. The top six stay the same. Braves are again without center fielder Nate McLouth (hamstring) so former Nat Ryan Church, normally a corner outfielder, will do his best in the middle. The Nats are facing Atlanta starter Derek Lowe (11-7, 4.15 ERA) for the fourth time this season. They have actually beaten him twice. Lowe has allowed eight earned runs on 21 hits in 14 1/3 innings against Washington. Nats CF - N. Morgan SS - C. Guzman 3B - R. Zimmerman 1B - A. Dunn LF - J. Willingham RF - E. Dukes C - J. Bard 2B - R. Belliard P -...

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Stammen seeks a rebound

Okay - so maybe the Nationals won't win the rest of their games. Tough night in Atlanta on Tuesday, an 8-1 loss. John Lannan struggled on the mound and the offense didn't get to Braves rookie Tommy Hanson when it had the chance early. Hanson threw 28 pitches in the first inning alone and was laboring. But then he started drilling pitches on the outside corner and employing his wicked curve. That was it for the Nats. Haven't seen a young pitcher as impressive as Hanson all season. So right-hander Craig Stammen (3-6, 5.40 ERA) goes tonight for Washington. Needless to say, Stammen needs a good start. The 25-year-old rookie has hit a wall recently, going 4 2/3 innings and then 3 and then 1...

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Zimmermann to undergo surgery

Nats pitcher expected to miss 12 to 18 months Nationals right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann will undergo ligament-replacement surgery on his right elbow and is expected to miss 12 to 18 months. Zimmermann, 23, received the news from Nats general manager Mike Rizzo on Monday. The diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament was originally made last Friday by team doctor Wiemi Douoguih, who sent the test images to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. He confirmed the diagnosis of a torn ligament and the need for Tommy John surgery. Washington will get a third and final opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum, another top orthopedic surgeon. But he is simply expected...

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Nats pitcher Jordan Zimmermann out 12-18 months

What's the line from Hamlet? - "When sorrows come they come not single spies, but in battalions." Yeah, well Shakespeare pretty much just summed up the Nationals 2009 season. Even in the middle of an eight-game winning streak, bad news just seems to find the Nats. General Manager Mike Rizzo confirmed to the Examiner on Monday evening that top pitching prospect Jordan Zimmermann will miss 12-to-18 months after he undergoes right elbow ligament-replacement surgery. It was the worst case scenario for Washington. Zimmermann, 23, is supposed to help top draft pick Stephen Strasburg, 20, anchor the starting rotation in the coming years, Now, he likely won't throw a pitch again...

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Middle relief comes through again

Nats beat D-Backs for eighth straight win What was once a glaring weakness has somehow turned into a strength. For the Nationals, middle relief earlier this season meant an unending string of walks and hits and runs and heartache. Now? It seems like every time a rookie starter departs a game a little bit too early there is someone there to pick him up. It happened again on Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park. Starter J.D. Martin fought his way threw a few tight spots and left with a lead. But it was still only the top of the sixth inning -- plenty of time for the Arizona Diamondbacks to rally. Instead, the Washington bullpen allowed just one run over the final four innings and the...

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Nats in 7th heaven after 5-2 victory

This is where the streak was ending. The Nationals have spent the better part of two weeks finding ways to win games that at various points looked hopeless. Facing a Cy Young Award candidate on Saturday night seemed a decent bet to derail their strong second half. But apparently not even the presence of Arizona Diamondbacks ace Dan Haren could stop the good times from rolling at Nationals Park. Instead, Washington punched across five runs on eight hits and finally received a strong starting pitching performance of its own from Garrett Mock. The result was a clean, concise 5-2 victory. It was the Nats' seventh win in a row – the longest streak of the season and one that matches...

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In midst of win streak, bad news for Nats

Bad news on Nationals right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann. The promising rookie is still dealing with pain in his right elbow. It happened in June and he was pushed back a start. It recurred in July and the Nats put him on the 15-day disabled list on the 19th of that month. Earlier this week, Zimmermann pitched well in a minor-league rehab start at Single-A Potomac - his night ending in the fourth inning thanks to a hard line drive off his backside. But he never made it to a scheduled bullpen session on Friday. Instead, lingering pain in the elbow forced the Nats to scrap that plan - and Zimmermann's potential comeback start Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks - and have an MRI...

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Fearless Forecast 08/09/09

Events to watch NFL Preseason » Redskins at Ravens, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., CSN/NBC 4 Move along, not much to see here — really. The starters may play a series. But it is preseason football and sports fans love it. Be sure to stand back — what is now a slow burning love affair by Redskins fans with backup QB Colt Brennan will surely grow to a blazing fire as he takes the field against the Ravens’ backups. MLB » Astros at Brewers, Fri. (FSN-HD, 6:05 p.m.), Sat. (FSN, 5:05 p.m.), Sun. (FSN-HD, 12:05 p.m.) The NL Central is all tied up near the top, with the Cardinals and Cubs as likely choices to take the division crown. Lurking just a few games back are the...

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Nats sweep Marlins, net fifth straight win

The grind of a Major League Baseball season will take its toll on even the hottest hitter. In the midst of his first All-Star campaign, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman finally cooled as the weather warmed in early summer. But his offensive swagger is back with a vengeance now - and he’s carrying Washington along with him. Zimmerman hit his eighth home run in 13 games and later added an RBI triple during a four-run eighth inning. The Nats again overcame a large deficit to the Florida Marlins, erasing a 6-0 lead en route to a 12-8 victory at Nationals Park on Thursday afternoon. “It was early in the game and you can’t get all six at one time,” Zimmerman...

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Nats postgame items

It was another fine day on South Capitol Street. The Nats - as has become their habit in recent weeks - pulled out a come-from-behind victory. This time Washington overcame a 6-0 deficit against the Florida Marlins. Check out the Examiner's game story here for all the details from a wild 12-8 decision. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/Nats-sweep-Marlins-net-fifth-straight-win-52608777.html A tip of the cap to the Associated Press for its scoop that two Nats minor-leaguers - outfielder Edgardo Baez and shortstop Ofilio Castro - have been suspended 50 games each by Major League Baseball for violating the sport's drug program. The suspensions were for the use of amphetamines - an...

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Nationals make a trade

We are well underway here at Nationals Park for a matinee meeting between the Nationals and Florida Marlins. It's been a slugfest so far with the game tied at 8 in the top of the eighth inning. Meanwhile, news from this morning: Washington has worked out a minor trade with the New York Mets. Second baseman Anderson Hernandez was claimed off waivers by the Mets earlier this week. The Nats pulled him back to keep his rights and then worked out a deal with New York for minor-league second baseman Greg Veloz, 21. Hernandez, 26, had clearly fallen out of favor in Washington. His playing time was steady through mid-June, but as his bat cooled his defensive deficiencies - a .981 fielding...

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Nats make it four in a row, down Marlins, 5-4

Maybe earlier this season, the Nationals find a way to lose Wednesday night’s game against the Florida Marlins. Maybe starting pitcher John Lannan doesn’t escape every serious jam. Maybe the bullpen blows the lead for him anyway or the lack of insurance runs bites back in the end. There’s not much Washington can do about all the pain and heartache of the first half of the season now. But at least in recent days the Nats have shed the habits that made them baseball’s worst team. Because on Wednesday night, Lannan did gut his way through six innings and the bullpen did hold off the powerful Marlins, who tried all game long to make up for a bad first inning and...

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Lineups from Nationals Park

The Nationals can continue their mastery over the Florida Marlins tonight in the middle game of this series. Okay - so maybe a 1-9 record doesn't qualify as "mastery". It only feels that way after a dramatic 6-4 win on Tuesday night when Washington scored six runs in the eighth inning to rally from a 4-0 deficit. That's among the top two or three wins of the seasons, for sure. We'll see if John Lannan (7-8, 3.41 ERA) can keep the Nats rolling. They've actually won 3 games in a row, 7 of 11 and are 9-6 over their last 15 games. Not bad. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder contusion) returns to the lineup tonight. He was rested yesterday after taking a 90 mile-per-hour...

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Caps moves

Some hockey news for a hot August day. The Capitals have re-signed minor-leaguer Alexandre Giroux. Why is that important? Well, Giroux was no ordinary minor leaguer last season. He scored a record 75 goals in 91 games - combined regular season and playoffs - and helped the Hershey Bears, Washington's top minor-league affiliate, win the Calder Cup championship. That combined goal total is a record for the American Hockey League - one step below the NHL and widely considered the second-best pro hockey league in the world. Giroux also set an AHL record during the regular season with a 15-game goal-scoring streak. At 28, Giroux is no longer considered a prospect. But his presence does give...

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Nats' Kearns headed to DL

The Nationals placed outfielder Austin Kearns on the disabled list Wednesday morning. The 29-year-old has a bruised right thumb, an injury he has a long history with. Kearns missed 71 games in 2004 thanks to a serious thumb injury he originally suffered in 2001 as a minor-leaguer with the Cincinnati Reds. It's another blow to a player who has endured a miserable 2009. Kearns was in contention for a starting outfield spot in spring training. But by May he had been passed on the depth chart by Josh Willingham and struggled just to keep his head above water. Kearns is batting .195 with three homers and 17 RBI - and only two of those RBI have come since May 7. It is by far the worst season...

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Nationals 6, Marlins 4 Report Card

Most Valuable Player Adam Dunn capped off a thrilling eighth-inning rally with a two-run HR to left. Washington entered the inning trailing Florida, 4-0. By the end they were up, 6-4, thanks to Dunn, who smashed his 28th HR of the year. All-Star Performance Marlins RHP Josh Johnson is quietly putting together a Cy Young season. But a brilliant performance was marred by a late collapse. After seven innings of two-hit ball, Johnson gave up four runs in the eighth and left with a no-decision. Overlooked For the second game in a row the Nats received some nice work from a middle reliever. Monday it was three scoreless innings from Tyler Clippard. Tuesday it was Jason Bergmann, who held...

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Dunn, Nats mount comeback

Washington rallies to beat Marlins for first time this season The streak is finally over. The Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins had met nine times this season. And not once had Washington walked off the field a winner. That string of futility dates back further than just this season. In a span of 28 games entering Tuesday night's contest at Nationals Park, the Nats were a humbling 3-25 against their National League East rivals and had lost 10 in a row overall in the series. But say this for Washington -- it made that first win over Florida since last September a beauty. The Nats scored six runs in the eighth inning to ruin a dominating performance by Marlins starter Josh...

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Nats/Marlins lineups

The Nationals return home tonight to play the Marlins after finishing an eight-game road trip with a 4-4 record. The club is 8-5 over its last 14 games. But Washington has lost 25 of its last 28 games against Florida, including an absurd 10 in a row overall. Ryan Zimmerman gets the night off at 3B with a sore shoulder. Willie Harris takes his place in the lineup. Tonight also marks the return of first baseman Nick Johnson, who was traded to the Marlins on Friday. As he often did with the Nats, Johnson is batting second. Here are the rest of tonight's lineups. Marlins: C. Coghlan – LF N. Johnson – 1B H. Ramirez – SS J. Cantu – 3B D. Uggla – 2B J....

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Nats' Zimmermann to make rehab start

Don't kid yourself. While the Nationals' front office will be watching tonight's game against the Florida Marlins at Nationals Park they are just as invested in what will happen in Frederick, Md. this evening. That's where rookie pitcher Jordan Zimmermann makes a rehabilitation start for Single-A Potomac against the Frederick Keys. Zimmermann has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 19th with right elbow soreness. The 23-year-old entered the season as the team's prized prospect. And while he has had his ups and downs - a 3-5 record with a 4.63 ERA - he has also done nothing to hurt the view that he has legitimate top-of-the-rotation talent - maybe realizing it as soon as next...

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Nationals 8, Pirates 4 Report Card

Most Valuable Player They don't pay him for his defense. Adam Dunn crushed a game-changing homer to the opposite field in the sixth inning, turning a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead by curling the ball inside the left-field foul pole. He also singled and doubled. All-Star Performance You know it's a good night for Cristian Guzman when he draws a rare walk -- just his 10th of the season. He also drove in runs with a single in the sixth and a triple in the seventh and scored two runs. Overlooked Tyler Clippard continued his fine work out of the Nats' bullpen. He entered the game with the bases loaded in the fifth and no one out. Clippard induced a 1-2-3 double-play comebacker and a pop out...

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Dunn, Zim propel Nats

Power hitters each hit homers as Washington earns road trip split In a season where little has gone right for the Nationals, a .500 road trip is nothing to scoff at. That's exactly what Washington accomplished since it last played a game at Nationals Park on July 26th. A road trip to Milwaukee and Pittsburgh saw the team's first baseman, Nick Johnson, and setup man, Joe Beimel, each play his last game with the club -- but it also ended on a relative high note Monday evening. Adam Dunn belted a three-run home run in the sixth inning to put the Nats ahead for good and they added four insurance runs in the seventh to put Pittsburgh away in an 8-4 win at PNC Park. Washington (34-72)...

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Lineups from PNC Park

It's the end of the line for the Nats. An eight-game road trip ends tonight in Pittsburgh, where Washington seeks a split in the four-game series and a 4-4 record on the trip overall. A little pregame news before we get to the lineups. Outfielder Josh Willingham was named the National League's co-player of the week (July 27th-Aug, 2nd). Willingham, the subject of trade rumors for most of that stretch, led the league with 11 RBI while batting .435 (10-for-23) with two doubles and three homers. Last Monday, Willingham, 30, hit a pair of grand slams in a game at Milwaukee. It was just the 13th time in MLB history one player had done that - fewer even than the number of perfect games. San...

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Nationals 5, Pirates 3 Report Card

Most Valuable Player There's a reason Josh Willingham is still with the Nats. He produces. With slugger Adam Dunn resting, Willingham batted cleanup and was 2-for-3 with a double (21), a HR (17) and three RBI (42). He also scored two runs. All-Star Performance Nats Republicans,Talk Radio,Blogosphere:39712427:39712427:Gene Healy Ryan Zimmerman also is on fire. He batted 2-for-3 and walked. He also scored two runs, including from first on a big eighth-inning double by Willingham. Zimmerman has raised his average 13 points over the last 10 games up to .293. Overlooked Back in the big leagues, Elijah Dukes made a big-league play in the first inning with a hard slide into second base to...

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Nats 5, Pirates 3

The Nationals beat Pittsburgh, 5-3, on Sunday afternoon and would actually manage a 4-4 road trip if they can win in the Steel City on Monday. But it will take a lot more than that for Washington to avoid baseball's worst record again. So with wins and losses meaningless at this point, that leaves plenty of time for evaluation. No player has more on the line over the final two months than outfielder Elijah Dukes. The 25-year-old will see the majority of playing time in right field. He spent the past month working on his swing at Triple-A Syracuse and will have no better chance to show the front office that it can count on him in right field next season. With either Adam Dunn or Josh...

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Nats, Pirates meet for first time since trade

It has been a month since the Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates swung a four-player trade with a bigger-than-expected effect on both franchises. Washington’s move for outfielder Nyjer Morgan and left-handed reliever Sean Burnett comes under greater scrutiny this weekend as the two teams meet for the first time since the July 1 deal. The Nats have spent the entire season in Major League Baseball’s basement. They even lost three games out of four at home to the Pirates during an excruciating series in May. But the team Washington is playing this weekend at PNC Park looks nothing like the one it met just over two months ago. Instead, Pittsburgh has decided to finally...

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Johnson deal adds to Nationals’ stash of arms

The trade Nick Johnson had been long awaiting finally came right at Major League Baseball’s trade deadline on Friday afternoon. An oft-injured first baseman who has rebuilt his value with a strong season and is a free agent at the end of the season is a guaranteed trade asset for the Nationals. Johnson was batting .295 with a .408 on-base percentage, although his defense had slipped. The Nats got what they could — minor-league left-hander Aaron Thompson from the Florida Marlins. Thompson, 22, has a 4.11 ERA for Double-A Jacksonville. He was a first-round pick by the Marlins in 2005 — No. 22 overall. The move gives Washington more starting pitching inventory. John Lannan...

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Nats Minor League report 8/2/09

The Nationals took a ton of heat for not signing right-handed pitcher Aaron Crow last season — the team’s first-round draft pick at No. 9 overall. The only silver lining was the compensation pick the team received at No. 10 in this year’s draft. Reliever Drew Storen endured a shaky start at low-A Hagerstown. But he began to dominate at that level and was promoted to Single-A Potomac, where Storen pitched three scoreless appearances with seven strikeouts and no walks. That’s the kind of dominance that some believe gives Storen a shot at a big-league callup. Thursday he finally gave up his first Carolina League run, an eighth-inning walk leading to a double and a...

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Lineups from Miller Park

The Nats (32-69) finish up a four-game series in Milwaukee this afternoon with - surprise, surprise - a chance to take three of four games from the Brewers (50-51), who are fading from playoff contention with six teams in front of them for the National League wild-card berth. Of course, today's game could be overshadowed by the MLB trade dealine, looming at 4 p.m. on Friday. Is it too late for Washington to find takers for first baseman Nick Johnson or outfielder Josh Willingham - or slugger Adam Dunn for that matter? Despite what general manager Mike Rizzo said earlier this month, no player, other than third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, is off limits when a team is headed for 100 losses two...

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Top Ten: Memorable MLB trade deadline deals

10. Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek to Red Sox — July 31, 1997 Seattle wanted this one back. Varitek became a productive catcher and leader of a Boston squad that has reached the postseason seven times and won two World Series. Lowe quickly became a solid reliever for four seasons before blossoming into one of the game’s most consistent starters. Heathcliff Slocum, a former All-Star, struggled in Seattle. 9. Mark McGwire to Cardinals — July 31, 1997 Before steroid allegations tainted his legacy, McGwire was an electrifying presence dating to his rookie season in Oakland (a rookie record 49 home runs). He was shipped to St. Louis at the deadline then staged an epic home run...

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Nats and Padres - Oh the humanity

It's not exactly Yankees-Red Sox. Major League Baseball's two worst teams start a three-game series at Nationals Park tonight when the San Diego Padres come to town. Of course, at 37-59 the Padres are still way ahead of the woeful Nats (28-67) in the overall standings. The Nats have put out their lineup. OF Nyjer Morgan gets the day off today in interim manager Jim Riggleman's continuing quest to rest his starters. Instead, Willie Harris will bat leadoff and play center. Josh Bard is again at catcher while Alberto Gonzalez is back in the lineup at second base. We'll see if Nats right-handed pitcher Garrett Mock can bounce back from his shaky start last Sunday. No lineups from San Diego...

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Another early finish at Nationals Park

We're all finished for the night at Nationals Park, where St. Louis takes a rain-shortened 4-1 victory. The game was finally called at 11:40 p.m. after a 90-minute rain delay. It was the second rain delay of the evening. The first one began in the top of the fourth inning and lasted 76 minutes. The second delay began with a runner on first in the top of the seventh inning. Umpires were all set to allow play to resume after the second delay - an expected 11:25 p.m. start time. But after the grounds crew got the tarp off the field and spent 20 minutes applying drying agent to the infield dirt a final burst of rain caught them off guard. A good 10 minutes passed with the tarp rolled up by...

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Rain, Rain go away

Not sure the Cardinals are too glad to be in D.C. at the moment. The last time St. Louis was in town to play the Nats their series finale was rained out. Well - it's raining again. Hard. The tarp is on the field, the fans have taken cover and both teams will get some mean games of gin rummy in while waiting out these storms. Official time the umpires called it: 7:56 p.m. The Nats are trailing 2-0 in the top of the fourth with a St. Louis runner at first base. Team officials are confident the game will get in eventually. But it may be a while. A decent-sized storm is making its way through Fairfax County and Arlington right now and into the District with a bigger cell about 40 miles...

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Underway at Nationals Park

Underway here at Nationals Park - with Triple-A callup Collin Balester on the mound for Washington. He is a replacement for the injured Jordan Zimmermann, placed on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed right elbow. Tonight's game against the St. Louis Cardinals is a makeup for one that was postponed on May 3rd. The Cardinals will head by train afterwards right to Philadelphia for their weekend series with the Phillies. The Nats get set to host the San Diego Padres. Here are the starting lineups. Cardinals 2B Schumaker CF Rasmus 1B DeRosa RF Ludwick LF Ankiel C Molina 3B Thurston SS Ryan P Wainwright Nationals CF Morgan SS Guzman 3B Zimmerman LF Dunn 1B...

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Jordan Zimmermann to the DL

Ready to celebrate after a second straight strong performance by one of their young starting pitchers, the Nationals instead had to temper their enthusiasm on Wednesday night. Up next » Cardinals at Nationals When » Thursday, 7:05 Where » Nationals Park TV/Radio » MASN(HD)/1500 AM/XM Nats » Collin Balester (first appearance of 2009) Cards » Adam Wainwright (10-6, 3.01 ERA) » Win streak! Nats down Mets, 3-1, for second consecutive victory After a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets, the club placed rookie right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann on the 15-day disabled list with elbow inflammation. Zimmermann first felt discomfort while throwing...

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Win streak! Nats down Mets, 3-1, for second consecutive victory

Nationals starting pitcher Craig Stammen watched intently from the dugout on Tuesday night as teammate John Lannan efficiently mowed down the New York Mets. Ground ball after ground ball bounded across the infield grass at Nationals Park, Lannan dispatching opposing batters one-by-one. He wasn’t dominating. But he was sure effective. Nats notes Jordan Zimmerman to the DL » By taking two of three games in the series, Washington claimed just its third series win at home over the Mets since baseball returned to the District in 2005. » Nats starter Craig Stammen has posted four quality starts in a row with an ERA of 2.14 in that stretch. Wednesday night, 62 of his 95...

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Nats' Zimmermann to the disabled list

Ready to celebrate after a second straight strong performance by one of their young starting pitchers, the Nationals instead had to temper their enthusiasm on Wednesday night. After a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets, the club placed rookie right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann on the 15-day disabled list with elbow inflamation. Zimmermann first felt discomfort while throwing a side session earlier in the week. The 23-year-old was scheduled to start on Thursday against the Cardinals. Instead, that assignment goes to Collin Balester, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. "It's just a little inflammation and we're just going to be cautious," Zimmermann said. "I'm...

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Lineups from Nationals Park

The Nationals are set to finish a three-game series with the New York Mets tonight. First baseman Nick Johnson is back in the lineup after a day off. He will bat fifth tonight, however - just the 18th time all season Johnson has not batted in the No. 2 spot in the order. Interim manager Jim Riggleman has said this week he wants to get every regular in the starting lineup a day off - or two - over the next few weeks. Because of a make-up game to be played this Thursday at home against St. Louis, the Nats will have played 25 days in a row when they finally get a rest on Aug. 10th. Mets Pagan - 8 Castillo - 4 Murphy - 3 Wright - 5 Francoeur - 9 Sullivan - 7 Berroa - 6 Schneider -...

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Lannan pitches first shutout

Nationals left-handed pitcher John Lannan will not be confused with the top aces around Major League Baseball. He's not Roy Halladay or Dan Haren. He doesn't have the overpowering stuff of Zack Greinke or Tim Lincecum. And he probably won't contend for a Cy Young Award any time soon. But Lannan is as close to an ace as Washington has in its young starting rotation -- and plenty competitive enough to relish the situation he faced on Tuesday night. Another long losing streak needed to be squelched. Lannan figured he was just the man for the job. The 24-year-old again confounded the New York Mets, allowing just seven hits and walking none during a complete-game 4-0 Washington victory. He...

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Martin struggles in debut

Nationals righty allows five runs in four frames The journey took him through minor-league towns like Burlington, N.C. and Columbus, Ga. He's pitched all over Ohio -- Akron, Niles and Eastlake -- with two separate stops in Kinston, N.C. But it was only when J.D. Martin reached upstate New York -- and the Triple-A cities of Buffalo and Syracuse -- that he knew the big leagues were close. Monday night, the 26-year-old right-handed pitcher finally made it. In his ninth season of professional baseball, Martin made his major-league debut for the Nationals in a game against the New York Mets. It wasn't quite the performance he'd wanted -- four innings pitched, five runs allowed in a 6-2...

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Lineups from Nationals Park

The Nats try to shake off a four-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs tonight as an 11-game homestand continues. Washington takes on the banged up New York Mets tonight at 7:05 p.m. Lineups are already out - with one notable ommision. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will sit this one out. He had previously missed two games earlier this month after the death of his grandmother. But otherwise, Zimmerman has played in 89 of his club's 91 games. Don't know about any injury issue. Could be just a day off - especially since Zimmerman played in the All-Star game in St. Louis last week while his teammates were on a three-day break. Will have more from the stadium when interim manager Jim...

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Nats offense disappears again in loss to Cubs, 3-1

It is about evaluation now, not wins. Even the Nationals front office acknowledges that unpleasant fact. Nats notes » Attendance at Nationals Park on Friday night against the Cubs was 27,581. » Neither team took advantage of its scoring chances. The Cubs were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position while the Nats were 0-for-8. » After the game, the Nats announced that left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen will not make his scheduled start Monday against the New York Mets. Olsen was supposed to start Friday’s game vs. Chicago, but was scratched because of a sore left lat muscle. » Manager Jim Riggleman said Olsen is expected to meet with doctors over the...

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Fearless Forecast 07/19/09

Events to Watch MLB » Red Sox at Rangers, Wednesday, ESPN, 8:05 p.m. Combining for over 100 wins before the All-Star break, these playoff contenders could make a big statement here with a series win — or sweep. A hitters’ park will see some of Boston’s big-name hurlers in John Smoltz, Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield (who takes the mound in the series finale on ESPN). Tour de France, Stage 20, Montélimar to Mont Ventoux, Saturday, Versus, 7 a.m. The organizers of the world’s biggest bicycle race wanted drama on the final days, and they’ll get it, with the penultimate stage featuring the third mountaintop finish of this year’s tour. The last...

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Underway at Nationals Park

Long, long first inning-and-a-half here at Nationals Park, where the Nats actually took an early lead on the Cubs, 1-0. Chicago starter Carlos Zambrano needed an absurd 40 pitches to get through the bottom of the first. But it could have been worse. The Nats had a runner thrown out stealing third base. And they left the bases loaded, too. Third base coach Pat Listach played it conservative on an error by Cubs' shortstop Ryan Theriot. An easy grounder with two outs was booted into shallow center - but Listach held up runner Nick Johnson. Looked like a pretty easy run from six stories up in the press box. But that's why the coaches make the big bucks. A run scored anyway when Willie...

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Cubs smack Nats in Riggleman's debut, 6-2

His normal demeanor on the mound is calm introspection. When pitching, Nationals left-hander John Lannan gives away nothing, an easy grounder treated with the same indifference as a long home run. But every once in a while the façade cracks just a little. Nats notes » Nats pitcher Scott Olsen will not make his scheduled start on Friday night because of tightness in his left lat muscle. Olsen originally felt the injury earlier this month, but thought he could make his start Friday thanks to a few days off at the All-Star break. But lingering tightness after a workout at Nationals Park on Wednesday led to caution. Olsen missed six weeks earlier this year with shoulder...

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Quick note from Nationals Park

The second half of the MLB season is under way with the Chicago Cubs leading the Nationals 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning on Thursday night. Some news to report on the Nats' starting rotation for this four-game series. Left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen has been scratched from his scheduled start Friday night due to tightness in his left lat muscle. The Nats will be especially cautious with Olsen considering he missed six weeks with a sore shoulder earlier this season. We'll find out after tonight's game if Olsen is just being pushed back to Monday or if the injury will cost him a start or two. Right-hander Craig Stammen gets the nod for Friday's game agains the Cubs. The Saturday...

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Take two: Nats enter second half

Washington again has worst record at break The second half of the Major League Baseball season began Thursday night with 12 teams in the Nationals League and another 10 in the American League still harboring realistic playoff hopes. That list, of course, does not include the Nationals. Again sporting baseball's worst record at 26-61, Washington had a different set of goals as it opened the second half last night at Nationals Park with a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs. And those internal expectations "are not predicated on wins and losses," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said Monday just minutes after announcing the firing of former manager Manny Acta....

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One Nats player makes top 50 minor leaguers

To find any ray of light during a painful season, the Nationals often look toward their farm system. But fans hoping for a slew of top prospects to ascend to Nationals Park soon may be disappointed. Baseball America’s midseason ranking of the game’s top 50 minor leaguers yielded just one Washington player: Derek Norris, a 20-year-old catcher who has dominated the low-A South Atlantic League with Hagerstown — 75 miles and four levels away from the District. Norris leads the league in homers (21), OPS (1.008) and RBI (66). But his defense, according to scouts, is still a work-in-progress. No matter. His bat is so advanced the Nats are expected to promote Norris to high-A...

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Young pitchers, same old Nats

Seven starters have combined ERA of 4.95 On the surface the plan seemed reasonable enough. The Nationals entered the season with three young pitchers in the starting rotation and added Scott Olsen, 25, via trade and Daniel Cabrera, 27, through free agency to stabilize that group. The pair had made a combined 247 major-league starts prior to this season compared to 43 for everyone else. But for this club, at least, things always seem to fall apart. Cabrera was terrible, making just nine starts before acting general manager Mike Rizzo became "tired of watching him." He was cut on May 27. Olsen, meanwhile, was even worse in his first eight starts as he fought shoulder fatigue....

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No jackpot for Wiz in Vegas

NBA Summer League games are a bit like the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason game: essentially irrelevant to what happens during the regular season, but so full of interesting statistics and plays that they’re impossible not to analyze. With that in mind, here is our ranking of the performances by the Washington Wizards’ five current players on the roster after two games, from best to worst. 1. Nick Young He might have fizzled in the second half of Washington’s second game in Las Vegas — a 77-70 loss to Denver — finishing with 17 points, less than half of his 36 points on 13-for-19 shooting against Cleveland the night before. It’s hard to fault the...

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Pedro Phils pitching hole

It's either an act of desperation or pure genius -- take your pick. But the defending world champion Phillies needed to patch a hole in their starting rotation. And Pedro Martinez fit the bill. The 37-year-old signed a $1 million, incentive-laden contract this week. But what does he have left after two injury-plagued seasons with the New York Mets? We'll find out in a few weeks when Martinez returns from a stint on the disabled list. Philadelphia entered the second half with a four-game lead in the National League East, but has used nine different starting pitchers this season and Brett Myers and Antonio Bastardo are both on the disabled list. But buyer beware. For four years in a row,...

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Capitals snubbed from the NHL's annual Winter Classic

The Capitals were shut out of the NHL's annual Winter Classic because NBC reportedly didn't like the ratings the team drew in its first-round series against the New York Rangers in April. Instead, the Philadelphia Flyers will play the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park on New Year's Day. Well, at least the Caps are still a big draw in Canada. Sources in Montreal have told The Examiner's Jim Williams that Washington will indeed play the Canadiens at Olympic Stadium on Nov. 28. The game itself is confirmed on the official NHL schedule released Wednesday. Sources tell Williams that while logistical details are still being worked out, the NHL has given its approval to hold the game in the big...

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Caps sign restricted free agents

The Capitals came to contract agreements with defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, 26, and forward Eric Fehr, 23, on Wednesday. Both players were restricted free agents - meaning they were still Caps property, but could have signed an offer sheet with another NHL club. Both players had previously declined an arbitration hearing and instead accepted one-year qualifying offers from the team. Forward Boyd Gordon, another restricted free agent, signed his qualifying offer earlier in the week. Defenseman Milan Jurcina is the only RFA to take the Caps to arbitration. His hearing is July 28th, although he can always sign a negotiated deal with the club before then. Minor leaguers Chris Bourque, Kyle...

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Capitals 2009-10 schedule released

About 30 minutes ago, the NHL released it's 2009-10 schedule. No better time for that than the official slowest sports day of the year. There are plenty of highlights for the Capitals, who open on the road against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 1st. That matches the two best teams in the Eastern Conference last year - at least during the regular season. The NHL will again take an extended break so its star players can participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. That lasts from Feb. 14th to March 2nd. The Caps host the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins twice at Verizon Center, including an afternoon game on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 7th). They also host the runner-up Detroit...

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Prospect Carlson ready for Capitals

He is still just 19 years old, a teenager who in the last 12 months was selected in the first round of the NHL draft, participated in an NHL training camp, played a full season of junior hockey in Canada and then spent a grueling first six weeks as a professional helping his team win an AHL championship. But Capitals prospect John Carlson is ready for more. The 6-foot-2, 218-pound defenseman will go into training camp in September hopeful of cracking the final 23-man roster with Washington. Even if he doesn't, the organization believes it has a potential star on its hands -- one who at the very least should make his NHL debut next season. "I definitely have a lot of work to do. But...

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De-Acta-vated

Nats ax Manny on first day of All-Star break Manny Acta walked to the back of the Washington Nationals’ team plane late Sunday night for an informal chat with some of his players. He wanted them to know that he still believed in them — even as the losses continued to pile up during another miserable road trip. Maybe the playoffs were far out of reach. Maybe a winning season was a pipe dream. But Acta’s message was clear: Take the All-Star break to recharge and come back ready to play when the schedule resumes Thursday. It was vintage Acta — the kind of optimistic pep talk Nats players have come to expect from a man who never lost his cool in public, but still...

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Nats losing not slapped with interim tag

There is a culture of losing that surrounds Nationals Park. Some would argue it has hung around the franchise like a black cloud since its days as the Montreal Expos, who were left destitute under Major League Baseball ownership and finally shipped to the District in 2005. The manager has just been fired. Manny Acta’s replacement, Jim Riggleman, has been pinned with the interim tag. The team’s general manager, Mike Rizzo, has been listed as “acting” GM since taking over for Jim Bowden in March. That leaves the entire front office structure built on a house of cards — a scenario that leaves even unflappable team president Stan Kasten ill at...

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MLB All-Star Game competitive again?

For years, baseball players in the American League and National League treated the All-Star Game as a quasi-playoff game. There was nothing on the line other than bragging rights. But for the old-timers that was more than enough. Now, with free agency sending players back and forth to both leagues like a pinball, that animosity has faded. The game is still a spectacle. But its outcome became such a non-issue that Major League Baseball actually added home-field advantage in the World Series as a perk for the winning team. “You can make it for the World Series. You can make it for anything you want to,” said ESPN baseball analyst Joe Morgan. “But the players will always...

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Rockville-native Riggleman takes over as skipper

Jim Riggleman has been here before. It was just a year ago that the bench coach for the Seattle Mariners suddenly found himself back in charge of a major-league club when John McLaren was fired. Riggleman took over for the rest of the season, but Seattle finished with baseball’s second-worst record and he was not retained. One year later, the Rockville, Md.-native is back in the saddle again — this time with baseball’s worst team — as the Nationals promoted him to interim manager after firing Manny Acta early Monday morning. Riggleman doesn’t lack experience. The 56-year-old has a 552-652 career record after three years with the San Diego Padres, another...

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Volunteerism trumps flip-flops at White House

The latest controversy for a championship-winning team’s visit to the White House wasn’t over someone wearing flip-flops. Instead, the 2008 MLS Cup-winning Columbus Crew’s chance to meet President Obama on Monday was combined with a community service project in support of the First Family’s “United We Serve” volunteering initiative. “My problem with it was that they said you can come under this stipulation, that you can come if you do this volunteer work,” Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer told the Columbus Dispatch. “We do that volunteer work anyway.” The team’s annual cleanup around Crew Stadium took place last...

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More reaction on Manny Acta firing from Nationals Park

It may be the All-Star break, but it was yet another wild day at Nationals Park on Monday. For a club as bad as this one, it sure knows how to make news. Plenty of good stuff on Manny Acta’s departure and Maryland native Jim Riggleman’s promotion in the print edition Tuesday morning, including reaction from players. But there were some extras that didn’t make the cut for the hard copy. One item was a lengthy open letter to the fans from the team's owners, the Lerner family, that was refreshingly honest. Some excerpts… TO: Fans of the Washington Nationals No one is more dissatisfied in the first half of the 2009 Washington Nationals season than we are. Like...

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Nationals fire manager Acta

The Nationals have fired manager Manny Acta, multiple baseball sources confirmed in the early-morning hours on Monday. The move, first reported by television network ESPN Deportes, was made after a 5-0 loss at Houston. Acta, 40, was halfway through his third season managing the club when the move was made. Washington enter Major League Baseball's All-Star break with a 26-61 record - worst in the big leagues. Acta's record during his tenure with the Nats was 158-252. His team had just completed a 1-6 road trip - not including a win against Houston on Thursday that was the conclusion of a suspended game (rain) originally started in the District in May. The front office had been close to...

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Top 10 Memorable Home Run Derbies

NFL training camp is a few weeks away. The NHL and NBA are taking summer siestas. So on Monday, Major League Baseball throws itself a pre-All-Star Game party with the annual Home Run Derby. Here are the 24-year-old events' best: 10. 1992 » Jack Murphy Stadium One year after Cal Ripken Jr.'s record-setting performance, Oakland's Mark McGwire tied the Iron Man's record with a dozen homers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. Big Mac had all of two homers combined in his previous two attempts. 9. 1985 » Metrodome Cincinnati's Dave Parker was the winner in the inaugural Home Run Derby at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. But things were different back then. There was just one...

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Capitals sign center Morrison

The Capitals signed veteran center Brendan Morrison to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million on Friday afternoon. It’s an interesting move for a club looking for a second-line center after Sergei Fedorov decided to finish his career back home in his native Russia. Morrison, 33, is an 11-year NHL veteran. A durable player for the Vancouver Canucks, where he put together a streak of 542 games played in a row, the 5-foot-11, 181-pounder has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Morrison underwent right knee surgery in April of 2008 to repair a torn ACL. He has also undergone procedures on his hip and wrist as well as for a sports hernia. “Everything kind of came at...

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Tough division to get tougher?

The American League East is widely considered the best division in Major League Baseball. It's been that way for a while now. But while the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays battle for supremacy this season, is it possible the division will get even better in 2010 and 2011? While the Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are headed toward losing seasons -- in Baltimore's case No. 11 in a row -- there are reasons for each club to hope. The Orioles have four quality 25-and-under position players already contributing -- outfielders Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Nolan Reimold and catcher Matt Wieters -- with a batch of top pitching prospects at Triple-A Norfolk and Double-A Bowie. Baseball America on...

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Adu may be saying adieu to U.S. team

There wasn't joy in every U.S. national team homecoming at RFK Stadium on Wednesday. While D.C. United midfielder Santino Quaranta's inspirational tale took another leap forward, Potomac prodigy Freddy Adu's often over-hyped career suffered another setback. Despite scoring a goal against modest Grenada four days earlier, Adu delivered a mediocre 64 minutes as a starter against better-skilled Honduras. When the 20-year-old wasn't repeatedly muscled off the ball, he was often indecisive or simply not quick enough to generate the offensive wizardry that led D.C. United to sign him at age 14. U.S. coach Bob Bradley also announced afterward that Adu was leaving the team to rejoin his...

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Capitals top prospects take the ice

Ready for a little hockey in the middle of July? The Caps host their annual development camp starting Sunday at Kettler Iceplex in Arlington. The organization's top prospects and recent draft picks gather for a week of practices and scrimmages, hoping to make an impression on the coaching staff before training camp starts in September. Look out for defenseman John Carlson. The 19-year-old was the 27th overall pick in 2008, but had a dynamite year in juniors with the London Knights (16 G, 60 A) and when that season ended he appeared in 16 playoff games with AHL Hershey. Playing one step below the NHL, Carlson saw serious ice time for the Bears, who won the Calder Cup. With three Caps...

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A recovery to the top

Santino Quaranta has played a season and a half since deciding to make the long journey back from the depths of addiction, and D.C. United fans are well acquainted with what sobriety has brought him: career-highs in games started (23), played (27), assists (6) and matching his career high in goals scored (5) -- through just 13 games in 2009. But those who have felt the pain of addiction among loved ones know best that what is lost in addiction is often replaced by doubt in recovery, and how that doubt is often only eliminated by first-hand evidence. Once Quaranta takes the RFK Stadium field on Wednesday for the U.S. national team against Honduras in the CONCACAF Gold Cup -- and he...

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Cheap options to fill Wiz holes

Now that the whirlwind first week of NBA free agency has passed, the Wizards can get into the mix for a lower-priced big man. There isn't a ton of cash left for a team that is already over the luxury tax -- meaning any new contract must be matched dollar-for-dollar, turning the Wizard's $1.99 million biannual exception into an almost $4 million payout. They also have the $5.6 million mid-level exception to use, if needed. Some remaining free-agent candidates at center or power forward: Rasho Nesterovic » Familiar with new coach Flip Saunders, who had him for five years in Minnesota. A 7-footer who can bang with opposing centers. Would have to take a pay cut from last year's $8.4...

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The King of uncertainty in Cleveland

The recent back-and-forth exchange between sources close to LeBron James and forward Trevor Ariza shines light on one clear fact: James' status as an unrestricted free agent after next season is killing the Cavaliers' attempts to bring in quality free agents. Fans in Cleveland are desperate to know what James will do. But so are other players, who don't want to sign a contract and then be left behind by James next summer. According to reports, Ariza claims that James told him he was staying with the Cavs during a recruiting pitch last week. And while sources told ESPN on Tuesday that never happened, perception is reality. Ariza still didn't believe James and signed with Houston, as...

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Nice story, not All-Star worthy

No, the fate of the free world doesn't depend on which players make the final rosters for Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis. But it would still be nice if the decisions were made with some sort of consistent logic. Instead -- with fans, players and managers all having some say in who represents the American League and National League teams -- there is always a list of head-scratching choices. This year's questionable decisions: Josh Hamilton as a starter? The Texas slugger was a great story at last year's Home Run Derby in New York and fans have a right to pick players they want to see. But it's still hard to accept Hamilton as an All-Star when he's played in just 35...

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AT&T National's perfect storm

Anthony Kim was an appealing winner of the AT&T National in 2008. But where television ratings are concerned, he was no match for tournament host Tiger Woods, who drew three times as many viewers Sunday as Kim's victory pulled last year. According to CBS, Sunday's broadcast drew a 4.6 rating and an 11 share, up from a 1.5 rating and a 3 share last year. It was the highest rating for a non-major on CBS since the Buick Invitational in January, 2008, also won by Woods. The tournament was an overwhelming success in person as well -- all four days drew record crowds. From Tuesday-Sunday, 194,073, came to Congressional, an increase from 107,120 last year when Woods missed the tournament...

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Don't expect Ovechkin to back down

Capitals star left wing Alex Ovechkin is Russian to the core. The two-time Hart Trophy winner said time and again last season that playing in the Winter Olympics in his home country in 2014 is a "dream" and that he would be bitterly disappointed if the NHL tries to prevent its players from participating. Ovechkin is backing up his words. He was named Monday an "official ambassador" to the 2014 games in Sochi, the Black Sea resort town that will host the Olympics when Ovechkin is still just 28. But will he even have the chance? NHL owners and general managers were not happy with the way injuries were reported back to them during the Turin Olympics in 2006 and tabled...

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Nats' Zimmerman tabbed as National League reserve for All-Star game

Ryan Zimmerman had no real plans for Major League Baseball's All-Star break next week. His hometown of Virginia Beach is just a short car ride away, after all. But while Zimmerman will still catch up with friends and family, that reunion will instead happen at the All-Star game itself in St. Louis The Nationals' third baseman was named to a reserve spot on the National League roster for the July 14th All-Star game. It will be the first appearance for the 24-year-old, who earlier this season signed a five-year, $45 million contract extension with the Nats. "The fans mean everything to this game," said Zimmerman. "But to get voted in [as a reserve] by the people you play...

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Caps gain free-agent banger in Knuble

The Capitals know what they have been missing over playoff runs each of the last two springs. General manager George McPhee needed to find someone willing to crash the net and take the abuse from opposing defensemen that goes with it. A consistent, reliable presence up front could do wonders for a team that sees itself ready to take the final steps towards winning a Stanley Cup. Enter forward Mike Knuble, who played the last four seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers and was available as a free agent when the NHL signing period began on Wednesday afternoon. The Caps quickly snapped up the rugged 36-year-old, who signed a two-year, $5.8 million contract. “I’m happy with the...

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Yao-uch! That hurts Rockets

Houston's ascension » The Rockets, with a healthy Yao Ming, would have been a serious contender in the Western Conference next year. But Ming isn't healthy. And now comes a report that he might miss all of next season because of a broken left foot. Has an NBA franchise ever dealt with as many injuries as the Rockets? Oh, that's right. Forgot for a minute what town we lived in. Brandon Jennings connections » Jennings, had a phone conversation with rapper Joe Budden that made its way onto YouTube, probably without Jennings' knowledge. Regardless, the conversation was loaded with f-bombs and the N word. At one point Jennings says, "[Bleep] the Knicks" for passing on...

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Bryant having some troubles in La La land

Apparently it wasn't just Shaq that Kobe Bryant did not want to share the spotlight with in Los Angeles. Turns out he's not a big fan of the mayor, either. According to the Los Angeles Wave newspaper, the parade for the Lakers two weeks ago was held up because of a diva-esque battle between Bryant and Los Angeles's media-hungry mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (better known for dating hot TV anchors in the city). The parade was delayed an hour because Bryant reportedly did not want the mayor on the same bus as him, loudly saying that he did not like him and that, "I'm not going to let him pimp my popularity!" Bryant eventually got on the bus, but the mayor -- with the help of some...

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Nats release travel advisory for Tuesday's game

Just got this in the e-mail box. In the wake of yesterday's tragedy, the Nats are advising extra travel time for tonight's game vs. the BoSox. Apparently, there are some tickets still available — including some SRO in case of a sellout. *************************** The Washington Nationals express their deepest sympathies to those affected by yesterday’s Metrorail tragedy on the Red Line. A moment of silence will take place before this evening’s game vs. the Boston Red Sox in honor of the victims. Metro has advised all customers to plan for extra travel time both on metro and the roads due to yesterday’s accident. All Nationals fans attending tonight’s...

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Striking out: Ted Lerner and the Nationals

It was not supposed to be this way. When Major League Baseball awarded ownership of the Washington Nationals to Theodore Lerner and his family on May 3, 2006, the team’s prospects never looked brighter. Finally under local control after years of neglect in Montreal and during its first season in the District, the franchise promised to really take off in 2008, when a brand-new stadium would be built on the banks of the Anacostia River. The minor-league system would soon be stocked with homegrown talent, and when the club was ready to win, it could go after select free-agent stars. Last month, Ted Lerner and his family marked their three-year anniversary as stewards of Washington...

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Amid the Nationals’ many losses, a Cinderella season in 2005

No city knows losing baseball like Washington. The original incarnation of the Senators — the team current owner Ted Lerner grew up loving as a child — last won an American League pennant for the city in 1933 and didn’t collect another one until after moving to Minneapolis in the 1960 offseason. The 1961 expansion Senators posted one winning season in 11 years before hightailing it to Texas in the fall of 1971. The modern-day Nationals haven’t fared any better, with 71, 73 and 59 wins over the last three years — and a pace far worse than that this season. But for one brief, shining moment in 2005, the city that never wins caught baseball fever. That season...

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Rays 5, Nats 4 » Report Card

Most Valuable Player It’s unlikely that the Nats entered this series worried about Gabe Kapler killing them. So he did, of course. Kapler hit the key HR Friday in Rays’ win. He hit a two-run HR in sixth Sunday to tie the game at 4. Also had an RBI single. All-Star Performance Rays’ bullpen, including Randy Choate, pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings. With a man on first in the seventh, he induced a ground out by Nick Johnson, walked Ryan Zimmerman on purpose and then fanned Adam Dunn to foil Nats’ last best chance. Overlooked Alberto Gonzalez provided the offense early for Washington. Batted 2-for-4 with three RBI. Gonzalez had an RBI single in the second inning...

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Dotted line is bottom line

Picking a No. 1 is easier than getting him signed Tuesday night will be the easy part. No team sits in front of the Nationals at the start of Major League Baseball's annual First-Year Player Draft. The No. 1 overall pick was their "reward" for finishing with baseball's worst record last season. A few minutes after 6 p.m., the Nats are expected to announce they have selected San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg. A phenom some scouts claim is the best college pitcher in a generation -- a player capable of stepping into a big-league rotation right now -- will be theirs. Well, not really. Because picking Strasburg is one thing. It is actually signing the 6-foot-4...

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Talent will top cost at No. 10

After Crow debacle, Nationals know they must sign second pick The Nationals’ No. 1 pick will get most of the attention on Tuesday night at Major League Baseball’s draft. But it is actually the No. 10 pick that could say the most about the franchise’s direction. Because the Nats failed to sign last June’s first-round pick — pitcher Aaron Crow — by the Aug. 15th deadline, they earned that 10th pick this year as compensation. If Washington does pick San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg No. 1 overall, it knows a healthy chunk of the draft budget is headed his way. The question: Are the Nats really willing to take the best player available at No. 10...

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Nats will honor the draft board

By the time Tuesday’s Major League Baseball draft begins, the Nationals’ front office will have ranked 800 amateur players on their draft board. By Thursday night, they will have selected about 50 of those players. But running a draft room is a complicated, unwieldy process. That task falls to Nats’ director of scouting Dana Brown, who must manage the thoughts and opinions of everyone from acting general manager Mike Rizzo to the scouts, whose direct input helped shape the draft board. Because Washington failed to sign 2008 first-round pick Aaron Crow, it actually has two picks in the top 10 — the first time since the draft started in 1965 that has...

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Nats fall back to earth

After Saturday victory, Washington shut out All that went perfectly on Saturday night reverted to form for the Nationals. That’s the way things generally work for a last-place club. A nice night is almost always followed by a hangover. So it was on Sunday afternoon against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Starter Craig Stammen labored through a rough first inning — the worst he’s experienced since making his big-league debut on May 21. The Nats were then baffled by the ageless Livan Hernandez, whose assortment of slow fastballs and slower breaking balls kept them off balance all day in a 7-0 loss. New York (30-25) took two of three to win the series. Washington...

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Lannan goes distance against Mets and wins, 7-1

It was the kind of game the Nationals had been waiting for all season. A big Saturday-night crowd. Perfect weather. And the best pitching performance of left-hander John Lannan’s young career. Add in three home runs and a 7-1 win over the National League East rival New York Mets and this one needs to put in a glass case somewhere — the better to remember if there are more trying days ahead this summer. But for one night at least the Nats (15-39) could bask in an economical night from Lannan, their erstwhile Opening Day starter and ace, but really a 24-year-old still trying to find consistency at the major-league level. He went all nine innings, pitching the first...

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In the end, the bullpen strikes again as Nats fall to Mets, 3-1, in 10

The circus finally departed Nationals Park. Left in the wake of Randy Johnson’s 300th win was the quiet development plan that’s been ongoing all season. Despite a two-day respite as Johnson’s monumental achievement took center stage, the process is still as painful to watch as ever. The Nationals gave themselves a chance to earn a rare win against a National League East rival on Friday night. And yet for the 26th time this season against a division opponent they fell short. New York Mets star third baseman David Wright smacked a two-run double in the top of the 10th inning off reliever Joel Hanrahan to send the Washington to a 3-1 loss on another rain-soaked night in...

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Big win for the Big Unit

Giants’ Johnson gets 300th career victory It did not matter that the climactic win came 3,000 miles from home. It did not matter that it came on a rainy weekday afternoon against a last-place team in an empty stadium. History can still be made in such places. And Randy Johnson was ready for it on Thursday against the Nationals. The San Francisco Giants’ 45-year-old lefthander put an exclamation point on his brilliant 22-year career, pitching six solid innings in a 5-1 San Francisco victory to earn his 300th win. Nats notes Game 2: Giants 4, Nats 1 » San Francisco also won the second game of the doubleheader, 4-1. That contest was halted in the top of the sixth inning...

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Johnson makes bid for 300

Giants lefty will try to make history tonight It is a milestone 22 years in the making. But San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Johnson has been around far too long to talk about something that hasn't yet happened. Tonight at Nationals Park, the 45-year-old future Hall-of-Famer will go for career win No. 300 when the Giants face the Nationals. It is a feat only 23 pitchers in the sport's long history (and just four since 1970) have reached. That's enough to leave any player jittery and Johnson wasn't talking before Tuesday night's series opener against Washington, one day before his first attempt at history. "I'm not going to talk about this stuff. OK, I got to go," Johnson...

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Nats' St. Claire fired; Flores could miss rest of season

Pitching coach was only holdover from Acta's 2008 staff Any time a team starts the season 13-36 changes are expected. The Nationals made another one on Tuesday, firing longtime pitching coach Randy St. Claire. The 48-year-old was informed of the move during Monday’s off day. St. Claire had been with the organization since 2003 and was the only member of manager Manny Acta’s coaching staff to return from last season. But Washington’s pitching staff has struggled, sporting a major-league worst 5.69 ERA entering last night’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The rotation consists of four rookies and the bullpen (5.80 ERA) has been especially...

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Nats already swooning going into June

A miserable 2008 is repeating itself at Nationals Park, and just two months into this season that ominous number 100 is looming again. One year after finishing with Major League Baseball's worst record at 59-102, the Nationals again find themselves in the basement as the calendar flips to June. They have lost six games in a row, 18 of their last 21 and are now 5 1/2 games behind the 29th-best team in the sport with the job security of manager Manny Acta in question. Under that dark cloud, Washington opens a nine-game homestand tonight against the San Francisco Giants. But a day off on Monday wasn't exactly the solution Acta was looking for. "We just had a day off a couple of days...

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Fearless Forecast

WHAT TO WATCH PGA » The Memorial, Thursday-Sunday After skipping the Texas Three Step, Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour this week for Jack Nicklaus' annual event in Dublin, Ohio. Woods took the Memorial three straight years (1999-2001), but hasn't won since. He'll be challenged by defending champion Kenny Perry, also a three-time winner. NHL » Penguins at Red Wings, Sunday, 8 p.m., NBC HD Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals -- a rematch between last year's finalists -- will take place on network television in prime time. And that's a good thing because then the series disappears back to VERSUS for Games 3 and 4. NBC would broadcast the final three games. MLB »...

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Nats find more tough luck against O's, 2-1

It was the highlight of another disappointing night for the Nationals. Nats notes » Nats SS Cristian Guzman tied the game in the bottom of the fifth by ripping a Brian Bass pitch into the Nats’ bullpen in right. It was his 400th career RBI. » Washington 3B Ryan Zimmerman extended his consecutive on-base streak to 41 games with a first-inning single. » Baltimore starter Koji Uehara left the game after the third inning with tightness in his hamstring. » Nats pitchers Ross Detwiler and Shairon Martis shared a laugh after the game discussing the spectacular first-inning catch by centerfielder Justin Maxwell. Martis was on the mound in 2007 for Single-A...

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Dunn slams door on Nats' win, 8-5

They spent far too many nights in 2008 watching a punchless lineup that gave them little chance to win. So when the Nationals signed free-agent outfielder Adam Dunn to a two-year, $20 million contract in February, it was with days exactly like this one in mind. Nats notes » Nats 1B Nick Johnson was a late scratch because of a stomach ailment. Adam Dunn moved to 1B and Josh Willingham to LF. Austin Kearns took RF and SS Cristian Guzman batted in Johnson’s customary No. 2 spot in the order. » 3B Ryan Zimmerman has now reached base in 42 consecutive games. He tied Tim Raines’ single-season franchise record and is four shy of the overall mark set by Rusty Staub in...

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O's need a dozen innings to top Nats, 4-2

It is a group that bounces between two extremes — just plain bad and strikingly unlucky. Up next » Orioles @ Nationals When » Saturday, 7:05 Where » Nationals Park TV/Radio » MASN(HD)/1500 AM/XM Nats notes » The all-time National League record for most consecutive games reaching base is 60 – using records dating back before 1920. That was set by George Van Haltren of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1893. » Three players posted consecutive on-base streaks of 40 games or more last season – Kevin Youkilis (44), Albert Pujols (42) and Chipper Jones (41). » The Nats have still won seven of the last 11 meetings with the Orioles. After...

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Nats' late rally ends seven-game losing skid, top Bucs, 5-4

For weeks, the Nationals have endured one dispiriting loss after another as their own bullpen gave away leads both big and small. Thursday night at Nationals Park, the meltdown happened to somebody else for a change. Up next » Orioles @ Nats When » Friday, 7:05 Where » Nationals Park TV/Radio » MASN (HD)/1500 AM/XM Nats notes » Nats 2B Anderson Hernandez left the game after his fourth-inning ground out with a sprained little finger on his right hand. X-rays returned negative and he is listed as day-to-day. Manager Manny Acta said Hernandez felt the finger become “dislocated” while taking off his batting glove after grounding out. » Ryan...

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Wild pitch in ninth sinks Nats, 2-1

It seemed about as likely to happen as a solar eclipse at this point. But fans were treated to a rare sight at Nationals Park on Wednesday night — an honest-to-goodness pitchers' duel. Up next » Pirates @ Nationals When » Thursday, 7:05 Where » Nationals Park TV/Radio » MASN2/1500 AM/XM Nats notes » Washington option righthanded relief pitcher Garrett Mock to Triple-A Syracuse after the game. He will be replaced by righthander Craig Stammen, who comes up from Syracuse to make his major-league debut as the starter on Thursday night in the series finale against Pittsburgh. » Stammen, 25, has come on this season with a 1.80 ERA in seven starts....

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Nationals fall to Pirates

Detwiler solid in debut but ’pen awful in loss He was the sixth overall pick by the Nationals in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, a key prospect for a club determined to develop its star players through the farm system. So far, the results have been mixed — for Washington’s minor-league system overall and for starting pitcher Ross Detwiler in particular. The 23-year-old left-hander made his first big-league start at Nationals Park on Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Detwiler worked five innings in his debut, allowing four hits, two earned runs and walking none in a game the Nats eventually lost, 12-7. The top choice in a 2007 Washington draft class...

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Nationals-Pirates report card

Most Valuable Player Pirates SS Jack Wilson hurt the Nats with his bat and glove. Finished 4-for-4 with two-run double in sixth and a triple in eighth. Also made sick pickup and throw to get Ryan Zimmerman out on a grounder deep in the hole at short in the fourth. All-Star Performance Ryan Zimmerman did his part during five-run fifth. Drove line drive home run off Pirates RHP Ross Ohlendorf into the red seats in center. Zimmerman was 2-for-5 and now has reached base in 36 straight games and 37 of 38 this season. Overlooked It wasn’t just that LHP Ross Detwiler made good showing in his MLB debut. It was that 2007 first-round draft pick continued to limit control issues. He hit a...

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Bitter taste will linger

Capitals will have to wait until next season to make a deep championship run The sting will last for months. The Capitals know this from experience now. Their bodies need the rest after two exhausting Stanley Cup playoff series. But as the bumps and bruises -- and in some cases injuries far more serious -- heal over the next few weeks, it is the slow passage of time that will frustrate them the most. As the Caps recuperate in places as disparate as Moscow and Regina, Saskatchewan, Gavle, Sweden and Bedford, Mass. they will catch up with friends and family back home. They will travel. Soon enough they will begin to train again for next season. But it can be an agonizing wait until...

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Capitals players to watch

Three young defenseman will be RFAs this summer. All should receive qualifying offers from Caps. Otherwise, Shaone Morrisonn, Jeff Schultz and Milan Jurcina are free agents. If given qualifying offers, the players can accept it, negotiate a better deal, sign an offer sheet with another team — which Caps could match — or choose arbitration. Likely, all three will be back for camp. Whether they make the team is the real question. Forwards Eric Fehr and Boyd Gordon are in the same boat. Chris Bourque The final cut at training camp last October went to AHL Hershey and had an excellent year (21 goals, 52 assists). Is the 5-foot-8 Bourque ready to break through and win a roster...

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Capitals Unrestricted Free Agents

Sergei Fedorov The 39-year-old has given the Caps everything they wanted since acquiring him at the trade deadline in 2008. And while he noticeably slowed this season, Fedorov is a winner. He proved that once more with his goal late in Game 7 against New York Rangers to lift Washington to its first postseason series win since 1998. But it seems unlikely the Caps can bring Fedorov back for another year at $4 million. He may retire. Viktor Kozlov Has always taken heat from fans who think his size, and skill should translate to more than 50 points a season. But the 34-year-old works well with Alex Ovechkin and Nick Backstrom on the top line and the Caps really don't need more than...

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Capital Catastrophe

Washington crushed, 6-2, by Penguins in Game 7 It was a classic series, the kind hockey fans will talk about for years. The games were thrilling, the stars always at their best. It was deserving of a dramatic finish. But this isn’t the movies, as Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin said earlier in the day. In sports those dramatic endings are never guaranteed. So it was on Wednesday night at Verizon Center when one team finally cracked in Game 7 of this chaotic Eastern Conference semifinal series../p> Related stories » Varlamov's magic runs out in Game 7 » New year, same result vs. Pens Report card First Star Star F Sidney Crosby popped home rebound of Sergei...

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Another Game 7 for Caps

Team going the distance for third-straight series The sound rang out across Mellon Arena. When Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi blasted a shot off the crossbar of the goal during overtime of Game 6 on Monday night, the Capitals came within a half-inch of their season ending. Defenseman Mike Green never saw the puck. He simply heard the sound it made as it whizzed past his head and off the metal pipe. Forward Brooks Laich let out an sharp breath on the bench. Coach Bruce Boudreau wondered why there was no penalty called on Penguins forward Chris Kunitz for goalie interference. Someone on the bench finally yelled "That's the break we need." They were proven right a...

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Green in need of new sticks

Caps defenseman Mike Green has been without his trusty Easton Stealth hockey sticks since Game 1 of the Pittsburgh series -- the ones that helped him score 31 goals this season. Instead, with his particular mold no longer produced by the company and his entire batch broken, he has struggled to adjust to a new model, the S17. But after making his plight known Monday, Green was inundated with offers from fans, friends of friends and even a reporter to ship him their own Stealths. "They're coming out of everywhere," Green said Monday. It remains to be seen if any are up to his standards -- a tweaked version of the Stealth endorsed by Colorado Avalanche star Joe Sakic. If not,...

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Comeback Caps force Game 7

Steckel nets winner in OT PITTSBURGH - The comeback kids did it again. On the brink of elimination for the seventh time in two years, the Capitals responded the way they almost always have when faced with that daunting task. They found a way to survive. This time it was a 5-4 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night at Mellon Arena. Forward David Steckel scored the game-winner for Washington at 6 minutes, 22 seconds of the extra period. Rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov made that goal possible, meanwhile, playing well beyond his 21 years with 38 saves on 42 Pittsburgh shots. Game 6 Report Card Up next » Game 7 Penguins @ Capitals When » Wednesday,...

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Capitals-Penguins Report Card

First Star Game 6: Comeback Caps force Game 7 Caps coach Bruce Boudreau calls F David Steckel a player “you can win with.” He proved it again on Monday night, tipping home the game-winning goal in overtime — off a wrist shot by teammate Brooks Laich — to give the Caps 5-4 a win. Second Star Caps F Viktor Kozlov scored a critical goal early in the second period with his team trailing 1-0 and getting dominated. His shot from the slot on an Alex Ovechkin feed settled Washington. Later added the go-ahead goal at 6:07 of the third. Third Star Who else but Sidney Crosby would Pittsburgh turn to late in game down a goal? Scored at 15:42 of the third to tie game at...

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Caps face elimination game

Caps face elimination...

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Nothing new for Washington

Nothing new for...

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Ovi's heroics not enough as Caps fall in OT, 4-3

Penguins take a 3-2 series lead It was the toughest of breaks. Pittsburgh Penguins star center Evgeni Malkin drove hard towards the net and slid a pass across the front of the goal. Instead of reaching its intended target the puck deflected off the stick of diving Capitals defenseman Tom Poti and past stunned goalie Simeon Varlamov. The pair lay face down on the ice, inconsolable, as the jubilant Penguins stormed off their bench to celebrate another overtime win. Up next » Game 6 Capitals @ Penguins When » Monday, 7 Where » Mellon Arena TV » CSN(HD) Radio » 106.7 FM/XM » After winning the first two games of this Eastern Conference semifinal series,...

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Pens down Caps, 5-3, to even series

They came to Pittsburgh with a 2-0 series lead in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal, but also armed with the knowledge that things could turn fast against them. That’s exactly what happened to the Capitals in the Steel City. In two harrowing games played over three days before roaring sellout crowds the Penguins were clearly the superior team, including Friday night’s decisive 5-3 win in Game 4 at Mellon Arena. Up next » Penguins @ Capitals When » Saturday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV » CSN(HD) Radio » 106.7 FM/XM 204 Washington was again outshot — albeit by a more modest 28-22 this time. There were once more too many...

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Beagle adds some bite on fourth line

PITTSBURGH - An intriguing morning skate here at Mellon Arena. Forward Alexander Semin did not participate and there was no official word on if he is okay to play tonight — although, for what it’s worth, teammate Alex Ovechkin said Semin would be ready. One thing for sure – Jay Beagle has been recalled from Hershey and said that he will play right wing on the fourth line with Boyd Gordon and Tomas Fleischmann. Also, defenseman John Erskine participated in the skate, but came off early and labeled himself “questionable” for tonight. Tyler Sloan is still with the team. Karl Alzner is back with AHL Hershey. Meanwhile, Ovie briefly fielded questions on the...

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Caps don't like calls

Caps don't like...

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Capitals are facing forward shortage

Capitals are facing forward...

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Loose Pucks » Game 3 extras from Pittsburgh

Some postgame reaction after a disappointing 3-2 overtime loss for the Capitals in Game 3 at Mellon Arena on Wednesday night. » Virtually everyone we spoke with after the game was adamant that the seven penalties Washington took were the biggest difference in the game. Forward David Steckel has made some pointed comments in recent days about his team’s slow starts to games. That didn’t happen Wednesday – Alex Ovechkin’s fluke goal put the Caps up 1-0. But the difference this time was untimely penalties — and an inability to draw more than two themselves. “My take is that we need to stay out of the box,” Steckel said. “We didn’t...

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Caps drop OT thriller

Pens climb back into series with big Game 3 victory PITTSBURGH - It was a game they probably did not deserve to win anyway. But that did not make it any less painful. Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins ended the way overtime games usually do in the Stanley Cup playoffs. A draw. A shot. A deflection. A loss. Up next » Caps at Penguins When » Friday, 7 Where » Mellon Arena TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/106.7 FM/XM For more on the Caps, check out Brian McNally's blog Loose Pucks only on WashingtonExaminer.com. Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang scored off a faceoff win at 11 minutes, 23 seconds of overtime to...

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Loose Pucks » Pens' Kunitz not proud of hit on Varlamov

PITTSBURGH – You don’t often get this kind of candor from an NHL player in the middle of the playoffs. But Penguins winger Chris Kunitz all but apologized for his cross check to the jaw of Caps goalie Simeon Varlamov in the final seconds of Game 2 on Monday night. The hit went unnoticed by the referees — partly because it came in the middle of a wild scramble that eventually led to a Penguins goal by Sidney Crosby with 31 seconds left. Kunitz was fined an undisclosed amount by the NHL, but admitted he was lucky to dodge a suspension. “No. It looks bad on tape. It definitely does. It’s something that I’m definitely not proud of. You don’t want to...

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Loose Pucks » Mellon Arena feels like the Willard

PITTSBURGH — No better way to start The Examiner’s brand new hockey blog than with some pregame chatter before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Caps and Pittsburgh Penguins. Players and coaches were a little on edge Wednesday morning at Mellon Arena, where each team held its morning skate. With good reason, of course. Caps defenseman Mike Green called it “the pivotal game” of the series. Either the Caps bury the Pens tonight or give them life. It was a K Street kind of morning. With all the lobbying going on they could have held the media scrum for both teams at the Willard. The Penguins are still unhappy officials failed to call an...

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Cool under pressure

Cool under...

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Tip of the hat to Ovie, Crosby

Stars each get first playoff hat trick in Caps’ 4-3 win It turned into an epic game of “Can you top this?” The NHL’s two biggest stars spent two-and-a-half hours on Monday night willing their teams to victory in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series at Verizon Center. Caps notes » Caps coach Bruce Boudreau lost D John Erskine, day-to-day with a lower-body injury. In his place was D Tyler Sloan, who played 26 games for Caps earlier this season (1 G, 4 A). He saw 16:23 of ice time and recorded his first postseason point, an assist on David Steckel’s goal. » Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma has gone back and forth between F Miro Satan and...

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Caps look to take control

Washington aims to take 2-0 series lead tonight They will not have to fight from behind this time. After losing three of the first four games of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the New York Rangers, the Capitals got off to a strong start in the Eastern Conference semifinals with Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their rookie goalie, Simeon Varlamov, shook off a soft goal and made one of the most spectacular saves in the NHL all season. They received secondary scoring from forwards David Steckel and Tomas Fleischmann. And star left wing Alex Ovechkin made Pittsburgh pay for taking a pair of penalties late in the first period. Of course, it was...

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Caps edge Penguins in Game 1

Pittsburgh forward Sidney Crosby raised his arms in celebration. Capitals defenseman Mike Green started skating towards his bench, certain the Penguins star had just put his team ahead. But even in his short time in the NHL, Caps goalie Simeon Varlamov has shown the instincts of a veteran – not the 21-year-old rookie that he actually is. Flinging himself back into a play with 2 minutes, 3 seconds left in the second period, Varlamov had only his stick to try to block a shot from one of the world’s greatest players. Somehow, he did it. Caps notes » Washington F David Steckel recorded his first career playoff goal in the first period. » Caps F Tomas Fleischmann...

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Stealing the show?

Role players on each side could be key to the series The focus is on the biggest stars. That is the way it always is when a Stanley Cup playoff series is about to start. But while Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are three of the greatest hockey players in the world today, none of them can win this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal on their own. “If [Ovechkin] scores two goals and we lose the hockey game — but Crosby has zero — we don’t win and he doesn’t win,” said Caps forward Brooks Laich, one of those unheralded players who will have to produce if his team expects to advance....

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CAPITALS-PENGUINS SERIES PREVIEW

CAPITALS Late addition Simeon Varlamov spent the last month of the season as backup to Jose Theodore before taking over in Game 2 of the opening round against New York. The 21-year-old has posted absurd numbers (1.17 GAA, .952 save percentage), but must quickly adjust to one of the NHL’s best offenses. The vet There was talk Sergei Fedorov’s game was slipping. There were rumors retirement was imminent. But the 39-year-old showed he has plenty left in the tank with a game-winning wrister in Game 7 against the Rangers. He had 11 goals and 22 assists in 52 games. He also won 53 of 99 faceoffs in the first round. The agitator Matt Bradley produced some of the best hits of the...

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Caps win Game 7 thriller

Caps win Game 7...

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Caps force Game 7

NEW YORK - Here we go again. One year ago, the Capitals rallied from a 3-1 Stanley Cup playoff deficit and forced a decisive Game 7 at Verizon Center. That night ended in sudden heartbreak, an overtime goal leaving players strewn about the ice in dejection. Maybe a similar painful fate is in store for the Caps on Tuesday night. But after Sunday’s dominating 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden they could care less. Because at least now they have a chance. Tom Poti had a goal and three assists against his former team and was one of three different Washington defensemen to score in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. The Caps — as they...

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CAPITALS-RANGERS REPORT CARD

First Star D Tom Poti is still a reviled figure in New York dating to his three-and-a-half years as a Ranger. But has made Garden faithful pay for their jeers with two goals and four assists in series. Had a goal and three assists Sunday. Second Star Alex Ovechkin spent the final minutes of warm-ups practicing deflections with teammates Mike Green and Alexander Semin. The extra work paid off when he deflected home a point shot by Poti in the second to put the game away at 5-1. Third Star The Rangers aren’t good a man up. But at least give Caps some credit on penalty kill. David Steckel helped hold New York to 1-for-6 during their 5-on-4 PPs. He also added a pair of assists in the...

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CAPITALS NOTEBOOK » New York wants an investigation

Rangers GM asks league to look into security issues Plenty of subplots during Sunday’s 5-3 win in Game 6. The Rangers — upset about the suspension of coach John Tortorella — made public a letter the organization sent to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Rangers general manager Glen Sather requested the league investigate “gross negligence” on the part of the Capitals for the lack of security around the New York bench during Game 5 at Verizon Center. The Rangers believe that directly led to Tortorella throwing a water bottle at a fan. Sather claims New York personnel were spat upon and subjected to homophobic slurs. The Rangers also want a plan from Verizon...

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Caps crash Garden party

Season on the line again Sunday in New York It was a move only Alex Ovechkin could make. But even if most mortal hockey players can’t pull off the goal that Ovechkin scored with 29 seconds left in the second period of Friday’s Game 5 win over the New York Rangers, the play may have helped the Capitals expose a chink in the New York armor entering Game 6 on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. Where earlier in the series the Caps settled for perimeter shots — blocked more often than not by an aggressive Rangers defense — on Friday they attacked, taking wide angles and then driving at the man covering them, especially in one-on-one situations. Ovechkin...

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Game 5 » Caps heading back to Broadway, down Rangers, 4-0

There were almost too many heroes to count. Should the acclaim go to the fourth-line grinder who moved up a spot in the lineup and contributed two unlikely goals? Or how about the rookie goalie who continues to show poise beyond his years? And, as always, there is the superstar with the knack for the big moment, scoring goals that take your breath away. Forwards Matt Bradley and Alex Ovechkin and 20-year-old goalie Simeon Varlamov deserve all the praise heaped upon them after their clutch performances in Game 5 on Friday night. They each helped deliver the Caps to a 4-0 victory at Verizon Center and extended the season at least two more days. Up next » Game 6 Capitals at...

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Caps look to make a stand

Washington hosts Rangers in Game 5 Friday night The Capitals finished the regular season with a franchise-record 108 points. They won 50 games for just the second time in team history and two of their biggest stars will be up for the NHL’s most prestigious awards in June. Winning hockey even became the hottest sports ticket in the District as Verizon Center hosted a record 29 sellout crowds. And yet, despite all that success, everything could come to an end as soon as tonight when the Caps host the New York Rangers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. New York leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 so a loss means the season is over. That would be a bitter pill...

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Caps on brink of elimination

Washington drops Game 4, down 3-1 in playoff series NEW YORK – There is no place to turn now. The Capitals return home to the District on Friday just one game away from elimination — the exact situation they faced last spring in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Needing to bottle their brilliant performance from Game 3 against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden and replicate it on Wednesday night, the Caps just about did it. But it still wasn’t enough. Caps notes » New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist tied a playoff career-high with 38 saves. He also did it in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Buffalo on May 4, 2007. »...

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Varlamov to the rescue

Capitals go off the script with rookie netminder NEW YORK – They knew his name, of course. Simeon Varlamov is, after all, one of the Capitals’ top prospects. Some players vaguely recall seeing him during training camp and taking quick note of the organization’s likely goalie of the future. But as they gathered in Washington late last summer to prepare for the season, not a single one of those players envisioned the 20-year-old Russian as their postseason starter. The plan was for Varlamov, the team’s 2006 first-round draft pick, to get used to life in North America playing for the franchise’s American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey. But that plan went...

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Capitals climb back

Varlamov is dominant as Washington wins Game 3 NEW YORK – They smelled blood at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The wounded Capitals entered this venerable old arena trailing 2-0 to the New York Rangers in an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series they expected to win. And from the start no one in the howling sellout crowd would let Washington forget just how precarious its predicament was. There were ear-splitting chants of “Let’s Go Rangers.” The fans serenaded star goalie Henrik Lundqvist after every spectacular save — “Henrik!” — and banged their electric-blue thunder stix. But out of that cauldron of noise and emotion the...

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CAPITALS NOTEBOOK » Ovie is thrown out of Rangers’ skate

Maybe Caps F Alex Ovechkin was just antsy to get out on the ice for his team's morning skate at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Maybe he was trying to intimidate the New York Rangers as they prepared for Game 3. Maybe it was just Alex being Alex. Whatever the reason, Ovechkin sat on a bench as New York conducted its skate — breaking an NHL rule in the process. So the Rangers — through Caps PR guru Nate Ewell — asked him to leave until New York was done. It’s rare for opponents to skate at the same venue. But the Rangers are holed up at a Manhattan hotel and skating at the Garden instead of their suburban headquarters. “Because they're afraid of me,”...

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Nats, Zimmerman agree to new deal

Third baseman to stay in Washington through 2013 The first player ever drafted by the Washington Nationals franchise after moving to the District will be around another five years. The Nats and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman agreed on a five-year contract extension Sunday evening, according to multiple baseball sources, keeping the franchise’s cornerstone player with the team through the 2013 season. The two sides had been working on a deal throughout spring training. Zimmerman, however, repeatedly said early this season that he did not want negotiations dragging into the regular season. But the two sides — specifically agent Brodie Van Wagenen and team president Stan Kasten...

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NATIONALS-MARLINS REPORT CARD

Most Valuable Player Florida OF Cody Ross spent his weekend killing the Nats. Hit game-tying homer in ninth Friday. Sunday, he was 3-for-4 with 5 RBI, including a homer in the eighth and three-run double to break 4-4 tie in the ninth. All-Star Performance Nats OF Adam Dunn batted 2-for-2 with three walks, reaching base five times in all. He also scored a run on a Jesus Flores RBI single in the fifth. But the Nats left 12 runners on base in the 7-4 loss. Overlooked Nats RHP Daniel Cabrera posted a second straight acceptable start. He pitched five innings with three hits allowed and four walks. The Marlins scored just two runs off Cabrera, who pitched into the sixth and left after 92...

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New goalie, same result for Capitals

Varlamov solid in playoff debut, but Lundqvist earns shutout for New York, 1-0 Report card FIRST STAR Henrik Lundqvist showed why he carries the nickname “King,” turning away 35 shots. If the Rangers are going to finish off the Caps when the series shifts to Broadway, New York will need more of the same. SECOND STAR Simeon Varlamov has given the Capitals something they’ve been yearning for — a confident netminder facing the shots. The 20-year-old looked plenty stable in goal, denying 23 Rangers chances winning the duel, despite losing to Lundqvist. THIRD STAR Markus Naslund claimed one of the few outstanding offense plays of the day. Naslund broke out on a...

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Relaxed Caps seek rebound

Washington looks to even series Saturday vs. New York Tactics are important. Matchups are key. But so much of playoff hockey is mental and when a team falls behind early in a series the pressure always jumps. A certain level of toughness is needed to keep that stress from seeping into the next game. But an ability to relax helps, too. Caps notes » After a two-day wait, the Rangers and Caps continue their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at 1 p.m. Saturday at Verizon Center. » Caps D Jeff Schultz may have been benched anyway after a rough Game 1. But he will sit Saturday thanks to an undisclosed injury suffered in the third period on Wednesday. » Schultz was a...

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Will Caps bench Theodore?

Questions swirl around team’s goalie situation Capitals goalie Jose Theodore walked past the ice rink inside Kettler Iceplex on Thursday morning, the hood of his sweatshirt pulled tight over his head. If he looked like a man blocking out the world, that’s probably because he was. Few athletes face the scrutiny of a starting goalie on a hockey team with championship aspirations. But just 12 hours after a disappointing performance in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series vs. the New York Rangers, Theodore was back at work during an optional practice. He had a long talk with goaltending coach Dave Prior. He did a few technical drills and faced some...

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FINAL FOUR » UCONN

Analyzing the Huskies The Key Connecticut is where it’s supposed to be. The Huskies were ranked No. 2 in preseason polls by ESPN and The Associated Press. Spent four weeks at No. 1 and have not yet been tested in NCAAs. But Michigan State resembles Pitt, a tough team UConn lost to twice. The Troublemaker UConn can become too reliant on PG A.J. Price. That’s when freshman Kemba Walker is an X-factor. The reserve G tied a career-high with 23 points in just 25 minutes during Elite Eight game vs. Missouri. He is most effective in transition and vs. press. Why they’ll win it all There are no easy baskets against Connecticut. Hasheem Thabeet is the nation’s...

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Nationals Preview » Season at a crossroad

The 2009 season marks a pivotal turning point for the Nationals. Are they a team that will develop several young stars at once, select a pitching prodigy No. 1 overall in June’s draft and put together a decent season? Or will this group implode under the weight of a young pitching staff, fire its manager and botch its once-in-a-generation draft pick? Take one direction and the Nats become a franchise on the rise with the financial power to both develop and keep star players. Go in the other and they will play in a half-empty stadium, joining the bottom feeders of the sport. No pressure, though. Starting Pitching Not that they had much choice, but the Nats went with youth in the...

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Fans will see some upgrades to Nats Park

Last summer, the Nationals’ ownership group held back rent payments to the District of Columbia government and demanded damages because it believed Nationals Park was not completed on time. Sources say that dispute has been resolved and this year’s rent payment already has been made. That means fans will notice a winter’s worth of improvements when they return to Nationals Park on April 13 for the home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. The biggest change is a new food vendor — the organization’s third in as many years. Levy Restaurants replaces Centerplate, which handled food and concessions last season. Team officials hope that means an end to long...

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Stepping up to the plate

Nationals face challenges, changes as they enter their fifth season With Opening Day just three days away, the Nationals are making final preparations for their fifth season of Major League Baseball since the sport returned to the District. It will be one fraught with challenges. The Nats must improve their on-field product and develop younger players who can be part of a contending team in the future. However, the organization has to accomplish this in the midst of a sputtering economy that makes marketing a professional sports franchise difficult at best. HOW TO GET THERE It’s been a long time since last season when the Nationals ran ads begging fans to take Metro. This...

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Green powers Caps past Islanders, 5-3

It was just a casual conversation before the game, two longtime friends from across North America catching up with each other by phone. It pays to have access, apparently. Kyle Lieske grew up with Capitals defenseman Mike Green in Calgary, Alberta, and played youth hockey with the future NHL star. So when Lieske’s fantasy hockey team needed a little boost, he went right to the source. Green obliged with a pair of power-play goals and an assist against the New York Islanders on Wednesday night, lifting the Caps to a come-from-behind 5-3 victory. Green continued his remarkable season, becoming the first defenseman in the NHL to register 30 goals since Washington’s Kevin...

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Caps » Long road back for Pothier

Defenseman nominated for perseverance award Capitals defenseman Brian Pothier has been nominated for the Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who best demonstrates perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Caps notes » Washington (46-23-7, 99 points) hosts the New York Islanders tonight at Verizon Center. » F Donald Brashear (knee) said he will not play Wednesday, but is shooting for weekend games vs. Buffalo and Atlanta. » D Mike Green was back at practice on Tuesday after battling flu-like symptoms the day before. The Washington, D.C. chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association nominated Pothier. He is one of 30 NHL...

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Caps can’t relax quite yet

It feels like the Capitals clinched the Southeast Division title weeks ago. But with just six games left in the regular season there is still a little work to do before another banner is added to the collection at Verizon Center. The red-hot Carolina Hurricanes (42-28-7, 91 points) are just close enough to make things interesting for Washington (46-23-7, 99 points). Because the Hurricanes earned seven standings points in six games against the Caps this season, they would actually win a tiebreaker for the division title. Of course, for that scenario to happen the Caps would have to finish 1-5 over the final two weeks and Carolina would need to win all five of its remaining games —...

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Pothier scores, Caps strike Lightning, 5-3

Capitals defenseman Brian Pothier is finally back in the NHL. A 14-month odyssey battling post-concussion symptoms and vision problems came to an end earlier this month when Pothier was added to the active roster. Friday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he took another big step in his comeback. Pothier scored the game-winning goal in the third period of a wild 5-3 Washington victory at Verizon Center. Still struggling to adjust to the pace of the NHL in just his fourth game back in the lineup, Pothier made the instinctive play that’s been missing so far. A point shot deflected off the skate of Tampa Bay forward Vaclav Prospal and into the slot and Pothier quickly jumped on...

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West • Sweet 16 » No. 2 Memphis vs. No. 3 Missouri

West • Sweet 16 » No. 2 Memphis vs. No. 3 Missouri, Thursday, 9:37 p.m., CBS MEMPHIS MISSOURI John Calipari has Memphis rolling — 137-13 over last four years with two Elite Eights and last year’s runner-up. X Coaching Mike Anderson has Missouri (30-6) in Sweet 16 for first time since 2002. Led U-AB to Sweet 16 in ’04. Good luck keeping frosh G Tyreke Evans (16.6 ppg) out of lane. Penetration sets up 3-point shooters. Guards...

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West • Sweet 16 » No. 1 Connecticut vs. No. 5 Purdue

West • Sweet 16 » No. 1 Connecticut vs. No. 5 Purdue, Thursday, 7:07 p.m., CBS CONNECTICUT PURDUE Hall-of-Famer Jim Calhoun has won two national titles in 23 years in Storrs. X Coaching After missing NCAAs five times in six years, Purdue is tournament regular again under Matt Painter. A.J. Price (14.6 ppg, 4.8 apg) is an elite PG. They still miss injured SG Jerome Dyson (13.2 ppg). X Guards Lewis Jackson is quick;...

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Caps fall in shootout

Veteran Joseph stops Washington short So who needs a warm up? Not a 41-year-old goalie apparently. In the game only because of the ejection of teammate Martin Gerber, veteran goalie Curtis Joseph stole a point from the Capitals on Tuesday night in a game played in Toronto. The Maple Leafs won 3-2 in a shootout at the Air Canada Center thanks in large part to Joseph, who replaced Gerber in the final minute after Toronto’s starter bumped the referee when Washington scored the game-tying goal with 57 seconds left. That goal by Brooks Laich gave the Caps all the momentum and sent Gerber to the showers after a game-misconduct penalty. But they couldn’t take advantage in...

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CAPITALS-MAPLE LEAFS REPORT CARD

FIRST STAR A boring hockey game went completely nuts in the final minutes. Toronto G Curtis Joseph came on late after ejection of starter Martin Gerber. A cold Cujo made eight stops in the final minute and overtime to send the contest into a shootout. SECOND STAR With the extra attacker on the ice, Caps F Brooks Laich stood his ground in the crease and somehow pushed the game-tying goal across with just 57 seconds left. Led to ejection of Gerber, who argued the call. THIRD STAR Power-play goal scored by Toronto D Pavel Kubina with just 2 minutes, 9 seconds left in the game put the Maple Leafs ahead, 2-1. It was his ninth PP goal of the season and 14th overall. OOPS! Toronto’s...

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Green hunting for 30

Defenseman closing in on milestone scoring mark It is not something Caps defenseman Mike Green really wants to discuss. Pro athletes have their superstitions, and tempting fate by talking about potential milestones isn’t good business. Yet here Green is — after scoring five times in the last four games — just two goals shy now of 30. That is a big deal in the NHL, where no defenseman has reached that mark in 16 years — ironically, the Caps’ Kevin Hatcher (34 goals) last did it in 1992-93. The last defenseman to tally 28 was St. Louis’ Al MacInnis in 1993-94. “Obviously, it’s [a topic] thanks to [the media], and it’s always in the...

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Saturday's NCAA Tournament Preview

No. 4 Washington vs. No. 5 Purdue Firecracker Can’t ask for a better second-round matchup. Both teams took care of business in their opener. Purdue (26-9), the Big 10 tournament champ, took control early against Northern Iowa and held off a late charge. Washington, (26-8) the Pac-10 regular-season champ, overwhelmed Mississippi State in the second half. Why Washington will win Huskies finished first in the Pac-10 for a reason: Led by 6-foot-7 forward Jon Brockman, only four teams in the country rebound better. Guard Isaiah Thomas was the Pac-10 freshman of the year. The Huskies also should get a boost from a partisan crowd in Portland. How Purdue pulls an upset Not really an...

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Fearless forecast » NCAA Tournament

Games to watch Midwest Region » No. 11 Dayton vs. No. 6 West Virginia, 3 p.m. The Mountaineers (23-11) could be a dark horse in the stacked Midwest Region. F Da’Sean Butler (17.3 ppg) leads the way. West Virginia is an excellent defensive team (42 percent FG allowed), but poor from 3-point range (33 percent). Dayton can defend as well (43 percent) and has wins over Marquette and Xavier. Midwest Region » No. 10 USC vs. No. 7 Boston College, 7:20 p.m. USC (21-12) needed a late run through the Pac-10 tournament to secure an NCAA berth. F Taj Gibson (14.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg) earned the conference’s defensive player of the year honors. The Trojans will need to defend Boston...

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NCAA Tournament » Fearless Forecast

BOLD PREDICTIONS 1 Carr won’t be the only reason American is a tough out After scoring a game-high 26 points last year versus Tennessee, Garrison Carr is item No. 1 on Villanova’s game plan for American. Except that as Carr has gained more attention this season, his teammates have begun to rise to the occasion to step in when he can’t open to knock down shots. Against the Wildcats, Brian Gilmore will have one of the biggest games of his career, and Jordan Nichols will make a key block on Corey Fisher down the stretch to keep the Eagles in the contest. Again, we’re not calling for the upset. But we have a feeling it could happen. 2 Connecticut won’t make...

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Caps get back on track

Theodore pitches shutout in victory over Panthers One night after a miserable start to their five-game road trip, the Capitals quickly put the pieces back together in a 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Forwards Brooks Laich and Viktor Kozlov each scored for the Caps and goalie Jose Theodore finished with 19 saves for his second shutout of the season. Defenseman Mike Green added an empty-net goal with 87 seconds left at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. That was enough against the desperate Panthers (34-26-10, 78 points), who remained just one point out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Washington (44-22-6, 94 points) now has an almost insurmountable...

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Capitals-Panthers Report Card

First Star After being pulled during a 5-1 loss Monday at Atlanta, Caps G Jose Theodore was outstanding. Made 19 saves on 19 Florida shots to lift Washington to a 3-0 victory. It was his 28th win of the year, matching last year’s total. Second Star Caps F Brooks Laich notched his 18th goal of the season at 5:46 of the second period. The shorthanded goal gave his team the momentum and pulled Laich to within three goals of his career-high total of 21 set last year. Third Star F Viktor Kozlov gave Washington some breathing room at 2-0 with a wrist shot just 14 seconds after a Caps power play ended early in the third period. Teammates Michael Nylander and John Erskine had the...

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CAPITALS-THRASHERS » REPORT CARD

FIRST STAR G Kari Lehtonen has had his share of nightmare performances vs. the Caps during his career. But he was fantastic for Atlanta in a 5-1 win on Monday night. Finished with 49 saves as Thrashers won sixth game in a row. SECOND STAR Atlanta F Slava Kozlov ripped a wicked power-play shot into the top-left corner of the net to put his team up 2-0 in the first period. Finished with a goal and assist. Had one of Thrashers’ three power-play goals. THIRD STAR Like the Caps with Nicklas Backstrom, Atlanta has a talented, young Swede of its own. D Tobias Enstrom scored a goal, had an assist, and in his own end helped shut down Washington’s top snipers, including F Alex...

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Pothier rejoins Caps after long road back

Brian Pothier last played in an NHL game over 14 months ago. For most of that time he not only wondered if his career was finished, but if he would ever be the same. A seemingly routine collision with rugged forward Milan Lucic during a Jan. 3, 2008 game against the Boston Bruins left Pothier with a serious concussion and also damaged the fourth cranial nerve at the base of his brain. Even after the concussion resolved itself weeks later, Pothier still suffered debilitating symptoms. Running up the stairs or playing with his young sons could send him reeling back to bed with blurred vision, headaches, pressure behind the eyes and even nausea. The long road back to the NHL finally ended...

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Caps weather Hurricanes in shootout, 5-4

For 60 minutes and more the Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes traded scoring chances on Saturday night at Verizon Center. It was firewagon hockey at its best and no lead was safe — a 5-on-1 breakaway as likely to benefit the defending team as the offensive one. In the end, it took a shootout to decide the extra point. And while the Caps needed it far less than the Hurricanes, still desperately scrapping for a Stanley Cup playoff berth, Washington gladly took it. Goalie Jose Theodore finished with 28 saves, including a pair of stops in the shootout, and forward Alexander Semin capped a strong night with the decisive post-overtime shot to lift his team to a 5-4 victory. Semin also...

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ACC Tourney » Terps need a resume boost

Maryland likely needs at least two ACC wins to be NCAA tourney bound There is no way to know exactly what it will take for Maryland to make the NCAA Tournament. A team that controlled its own destiny heading into last Saturday’s game at Virginia instead left Charlottesville with a devastating loss. A dizzying array of results from conference tournaments throughout the country will impact how many at-large spots are left. But that number shrinks by the day and the Terrapins (18-12) likely need at least two wins at this weekend’s ACC Tournament to have any reason to watch for their name to be posted on Selection Sunday. For Maryland’s players, talk about their NCAA...

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Caps try to right the ship

Washington looks to end skid against Nashville Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau does not do losing. Not with the ECHL’s Mississippi Sea Wolves, where he won a Kelly Cup championship. Not at AHL Manchester, where he had four winning seasons in a row, or AHL Hershey, where he won a Calder Cup title. Not even last season after taking over a Caps team that was dead last in the Eastern Conference and yet still finished with a winning record. So a four-game winless streak — Washington lost in a shootout to Pittsburgh on Sunday, earning one standings point — is a rare occurrence for Boudreau, who has led his teams to a winning record 12 times in 16 years as a pro...

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Crosby, Penguins clip Caps

Pittsburgh avoids season sweep with win at Verizon If the NHL season can be plotted on a graph chart, the first serious dip for the Capitals occurred over the last week. Three home losses to teams far below it in the standings left Washington searching for answers. And while it didn’t quite get what it needed out of Sunday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, at least the graph is now trending upwards heading into a long stretch of road games. The Caps overcame a 3-1 deficit with a pair of quick goals early in the third period. But Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was up to the challenge the rest of the period and in the shootout and star forward Sidney Crosby...

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Capitals-Penguins Report Card

First Star Pittsburgh F Sidney Crosby scored the game’s first goal, assisted on F Bill Guerin’s goal in the second period and slipped the winner past G Jose Theodore in the shootout. Since return from groin injury has two goals, one assist. Second Star F Bill Guerin, acquired from Islanders at trade deadline last week, has fit seamlessly into line with Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Guerin had a goal and two assists Sunday, and has four points in two games with Pittsburgh. Third Star Caps F Brooks Laich was a pest in front of the net all day. He assisted and screened on teammate Alex Ovechkin’s goal at :29 of third period. Laich then scored on breakaway goal 49 seconds later...

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Stars collide once again

Ovechkin, Crosby meet for first time after heated encounter on Feb. 22 Key matchups Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom vs. Penguins C Sidney Crosby » Has cooled off a bit in recent games with two points in his last three games. But that shows how high Backstrom set the bar. The 21-year-old has 17 goals and 52 assists, matching his point total from last season when he was Calder Trophy runner-up. » The Pittsburgh All-Star returned to the lineup on Thursday night after missing four games with a strained groin. The Penguins didn’t miss a beat, winning all four of those games on the road. But it was nice to have their playmaker back as Crosby scored a goal. Capitals LW Alex...

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Caps fall to Leafs, 2-1

Caps notes » Caps left wing Alex Ovechkin addressed the media after the first intermission about his injured foot. He has iced the injury multiple times since Wednesday when he accidentally skated in front of a shooting drill. Ovechkin still expects to play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Caps do not practice again until Saturday morning. » Controversy arose midway through the first period when it appeared Toronto center John Mitchell batted a loose puck past Caps goalie Jose Theodore. Referee David Banfield signaled a goal. But after a short conference, head referee Dave Jackson overruled his colleague, determining that Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake had...

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Trade deadline a tense time

While no move was made, Caps’ playoff position allowed them to seek an upgrade instead of a jolt The NHL trade deadline passed on Wednesday afternoon without any move by the Capitals. The NHL trade deadline approached on Wednesday afternoon, a waiting game for Capitals players as general manager George McPhee and his front office staff evaluated their options. No moves are known to had been made as of the 3 p.m. deadline. Caps notes » Caps forward Alex Ovechkin left the ice during Wednesday’s practice after taking a hard shot off his right foot. He hobbled to the locker room in pain, but coach Bruce Boudreau and general manager George McPhee later said that Ovechkin...

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Hurricanes hammer Caps, 5-2

Washington allows four goals in second period For the second game in a row the Capitals failed to match the intensity of a Southeast Division opponent making a desperate push for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Caps notes » D Tom Poti skated during warm ups, but was scratched because of sore groin. He missed 15 games with that same injury in December and January. » The NHL trade deadline is Wednesday at 3 p.m. The Caps brought in three players at the deadline last season — F Sergei Fedorov, F Matt Cooke and G Cristobal Huet. » G Jose Theodore — the expected starter against Carolina — is fighting the flu and was a late scratch. He was replaced by rookie...

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Capitals vs. Hurricanes » Report Card

FIRST STAR F Patrick Eaves registered a shorthanded goal for the Hurricanes early in the second period. Later, he scored again on a power play, ripping a shot past Caps G Michal Neuvirth and into the top-right corner of the net. SECOND STAR F Matt Cullen scored one of two shorthanded goals for the Hurricanes in the second period. He also assisted on the other shorthanded goal by teammate Patrick Eaves and then Carolina’s fourth goal scored by Chad Larose. THIRD STAR Carolina F Eric Staal put his team up 1-0 with 35 seconds left in first period, converting a penalty shot. Caps D Shaone Morrisonn took Staal down on a breakaway. Staal is now 3-for-4 on penalty shots in his...

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Capitals vs. Hurricanes » Key Matchups

Mike Green • D No defenseman had a better February. The 23-year-old was named NHL second star of the month on Monday. Had 20 points in 13 games last month and set a league record for defensemen with goals in eight straight games. Has a career-high 23 goals. Anton Babchuk • D Babchuk has a streak of his own going — a goal in each of the last three games. The Caps were killed by Florida’s defensemen Sunday, allowing three goals and six assists. Babchuk ranks second among Hurricanes’ defensemen with eight goals, four on power play. Viktor Kozlov • F The big Russian is expected back in the lineup after the Caps sent F Jay Beagle back to AHL Hershey on...

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Caps seeking a leader?

Southeast frontrunners have chinks in armor They are 13 points ahead of their nearest Southeast Division rival. They are still almost certain to earn a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in next month’s Stanley Cup playoffs. But there have been enough shaky efforts in recent weeks to at least give the Capitals pause as they head down the stretch with 18 games remaining in the regular season. There was an awful 4-1 loss at home to Colorado on Feb. 20, an ugly third period in a 4-2 loss to Philadelphia last Tuesday and Sunday’s poor showing in a 6-2 loss to Florida. Over the last 13 home games — where the Caps were virtually unbeatable dating to last spring — their record is 7-6....

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Panthers steamroll Caps

Florida scores four goals in first, cruises from there REPORT CARD FIRST STAR The Panthers get a ton of offense from their blue line – now an NHL-best 40 goals, three shy of the franchise record. Sunday was no different. D Bryan McCabe had a power-play goal and three assists. SECOND STAR After a rough game in New Jersey on Saturday, Florida D Jay Bouwmeester was back to his normal self against the Caps. He had a power-play goal (13) and an assist and was +2 and held Alex Ovechkin pointless. THIRD STAR Panthers’ C Stephen Weiss scored a power-play goal in the first period his 11th goal of the year. He also added a pair of assists. Weiss is one of 11 Florida players to top...

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Perilous path begins with Panthers

How the Caps fare in division play down the stretch will be key to playoff seeding Key matchups Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom vs. Panthers C Stephen Weiss » The 21-year-old has taken his game to another level this season. He entered the Boston game on Saturday leading the Caps with 50 assists and also had a career-high 16 goals. Backstrom had been solid defensively, too, with a team-high 62 takeaways. » Playmaker leads the Panthers with 32 assists and also has 10 goals, good for a team-high 42 points prior to Saturday’s contest at New Jersey. But he has struggled recently with just one assist and no goals in the four games prior. Capitals D Mike Green vs. Panthers D...

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Caps hold off Thrashers, 4-3

Caps notes » The record for power-play goals by a Caps’ defenseman was originally set by Scott Stevens in 1984-85. » F Nicklas Backstrom extended his point streak to eight games, the longest current run in the NHL. He has 11 points during that stretch. » F Alexander Semin had a goal and two assists and yet somehow finished -2 on the night. That’s not good. But his 17 points in 18 career games vs. Atlanta works just fine. » Caps coach Bruce Boudreau on the play of both rookie Gs Michal Neuvirth and Simeon Varlamov this season: “The future’s good for the Caps.” » Boudreau on Neuvirth’s rebound control. “It’s...

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Capitals » Backstrom should smash last season’s point total

The major adjustments are over now. Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was a rookie simply trying to find his way last season, his first year playing professional hockey in North America. Backstrom played every game of his first season, finishing runner-up in the Calder Trophy voting for NHL rookie of the year. But while his numbers were impressive — 14 goals and 55 assists after a slow start — they pale in comparison to this year’s. Backstrom, a 21-year-old Swede, has become a reliable presence for a Caps team headed for the best record in franchise history. “That’s just the simple fact of Nick maturing and getting to know the league and getting...

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Caps look to fix penalty problem

No grueling practice after bad loss to Philadelphia Caps notes » Viktor Kozlov skated at practice Wednesday, hoping to return after missing the last nine games with a strained groin. His status is still uncertain, according to coach Bruce Boudreau. » Nor would Boudreau name a starting goalie. But the Atlanta game seems a good spot for rookie Michal Neuvirth with back-to-back games against Boston and Florida coming up this weekend. » The Caps are 38-18-5 with 81 points and sit second in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta is 22-33-6 with 50 points and is 14th in the conference. This time there was no grueling practice. Effort wasn’t an issue in the...

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Caps fall to Flyers in physical bout

The postseason arrived early at Verizon Center. Unfortunately, it was an all too familiar feeling for the Capitals. Caps notes » With the loss, the Caps fell to 38-18-5 and remain at 81 points and in second-place in the Eastern Conference. » Washington has dropped two of three meetings with the Flyers this season. » The final game between the two teams this year will take place in Philadelphia on March 12. » Forward Eric Fehr had another solid game, matching the Flyers’ physical play and producing three shots on goal. But he also committed a slashing penalty with 2:59 to go that effectively ended the Caps’ hopes of a comeback. “Fehr is...

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Capitals » Transfer of power

Philadelphia’s penalty kill presents unique challenge The puck is whipped around the offensive zone, a power play in progress. But it is times like these — when a team thinks it has the advantage against the Philadelphia Flyers — that the opposite often is true. All of the sudden, the puck is headed in the other direction and a team is left wondering how a man-advantage turned into a goal against. Up next » Flyers at Capitals When » Tuesday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/1500 AM » Caps F Viktor Kozlov tested his strained groin by skating during Monday’s optional practice. He gave no timetable for a return, but said,...

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Caps cruise past Penguins, 5-2

Five players net goals in romp over rivals REPORT CARD FIRST STAR Caps F Sergei Fedorov played well earlier in the week with linemates Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr. He was just as good Sunday with Alex Semin and Brooks Laich. All three scored as Fedorov finished with a goal, an assist and a plus-2 rating. SECOND STAR It wasn’t all F Alex Ovechkin this time. Five different Caps’ players scored goals and nine recorded at least one point. But Ovechkin got things started with his power-play goal in the first period — No. 43 on the season. THIRD STAR F Nicklas Backstrom recorded two assists in the first period and extended his point streak to six games. He has three...

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Feud still burns on the ice

Ovechkin, Malkin now ‘understand each other’ but rivalry continues when the puck drops Key matchups Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin vs. Penguins C Evgeni Malkin » The Capitals’ all-world forward took another step towards claiming his second consecutive Hart Trophy Wednesday, notching a Verizon Center-rattling goal against Montreal. Ovechkin (42 goals) has seized a seven-goal lead in the goal-scoring race with his hot play of late. » The Penguins All-Star entered the weekend to leading his team and the league with 84 points, despite Pittsburgh’s struggles. Malkin will look to continue his offensive prowess for newly-appointed interim bench boss Dan Bylsma,...

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Avalanche crushes Caps at home, 4-1

Related story » Caps feel trapped by Avalanche Caps notes » The Caps recorded their seventh consecutive sellout, just one shy of the club record. They will tie that record after Sunday’s game vs. Pittsburgh, which is already sold out. Average attendance at Verizon Center this season is 18,035 per game. » Washington has recorded a first-period goal in each of the last 11 games. » Nicklas Backstrom’s goal with 15 seconds left in the first period was the 17th time this season the Caps have scored in the final minute of a period. » The Caps did not earn a full power play. They were 0-for-2 on two partial power plays lasting 2 minutes, 19...

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Nats, Zim avoid arbitration with one-year deal

The Nationals have agreed to a one-year contract with third baseman Ryan Zimmerman for $3.325 million, according to baseball sources. The 24-year-old was scheduled for an arbitration hearing on Friday, but his representatives settled with the club at a number halfway between the $3.9 million he was asking and the Nats’ $2.75 million offer. With Zimmerman's signing, the Nats now have all of their players under contract for 2009. Zimmerman missed two months with a shoulder injury last season, but returned to bat .283 with and drove in 51 runs while tying for the team-lead with 14 home runs in 106 games. He is under contract with Washington for at least the next three...

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Ovechkin amazes

Forward pushes toward another Hart Trophy The buzz continues more than a day after Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin produced another jaw-dropping goal in a career filled with them. During the first period of Wednesday’s night’s 4-3 shootout win over Montreal, Ovechkin banked a pass off the boards to get around an oncoming defender, used his speed to undress another one and then somehow scored while sliding on his side in front of net. It was the play of the night and one of the best goals of the season, repeated endlessly on highlight shows across North America. That attention will only help as Ovechkin pushes for a second consecutive Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s...

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Caps find their way past Canadiens in shootout, 4-3

The sellout crowd could not get enough. Each time the big scoreboard high above center ice at Verizon Center showed the replay the oohs and aahs grew more animated. Even on a fourth or fifth viewing it was hard to believe Alex Ovechkin’s first-period goal actually happened. A bank shot off the boards to elude an oncoming defender. A hard drive to the net to escape another one and then the spectacular finish – an improbable shot while sliding on his side after being hauled to the ice. It was yet another memorable moment from a player who has delivered them time and again over the last four seasons. Ovechkin’s goal was a big part of the Caps’ 4-3 shootout victory...

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Capitals today » Green’s stock is soaring

Caps defenseman quickly becomes household name A year ago, Caps defenseman Mike Green was just becoming a known entity in the NHL. That was partly because almost every team in the league had passed on Green once before when he was the 29th overall pick in the 2004 draft. On his way to leading all NHL defenseman with 18 goals — the youngest player to do so in 25 years — those opposing general managers were mostly wondering how such an exciting, young talent slipped away. The Green file » Capitals D Mike Green leads all NHL defenseman with 22 goals — seven more than his closest competitor entering last night's action. » The Capitals’ team record for...

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Caps not looking ahead

Washington to play nine of next 10 games at home They may be riding high after earning five out of six possible points on a recent road trip. They may have opened a huge 13-point lead in the Southeast Division. But don’t talk to the Capitals about the Stanley Cup playoffs just yet. There is still much work left to determine if this team is just a very good one or something more. With nine of the next 10 games at Verizon Center, where they have the second-best home record in the NHL, the Caps have a chance to answer that question. “Hockey is a game where you have to work for good things to happen,” said Caps forward Sergei Fedorov. “Every game is a challenge for us....

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With Dunn in place, who else will step up?

Filled with questions, Nats begin 2009 hoping to find the right answers When a baseball team loses 102 games in a season there is guaranteed to be plenty of questions entering spring training the following year. That’s exactly what the Nationals face as pitchers and catchers begin their official workouts Monday at the team’s spring headquarters in Viera, Fla. The Examiner breaks down the competition at each position group. CATCHERS Last year, the plan was to leave Jesus Flores in the minors while veterans Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada covered for a year. That lasted all of a month. By May, Flores was on the big-league roster for good — at least until a home plate...

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Ovechkin adjusts to the U.S. but remains Russian to the core

Alex Ovechkin arrived in Washington as a 19-year-old with the weight of an entire franchise on his shoulders. For the first time in his life, Ovechkin was thousands of miles away from his hometown of Moscow. His English was passable but halting, so communicating with his teammates and coaches wasn’t easy as he tried to adjust to a new country. But after traveling halfway across the world chasing his boyhood dream, Ovechkin wasn’t going to let language get in his way. He immediately chose a Canadian — former Capitals teammate Brian Willsie — to be his roommate on road trips so that he could immerse himself in North American culture. “And I’m still...

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The Skill and Charisma of Alex Ovechkin

It is nothing more than a practice for the Washington Capitals, a just-for-fun outdoor scrimmage providing a needed break from the grind of a professional hockey season. But the atmosphere at the Chevy Chase Club is anything but ordinary on this Thursday evening in late January. The prestigious country club on Connecticut Avenue, just across the District line in suburban Maryland, resembles a carnival on a cold winter night. Hundreds of children and teenagers press against the glass at the club’s outdoor skating rink, hoping for an up-close glimpse of Washington’s biggest sports celebrity. Alex Ovechkin doesn’t disappoint. The 23-year-old Russian winks at his fans as he...

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Nats players excited about Dunn signing

Whatever the signing of free-agent outfielder Adam Dunn accomplishes on the field for the Nationals this season, it has already paid dividends on the club’s perception of itself. Offseaon has largely been positive for Nats Additions The Nationals energized what had been a sleepy offseason with the signing of slugger Adam Dunn this week. But the club had made a few earlier moves that could prove key to a resurgent 2009. Other than Dunn’s signing, the biggest splash was a trade of second-base prospect Emilio Bonifacio to Florida for outfielder Josh Willingham, 29, and left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen, 25. Willingham finds himself in the middle of a crowded outfield with Dunn...

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Rangers top Caps in shootout, 5-4

Green ties defenseman consecutive games scoring record with two goals NEW YORK – Through three periods and overtime, they traded punches and they traded leads in a game with a Stanley Cup playoff atmosphere. In the end, a bad bounce cost goalie Jose Theodore and the Capitals. New York Rangers forward Ryan Callahan appeared to have missed his wrist shot when it smacked off the crossbar in the fourth round of the shootout. But the puck, still loose in the crease, slid through Theodore’s legs, hit his stick and was deflected back into the net for a goal. That was the break New York needed. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist stoned the subsequent backhand attempt by Caps forward Brooks...

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A Dunn deal: Nationals to introduce new slugger

Slugger belted 40 HRs in each of last five seasons Just days before pitchers and catcher report to Spring Training, the Nationals made their biggest splash of the offseason by signing free-agent slugger Adam Dunn to a two-year contract, according to multiple baseball sources. The 29-year-old outfielder/first baseman fills Washington’s biggest need — a left-handed power hitter who can anchor a lineup that hit just 117 home runs last season, second-fewest in the National League. Nats general manager Jim Bowden was not available to comment early Wednesday evening so terms were unavailable. But published reports indicated the two sides had agreed to a two-year, $20 million...

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Caps eye Rangers sweep

It would be franchise’s first against New York It would be a minor accomplishment during a season with much higher goals. But the Capitals can still make some history tonight when they face the reeling New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Up next » Capitals at Rangers When » Wednesday, 7 Where » Madison Square Garden TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/1500 AM Caps notes » Forward Viktor Kozlov (groin) did not practice on Tuesday and was described by coach Bruce Boudreau as “very questionable” for tonight’s game against the Rangers. » Forward Alex Semin has dealt with nagging injuries all season. He was deemed “a maybe” by...

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Defenseman gets Green light

Capital leads all league defensive players in goals Capitals defenseman Mike Green is in the zone. No matter how that elusive term is defined, scoring at least one goal in each of the last six games certainly qualifies. The 23-year-old earned the NHL’s Third Star of the Week on Monday for the second week in a row. Caps notes » Mike Green leads all NHL defensemen in goals (19) and points (46). » Forwards Viktor Kozlov (groin) and Alexander Semin (day off) both sat out Monday’s practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. » Both players will travel with the team for Wednesday’s game at the New York Rangers, according to coach Bruce Boudreau....

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Caps go Green, corral Panthers, 3-1

Every time Capitals defenseman Mike Green skates into the slot these days all he sees in front of him is a large and inviting target. That’s good for Washington. That’s very, very bad for its opponents, who have enough trouble contending with the world-class skill of forwards Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin when the Caps are on a power play. Green was at his electrifying best on Saturday night against the Florida Panthers. He recorded a power-play goal in the third period to break a tie and then provided some insurance with a short-handed tally from 200 feet away as the Caps desperately held off Florida during a 6-on-4 advantage in the final two minutes. The end result...

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Kings sweep Caps; Ovechkin reaches 200 career goals

L.A. takes season series 2-0 Report card First star He might have allowed four goals, but the last minute alone sealed the first star for Los Angeles rookie G Jonathan Quick. He stopped the Caps three separate times after faceoff wins, including a sparkling glove save on Brooks Laich. Quick saved 41 of 45 shots and was coming off his third shutout of the season on Tuesday. Second star The Caps couldn’t stop Kings C Anze Kopitar, who finished with two goals and an assist. His second goal came just 13 seconds into the second period. His first was a power-play tally at 8:55 of the first. They were goals No. 13 and 14 for Kopitar, who leads Los Angeles with 41 points. Third star No...

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Getting a Fehr shake

Clark’s injury opens door for promising forward The opportunity is finally here for Eric Fehr. The Capitals have long envisioned their 23-year-old forward, with his size and instincts around the net, as a consistent offensive force — and maybe even a 30-goal scorer one day. Up next » Kings at Capitals When » Thursday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/1500 AM Caps notes » The Caps host the Los Angeles Kings tonight. The two teams last met in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, a 5-2 Kings win. » Washington is 33-15-4 with 70 points. That is tied for the franchise’s best record after 52 games. » Since snapping a three-game...

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Clark out indefinitely

Caps captain will undergo surgery on torn tendon On Saturday, the Capitals had their full complement of players from Opening Night for the first time since Nov. 6. That good health lasted all of one weekend. Washington, already one player shy of a full 23-man roster because of salary cap issues, lost another on Monday when team officials announced captain Chris Clark is out indefinitely. Clark, 32, has a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, an injury that has plagued him since training camp, and will undergo surgery Thursday. Clark has just one goal and five assists this season. The wrist injury “has everything to do with [Clark’s struggles],” Caps general manager...

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Green earns weekly honor

Caps defenseman named Third Star of the Week Capitals defenseman Mike Green was not named to represent the Eastern Conference at the NHL All-Star Game last month. But the 23-year-old is making that snub seem odder by the day. Green was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week on Monday after registering three goals and four assists in three games last week. Green helped the Caps to a 2-0-1 record. He had a goal against Boston, a goal and an assist vs. Detroit and topped himself Sunday with a goal and three assists against Ottawa. Despite missing 13 games because of a shoulder injury, Green entered play Monday tied for the NHL lead among defensemen with 40 points. He leads all...

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Caps clock Senators, 7-4

Ovechkin hat trick puts final touch on big weekend The bar is set so high now that it should be difficult for Alex Ovechkin to meet the lofty expectations night after night. Somehow, it never seems to matter. Report card FIRST STAR Who else but Alex Ovechkin, who extended his NHL goal-scoring lead with a hat trick in the 7-4 win over Ottawa. It was goals No. 34, 35 and 36 and also his second hat trick of the season. Ovechkin now has 57 points in his last 41 games. SECOND STAR D Mike Green was just as good. He had a power-play goal – his 11th of the year and 15th overall, both tops in the NHL among defenseman. Green also added three assists to secure a season-best four-point night....

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Ovechkin, Caps clip Wings in third

It was a statement game at home against the defending Stanley Cup champions. But even with a 12:30 p.m. start time that knocked them off a normal routine, the Capitals were up to the challenge when the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings visited Verizon Center on Saturday afternoon. Left wing Alex Ovechkin shook off a self-described “sleepy” first two periods to score two goals in the third as Washington earned a 4-2 victory over Detroit. The Caps (31-15-4, 66 points) won for the first time in three games and remained in third place in the Eastern Conference. The banged-up Red Wings (31-11-7, 69 points), meanwhile, have hit the skids, winless in five games. Ovechkin regained the NHL...

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Fun and games for Caps

Normal routine tossed in favor of outdoor scrum They skated around like little kids, laughing, hollering and jeering each other as they glided up and down the ice. It was a practice in name only for the Capitals, who tossed aside their normal routine on Thursday to play a spirited 3-on-3 scrimmage on the outdoor rink at Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, Md. Hundreds of club members — the majority teenagers or younger — watched Alex Ovechkin and his teammates split into two sides. They also saw how competitive pro athletes can be as coach Bruce Boudreau, the nominal referee, had to pull his players aside for a brief chat in the second period when his calls — or non-calls...

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Caps working out kinks

Power play, penalty kill issues hinder Washington Three full days of practice before Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings will finally give the Capitals a chance to work on the issues that have proved troublesome in recent weeks. That list starts and ends with specials teams. Washington allowed two power-play goals in Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins and was 0-for-6 on the power play. The Caps (30-15-4, 64 points) are now scoreless in their last 11 power plays and 3-for-20 over the last four games. “We’re unaccustomed to that. We’ll straighten it out this week in practice,” Caps coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters after the...

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Caps start second half against Bruins

Alex Ovechkin spent All-Star weekend in Montreal showing once again why he is the most popular player in the NHL. He won a skills competition on Saturday night with his usual flair, ended an alleged feud with Pittsburgh Penguins forward — and Russian countryman — Evgeni Malkin and then scored a goal and converted the game-winning shot for the Eastern Conference in Sunday’s All-Star game shootout. Up next » Capitals at Bruins When » Tonight, 7 Where » TD Banknorth Garden, Boston TV/Radio » VERSUS(HD)/1500 AM Caps notes » Caps coach Bruce Boudreau was officially elected into the AHL Hall of Fame during a luncheon in Worcester, Mass., on...

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An appropriate honor

Caps coach Boudreau will be inducted into AHL Hall of Fame today It is a fitting tribute to a man who spent the majority of his professional career one step shy of hockey’s highest level. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau played 141 games in the NHL across parts of eight seasons, including a dream stint with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. But it was his experiences as both a player and coach in the American Hockey League — the sport’s equivalent to Triple-A baseball — that allowed Boudreau to finally make a lasting mark in the NHL 15 years after his playing career ended. The Boudreau file » Prior to his nine years coaching in the AHL, Caps coach Bruce...

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The goal: ‘We want to be No. 1’

Despite entering the break with their best-ever record, Caps have set their sights higher for the second half They sit in second place in the Eastern Conference and among the top four teams in the NHL. With a comfortable 12-point lead in the Southeast Division to boot, you’ll hear no complaints from the Capitals as they enjoy a respite during the NHL’s All-Star break this weekend. But that’s not to say everything has gone smoothly for Washington (30-15-3, 63 points). The team endured a miserable stretch of injuries in November and December, sometimes playing with as many as five defensemen from AHL affiliate Hershey. Only now are the Caps closing in on full strength as...

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Ovechkin set to shine at All-Star game

Alex the Great looks to add to his legend in Montreal Down the road The Examiner’s Brian McNally gives his thoughts who will take home this year’s awards at the end of the season: HART TROPHY » Alex Ovechkin The Caps’ star left wing is gunning for a second consecutive Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. Started slow with two goals in first 11 games. But no matter. Since then no one has been better. Leads NHL in goals with 31 and third in points with 59. VEZINA TROPHY » Tim Thomas His workload is limited compared to other No. 1 goalies — teammate Manny Fernandez has started 18 games — but Thomas has been brilliant for...

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GW falls late to Dayton, 63-61

For the second consecutive season they found themselves in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, desperate to break out. Something positive had to happen for George Washington’s men’s basketball team. Instead, there was only more heartache on Thursday night against Atlantic 10 rival Dayton. The Colonials, leading by one point with 21.6 seconds to play, committed a team technical foul after breaking a timeout huddle with six men on the court. That led to a pair of free throws by Dayton junior guard Marcus Johnson and eventually a devastating 63-61 loss at the Smith Center. George Washington (6-10, 0-4 A-10) had led the Flyers (17-2, 3-1) by six with two minutes to go....

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Backstrom will skip ASG event

Caps ship Alzner, two others back to Hershey Turns out Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will be the team’s lone representative at this weekend’s NHL All Star Game in Montreal after all. Forward Nicklas Backstrom was supposed to participate in the NHL’s YoungStars event, a 3-on-3 exhibition game set for Saturday night between a group of rookies and second-year pros. But Backstrom has instead decided to skip the event, which he participated in last season. He was replaced by St. Louis forward David Perron. “This year I felt like it made more sense for me to give someone else that opportunity and use this time to rest and prepare for the second half of the...

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Nats reduce prices on some seats for 2009

The Nationals announced a reduction in ticket prices in locations throughout Nationals Park for the 2009 season on Wednesday. Coming off a 102-loss year — the most in Major League Baseball — the Nats decreased season-ticket prices for 7,500 seats, including 3,400 in the stadium’s lower bowl. Individual ticket prices dropped $10 or more in 4,500 seats, including 3,000 in the lower bowl. Fans will still pay more for 18 “premium” games this season, including the home opener against the world champion Philadelphia Phillies on April 13, an entire series against the Boston Red Sox in June and three of four games against the Chicago Cubs in July. But those...

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Capitals hit the road before All-Star break

Team gets a chance to get away record back on plus side with back-to-back games in N.Y. and Ottawa After moving one small step closer to the top of the Eastern Conference, the Capitals prepared Sunday for their two remaining games before the NHL All-Star break begins later this week. Washington will be out of town for the District’s inauguration festivities with a game at the New York Islanders today at 2 p.m. followed by a trip to the capital city of Canada on Tuesday to face the Ottawa Senators. The Caps have a losing record on the road this season at 10-11-2. But they have an opportunity to change that over the next two days, playing two of the conference’s three worst...

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Semin lifts Caps past Bruins, 2-1

The Capitals have come far enough over the last 12 months that the Stanley Cup playoffs seem a given now, the games that really matter still three months away. But there are plenty of regular-season landmarks left to go and more than a few potential landmines lurking — each a chance for the Caps to learn how best to deal with their weaknesses before a best-of-seven playoff series can expose them. Caps notes » The Caps sold out Verizon Center for the 12th time this season and eighth time in their last nine games. Their season average through 23 home games is now 17,973 fans per game. The next home game — Jan. 27 against defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit — is...

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Oilers send Caps into skid

Loss to Edmonton is third straight for Washington Consistency has been their hallmark since Bruce Boudreau took over as coach on Thanksgiving Day in 2007. Caps notes » Verizon Center’s sellout streak ended at seven games. The Oilers-Caps game drew an announced crowd of 17,949. Washington’s next two games against Boston (Jan. 17) and Detroit (Jan. 27) are already sold out. » It’s been a rough few games for defensemen Karl Alzner and Milan Jurcina. Alzner had a poor -1 showing Friday against Columbus. Jurcina took a closing-the-hand-on-the-puck penalty Saturday against Montreal and his misplay with just 20 seconds in regulation led to the game-winner for the...

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Red revival for Caps

Hockey bringing record crowds to Verizon Center The massive economic changes in the United States over the last six months have nothing to do with hockey. But Capitals owner Ted Leonsis believes outside forces generated by the downturn are propelling his team toward prosperity. “Washington, D.C. has become the most important city in the country because it’s not just about politics any longer,” Leonsis said last week. “It’s now about money ... and all of that action is now here in Washington. We are the new New York.” Up next » Oilers at Capitals When » Tuesday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/980 AM » The...

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Caps unable to light lamp against Jackets, 3-0

Capitals forward Boyd Gordon was simply skating around the ice during warm-ups when the back spasms that have plagued him at times this season flared up once again. Caps notes » Center Nicklas Backstrom, 21, was chosen Friday to participate in the NHL's YoungStars game on Jan. 24 during All-Star weekend in Montreal. He joins 20 other first and second-year players in a three-on-three game at Bell Centre. Backstrom has 12 goals and 33 assists this season. » Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said forward Boyd Gordon was scratched with back spasms, an injury that caused him to miss a pair of games earlier this season. He is not expected to play tonight against Montreal at Bell...

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Caps shake off All-Star snubs, prep for Columbus

Ovechkin is lone Cap on Eastern Conference roster They may have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, but a numbers crunch left the Capitals with just one NHL All-Star on Thursday. Star left wing Alex Ovechkin will participate for the third time, of course — even if he wasn’t voted to the starting lineup. But defenseman Mike Green and center Nicklas Backstrom were both left off the Eastern Conference squad for the Jan. 25 game at Bell Centre in Montreal. That wasn’t a complete surprise. Montreal, the host team, and Pittsburgh, the defending conference champs, combined to have six players voted into the starting lineup through fan balloting. That left no...

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Caps on historic pace

Washington with its best first half in team history Midterm grades FORWARD » Hard to complain when a team has 135 goals at the halfway mark and is on pace for 270. Montreal led the NHL with 262 last year. Star F Alex Ovechkin may not reach last year’s heights (65 goals, 47 assists). But another 100-point year is likely. Grade » A DEFENSE » Considering four of the top six defensemen have played 28 games or fewer, ranking 19th in fewest goals allowed still seems miraculous. Five different defensemen from AHL Hershey have played at least seven games. Grade » B GOALTENDER » Consistency and health are the issues here. No. 1 goalie Jose Theodore struggled...

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Caps down Flyers in shootout

A sellout crowd at Verizon Center just wanted to put last year’s heartbreaking Game 7 Stanley Cup playoff loss to the Philadelphia Flyers behind it. True vengeance will have to wait for April, of course. No regular-season win can make up for postseason failure. But the Capitals at least soothed the pain — for both themselves and their fans — with a dramatic 2-1 shootout victory over the Flyers in this burgeoning rivalry on Tuesday night. Up 1-0 after two periods, the Caps faltered in the third as defenseman Braydon Coburn scored a power-play goal for Philadelphia. But this time the home crowd would leave happy when goaltender Jose Theodore stopped all three Flyers...

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Midseason showdown

Flyers, Caps set for battle tonight at Verizon Center There are no division titles or playoff series or trophies on the line. It’s still too early in the NHL season for that. But it’s also clear that when the Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at Verizon Center it isn’t just another regular-season game. There is far too much recent history between the two teams. The Flyers, of course, ousted the Caps from last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs — the dagger delivered in overtime of Game 7 by Joffrey Lupul. Add in a 7-1 loss Dec. 20 in Philadelphia and Washington has plenty to fuel itself with entering tonight’s rematch. “Where it falls is a)...

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Caps win scrap against Rangers, 2-1

When the Capitals learned that injured teammate Alexander Semin would return to the lineup for Saturday night’s game against the New York Rangers they knew what to expect. World-class stickwork. Flashy passes. And the wicked wristshot that gives opposing goalies nightmares. But delivering a couple of haymakers to Rangers defenseman Marc Staal? That one came out of the blue. But Semin’s third-period fight and subsequent ejection was the most memorable moment of yet another satisfying win for the Caps, who received goals from both Mike Green and Alex Ovechkin in the second period to beat New York for the third time this season, 2-1, before a sell-out crowd at Verizon...

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Lucky 7 starts off Caps’ 2009

Former Cap Heward suffers concussion off Ovechkin hit in third Related story » Collins gets scoring ball rolling for Caps in new year The New Year’s Day hangover waited a while to make its appearance at Verizon Center on Thursday. The Capitals completely dominated the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They passed. They hit. And they scored — again and again and again. It was the rest of the evening that was a struggle. A three-goal lead almost vanished during a sloppy second period and Washington needed third-period goals by forwards Boyd Gordon, Chris Clark and Alex Ovechkin to secure a 7-4 win. The result was marred somewhat by the head injury...

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Year in review » D.C. sports

10 best stories in D.C. of 2008 Caps get city to ‘Rock the Red’ as Ovi wins MVP; Zorn era begins at Redskins Park; a new ball park debuts on the Anacostia; Super Bowl stars find their way to Canton; Agent Zero gets paid; a legend retires. Capitals playoff run 1 » No one accuses Washington of being a hockey town. But it became one last spring as the Capitals played before red-clad sell-out crowds at Verizon Center, winning 11 of their final 12 games to clinch the Southeast Division title and first playoff berth in five years. The run also vaulted former Hershey coach Bruce Boudreau to NHL Coach of the Year in his first shot at coaching in the majors. Search ends with...

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New year begins as Capitals host Lightning

Team looks to keep 2008 momentum going as 2009 begins The past year has been one to remember for the Capitals. They won the Southeast Division title in April and reached the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003. Star left wing Alex Ovechkin won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player and coach Bruce Boudreau earned the Jack Adams Award as the league’s coach of the year. The Caps also posted a 52-23-6 record and 110 points in calendar year 2008, third in the NHL only to the San Jose Sharks (117) and Boston Bruins (112). And now, Washington – at 24-11-3 with 51 points so far this season – enters the new year off to the second-best start in...

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Caps, Hershey moves continue as team heads to Buffalo

The revolving door between Washington and AHL affiliate Hershey continued on Monday. The Capitals recalled forward Chris Bourque and sent down goalie Simeon Varlamov. That means goalie Brent Johnson, who has been battling a hip injury, will be available today when the Caps travel to Buffalo for a 7 p.m. game against the Sabres. Johnson will back up starter Jose Theodore, who has played well since being pulled from — and then reinserted into — last Tuesday’s win over the New York Rangers. It would be his fourth straight start, including a 3-2 win over the Sabres at Verizon Center last Friday. Bourque will play if forward Donald Brashear is unable to go. The Caps may also...

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Caps honor Gartner with win

On a night where the Washington Capitals honored their past, their bright future once again took center stage. Hall-of-Famer Mike Gartner, the organization’s second all-time leader in goals scored, had his No. 11 jersey retired during a pregame ceremony. Then 23-year-old Alex Ovechkin and 25-year-old Brooks Laich combined to score four goals as Washington won 4-1 over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night at Verizon Center. The win gave the Caps (23-11-3, 49 points) eight victories in their last nine games. They trailed 1-0 after a goal late in the first period by Niklas Hagman. But Laich tied the game on the power play at 12:54 of the second. Ovechkin then produced a dominant...

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Ovechkin, Helmer outduel Sabres, 3-2

Alex Ovechkin has scored so many highlight-reel goals through his first four seasons with the Capitals, not even YouTube can keep up with him. Maybe his goal during Friday night’s 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres ranks among his very best. Maybe — as Ovechkin said afterwards — it simply belongs among the top 20. It doesn’t really matter. There are just some nights when even his own coaches sense that Ovechkin has a jaw-dropper cued up. It happened again vs. Buffalo. Much to the dismay of NHL defensemen everywhere, there is almost certainly another coming soon. Taking a nice shuffle pass from defenseman Bryan Helmer, Ovechkin flashed up ice, Buffalo defensemen Toni...

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Theodore bounces back after an awful first period

The Capitals’ goalie situation took a turn for the bizarre on Tuesday night. Jose Theodore expected to watch from the bench again as Brent Johnson earned another start from coach Bruce Boudreau against the New York Rangers. But Johnson was abruptly scratched thanks to illness. Boudreau has said in recent days that Theodore — signed as a free agent over the summer to be Washington’s No. 1 goalie — would receive another chance soon. At least in the first period against the Rangers, he didn’t make the most of it. While not completely to blame, Theodore did allow three goals on the first five New York shots and the Caps were in a 3-0 hole when Boudreau pulled...

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Nats lose out on Teixeira

Free agent first baseman agrees to eight-year, $180M deal with Yankees The month-long pursuit of free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira ended in defeat for the Nationals on Tuesday as the Severna Park, Md. native agreed to a contract in principal with the New York Yankees, according to multiple baseball sources. Throughout the offseason, Washington officials have mentioned their top need was a power hitter who could anchor what was one of baseball’s worst lineups in 2008. Teixeira, 28, fit the profile perfectly — a Gold Glove defender and former All-Star still young enough to be valuable when the organization sees itself as ready to compete for a postseason...

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Race for Teixeira heats up with reports that Nats raise offer

The Nationals made a decisive move on Monday in their bid to sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, according to industry sources. The Examiner’s Jim Williams has learned that the Nats have offered Teixeira, 28, an eight-year contract believed to be worth between $178 and $183 million. That would be the highest known bid for the Severna Park, Md. native, who is also entertaining offers from his hometown Orioles and — reportedly still — the Boston Red Sox. Previously, the Nats’ best offer was a reported eight-year, $160 million deal and sources have pegged Baltimore’s offer at seven years, $140 million. Officials with the Los Angeles Angels said publicly...

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Bouncing back from a blowout

For 20 minutes the Capitals could do no wrong. They controlled the puck throughout the first period of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, peppering a franchise-record 25 shots at beleaguered goalie Antero Niittymaki. Enforcer Donald Brashear destroyed counterpart Riley Cote in an early fight. Pucks rang off Niittymaki, off posts and off Flyers defensemen. The only problem? Those shots never actually went in the net. So when Philadelphia somehow left the ice with a 1-0 lead it was an ominous sign. Call it the great period that led to an awful night for the Caps (20-11-3, 43 points), who stumbled to a 7-1 blowout loss. But will it have any lasting impact for a team still...

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Nats still in race for Teixeira, Angels revoke contract offer

The Mark Teixeira sweepstakes is expected to wind down over the next three days. That would be a relief to the Major League Baseball teams who have been in the running since Thanksgiving for the star free-agent first baseman. The Nationals and Orioles maintain hope that Teixeira’s geographic ties to the area — he grew up in Severna Park, Md. and attended Baltimore’s Mount St. Joseph High — still give them a chance against reported similar offers from the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels. Those hopes were further bolstered late Sunday evening when multiple media reports confirmed a Foxsports.com story that the Angels had decided to revoke their contract...

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Caps in tune against Blues

It was a game they expected to win. But just two days earlier the Capitals had learned all too well there are no guarantees in the NHL. So in the middle of a tight game with the undermanned St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at Verizon Center, the Caps scored three goals in little more than three minutes, showing a killer instinct that has been lacking at times against the league’s lesser teams so far this season. Viktor Kozlov scored a pair of goals for the Caps and rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov won for the second time in his brief NHL career, stopping 29 shots in a 4-2 victory over St. Louis. “Well, you see that’s another thing we have to learn,” said Kozlov,...

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For Ovechkin, Caps, expectations continue to soar

Southeast front-runners look to increase intensity “Good is not good enough” was the slogan adorning Alex Ovechkin’s post-practice t-shirt on Wednesday. That pretty much encapsulates the Capitals’ view of things after a 5-4 overtime win against the New York Islanders on Tuesday. They found a way to win. But untimely penalties and a sluggish third period left Washington more relieved than happy after escaping Long Island. Such is the burden of high expectations, which seem to grow with every victory. Despite a season-long rash of injuries, the Caps (19-10-3) have now won four games in a row, eight of 11 and sit eight points clear in the Southeast Division. But no...

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Despite a host of injuries, Caps continue to roll

Personnel losses have not slowed Washington’s fast pace Even a day later, his frustration was evident. Capitals at Islanders When » Tonight at 7 Where » Nassau Coliseum TV/Radio » Versus/1500 AM Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau’s team had lost what he considered a pivotal game on Dec. 7 at Carolina. A chance to put a Southeast Division rival in a deep early-season hole had slipped away in the final minutes and a difficult week loomed. For two days at practice Boudreau’s message was delivered — opportunities like the one at Carolina cannot be missed. The Caps didn’t take long to respond. Even with a chaotic lineup that changes almost by...

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Capitals dispatch Senators, 5-1

Related story » Is there a goalie in the house? Johnson has another fantastic outing with 32 saves The day began with yet another injury, leaving them pondering who exactly would be manning the goal later in the evening. But nothing seems to rattle the Capitals these days. Even as they frantically tried to fly in a minor-league call-up from a road trip in Texas and signed their own Web producer, Brett Leonhardt, to an amateur contract in the afternoon, the drama had little affect. A gimpy Brent Johnson gutted through another outstanding performance, defenseman Mike Green and forward Sergei Fedorov celebrated their return to the lineup with a combined six points and star left wing...

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Is there a goalie in the house?

Related story » Capitals dispatch Senators, 5-1 Caps look inside to find emergency backup, as Web producer Leonhardt suites up Hollywood screenwriters don’t craft stories this improbable. Capitals employee Brett Leonhardt woke up Friday morning as a producer for the organization’s official website. Hours later, he skated onto the ice at Verizon Center a full-fledged member of the team. A series of injuries and pure happenstance left Leonhardt, 26, the only viable backup goalie to ailing starter Brent Johnson against the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. The Caps’ other goalie, Jose Theodore, had left the morning skate early with a hip injury. Every one of the...

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Caps face a trap game

Washington is 4-4-1 so far against NHL’s bottom 10 The Capitals have been at their best so far this season against the Eastern Conference’s top teams. That’s an encouraging trend — but not one that they care to take for granted entering tonight’s 7 p.m. home game against the Ottawa Senators at Verizon Center. The Caps (16-10-3, 35 points) rank seventh among NHL teams in points so far and are 6-1 against the rest of the top 10 with wins over the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Vancouver, Anaheim and, most recently, Boston. Things haven’t come as easy against teams at the bottom of the standings, however. It is still early so the standings...

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Nats make Young their Rule 5 pick

The team that finishes with Major League Baseball’s worst record at least receives a few consolation perks. The first overall pick in the following year’s draft is the biggest. On Thursday, the Nationals took advantage of another bonus for their 59-102 record — the top selection in the annual Rule 5 draft. Team may choose any minor leaguer from opposing clubs who has three years experience, but not yet been placed on his organization’s 40-man roster. That applies to right-handed relief pitcher Terrell Young, 24, the Cincinnati Reds minor-leaguer picked by the Nats. Young was 2-5 with a 2.88 ERA in 43 games at low-A Dayton and high-A Sarasota. He was a 10th round...

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Johnson stymies Bruins, 3-1

Brent Johnson wants nothing to do with a goalie controversy. No matter how well the 31-year-old veteran plays he will not lobby for more starts. Such public posturing provides little benefit — for himself or his team. But there is no question that through the first third of the season Johnson has been the Capitals' best goalie. No further evidence is needed than his superb play during Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center. There was the breakaway stop on Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron and the sparkling glove save on the follow-up chance by Bruins forward Chuck Kobasew in the first period. Then came the sprawling stick save after getting deked by rookie...

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Nats serious about Teixeira

Washington releases relief pitcher Colome The Nationals are serious about signing star free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. Multiple high-level baseball sources have told The Examiner’s Jim Williams that the organization is willing to offer Teixeira a contract of 10 years and $200 million. That would rank as the third richest contract in Major League Baseball history, behind only the mega deals for third baseman Alex Rodriguez — currently 10 years, $275 million with the New York Yankees. However, various media reports stated the Nats have submitted an offer for the 28-year-old Severna Park, Md.-native to the tune of eight years and between $160 million and $180...

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Injuries still an issue for Caps

Semin, Green, Poti could return tonight vs. Boston The health woes that have plagued the Capitals almost since the season began may finally be abating. Forward Alex Semin and defensemen Tom Poti and Mike Green all participated fully in Tuesday’s practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Their return would come not a moment too soon as the Caps prepare for their home game at 7 tonight against the Boston Bruins, the Eastern Conference’s top team. But Caps coach Bruce Boudreau still listed Semin (upper back), Green (shoulder) and Poti (groin) as questionable pending today’s morning skate. The trio has missed 12, 10 and six games respectively. “Any time you miss games...

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Caps keep it simple in win

Ovechkin, Washington bounce back in big way The simplest of plays saved the Capitals. Midway through the third period of Thursday night’s home game against the New York Islanders, rookie defenseman Karl Alzner received the puck near the blueline and intentionally shot it wide of the goal. The ensuing ricochet worked out far better than Alzner could have hoped. The puck slammed off the boards behind the net and landed directly in front of Islanders goalie Joey MacDonald with big Donald Brashear looming in front. Brashear’s reach proved too much. He shook off a few New York defenders and poked home the eventual game-winning goal in a 5-2 victory. “That was the play....

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Caps look beyond first line

Aside from Fleischmann, secondary scorers are not finding the back of the net With their injury woes unlikely to improve much over the coming days, the Capitals are looking for internal solutions when they return to the ice tonight at Verizon Center against the New York Islanders. Of the seven players currently out of the lineup with various ailments, only forward Sergei Fedorov (ankle sprain) has a chance to play against New York. With so much inexperience amongst the defensive corps call-ups, probably the best way to take some pressure off that group is for Washington to improve its offense — which is averaging just 2.6 goals per game over the last seven contests. “There...

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Panthers flip Capitals, 5-3

Depleted roster looks flat against red-hot Florida Good health cannot come soon enough for the Capitals. A lineup filled with AHL call-ups and missing seven members of the Opening Night roster played uninspired hockey for much of Tuesday night’s home game against the Florida Panthers. And while the Caps found enough juice to mount a rally late in the third period, it wasn’t enough in a 5-3 loss at Verizon Center. It was Washington’s first regulation defeat at home this season. Thanks to a few lucky bounces, Florida (10-11-3) scored three times in the second period to take control – two of those goals deflecting off Caps players – and held on to remain...

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Caps battered, bruised entering game against Panthers

Seven starters out tonight The NHL’s schedule is a relentless march, grinding players down night after night. Injuries may be a legitimate excuse. But while the Capitals have suffered more than their fair share early this season, the schedule simply doesn’t care. Just recall another player from the minors because there is a game coming soon. So it is for the Caps tonight against the Florida Panthers at Verizon Center. Washington will be without seven starters who were on the Opening Night roster. Another — center Boyd Gordon (back spasms) — is questionable and rookie defenseman Karl Alzner, a call-up from AHL affiliate Hershey just last week, will play despite...

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Theodore, Caps blank Canadiens, 3-0

As he was introduced to the Verizon Center crowd on Friday night, Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore drew a chorus of boos from the healthy contingent of Montreal Canadiens fans in attendance. It was a love-hate relationship between Theodore and the Montreal faithful during his nine years with the team. There was the Hart Trophy season for NHL most valuable player in 2001-02 — just the sixth goalie to achieve that feat — but also a string of inconsistent seasons that drew harsh criticism in a city where hockey is on par with religion. Those early boos were forgotten by the end of Friday night’s satisfying 3-0 victory over the Canadiens. Instead, Theodore basked in a...

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Ovechkin, Caps heating up just in time for Canadiens’ arrival

It was likely his greatest performance in a year filled with them. Last Jan. 31, Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin had his nose broken on a early check by a Montreal Canadiens defender and later took a puck to the mouth. But he chose to ignore the pain and dazzled a Verizon Center crowd with an assist and four goals, including the game-winner in overtime, for a 5-4 win. That dramatic evening in the District – Montreal overcame a 3-0 deficit and scored the game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation — was also the last time the two teams met. The Canadiens (12-5-4, 28 points) return to town tonight for a 7 p.m. game as the Caps (12-7-3, 27 points) try to continue their...

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Ovechkin, Caps refind their groove against Thrashers, 5-3

Alex the Great notches hat trick as Washington ends 3-game skid Karl Alzner spent the day before Thanksgiving just trying not to throw up. Sami Lepisto and Chris Bourque had fewer butterflies thanks to their previous, if limited, NHL experience, but still saw the golden chance before them. Graham Mink knows the window for a 29-year-old journeyman can close quickly. The four newest Capitals were playing for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League over the weekend. Wednesday night at Verizon Center they each helped injury-riddled Washington regain some of its lost momentum. Left wing Alex Ovechkin recorded his sixth career hat trick with three goals in the first 21 minutes of play...

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Kings reign over Caps, 5-2

No shoulder damage for Green, MRI confirms It was a game the Capitals felt they should have won. But one night after taking two points from a rough-and-tumble contest at Anaheim, the energy level in the first period Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings was as low as it has been all season for Washington. Maybe it was playing the second night of back-to-back games. Maybe it was missing a trio of injured players who have combined for 24 goals. Maybe it was just unrealistic to expect the Caps to keep rolling after an unbeaten run that had reached eight games. Whatever the reason, when it was over the Caps offered no excuses after a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings at Staples...

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Caps hunt Ducks early, often, 6-4

Washington kicks off westward swing with a bang Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau says that the first game of any extended road trip is the most important. It is where a hockey team establishes its confidence. It provides something to build on as the grind of travel begins to take its toll. If the Caps do return from their difficult swing through California and Minnesota with a winning record, Wednesday night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks was exactly the start they needed. Washington scored two power-play goals less than four minutes into the contest and left wing Alex Ovechkin finished with a goal and three assists as the Caps survived a late Anaheim rally for a 6-4 win at Honda...

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Caps open big California trip

Battle with Ducks up first The first 17 games of the NHL season have done nothing to diminish the idea that the Capitals are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. Despite nagging injuries, a hectic schedule, inconsistent goaltending and the loss of star left wing Alex Ovechkin for two games, Washington is off to a 10-4-3 start and in first place in the Southeast Division. It’s a far cry from last November, when the organization was in a dramatic free-fall that led to the Thanksgiving Day firing of coach Glen Hanlon. But while there are no huge holes to dig out from this season, things are about to become a little more challenging. The Caps continue a season-long...

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Morrisonn hopes to play on Wednesday

Injured defenseman Shaone Morrisonn said he hopes to play on Wednesday night when the Capitals face the Anaheim Ducks. Morrisonn has missed the past five games with a groin strain, but practiced hard on Monday morning at Kettler Capitals Iceplex before the team flew to California to continue its five-game road trip. Less certain is the status of center Sergei Fedorov, who has also missed five games with a lower-body injury and was seen limping after Monday’s practice. Fedorov did accompany the team to California. Right wing Alexander Semin sat out most of practice with the same upper-body injury that forced him to miss Saturday’s game against New Jersey. Caps coach Bruce...

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Caps extract revenge from Devils, 3-1

Theodore sharp in goal as Washington avenges lone home loss It really began last winter as the Capitals gradually turned around a lost season and made a dramatic late charge to the playoffs. For the first time since the team moved back into the District in 1997, Verizon Center actually provided a distinct home-ice advantage. Big crowds. Exciting hockey. And plenty of wins. The trend continues. Making his first start since Nov. 1, Jose Theodore was excellent in goal with 32 saves and Brooks Laich, Tomas Fleischmann and Alex Ovechkin each scored for the Caps, who again prevailed at home on Friday night, 3-1 over the New Jersey Devils. Washington (10-4-2) is now 7-0-1 at Verizon Center...

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Theodore back in the net

Keeper returns to goal as Capitals prepare for double-dip against Devils Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore could see that fellow goalie Brent Johnson was struggling. Near the end of the first period of Wednesday’s 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Theodore, sitting on the bench for a fifth game in a row, began preparing himself to play after his teammate pulled up lame with a hip injury. Theodore made several nice saves when he entered the game in the second period and kept the Hurricanes off the board throughout his 40 minutes. With Johnson still ailing, Theodore will be back on the ice at 7 tonight when the Caps (9-4-2) begin a home-and-home series with the New Jersey Devils...

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Nats' Smoker has shoulder surgery

Nationals minor-league pitcher Josh Smoker underwent left shoulder surgery on Tuesday to remove a bone spur. No further structural damage was found, so the 19-year-old left-hander, Washington’s first-round supplemental draft pick in 2007, should be ready for spring training. The surgery was performed by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.

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Caps to take on Carolina tonight

Capitals center Sergei Fedorov and defenseman Shaone Morrisonn will both miss tonight’s road game against the Carolina Hurricanes, coach Bruce Boudreau said Tuesday. Practice was canceled yesterday morning after a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay on Monday. Morrisonn (groin) and Fedorov (lower-body injury) each skated on his own at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, but neither one will make the trip to Raleigh for tonight’s 7 o'clock start. Both players were originally hurt during the Caps’ 3-2 win over Carolina last Thursday at Verizon Center. Forward Viktor Kozlov, who has been battling a sore knee for several weeks, will travel with the team and could play, Boudreau said. Kozlov sat...

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Olsen, Willingham officially introduced into Nationals’ fold

The Nationals officially introduced left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham at a Tuesday press conference at Nationals Park. The two players arrived via Monday night’s trade that sent second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and minor-leaguers P.J. Dean, a right-handed pitcher, and Jake Smolinski, a second baseman, to the Florida Marlins. “These guys are still very young and we control [their rights] for three more years,” said Nats general manager Jim Bowden. “This is not a trade where we are renting a player for a year. These are two players that can fit in a long-term plan here.” The trade was actually agreed to last Wednesday at the General...

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Nats reel in Marlins' Olsen, Willingham in trade

The Nationals made their first major splash of the offseason on Monday night, acquiring left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham from the Florida Marlins, according to multiple baseball sources. Neither Washington general manager Jim Bowden nor Marlins officials responded to e-mail or phone messages late Monday to confirm the trade. But numerous Internet reports have the Nats sending second baseman Emilio Bonifacio to Florida along with short-season minor-leaguers Jake Smolinski and P.J. Dean. The trade addresses two major holes for the Nats heading into 2009. Olsen, 24, was 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA last season. He also pitched a career-high 201 2/3 innings,...

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Caps scorch Kolzig, Lightning, 4-2

Ex-Washington goalie has rough outing in his return; Ovechkin ends scoring drought So little had changed in six months, save for the new 2007-08 Southeast Division championship banner hanging high above Verizon Center’s ice. The arena’s corridors were familiar, its everyday employees welcoming. Even his former team remained virtually the same with good friend Brent Johnson in the opposing net. But Monday was still an odd, unsettling experience for Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Olie Kolzig. No longer part of a Capitals organization he called home for 19 years, it was now his job to beat his former teammates, not protect their net. But the homecoming he had thought about since...

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An early return for Kolzig

Former Capitals’ goalie may start tonight for Tampa Bay He was the face of the franchise for a decade. But when goalie Olaf Kolzig returns to Verizon Center tonight it will not be in the Capitals’ familiar red-white-and-blue uniforms. A free-agent signee with the Tampa Bay Lightning (5-4-4) last summer, Kolzig is expected to start in goal tonight when his team faces the Caps (7-4-2) at 7 p.m. It will be his first game against the organization he played with for 16 seasons and the Caps plan a video tribute to Kolzig in the first period. The 38-year-old holds team records for wins (301), save percentage (.906) and shutouts (35). He was drafted in the first round by the Caps in...

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Caps remain unbeaten at home

Johnson wins goalie duel against Rangers’ Lundqvist It was a perfectly executed poke check, the kind of play that brings fans out of their seats and stops an opponent’s momentum cold. For the second time in three games, Capitals goaltender Brent Johnson wielded his stick on a breakaway attempt, this time spoiling a third-period penalty shot by New York Rangers center Chris Drury. It was just another example of Johnson’s resurgence. Planted firmly on the bench throughout last spring’s dramatic playoff run, the Caps No. 2 goalie has found new life early this season. Playing his third game in a row in place of starter Jose Theodore, Johnson stopped 28 of 29 shots...

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A red storm rising

Ovechkin, Fedorov, Semin fuel win over Hurricanes Searching for better chemistry among his forward lines, Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau reunited star left wing Alex Ovechkin with fellow Russians Sergei Fedorov and Alexander Semin during Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. That trio was a dominant force for Russia at last spring’s world championships in Canada, leading their country to a gold medal. Boudreau’s hunch worked to perfection. The reunited line totaled all three goals for the Caps, including the game-tying tally by Semin with 2 minutes, 43 seconds left to play and his dramatic game-winner with just 10.9 seconds remaining at Verizon...

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Acta: Johnson is progressing

Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson is making progress from the wrist injury that sidelined him most of the 2008 season, according to manager Manny Acta. Johnson played in just 38 games last season after tearing a tendon sheath in his right wrist swinging the bat on May 13 in a game against the New York Mets. He had already missed the final week of the 2006 season and all of 2007 with a broken leg. “Nick is swinging underwater right now, trying to strengthen his wrist,” Acta said at the club’s uniform unveiling at ESPN Zone on Thursday. “And I would say that in a week he’ll be making contact hitting off the tee.” Acta also said right-handed pitcher...

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Johnson solid so far

Capitals backup goalie bids for more ice time He has appeared in just four games and started only three. But at the very least, Capitals backup goaltender Brent Johnson has made a statement early this season that he deserves consistent playing time. The latest example was Tuesday night’s 2-1 overtime loss at Ottawa. Johnson was spectacular, stealing the Caps a point on a night where they played better — especially after a 5-0 thrashing at Buffalo on Saturday — but still surrendered far too many scoring chances. Johnson allowed two goals in 64 minutes, turning away 42 Ottawa shots. The Senators finished with 44 shots, the most Washington has allowed in 11...

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Nats option Young to Triple-A affiliate

The Nationals outrighted first baseman Dmitri Young to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, opening up a fifth spot on the organization’s 40-man roster. The move caps a trying year for Young, 35. He spent time on the disabled list early in the season and did not play after July 11 as he fought to control his weight and the diabetes he was diagnosed with last November. He finished with just 150 at-bats. Young spent time in an alcohol rehabilitation clinic in 2006. He was also diagnosed with depression that year and convicted of assault in Michigan. Invited to spring training as a reclamation project with Washington in 2007, Young won the first-base job, batting .320 with 13 home runs, and...

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Ovechkin returns to Caps

Election Day battle with Ottawa looms in Canadian capital As they practiced at the rink of famed Russian hockey team Dynamo Moscow last week, a gaggle of that club’s teenage junior players cast curious glances at the NHL superstar in their midst. That couldn’t really be Capitals star left wing Alex Ovechkin, right? The reigning NHL MVP was supposed to be thousands of miles away in North America, not skating with a bunch of 14-year-olds. But it really was Ovechkin, trying to keep his legs in shape as he took a leave of absence from the Caps and returned home to Moscow to be with his ailing maternal grandfather. Ovechkin was back at practice Monday afternoon at Kettler...

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Caps charge into Buffalo tonight

Poti back from injury as Sloan returns to minors The Capitals sent defenseman Tyler Sloan to AHL affiliate Hershey on Friday, paving the way for the return of defenseman Tom Poti, who has been out of the lineup since Oct. 16 with a groin injury. Poti, originally hurt during a game at Pittsburgh, practiced for the second day in a row and is set for tonight’s 7 o’clock start at Buffalo. The Caps (5-3-1) have struggled against the Sabres (6-2-2) in recent years, winning just three times in the last 12 meetings. Washington allowed 16 goals in four games with Buffalo last season, winning once. “They have good special teams. But also five-on-five they have a fast-skating,...

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Capitals heading to Buffalo well rested

Four days off before Saturday night’s game at Buffalo have provided some needed rest and recovery time for the Capitals. Star left wing Alex Ovechkin remains in Russia with his ailing maternal grandfather, according to general manager George McPhee, who also said there is still no timetable for Ovechkin’s return. Forwards Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov were both given the day off from practice Thursday. But defenseman Tom Poti did practice for the first time since suffering a groin injury in a game vs. Pittsburgh on Oct. 16 and will be a game-time decision. Poti’s return would help ease the workload of defenseman Mike Green, who is fourth in the NHL in ice time per...

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Nats cleaning house

Three Nationals players opted for free agency on Thursday after the club outrighted them to Triple-A Syracuse. Right-handed relievers Chad Cordero and Ryan Wagner and infielder Pete Orr are now off the 40-man roster. Cordero, second in team history with 128 saves, underwent surgery for a torn labrum July 8. The Nats also declined to pick up a $5 million contract option for outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who then exercised his own $2 million player option.

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Caps blow lead, win in shootout, 4-3

Their star left wing was thousands of miles away dealing with a serious family illness. But this year’s version of the Capitals was built with the depth to withstand such a loss — at least for a few games. That’s about as long as any team wants to go without an NHL MVP on the ice. The Caps again gave up a third-period lead on Tuesday night at Verizon Center when Nashville center Jason Arnott scored with 6 minutes, 36 seconds left to play to tie the game. But, after a scoreless overtime period, Washington responded in the shootout as goalie Jose Theodore stopped Martin Erat on the Predator’s final attempt to secure a 4-3 victory at Verizon Center. With star left...

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Ovechkin visits ailing grandfather

Caps forward in Russia, will miss tonight’s game Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin will not play in tonight’s home game against Nashville because of an illness in his family. Ovechkin has flown home to Russia, according to a team spokesman, to be with his ailing grandfather. His status for Saturday’s game at Buffalo is unknown. That will end a streak of 203 consecutive games played for last year’s NHL MVP. Ovechkin has struggled to score early this season with just two goals and three assists in eight games. Other players have filled the void for Washington (4-3-1), however, including left wing Alexander Semin (seven goals). The Caps rank sixth in the NHL with 3.5...

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Cheers & Jeers » Boudreau takes on The Great One

Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has experienced plenty of thrills during his hockey career. He played in 134 NHL games with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. He still ranks among the all-time leading goal scorers in minor-league hockey. He made a brief appearance in the cult-classic “Slap Shot.” There’s also the Jack Adams Award he earned last season as NHL Coach of the Year. But Boudreau is preparing to add another item to the checklist: Coaching against Hall-of-Famer Wayne Gretzky. That happens tonight when Washington faces Gretzky’s Phoenix Coyotes. When Boudreau was with the Maple Leafs during the 1976-77 season, Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time goal scorer...

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Opponents take aim at Ovechkin

Keeping left wing off the scoreboard is a priority The season is just six games old for the Capitals, but one clear lesson has emerged during the first two weeks. Opposing teams are going to do everything possible to keep star left wing Alex Ovechkin off the scoreboard. That strategy has been successful so far. Ovechkin was held to a lone secondary assist during Tuesday night’s frustrating 2-1 loss at Calgary. That leaves the league’s reigning Hart Trophy winner with just two goals and two assists. Both goals came in a 4-2 win over Chicago on Oct. 11. Time to panic? Not really. The Caps are still 3-2-1 entering tonight’s 10 p.m. game at Phoenix (2-3). And despite the...

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Cheers & Jeers » Ovechkin, Caps bringing wins, viewers

Apparently, the new motto for Washington, D.C. and Baltimore pro sports teams — or at least those that don’t play with a pigskin — is “Win and they check in.” Nationals and Orioles officials fretting over poor local television ratings during the 2008 baseball season need only look to the Capitals for hope. Through the first four Caps hockey games of the season, Comcast SportsNet has averaged a 1.3 rating. That’s about 30,000 households — or more than triple what the Nats typically drew on MASN and on par with the Orioles’ ratings on the same network. That increase, of course, is thanks in large part to the Caps’ playoff berth last...

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Cheers & Jeers » Phillies will ride the Cole train

The Examiner didn’t let you down with our American League Championship Series pick: Tampa Bay Rays in seven games, we wrote (it’s right there in print — we swear). And so it was. Of course, we left out the part about the Boston Red Sox overcoming a 7-0 lead in Game 5 at Fenway Park and eventually forcing a decisive Game 7. But, really, isn’t the final result all that matters? Anyway, now we’ll try our hand at the World Series matchup between the Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. Baseball fans in Baltimore and the District saw more than enough of these two clubs this season. The Orioles played the Rays 18 times, including nine meetings at Camden Yards. Tampa...

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Three Caps come home to Calgary

Road trip's first stop against Flames is a defensive strong-hold for the Washington club October means Homecoming season. So it is at area colleges and high schools. So it is for three Capitals defensemen. Calgary, Alberta-natives Mike Green, Jeff Schultz and Tyler Sloan return to their hometown tonight as the Caps begin a three-game road trip at the Saddledome against the Calgary Flames. The night has special meaning for Sloan, just recalled from AHL affiliate Hershey on Monday. He makes his NHL debut tonight in front of family and friends. “Twenty-seven years old, it’s a long time coming,” said Sloan, a seventh-year pro who was playing his third full season with...

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Alex leads the way for Caps

Semin off to hot start with six goals in first five games It was a given entering the NHL season that Alex would lead the Capitals in scoring. After all, Alex Ovechkin is the reigning Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, setting an NHL record with 65 goals by a left wing in 2007-08. Well, after five games an Alex indeed leads the Caps (3-1-1) — and the entire NHL — in points. But it isn’t Ovechkin. Instead, left wing Alex Semin is off to the hot start for Washington with six goals and four assists. He is second in the league in goals and tied for first with Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin in points (10). Meanwhile, Ovechkin has just three points. The gap between them...

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Caps fall to Devils in shootout, 4-3

It is a hockey team that no longer sweats falling behind in the third period. Time and again over the last 12 months the Capitals have shown the offensive firepower needed to quickly turn a game. But while that confidence is well earned — their 20 goals in just five games are tied for third in the NHL so far this season — even the Caps feel skittish when trailing the New Jersey Devils. For 15 years New Jersey’s effective two-way system has made rallying against them a dicey proposition. The Caps came close on Saturday night at Verizon Center. But the Devils, who scored a pair of goals 1 minute, 8 seconds apart midway through the third period to erase a Washington...

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Cheers & Jeers » One-on-one rivalry getting old for Ovie

Capitals general manager George McPhee rolled his eyes after the inevitable question about the rivalry between left wing Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby. It’s a legitimate one, of course. For four years, the two stars have been the faces of a league still recovering from the 2004-05 lockout. “It’s not something we really think about,” McPhee told The Examiner’s Brian McNally. “It doesn’t matter who we play. We want to win hockey games.” But while it’s only natural that Caps vs. Penguins games, including tonight’s contest in Pittsburgh, receive plenty of hype, the constant need — by the NHL, media...

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Langerhans, Speigner sent to Syracuse

The Nationals removed three players from their 40-man roster on Wednesday, including outfielder Ryan Langerhans and relief pitcher Levale Speigner. The St. Louis Cardinals claimed Nats left-handed reliever Charlie Manning off waivers. Langerhans and Speigner passed through waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. The Nats now have 36 players on the roster.

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Courses you can play » Stonewall Golf Club

Stonewall Golf Club Location » Gainesville, Va. Phone » 703-753-5101 Fees » $90 Weekday; $119 Weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope North » 72/7,002/74.3/143 Description » Opened in 2001, Stonewall is one of three high-end courses set on Lake Manassas. The others are Virginia Oaks (public) and Robert Trent Jones (private). Course is set on beautiful, rolling property that overlooks the lake. Reason to play » If you don’t have the connections to play at RTJ, Stonewall is the next best thing. Though pricey, it is one of the best layouts and best-conditioned public courses in the Washington area. Clubhouse, practice facilities, and casual and gourmet...

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Gordon set to play against Penguins

Boyd Gordon is not used to watching games from a luxury suite. The Capitals center, who won’t turn 25 until Sunday, has played in 205 games the past five seasons, fifth-most in the organization. The only player left from the opening night roster in 2003-04, Gordon has carved a niche for himself as a top faceoff man and a reliable defensive presence. But an influx of talent in Washington has left coach Bruce Boudreau with some tough decisions — and one of them was benching a healthy Gordon for the first two games of the season. “I can’t remember [sitting out two games in a row while healthy],” Gordon said. “But I had to be ready when it was my...

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Caps lose Kozlov for at least two weeks

Capitals right wing Viktor Kozlov will miss at least two weeks after suffering a knee injury during Monday’s 5-1 win over Vancouver, general manager George McPhee said. Kozlov appeared to hurt his left knee after a collision with Canucks defenseman Rob Davison in the second period. He did not practice on Tuesday and will undergo further tests today to determine the exact nature of the injury. Kozlov, 33, had registered one assist in three games. “I haven’t heard what the reports are. But he’s probably going to be out a couple weeks,” Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said. “I don’t know if any results are back in or anything. But that’s my...

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Cheers & Jeers » Youth movement for Thompson’s Hoyas

Jessie Sapp can hardly believe it. Georgetown’s 6-foot-3 guard is the lone scholarship senior on a roster missing so many familiar faces. The group that posted a 58-13 record and a Final Four appearance over the last two seasons is gone. For better or for worse, the Hoyas, featuring eight freshmen or sophomores and just one junior, are Sapp’s team now. “I can’t believe I’m a senior,” Sapp said at Georgetown’s men’s basketball media day on Tuesday. “Just having that leadership spot is different. I’m used to everybody being older than me, knowing more than me.” And that will be a major issue this season for the Hoyas, who...

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Cheers & Jeers » Tragedy on the ice

New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov was just 19 when he died suddenly of cardiac arrest on Monday during a game in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. A first-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2007, Cherepanov was part of the next wave of young Russian stars ready to enter the NHL. But, while he had an outside shot to play with New York this season, the immensely skilled forward was spending one last year in the KHL with his club team, Avangard Omsk. Former NHL star Jaromir Jagr signed with Omsk over the summer and had been mentoring Cherepanov. “He was like me, [Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni] Malkin, [Caps forward Alexander] Semin,” said Caps forward Alex...

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Cheers & Jeers » There’s no goalie controversy here

No need to start with the questions. There is no goalie controversy in Washington. The Caps started backup goalie Brent Johnson in Monday night’s home win against the Vancouver Canucks because that’s how coach Bruce Boudreau mapped out the first three games of the season. But given starter Jose Theodore’s shaky play in the season-opener against Atlanta — he was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on just 17 shots — Johnson will still be given plenty of chances this year. It’s a far cry from last winter when Johnson was the odd-man out after the Caps acquired Cristobal Huet in a February trade. Huet and Olie Kolzig shared duties in...

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Cheers & Jeers » One wild NFL weekend

It was as wild a weekend as possible in the NFL. Last-second kicks. Blocked punts. Improbable upsets. For fans, it was a dream. For coaches — well, there’s a reason in these hectic days that the profession features stress levels normally associated with Wall Street tycoons or test pilots. A Minnesota Vikings team that looked dead two weeks ago has somehow righted its season — even though the Metrodome crowd chanted for coach Brad Childress’ job throughout Sunday’s 12-10 victory over NFC North rival Detroit. But the embattled Childress has earned a reprieve thanks in part to another dose of questionable officiating. Last week, it was a clear facemask on New...

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Caps slam Canucks, 5-1

Capitals forward Michael Nylander stood at the bottom of a cauldron of noise, skating in circles as he waited impatiently for the whistle to blow. On the referee’s signal, he skated up the ice with the puck on his stick, deked to his right and then deftly back to his left, sliding a shot under Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo, one of the NHL’s elite goalies. Nylander’s penalty-shot goal in the second period epitomized a game where the Caps could do no wrong in a dominating 5-1 victory over the Canucks before 16,847 at Verizon Center on Monday night. Nylander finished with a goal and two assists while forward Alexander Semin scored twice. The Caps (2-1) dominated puck...

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Caps face Luongo and the Canucks tonight

With eight goals scored in their first two games, the Capitals are well on their way to the explosive offensive season expected of them. But all the firepower in the world is sometimes not enough against Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. The 29-year-old has succeeded with each of the three teams he has played for during a nine-year NHL career — the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers and now Vancouver — and can quickly leave a red-hot offense shaking its head at his ability to take away scoring chances. The Caps (1-1) will have to find a way to solve Luongo tonight when the Canucks (2-0) visit Verizon Center at 7 p.m. But that’s no easy task for a team that is...

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Cap club Blackhawks, 4-2

It took exactly one shot for the nightmare start to rear its ugly head. Capitals goalie Jose Theodore, in his first game with the organization since signing as a free agent in July, allowed four goals on just 17 shots against the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday and was unceremoniously banished to the bench in the second period. Eager to put that sorry start behind him, Theodore instead watched the very first shot of Saturday’s home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks — all of 26 seconds into the game — sail right under him and into the net. So much for quick redemption. But on a team loaded with scoring options, Theodore knew he only had to steady himself and the Caps...

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Cheers & Jeers » Rays in seven … no joke, we’re serious

The Tampa Bay Rays have been viewed all season as a cute story — the cuddly team with a low payroll that somehow stopped the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees’ stranglehold on the American League East. That makes for a nice tale. But it also overlooks one key fact: the Rays are good and with young stars like third baseman Evan Longoria and outfielder B.J. Upton aren’t going anywhere. The pitching staff alone has five starters 26 or younger. And three of them — James Shields (3.56), Scott Kazmir (3.49) and Matt Garza (3.70) — finished among the top 30 pitchers in ERA. That list doesn’t include 23-year-old rookie left-hander David Price, last...

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Cheers & Jeers » Economic issue looms large in NHL

The struggling economy will begin to affect area sports teams in the coming months as organizations peddle luxury suites and season tickets to fans and companies with suddenly limited discretionary income. That issue looms especially large for the NHL, which receives far less television revenue than the NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball and relies heavily on ticket and merchandise sales to generate income. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said this week he expects his team to lose more money this season than last year because of a big jump in payroll. “I’m not naïve enough to think that, long term, anything that’s bad for consumers isn’t bad for sports...

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Season of hope begins tonight

The long wait is finally over for the Capitals. The team that left the Verizon Center ice April 22 despondent after a 3-2 overtime loss to Philadelphia in Game 7 of a Stanley Cup first-round playoff series begins a new quest tonight with its NHL season-opener at Atlanta. But no matter what happens over this first weekend — the Caps return to the District on Saturday night against Chicago and play Vancouver at home Monday — no team better understands that a quick start guarantees nothing. The Caps won their first three games last season before a 3-15 skid led to coach Glen Hanlon’s dismissal. Bruce Boudreau replaced Hanlon. The Caps, led by NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin...

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Cheers & Jeers » Nats living on the ground floor

Rock bottom came hard and fast for the Washington Nationals, whose 59-102 record was worst in Major League Baseball. A disaster like that isn’t overcome in one offseason. Indications are the front office structure won’t change. Embattled general manager Jim Bowden — whose brash style makes him a polarizing figure in baseball circles — seems safe, according to sources. Team president — and part owner — Stan Kasten was adamant last month that he remains devoted to the cause. But that didn’t stop speculation from people close to Kasten that he has bristled at times under the conservative ownership style of the Lerner Family. Provided the front office...

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Caps aim to build on momentum

With Ovechkin leading the way, Washington a trendy playoff pick His hockey club is poised to build on last year’s explosion of enthusiasm. Fans turned Verizon Center into a cauldron of noise during a late-season playoff run. Season ticket renewals and sales are up. Corporate sponsorships remain steady despite the economic downturn. But as the Capitals prepare for a 2008-09 season with soaring expectations, team owner Ted Leonsis thought back to darker days during a media luncheon at Verizon Center on Tuesday. It was a late-season home game in 2003-04, the year before the infamous NHL lockout. Leonsis rose early for a dawn flight to New York for a business meeting. He flew home...

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Caps finalize roster

The Capitals made final roster cuts Monday, sending rookie defenseman Karl Alzner to AHL Hershey along with forward Chris Bourque. Forward Quintin Laing was placed on waivers and will also be assigned to Hershey if he clears today. Alzner, 20, played well during training camp, but is set to make $1.675 million. The Caps, who begin the season Friday with 22 of 23 roster spots filled, save money under the salary cap with Alzner in the minors.

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Caps look shaky in final rehearsal

It was not the dress rehearsal Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau had in mind. With four of his regulars out of the lineup Sunday evening against the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center, the Caps played a shaky preseason finale. Washington rallied from a goal down three different times over the final 21 minutes, 4 seconds. But it wasn’t enough as Boston escaped with a 5-4 shootout victory. Forwards Alex Ovechkin, Chris Clark and Chris Bourque and defenseman Mike Green each scored for the Caps (5-1-1). Bourque’s tally was especially important as the 22-year-old is trying to crack the final 23-man roster by Wednesday’s 3 p.m. deadline, made one last impression on the front...

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Nylander eagerly returns to Caps’ lineup after injury

Premature end to center’s season precluded him from partaking in playoff push The hardest part for Capitals center Michael Nylander was simply watching. He could deal with the serious shoulder injury that he suffered last winter, a torn left rotator cuff. After six weeks playing with little more than one arm it was almost a relief to have surgery to fix the problem on Jan. 16. But the cost for Nylander was a premature end to his season. And he then spent the next three months watching his teammates craft one of the NHL’s great stories without him — a thrilling 37-17-7 run that led to a Southeast Division title and the club’s first playoff appearance since...

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Alzner excelling during camp

Capitals rookie Karl Alzner harbored high expectations entering his first professional training camp. It appears he has met them. The 20-year-old is one of seven defensemen left on the roster after another round of training camp cuts on Thursday sent defensemen Sami Lepisto, Grant McNeill and Tyler Sloan to AHL-affiliate Hershey. But while the numbers to make the final 23-man roster appear in Alzner’s favor, coach Bruce Boudreau remained noncommittal. The Caps even used veteran center Sergei Fedorov on defense at Thursday’s practice as preparation for a night when the team might need him there. But it’s also a hint that the Caps could go with six natural defensemen and...

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Cheers & Jeers: Fedorov shows off his versatility

An outstanding two-way player throughout his NHL career, Capitals center Sergei Fedorov took things to extremes on Thursday. Coach Bruce Boudreau actually used the future Hall of Famer on defense during practice and said it is likely he will do the same in tonight’s preseason game against Philadelphia. It’s not a permanent switch, according to Boudreau, just an experiment. But for a 38-year-old with 472 career goals it is still akin to a quarterback moving to defensive back in football. But Fedorov’s on-ice instincts, his ability to see the ice clearly and handle the puck in any situation, make the transition possible. “Do we want to carry seven natural...

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Cheers & Jeers: We like the Cubs, we love the Phils

Major League Baseball’s postseason starts today and The Examiner has all four Division Series figured out. Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies » Milwaukee shook off a managerial change with 12 games left and still made the playoffs. But starter Ben Sheets is likely out and the Brew-Crew is running ace CC Sabathia into the ground. He makes a fourth straight start on short rest in Game 2 and would also pitch Game 5. It won’t get that far. Pick » Phillies in three. Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs » Yes, the Dodgers finished 20-8. But Los Angeles did it vs. an awful NL West. This is the same team that was swept by the Nationals in late August. L.A....

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Cheers & Jeers: There’s the easy way ... and then there’s the Brewers

With six division titles and a pair of wild-card berths, there are a myriad of ways to grab one of Major League Baseball’s eight precious playoff spots. A team can cruise through the season like the Los Angeles Angels, taking advantage of a weak American League West and clinching a division championship on Sept. 10. Or — like the Milwaukee Brewers — a team can fire its manager with 12 games left, fight its way through a vicious pennant race and somehow slide in on the season’s final day. Whatever works, apparently. But does the way a team reaches the postseason have a carry-over affect? “When you scrape and claw to get in the playoffs of course it’s...

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A classic October opens tonight

Rays, Cubs, Red Sox make for intriguing story lines There is no other setting Major League Baseball would want for the opening day of its postseason. The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers open the 2008 playoffs this evening in a National League Division Series game at fabled Wrigley Field, one of three Division Series contests set for Wednesday. The eight playoff participants feature a nice cross-section of the sport. There are postseason mainstays like the Boston Red Sox, defending World Series champions, and big-market free-spenders like the Dodgers and Cubs. All three clubs rank among the top seven payrolls in the sport. The Milwaukee Brewers face the Philadelphia Phillies in the...

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Cheers & Jeers: Be the worst, and pick first

It was the last place the Nationals wanted to end up. But a three-game sweep at the hand of the Phillies over the weekend forces the organization to accept a harsh reality: No team in baseball this season was worse. The Nats finished with a 59-102 record, sinking below the Seattle Mariners on the final day of the season. But maybe that’s for the best. With the worst record comes the top pick in next June’s Major League Baseball draft. And the early consensus from baseball officials — including Nats general manager Jim Bowden and assistant general manager Mike Rizzo — is that San Diego State right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg is the likely choice. The 6-foot-4,...

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Cheers & Jeers: No defense for Brett’s Jets

Early in the week some wondered if a sore left ankle would end Brett Favre’s consecutive games played record of 256 for a quarterback. Apparently, he was feeling just fine. The former Packer had his first great day as a New York Jet on Sunday, doing something he never did in Green Bay: throw six touchdown passes. The sight of Favre in Jets’ green-and-white instead of Packers’ green-and-yellow still looks odd. But he did a nice imitation of Joe Namath in a ridiculous 56-35 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday — albeit in New York’s alternate throwback uniform. Favre had thrown five touchdown passes three different times in his career — the last...

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Cheers & Jeers » Ovechkin in ’09: a winning ticket

A year ago, Verizon Center was a half-empty shell the day before Thanksgiving. The Washington Capitals had the worst record in the NHL. Their coach, Glen Hanlon, had just been fired. The team generated little buzz in its own city, let alone across the national sports landscape. Fast-forward 10 months and suddenly hockey is cool again in the District, thanks in large part to an MVP season by star forward Alex Ovechkin. That point is driven home by this week’s issue of ESPN The Magazine, which features Ovechkin on the cover — his head inside a red-white-and-blue button labeled Ovechkin ’09 — and a four-page article on the Caps’ chances of making a deep...

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Marlins rough up Redding, Nats, 9-4

Nationals right-handed starter Tim Redding is a fly-ball pitcher. The Florida Marlins entered Wednesday night’s game at National Park with 203 home runs, third-most of any team in Major League Baseball. That combination proved nothing but trouble in 2008. The Marlins’ lineup has tormented the Nats all season and no pitcher more than Redding, who had to face Florida six times. Wednesday’s result was no different. Redding lasted just 2 2/3 innings, his shortest outing of the season, and allowed seven runs on seven hits in a 9-4 loss. “[Redding] needs to keep the ball down on them. He has a little problem with them because he’s been up in the zone,’ Nats...

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Nats hammer Marlins

Martis earns first win in 9-4 romp over Florida His parents had flown all the way from their native Curacao, the small island in the Netherlands Antilles off the Venezuelan coast. Richard and Aethym Martis had already watched their son, Shairon, pitch in person once for the Nationals — an ugly loss last week to the New York Mets. They are scheduled to depart this Friday, but had one last chance before leaving the United States to see their 21-year-old make another start at Nationals Park. He rewarded them with his first major-league victory. In a 2008 season where small glimmers of hope are all that remain for the Nats, Martis, a rookie right-hander, provided one with 5 1/3 solid...

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Cheers & Jeers: Are we looking at the Tour de Lance?

Cyclist Lance Armstrong is expected to officially announce his intention to race in next summer’s Tour de France at a Wednesday press conference in New York. He is scheduled to speak about cancer policy along with former President Bill Clinton. However, according to The Examiner’s Jim Williams, word leaked out of Europe late last week that Armstrong was part of a group close to buying the Amaury Sport Organization, the company that runs the Tour de France, from parent company the Amaury Group. Rumors have Armstrong linked to the deal with Hein Verbruggen, the vice-president of cycling’s world body, the Union Cycliste Internationale. A number of wire reports say a...

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Cheers & Jeers: The footnote to baseball history

The Orioles had a chance to make history last weekend during the final series at Yankee Stadium. Instead, they became little more than a footnote in the final game at one of baseball’s most famous venues. The Orioles (67-87) lost the series opener, 3-2, on Friday, fell 1-0 on Saturday and showed little life in front of a national television audience on ESPN in a 7-3 defeat Sunday night. “It was kind of like the seventh game of the World Series, the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras — a little bit of everything,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley told reporters. “It’s about the great players they’ve had here and the fans. The fans are all behind this team. They...

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Cheers & Jeers: McPhee, Caps break out the abacus

The Capitals entered training camp over the weekend with most of last year’s Southeast Division championship roster in place. But — thanks to the NHL salary cap — there are still tough decisions to make. The organization doesn’t disclose salary information so numbers aren’t exact. But sources peg the Caps’ expected salary cost at about $57.64 million. And that number is without the $2.5 million owed to defenseman Brian Pothier, who has been out since January with post-concussion symptoms. Pothier is making progress, but he likely will be placed on the long-term injured reserve list to start the year and his salary won’t count against the cap. But...

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Padres complete sweep of Nats, 6-2

The 2008 season is crashing to an appropriate end for Manny Acta’s Nationals. Even the admittedly meager goals left to them — avoiding 100 losses and not finishing with the worst record in Major League Baseball — seem unlikely after a weekend sweep by the equally inept San Diego Padres. Kevin Kouzmanoff doubled home two runs in the first inning and another in the eighth and the Nats could do little offensively against San Diego starting pitcher Cha Seung Baek, who gave up just one run in seven innings of a 6-2 Padres’ win. The two teams featured identical records entering the series, but the Nats (58-98) leave needing to win five of their final six games to avoid...

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Cheers & Jeers: Another ‘big game’ with USC? … Yawn

Anything worth seeing with USC? » The last time the top-ranked Trojans were on national television, a week’s worth of hype was wasted on one competitive quarter. USC is favored by more than two touchdowns for their Thursday ESPN game against Oregon State in Corvallis. But will there be any compelling football left if you don’t tune in until after the season premiere of "The Office"? D.C. United goes South » We mean on the compass, but things don’t look promising otherwise, either. United faces a daunting task against Honduran club CD Marathon in San Pedro Sula in the CONCACAF Champions' League on Wednesday, but the team’s most promising news...

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Caps prepare for season with a deep playoff run in mind

It is still just mid-September, a long, long way from the bitter postseason hockey battles of the spring. But the Capitals, for the first time in five years, earned a taste of the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, eventually losing a first-round series in seven games to the Philadelphia Flyers. And with virtually every key player back, including NHL Most Valuable Player Alex Ovechkin, the defense of Washington’s Southeast Division title and an expected deeper playoff run begins this weekend with the opening of training camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Unlike past years, talent won’t be an issue as the front office chooses the final 23-man roster. But there are still plenty...

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Padres thump Nats, 6-1

Sometimes it all comes down to just seeing the baseball. Nationals outfielder Willie Harris struggled all evening in left field on Saturday night, losing several routine pop flies hit by the San Diego Padres in the bank of lights at Nationals Park. Washington’s batters, meanwhile, were just as baffled by San Diego right-hander Chris Young, whose 6-foot-10 frame and deceptive delivery shield the ball from view a beat longer than most pitchers. That’s not a winning combination for any team. Young allowed just two hits in seven innings, negating a solid outing from Nats starter John Lannan, and San Diego scored all the runs it needed in a three-run fifth inning en route to a 6-1...

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Fourteen enough as Nats fall in extras to Padres

In the long run it probably was in the best interests of both the Nationals and the San Diego Padres to lose Friday’s night’s game at Nationals Park. For the winner, the victory would do little to salvage an awful season. But for the loser, it was one step closer to the No. 1 pick in next June’s Major League Baseball draft and consensus top choice Stephen Strasburg, a star right-handed pitcher at San Diego State. That reverse pennant chase is irrelevant to both team’s current players, of course. They have jobs to play for and numbers to compile heading into next season. But it is still an intriguing sub-plot to a three-game series matching two of baseball’s...

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Cheers & Jeers: Who has the edge in NL MVP race?

It is that time of year again. No, not for late-season pennant races. At this point, only a select few of the 30 Major League Baseball teams can still qualify for postseason play. But any team can have a Most Valuable Player candidate and the competition is fierce as the season winds down. No race is closer than National League MVP. St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols appeared to be the favorite, batting .354 with 33 home runs and 101 RBI. And he’s played 138 games despite a torn elbow ligament. But Pujols had just four hits in his last 19 at-bats entering last night’s action and saw his average drop seven points as St. Louis lost five in a row. Atlanta’s Chipper...

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Santana, Mets sail by Nats

When the Nationals traded veteran catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church to the New York Mets last winter the move was an obvious short-term loss. Schneider was a top defensive catcher and vocal presence in the clubhouse. Church showed flashes of becoming an above-average starter if he could finally stay healthy. Despite the results of Thursday’s 7-2 loss to the Mets at Nationals Park, where Schneider hit two home runs and Church delivered a pair of RBI singles, the Nats certainly don’t want a do-over on the trade. But with at least 18 games scheduled against New York every season, the front office knew there would be nights like this one. If the trade for...

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Mets hammer Nats early, hang on to win

Things returned to normal at Nationals Park on Wednesday night. The team in the midst of a pennant race finally played like one and the team with Major League Baseball’s second-worst record made enough mistakes to justify that ugly win-loss total. The New York Mets battered Nationals rookie starter Shairon Martis for six runs through three innings, including three of their four home runs, and the Nats never recovered in a 9-7 loss. After winning the first two games of the series, Washington (58-94) reverted to form. The Nats squandered promising opportunities at the plate. They had runners thrown out on the bases. And the bullpen allowed enough insurance runs to keep the Mets from...

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Cheers & Jeers: Another collapse for Minaya & Co?

Okay, so it is not as ominous as, say, firing your manager with 12 games left in the season. But two-and-a-half hours before the New York Mets played the Nationals on Tuesday night — at a time when the visitor’s clubhouse is usually open to reporters — the security guard at the entrance just shook his head. “Team meeting,” he said. You can forgive Mets fans if a chill just ran down their collective spine. Major League Baseball’s most over-analyzed team was in first place in the National League East at the time. But the Mets are still haunted by last year’s September collapse when they blew a seven-game NL East lead. So, after three losses in four...

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Odalis!: Perez shuts down Mets with arm, legs

N.Y. again falling apart in D.C. late in the season, tumbling out of division lead The ball streaked towards Nationals left fielder Willie Harris and pure physics seemed to decide the issue. The line drive would sail over Harris’ head, two runs would score and the New York Mets would take the lead with two outs in the top of the sixth inning. But Harris, who has made his share of jaw-dropping catches this season, apparently concedes nothing to the laws of nature. He raced back as fast as he could and, just as the ball appeared certain to overtake him, stuck up the glove, ripped it from the air and tumbled to the ground. David Wright, the Mets batter, slammed his helmet to the...

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Cheers & Jeers: Mother Nature derails Astros

Mother Nature did what no other team could over the last month: slow down the Houston Astros, who closed to 2 1/2 games of wild-card leader Milwaukee after a win last Thursday. It was Houston’s 14th victory in 15 games. But Hurricane Ike loomed in the Gulf of Mexico and a critical three-game series with NL Central leader Chicago was postponed to Sunday. When it became clear the Houston area was in no condition to host sporting events, the series moved to Milwaukee, one of the few major-league stadiums available. Unfortunately for the Astros that’s about 90 miles from Chicago and an estimated 38,000 showed up to see the Cubs hold Houston to one hit in two games. Just like that...

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Lannan and Nats bats control Mets

Nationals pitcher John Lannan was battered and bruised when last he saw the New York Mets. It seemed every pitch from the left-hander last Tuesday at Shea Stadium was telegraphed, two of those offerings deposited far, far over the right-field wall. Lannan left that game humbled after lasting just three innings — only the sixth time in 28 starts where he failed to pitch into the sixth. That consistency has defined Lannan in his first full major-league season. He found it again on Monday night at Nationals Park and earned a measure of revenge over New York in a 7-2 victory. Lannan controlled the Mets’ potent lineup, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out seven...

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Cheers & Jeers: Great Scott is OK with instant replay

Orioles outfielder Luke Scott doesn’t just like Major League Baseball instituting instant replay — he wants to see more of it. “They need to do what they do in tennis,” Scott said. “Make the strike zone electronic. Up and down isn’t bad. If it’s high, I have enough bat to reach it. If it’s down, I can reach it.” Scott’s suggestions for an improved system involve using the K-Zone graphic that networks such as ESPN feature to judge if the ball really was in a player’s strike zone. That is similar to the Hawk-Eye device the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour uses to judge line calls. Scott said many umpires call a...

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Cheers & Jeers: Things heating up, then cooling down

National League pennant chase » It’s the home stretch in Major League Baseball with playoff spots at stake. Despite losing 8-of-9 recently, the Chicago Cubs, with a six-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers entering play last night, should hold on in the National League Central. But the Cubs will have a big say about the NL wild card berth with a game tonight against Houston — in Milwaukee thanks to Hurricane Ike — and then series with the wild-card leading Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals. American League pennant chase » The Los Angeles Angels already clinched the American League West. The other two divisions may be decided in Tampa Bay, where the Boston...

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Cheers & Jeers: It’s Mr. Rodgers’ neighborhood

There were plenty of intriguing games on the Week 2 NFL schedule, including New England — without Tom Brady — making a trip to New York to face the Jets — with Brett Favre. Two months ago that sentence would not have made sense. Some highlights from Sunday’s games: Brett who? » Okay, so maybe Green Bay actually had a good reason to prematurely end the Brett Favre Era. New quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 24-for-38 with 328 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 45-28 beatdown of NFC North rival Detroit. Rodgers has the Packers off to a 2-0 start. Things haven’t changed much in Detroit, however. The Lions rallied from 21-0 down to take a 25-24 lead with 7...

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Cheers & Jeers: Big bat, volatile temper for Dukes

Both the fearsome talent and volatile temper of Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes were on display Wednesday night. It’s why team officials and players speak with reverence of the 24-year-old’s skills — and almost always issue a qualifier when discussing the future. It’s only been 13 games since Dukes returned from his third trip to the disabled list. But in that time he is 16-for-51 (.314) with five home runs, six doubles and 14 RBI. The power is there (11 home runs in 233 at-bats this season) and the plate discipline (36 walks, .380 on-base percentage) is good for a player with just 417 major-league at-bats. So if he can stay healthy 2009 should be a breakout...

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Cheers & Jeers: Buckeyes feeling the heat

Since 2002, Ohio State has appeared in five BCS bowl games and won a national championship. Yet a pair of blowout losses to Southeastern Conference opponents in the BCS title game the past two seasons brought some heat to a program that’s been better than most this decade. It might lend more juice to Saturday’s 8 p.m. showdown vs. No. 1 USC in Los Angeles. But is it really a referendum on the fifth-ranked Buckeyes’ overall program? “I think it’s a huge opportunity for Ohio State in regards to what people say. They’re matched up on a national stage and it’s very critical that they show well,” ESPN football analyst Cris Carter, an Ohio State...

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Bats hot, Nats not as team ends road trip

Washington is 2-4 on current swing despite offensive outburst There are worse places to spend an off day than in Miami. For the Nationals, a day at the beach was about the only way to put a disappointing two-game series against the New York Mets behind them. Despite scoring 18 runs in 18 innings, Washington still was swept by the first-place Mets. So the Nats (56-90) finish their nine-game, 11-day road trip with a three-game series this weekend against the Florida Marlins (74-72), who sit third in the NL East but nine games behind wild-card leader Milwaukee (83-63) and likely out of the playoff chase. After an 8-1 homestand — its best of the season, by far — Washington is...

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Cheers & Jeers: Versus looks for boost with Armstrong return

The return of Lance Armstrong to the Tour de France next summer is a winner for network executives at Versus. The seven-time Tour champion officially announced his comeback attempt in a Vanity Fair magazine article posted Tuesday. Armstrong’s presence will almost certainly boost ratings for an event that has lost 175,000 average daily viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research, since he rode off into the sunset after his final Tour victory in 2005. Armstrong’s retirement and a series of doping scandals contributed to the steep ratings decline in the United States. During his last Tour victory, Versus averaged 315,000 average daily viewers. That number dropped to 140,000 this...

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Cheers & Jeers: Baseball’s September swoon

Call it Major League Baseball’s cruelest month. Night after night in September fans in all corners of the country — from Boston to Minneapolis to Los Angles to Tampa — live and die with every pitch as pennant races head to their dramatic conclusions. But while they are also loving life in Philadelphia and Chicago and New York (in Queens, at least), things aren’t so rosy elsewhere. With just eight playoff participants, the fewest of any North American professional sports league, baseball wields a harsh punishment for its worst teams — they have to keep playing. On Aug. 15, there were already 13 different clubs 11 games or more behind the wild-card leaders in...

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Hinckley takes long road back

Former starter looking for spot in Nats bullpen Nationals relief pitcher Mike Hinckley plopped into the chair in front of his locker last Tuesday as a pack of reporters finally departed. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said to no one in particular, shaking his head and then exhaling. It had been a memorable day for the 27-year-old left-hander. He had just made his major-league debut, throwing 1 2/3 shutout innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sept. 2 — a moment the former top prospect wasn’t sure would ever come. In 2005, Baseball America rated Hinckley, a 2001 third-round draft pick, the No. 1 minor-leaguer in the Nats’ system. He competed that spring...

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Nats come right back at Phillies, 9-7

Eighth-inning rally helps Washington finish homestand 8-1 Ronnie Belliard knew what was coming. The Nationals had seen more than enough of the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen over the last three days. So when Belliard strode to the plate as a pinch hitter with the game tied in the bottom of the eighth inning on Wednesday night, he took his stance in the batter’s box and waited for a fastball from reliever Chad Durbin. It came on the first pitch. One sweet swing later, Belliard and the Nats had finally taken the lead. That RBI single in the eighth and the bases-clearing double by Cristian Guzman that followed were the difference in a wild, 9-7, victory at Nationals Park. It...

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Nats lower some season ticket prices for 2009

The Nationals announced on Wednesday that season tickets for 7,500 seats at Nationals Park — 3,400 of those located in the lower bowl — will decrease in price for next season. There will also be no price increase for current season-ticket holders who renew their tickets for 2009. “After being here in the first year we watched usage patterns and customer purchasing patterns and we thought it made some sense to lower the price on the tickets that we were going to make available next year,” Nationals team president Stan Kasten said. “And we had a strong feeling that — even though it’s pretty customary in sports nowadays to raise ticket prices every...

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Caps to honor former star

Organization will retire Gartner’s jersey this year The Capitals announced Tuesday that former star right wing Mike Gartner will have his No. 11 jersey retired Dec. 28 before a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gartner spent the first 10 of his 19 NHL seasons with the Caps. The organization’s first-round draft pick in 1979 — fourth overall — Gartner registered 36 goals as a rookie and at least 35 in his first nine NHL seasons. A seven-time All-Star, he ranks second in Caps history in goals (397), assists (392) and points (789). Gartner was elected to the NHL Hall of Fame in 2001. “You don’t want to live in the past, but it’s important to...

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Phillies end Nats' streak at seven with 4-0 victory

It was nice while it lasted. The Nationals’ major-league best winning streak had to end sometime. But after a red-hot stretch where the offense scored 65 runs in 10 games and fueled seven wins in a row it was still deflating to revert to form. Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels continued to torment the Nats, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and shortstop Jimmy Rollins drove in two runs in a 4-0 victory on Tuesday night at Nationals Park. The loss came with an added cost. Nats catcher Jesus Flores suffered a sprained left ankle during a violent collision at home plate with Philadelphia’s Chase Utley. The play occurred in the top of the third inning with the Phillies up 2-0. When...

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Nats make it seven in a row

The formula has remained the same for a week now. The Nationals receive key hits from players throughout their oft-criticized batting order. The starting pitchers are solid, keeping their team close if they do happen to fall behind. And the bullpen holds off any late rallies that bubble up. So make it seven games, seven wins for the Nats, who on Labor Day continued their perfect homestand with a 7-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Washington (53-85) has put together the second-longest winning streak since the team moved to the District in 2005 – it won 10 games in a row in June of that season - and has scored 65 runs in its last 10...

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Boone's blast seals sixth straight win for Nats

You know things are going well for a baseball team when a failed bunt leads to a win. Aaron Boone strode to the plate on Sunday afternoon fully intending to sacrifice himself so two Nationals baserunners could advance. If successful, his club, trailing by a run with nobody out in the bottom of the eighth inning, had a good chance of taking the lead. He wasn’t successful. Boone fouled off a pitch from Atlanta Braves reliever Elmer Dessens. Boone was all set for another try when manager Manny Acta took away the bunt sign. So Boone waited patiently for a fastball down the middle and then blasted a dramatic three-run home run into the left-field bullpen. That proved to be the...

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Dukes, Nats walk off with season-high fifth win in a row

He is the Nationals' strongest player, a 24-year-old force who can generate frightening bat speed. Earlier this week, Elijah Dukes twice hit home runs hard enough and far enough to make teammates shake their head in wonder. But for all that natural power, as much fun as it is to blast a ball into the outer reaches of Nationals Park, Dukes sometimes takes equal joy from a simple walk. So when he battled back from a 1-2 count in the bottom of the 10th inning, fighting off two breaking balls and eventually drawing a game-ending, bases-loaded walk from Atlanta Braves reliever Vladimir Nunez, Dukes stepped in front of home plate, pounded his chest and screamed before trotting to first base and...

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Nats win, tie season's longest winning streak

There is almost an entire season’s worth of numbers that say the Nationals are a bad offensive team. They rank 27th or lower among all Major League Baseball teams in hits, batting average, on-base percentage, runs and home runs. And that’s just a partial list of categories. But there are days when a glimmer of hope shines through for a team with five starters age 24 or younger. It happened again on Friday night. The Nats scored three times in the first two innings, received another solid performance from starting pitcher Odalis Perez and a resurgent bullpen held on for a 7-3 win over the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington (50-85) is now 4-0 on its nine-game...

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Nats' Hill to undergo more surgery

Nationals right-handed pitcher Shawn Hill was examined Friday in Pensacola, Fla. by Dr. James Andrews, who recommended arthroscopic surgery to both clean out bony buildup behind the pitcher’s right elbow and evaluate the elbow ligament itself. Hill, 27, was officially declared out for the season by team officials on Thursday. He had been on the disabled list since June 25 with persistent nerve pain in his right forearm, but had begun a rehabilitation program in Viera, Fla., at the organization’s spring training complex. It was during that throwing program when Hill experienced the elbow pain that led to his visit with Dr. Andrews. Before surgery, Hill will visit Dr. Tom Hunt...

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Cycle helps Nats sweep Dodgers

Guzman's big night combined with Dukes' 4 RBI makes Lannan a winner Cristian Guzman heard the shouts from his teammates as he strolled to home plate. With the competitive portion of the Nationals’ 11-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers long over, the night’s final exclamation point belonged to Guzman, who had already singled, doubled and hit a home run. “Get the triple, get the triple,” Nats players yelled from the dugout, hoping he could complete one of the rarest of baseball feats — the cycle. The thought had already popped into Guzman’s mind when Dodgers manager Joe Torre called for left-handed reliever Joe Beimel to start the bottom of the...

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Twice as nice

Zimmerman's homer helps power Nats to second consecutive win against Dodgers Who says power wins baseball games? Home runs are so overrated. Doubles and triples? Mere luxuries. Fans may dig the long ball. But they like wins no matter how they happen. For one night, at least, the Nationals proved they could earn one with limited use of the other. Major League Baseball’s lightest hitting outfit — with the least total bases (1625) and third-fewest home runs (93) in the sport — managed to push across runs with two ground outs, an error and a measly RBI single in a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to knock the ball out of the park...

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Nats get some needed relief, top Dodgers 2-1

It had been far too long since the strains of U2’s “Beautiful Day” blared from the speakers at Nationals Park. Not since beating the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 3 had the Nationals walked off their home field to that celebratory anthem. For a good while on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers it appeared the stadium production crew needed Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” on tap — again. That relentless tune has accompanied every single home loss during this trying 2008 season. It was the Nats bullpen that made sure it wasn’t necessary. Marco Estrada, Steven Shell, Saul Rivera and closer Joel Hanrahan allowed four base runners total...

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Nats to face Manny and the Dodgers in D.C.

It is not exactly the chase they hoped to take part in when the season began almost five months ago. But when things are going this poorly you might as well end up with the worst record in Major League Baseball and the No. 1 draft pick that goes with it. Nationals fans, at least, can be forgiven for thinking that way as their club has struggled to a 46-85 record and 14 losses in its last 16 games. The players, of course, will do as much as possible to play spoiler during the season’s final five weeks. The second-to-last homestand at Nationals Park begins tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After almost single-handedly ruining the New York Mets’ season last September with...

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Daniel making progress in AA

Outfielder, moving steadily through Nats’ ranks, having All-Star year Players have come and gone all summer at Double-A Harrisburg. Some were promoted quickly to Triple-A Columbus — or even reached the big leagues with the Nationals — others were lost to injury. By July, the Senators roster looked little like the one that began the season. About the lone constant has been outfielder Mike Daniel, a seventh-round draft pick in 2005 who has methodically progressed through the farm system. Daniel, 24, watched as fellow Harrisburg outfielder Justin Maxwell was lost for the season due to a right wrist injury May 29. Outfielder Roger Bernadina hit so well he was promoted...

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Milledge is starting to come around

Outfielder heating up, even though team is not Nothing is redeeming about a long losing streak. Entering last night’s game against Philadelphia, the Nationals had lost 11 in a row, a stretch of futility unmatched since the team’s move to D.C. But while looking for hope isn’t easy, there has been at least one positive development: the play of outfielder Lastings Milledge. During the 11-game losing streak, Milledge batted .349 with three doubles, a home run and four RBI. He also stole three bases without being caught. “I’ve been struggling all year to put together good at-bats,” Milledge said. “Now I’m getting back to the player I know I...

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For Nats, rebuilding continues

It has been their mantra since buying the Nationals from Major League Baseball in May of 2006. The Lerner Family — headed by managing principal owner Theodore N. Lerner and his son, Mark, along with partner and team president Stan Kasten — has continuously preached the need for player development. But on Friday, the Nationals failed to sign first-round draft pick Aaron Crow, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Missouri whom they chose ninth in the June draft. Instead, Crow is pitching for the Fort Worth Cats, an independent league team, after the Nationals and his advisors, the Hendricks Brothers, couldn’t agree on a contract by Friday’s midnight deadline....

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Rockies hammer Nats

The Nationals lost 7-2 to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, setting the record for longest losing streak since the team moved to Washington in 2005 at 10 games. Seth Smith, Brad Hawpe and Ian Stewart homered for the Rockies. Lastings Milledge was 2-for-4 with an RBI double for the Nats. Washington also traded right-handed reliever Luis Ayala to the New York Mets for shortstop Anderson Hernandez. Ayala, one of the Nats top relief pitchers in 2005 (2.66 ERA) and 2007 (3.19 ERA), had struggled this year (1-8, 5.77 ERA). The Nats also recalled pitcher Marco Estrada from Triple-A Columbus.

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Martis at the Olympics, NYPL All-Stars and Burgess promoted

A round up of last week’s happenings around the Nationals’ minor-league affiliates: » Triple-A Columbus pitcher Shairon Martis is taking a break from the team for a few weeks — and for good reason. Martis, a native of Curacao, is pitching for the Netherlands in the Olympic Games in Beijing. His first outing was Wednesday against the United States. Martis started strong, allowing one run through three innings. But in the fourth he gave up a three-run homer to Cleveland Indians prospect Matt LaPorta, part of the huge CC Sabathia trade last month with the Milwaukee Brewers. Martis pitched into the fifth inning and left after giving up five runs and two walks. The...

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Snyder looks ahead after early injuries

Former first-round pick out of Westfield High making progress in minors It happens so fast in professional baseball. A player is chosen in the first round of Major League Baseball’s draft and immediately praised for his potential. But if he fails to meet expectations the whispers begin. That’s how today’s top prospect morphs into tomorrow’s bust in the blink of an eye. It almost happened to Baltimore Orioles minor-leaguer Brandon Snyder. The Centreville native dominated Northern Virginia high school baseball at Westfield High. He led the Bulldogs to the 2004 Group AAA state final and earned a scholarship to college baseball power Louisiana State. The Orioles...

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Crow flies away

Nats fail to sign first-round pick from 2008 MLB draft The Nationals and representatives for first-round draft pick Aaron Crow failed to agree to terms on a contract Friday night as the Major League Baseball deadline for signing draft picks expired. That means the Nats lose the rights to Crow, a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher from the University of Missouri who was the ninth overall pick in the June draft. Crow has already signed a contract with the Fort Worth Cats, an independent minor-league team in Texas, and is ineligible to return to Missouri for his senior season. He is eligible again for the 2009 draft. “Our intention the entire time was to sign the player,” said...

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Bonifacio out to prove he’s part of the solution

His arrival brought life to a tense and battered clubhouse. Nationals second baseman Emilio Bonifacio wasn’t solely responsible for his new club winning six of his first seven games. But there is no question his presence provided an immediate boost. Acquired on July 22 for closer Jon Rauch, Bonifacio was installed as the Nats’ starting second baseman Aug. 1 — a spot club officials believe the 23-year-old can hold for a long time. Bonifacio now has the rest of the season to prove his first week wasn’t a fluke. “[When the trade was made] I said I thought he’d be our solution at second base and be our solution at [the] leadoff [position] down the...

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Rookie Balester is beginning to gain confidence

For Major League Baseball’s youngest team, the evaluations continue, every game an open casting call. Some of the under-24-years-old crowd — which now numbers seven players — will become major pieces of what the Nationals hope is a future contender. Others will fall behind. Pitcher Collin Balester, a 2004 fourth-round draft pick, is trying to prove himself a future piece of the puzzle. A forearm injury forced starter Shawn Hill from the rotation and has given Balester his first shot. And while the 22-year-old right-hander is still feeling his way in the big leagues through six starts, there has been evident improvement. Despite tiring in the sixth inning of...

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Tate switching sides

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said Monday that heralded wide receiver recruit Kenny Tate will instead vie for playing time at strong safety. At DeMatha last season, Tate was ranked the No. 16 wide receiver in the country by recruiting service Scout.com. But the Terps lack depth at safety, according to Friedgen, and already have a wealth of young talent at receiver. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder actually started three years at strong safety for DeMatha. Tate noted that former Maryland strong safety Dennard Wilson is a DeMatha assistant coach and employs similar defensive terminology with the Terps. Tate said he spent the summer running seven-on-seven drills at receiver and had expected to...

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Nats retool roster

The rebuilding Nationals began their annual second-half makeover, trading closer Jon Rauch to the Arizona Diamondbacks and signing shortstop Cristian Guzman to a two-year, $16-million contract extension.The moves capped a busy day as Washington also recalled third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (small labral tear, left shoulder) from AAA Columbus after completing a rehabilitation assignment.Guzman, 30, would be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. With no immediate heir apparent, Washington locked up its lone All-Star, the National League leader in hits (129) and team leader in batting average (.310), doubles (26),......

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Nats look to show heart

A dismal first half for the Nationals was filled with far too many losses, both on and off the field.Injuries led to a revolving lineup and bad news piled upon the organization this month: Legal problems with the D.C. government, abysmal television ratings and general manager Jim Bowden being interviewed by the FBI in an ongoing investigation.The Nats, who feature the......

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Huet, Kolzig slated to make early appearances against Caps next season

The NHL released a revamped regular-season schedule for the 2008-09 season on Thursday that features plenty of highlights for the Capitals.The defending Southeast Division champions begin Friday, Oct. 10 at the Atlanta Thrashers. The home opener is set for the next night against the Chicago Blackhawks and goalie Continued...

 

United host diminishing Fire

D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn knew better when it came to the Chicago Fire’s stellar start to the 2008 season. Chicago was sitting pretty with a 6-2-1 record before it suffered a demoralizing 2-1 home loss to United on June 7. The Fire haven’t won in league play since, dropping to 6-5-2 following a draw at Continued...

 

D’backs’ All-Star arms hit D.C. tonight

There is one final homestand remaining before the Nationals can finally limp into Major League Baseball’s All-Star break. No team could use that four-day vacation more.The Nats enter tonight’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 34-56 record, the worst in baseball. And while the season may be a complete write-off, the front office can’t even evaluate the young talent it does possess. After all, three of Continued...

 

Green cashes in, Huet out

A busy summer began in earnest for the Capitals on Tuesday as the organization signed 22-year-old defenseman Mike Green to a four-year contract and a endured a major shake up at the goaltender position.Goalie Cristobal Huet, who was acquired at the trade deadline Feb. 26 and promptly led the Caps to the playoffs for the first time in five years, unexpectedly signed......

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Green cashes in, Huet out

A busy summer began in earnest for the Capitals on Tuesday as the organization signed 22-year-old defenseman Mike Green to a four-year contract and a endured a major shake up at the goaltender position.Goalie Cristobal Huet, who was acquired at the trade deadline Feb. 26 and promptly led the Caps to the playoffs for the first time in five years, unexpectedly signed a four-year, $5.635 million-per-season average contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.The Caps immediately signed free-agent goalie Jose Theodore, 32, to a two-year, $9 million deal. The former Vezina Trophy......

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Angels and demons

All it took was a bunt single, a stolen base and a pair of errors.Just like that a one-run, eighth-inning lead over the Los Angeles Angels turned into a one-run deficit. Just like that a strong outing by starting pitcher Jason Bergmann was wasted.That one inning epitomized the Nationals’ downward spiral in recent days. Since a three-game sweep of Seattle they......

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Quality vs. quantity

There is not much more Nationals pitcher John Lannan can do at this point.Time after time the savvy 23-year-old left-hander finds a way to keep his team close. Time after time the run support just isn’t there.So it was again on Sunday afternoon against the Texas Rangers in a 5-3 loss. Lannan allowed two solo home runs, four hits and walked none. But......

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Busy NHL Draft for McPhee, Caps

Developing young, cheap stars is a must under the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement. So the league’s annual Entry Draft in Ottawa over the weekend figured to be a general manager’s dream.With a late first-round pick and three more in the second round, Caps general manager George McPhee had plenty of ammunition to wheel-and-deal. He did exactly that, jumping up two spots......

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Milledge climbing out of hole

All season long, Nationals manager Manny Acta has warned anyone who would listen about the growing pains his younger players would endure this season.That lack of experience is the same reason general manager Jim Bowden has said his trade last winter for 23-year-old outfielder Lastings Milledge would be a short-term victory for the Continued...

 

Nationals activate Lo Duca

Published: Jun 18, 2008

The plan was to have 23-year-old catcher Jesus Flores learn his trade for a full season in the minor leagues. The plan was for veterans Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada, both signed to one-year contracts in the offseason, to anchor that position and provide punch to an anemic offense.Necessity has forced the Continued...

 

Caps on a star search

Published: Jun 17, 2008

It is as tangible a sign of progress as any for the Capitals. When the 2008 NHL Entry Draft commences in Ottawa on Friday, Washington will finally have a lengthy wait before making its first pick.That hasn’t been the case in recent years when bad season after bad season led directly to high draft picks Alex Ovechkin (first overall, 2004), named NHL MVP......

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Clean sweep for Ovechkin

Published: Jun 13, 2008

A year to remember for the Capitals had one more memorable moment in store at the NHL Awards ceremony in Toronto last night.Star left wing Alex Ovechkin won both the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player, and the Pearson Award, given by the NHL players themselves to the league’s most outstanding performer.And Caps coach Continued...

 

Dukes, Acta clash

Published: Jun 12, 2008

The issue always lingers under the surface with Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes.From the day the organization traded for the gifted, but troubled, 23-year-old last December, his conduct has been under a microscope. A string of suspensions, arrests and court appearances during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, including one last year for threatening his wife by text message, made Dukes’ acquisition......

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Mock roughed up in debut

Published: Jun 09, 2008

It was perfectly clear that Garrett Mock’s first stint with the Nationals would be brief.The 25-year-old Texan arrived in Washington on Saturday from AAA Columbus to make a spot start against the San Francisco Giants. Mock’s locker didn’t even have a name tag above it and he was told by general manager Jim Bowden that even a perfect game wouldn’t be enough......

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Afrustrating finish

Published: May 27, 2008

Few things are worse than a long flight after a bitter loss.The Nationals could have beaten the Milwaukee Brewers in a Memorial Day matinee on Monday at Nationals Park. They had chances early against ace Ben Sheets that dried up over the final five innings against the Milwaukee bullpen.In the end, it was the Brewers who pushed across the winning run in the......

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Nats put up their Dukes

Published: May 26, 2008

It took an injury to teammate Austin Kearns for it to happen. But Nationals outfielderElijah Dukes now has a golden chance to prove he is an everyday player in the major leagues.Talent has rarely been the issue for the 23-year-old. Instead, poor behavior — both on and off the field — too often has sabotaged Dukes.Following Kearns’ elbow surgery last Friday, Dukes has......

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Nats place Kearns on DL with elbow injury

Published: May 23, 2008

The Nationals placed right fielder Austin Kearns on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with an injured right elbow.Kearns had not played since last Saturday’s 6-5 loss at Baltimore. He is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from the elbow today in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is......

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Washington Nationals outlast weather, Baltimore Orioles in 2-1 win

Published: May 19, 2008

A rain delay is usually a low-key wait for a baseball player. Watch some video. Play some cards. Just relax until the storm passes and the ballgame resumes.But the second weather delay of the afternoon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday could have been anything but tranquil for Nationals’ rookie starting pitcher John Lannan.His day finished just as a second batch of showers hit, Lannan had pitched......

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Right-hander Bergmann returns to Nats rotation

Published: May 15, 2008

It has been a busy May for Nationals right-handed pitcher Jason Bergmann.There was the exhausting, wee-hours bus ride from central Ohio to eastern Pennsylvania last Friday and a solid outing for the AAA Columbus Clippers.Then came the arrival of his first child, a baby girl named Alexandra.......

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Fish wrap up Nats

Published: May 12, 2008

They tried to downplay the disappointment. But the tone in the Nationals locker room told the story.Up by two runs in the eighth inning, it took just five batters and two home runs for the Florida Marlins to steal the lead and the game. It was another excruciating loss in a week full of them for the Nats, who dropped a 5-4 decision on a drizzly Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park.The victim......

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Nats send Chico to the pen

Published: May 09, 2008

It was only a matter of time for Nationals pitcher Matt Chico.The 24-year-old was the lone starter to take his turn in the rotation almost every time out in 2007. The numbers weren’t spectacular. But there was room to hope after a rookie year where Chico was 7-9 with a 4.63 ERA in 167 innings pitched.Unfortunately, that consistency is missing this season. And — with a deeper group of starting pitchers each......

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The center of attention

Published: May 08, 2008

Nationals center fielder Lastings Milledge hesitated for just a moment as the line drive came his way.That was all it took. Milledge started to the left and began backpedaling. Too late, he twisted to the right and the ball sailed just out of reach for a double in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s 6-5 loss to Houston.It was a critical play. The batter, Lance......

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Redding experiencing a career renaissance

Published: May 07, 2008

For Nationals starting pitcher Tim Redding, the months following shoulder surgery three years ago led to a complete re-evaluation of his baseball career.A once-promising prospect in the Houston Astros organization — ranked as high as No. 3 in that minor-league system by Baseball America magazine — Redding struggled to find his place in......

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Now is the right time to ‘come together’

Published: May 06, 2008

The Nationals stabilized their season with a fine 11-game homestand. Now, the slow creep back toward .500 continues with a short three-game road trip starting tonight in Houston.The Nats (14-18), who were 10 games below .500 at one point last month, remain in last place in the National League East despite winning eight of 11 games on the homestand (and nine of their last 12). But no team in the division has played particularly well early this season and Continued...

 

Kearns comes through for Nats

Published: May 02, 2008

It was exactly the kind of hit Austin Kearns needed.One of several players struggling in the middle of the Nationals lineup early this season,Kearns broke through at the perfect time Thursday evening against the Pittsburgh Pirates.His line drive to right field scored teammate Cristian Guzman in the bottom of the eighth inning and helped lift the suddenly red-hot Nats to a 3-2 victory......

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Nats strike back

Published: May 01, 2008

All spring, Nationals starting pitcher Shawn Hill has dealt with lingering soreness in his right forearm.It was an ominous sign for a pitcher with the makeup to be a staff ace — if only he could stay healthy. But, after a stint on the disabled list to open the season, Hill decided the injury was something he could pitch through. Slowly, but surely, he is proving that assessment correct. Hill kept the Nats close with eight innings of sparkling four-hit,......

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Ovechkin shows some Hart

Published: Apr 30, 2008

Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin has been named one of three finalists for the Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL1s most valuable player.Ovechkin, 22, is on the short list alongside Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, a fellow Russian, and Calgary Flames right wing Jarome......

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April takes positive turn for Acta’s Nats

Published: Apr 29, 2008

It was a small step in the right direction after yet another miserable start.But the Nationals still have some work to do if they want to dig out of their early-season hole.That starts tonight as a season-long 11-game homestand continues with a brief two-game series against the Atlanta Braves. The Nats (9-17) won three of their five games at Nationals Park last week against quality opponents in the Continued...

 

Nats, Lannan blank Cubs

Published: Apr 28, 2008

It was a sincere complement from an established starting pitcher to a youngster still trying to find his own way in the big leagues."You can learn from someone like that," said Chicago Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly.The 10-year veteran was talking about Nationals left-hander John Lannan, a 23-year-old who only acts like he has a......

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Lopez slams the Mets

Published: Apr 25, 2008

Smiles were few and far between for Felipe Lopez last season as personal issues off the field exacerbated a disappointing year on it.An All-Star with the Cincinnati Reds in 2005, Lopez bounced between second base and shortstop with the Nationals, struggling to find his game.That search continued through spring training this year and Lopez found himself on the bench. But as the losses mounted for Continued...

 

Capitals look to their future

Published: Apr 24, 2008

One day after the season’s sudden end in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, it was moving day at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.Equipment was stacked and duffel bags filled as Capitals players prepared to disperse for the offseason. Management doesn’t get much of a break, however, and Caps general manager George McPhee has several big decisions on his plate this summer.He has made one already. Coach Bruce Boudreau, who took over the team on an......

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Magical run comes to an end

Published: Apr 23, 2008

It was almost the perfect comeback.In front of a frenzied sellout crowd at Verizon Center on Tuesday night, the Capitals were one win away from making history against the Philadelphia Flyers.Unfortunately, it was just one game too many. For the second time in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal, the Caps were beaten in overtime. This time the loss also put an end to their remarkable season. Flyers forward Continued...

 

Caps push Flyers, series to the edge

Published: Apr 22, 2008

 It was their greatest Houdini act yet.All season long the Capitals spent the majority of their time digging out of impossibly deep holes, including a 3-1 series deficit in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal against the Philadelphia Flyers.Trailing by two goals early in the second period of Monday’s Game 6, it seemed the Caps had finally run out of magic. But much to the horror of a stunned sellout crowd at Continued...

 

Ovechkin finding a way

Published: Apr 21, 2008

All series long the Philadelphia Flyers have focused on Capitals star left wing Alex Ovechkin.They have shadowed him with defensemen Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn. Center Mike Richards, among others, has helped take away his time and space with the puck. And the Flyers have mixed......

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Caps foiled again by Flyers

Published: Apr 18, 2008

There are some losses just too brutal to overcome.Up a goal with barely 10 minutes to go, the Capitals had matched Philadelphia beat for beat. They were physical. They were opportunistic. They received spectacular goaltending.But in the end, despite finding those things so often missing in this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, it wasn’t enough to avoid a crushing double-overtime loss.Philadelphia center Daniel Briere continued his dominant play with the game-tying goal at......

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Caps behind the eight ball

Published: Apr 17, 2008

They will not use the word panic. It is still too early for that. But the Capitals also know their play in the first three games of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against Philadelphia hasn’t been good enough — not offensively, not defensively, not on special teams.The Flyers have set the bar high in winning two of the first three games. It is up to the Caps now to quickly match them.......

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Caps facing an orange crush in Philadelphia

Published: Apr 15, 2008

Every Stanley Cup playoff series has a momentum all its own.The Capitals, tied at one game apiece in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal after Sunday’s disappointing 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, look to regain it tonight when the two teams face off for Game 3 at Wachovia Center.The Flyers, by far the better team Sunday, were also up by two goals entering the......

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Caps’ offense goes silent

Published: Apr 14, 2008

A team can only play with fire so often in the Stanley Cup playoffs.Two nights after erasing a two-goal deficit in the third period for a dramatic win, the Capitals put themselves in that same vulnerable position on Sunday afternoon. This time there were no heroics.The Philadelphia Flyers scored two first-period goals and spent the rest of the day making that lead stand up. Continued...

 

Game on for Caps, Flyers

Published: Apr 11, 2008

The waiting was always the hardest part for the Capitals and defenseman Mike Green.Late in the regular season, when all they wanted to do was keep playing hockey, Green and his teammates struggled to kill time on any scheduled days off. Needless to say, this week has been a long one.The Caps, who clinched the Southeast Division title......

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Kolzig is adjusting to his new role

Published: Apr 11, 2008

The lights will dim at Verizon Center tonight and the public address announcer will shout the starting lineup. Special attention will be paid to the man guarding the Capitals’ net. But that man is no longer goalie Olie Kolzig.The trade deadline acquisition of Cristobal Huet from Montreal on Feb. 26......

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Darlings of D.C. … and beyond

Published: Apr 10, 2008

They are the feel-good story of the NHL season. With a charismatic star at left wing, a rags-to-riches head coach and an entertaining style of play, the Capitals have created a hockey buzz in D.C. for the first time in a decade.That year — 1998 — was also the first and only time the organization reached the Stanley Cup finals. But three early playoff exits and a massive rebuilding......

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Injuries an issue for Caps

Published: Apr 09, 2008

Their teammates had already left the ice after practice on Tuesday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Under the watchful eye of assistant coach Dean Evason, injured Capitals defensemen Jeff Schultz and Shaone Morrisonn skated alone.Team officials won’t disclose the exact nature of their injuries, though Morrisonn left last week’s win over Carolina after a crunching hit to his left shoulder. He......

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Some rest for the weary

Published: Apr 08, 2008

The turnaround began on a Friday afternoon in November when Capitals rookie Nicklas Backstrom scooped a rebound shot past Philadelphia goaltender Martin Biron for a 4-3 overtime win.With that goal, just his second of the season to that point, Backstrom not only earned his struggling team a much-needed victory. He also unwittingly started a comeback that will continue into the......

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From the outhouse to the penthouse

Published: Apr 07, 2008

On Nov. 23 the Capitals were the worst team in the National Hockey League. That is not an opinion. It was a stone-cold fact.They had the fewest points in the NHL. Their coach, Glen Hanlon, had been fired the day before and replaced by a career minor-leaguer. A promising season seemed over at 6-14-1.It would have taken a lot of gumption to predict the Continued...

 

Red-hot Caps take their show to prime time

Published: Apr 07, 2008

The Capitals left Verizon Center on Saturday night in a celebratory mood.The team had just clinched its first Stanley Cup playoff berth in five years with a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. A frenzied sell-out crowd, almost entirely decked out in red, cheered until well after the game’s end — "MVP" at star Continued...

 

All hands on deck

Published: Apr 03, 2008

It is the worst kind of purgatory for a hockey player.Every NHL team has 23 roster spots. But only 20 players can dress for a game, leaving three unlucky souls stuck high above the ice in the press box wearing a suit.Harder still is going from a consistent "healthy scratch" immediately back to the ice — especially in the midst of a furious playoff chase.For most of the season, the Capitals have kept eight NHL-caliber defenseman on the roster......

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Caps weather the storm

Published: Apr 02, 2008

All season long, the national spotlight has focused on Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin. But no player — even a Hart Trophy candidate shattering team records by the bucketful — can will a team to the playoffs alone.With the Carolina Hurricanes shadowing Ovechkin’s every move during Tuesday’s Southeast Division showdown at Continued...

 

Caps ready for the big storm

Published: Apr 01, 2008

Since Thanksgiving Day, when their head coach was fired and the season seemed finished, all the Capitals could hope was to methodically grind their way back into playoff contention.If all went well, the thinking went, maybe they would have an outside shot at the playoffs during the season’s final week. It was a thin branch to stand upon. But it was also all they had. Somehow, it came to pass.With three games left in the regular season — all at Continued...

 

A storybook finish

Published: Mar 31, 2008

No one can say Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman lacks a flair for the dramatic. His team had just squandered a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning on Sunday night, threatening to spoil the much-anticipated opening game at brand-new Nationals Park.Instead, Zimmerman, batting with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, smoked a line-drive rocket over the left-centerfield fence to pull off a dramatic 3-2 victory.It......

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‘Excitement’ surrounds Nats

Published: Mar 28, 2008

It is a weekend three years in the making.For the first time since the Nationals arrived in D.C. from Montréal prior to the 2005 season, the team will play in a new stadium of its very own. Nationals Park opens this weekend in Southeast with an exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday night and then the official Opening Night contest against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday."My heart is going to be racing the whole time, especially if we can get a lead [Opening Night] and I have a chance......

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Caps are still on the outside looking in

Published: Mar 27, 2008

Capitals right wing Eric Fehr has been here before. The basics of a night-in, night-out playoff chase are no different in the NHL than in the minor leagues.Two years ago, Fehr and his teammates with the AHL’s Hershey Bears endured a grueling postseason march to win the Calder Cup — the minor-league version of the Stanley Cup. Their coach? Continued...

 

Carolina on their minds

Published: Mar 25, 2008

They scored four goals in the final eight minutes to somehow pull a dramatic win out of the fire on Friday against Atlanta. In the process, star left wing Alex Ovechkin tied the franchise record with his 60th goal of the season.Not a bad weekend for the Capitals. But it was all a prelude to tonight’s contest in Raleigh against the......

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Caps look for answers on the road

Published: Mar 18, 2008

The timing is not exactly ideal. But nothing can be done about the schedule now.If the Capitals hope to reach the postseason for the first time since 2003, they’ll have to do it by winning on the road. The next six games are away from Verizon Center, which hosts the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and a circus over the next two weeks. The formidable — and season-defining —......

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Capitals still believe

Published: Mar 17, 2008

It was a game they had to win against an opponent that has proven so troublesome in recent years.And while the Capitals had to endure the dreaded shootout to get it, there were no complaints after the 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center on Sunday afternoon.They simply cued Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’" again on the dressing room stereo and began preparations for the home stretch. Because, with......

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No such thing as an easy win

Published: Mar 14, 2008

By all accounts the Atlanta Thrashers look finished in the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff chase.But don’t tell that to the Capitals, who can’t afford to overlook any opponent during the season’s final 11 games. Atlanta may be 1-6-4 in its last 11 outings. But it’s also the same team that beat the Caps twice last month. That alone will......

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Caps back to the drawing board

Published: Mar 12, 2008

Few players in the NHL can match the star power of Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin.Fans at Verizon Center saw a pair on Sunday in Pittsburgh centers Sidney Crosby and Continued...

 

Caps need a quick rebound

Published: Mar 11, 2008

The Capitals have precious little time to dwell on a demoralizing weekend that featured gut-wrenching setbacks to both Boston and Pittsburgh.There is still a playoff race on in the Eastern Conference, after all. Even if their chances took a major hit.Coach Bruce Boudreau gave the Caps a day off on Monday.......

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‘This hurts a lot’

Published: Mar 10, 2008

Capitals rookie forward Nicklas Backstrom stared helplessly in shock. Goaltender Cristobal Huet remained face down on the ice while teammate Alex Ovechkin dropped to his knees in despair.If the Capitals’ desperate chase for a postseason berth falls short, the memory of their two losses over the weekend will haunt them all summer. One day after a slew of penalties led......

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One down, one to go

Published: Mar 05, 2008

They took care of one nemesis already this week. Now the Capitals hope for more of the same against another.After breaking a five-game losing streak to the Boston Bruins in fine style on Monday — a shockingly easy 10-2 victory — the Caps travel to Buffalo tonight for another pivotal game in the Eastern Conference playoff race.Again, recent history is against them. Continued...

 

A bear of a challenge

Published: Mar 03, 2008

One step forward, another one back.A weekend that saw the Capitals play their most complete game of the season in a 4-0 shutout at Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey on Friday also saw them drop a sloppy 3-2 decision at home to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.It was a deflating loss in front of a second consecutive sell-out crowd at Verizon Center. But the Continued...

 

Crowded between the pipes

Published: Feb 29, 2008

At the Olympic level or at a World Cup event it is not uncommon for a team to carry three goaltenders into a tournament. But an NHL team at the tail end of the season in a playoff race? There is not much precedent for that.But precedent is out the window for the Capitals now. The team welcomed goalie Cristobal Huet to practice Thursday after he was acquired at......

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Fedorov, Huet on board for Caps

Published: Feb 28, 2008

New Capitals Sergei Fedorov and Cristobal Huet arrived at Kettler Capitals Iceplex after practice on Wednesday, joining their new team for the first time.Matt Cooke, the other trade acquisition from Tuesday’s NHL deadline deals, still must work out visa issues and will meet the Caps in Continued...

 

Second season begins for Manny's bunch

Published: Feb 28, 2008

Let the competition begin.After almost two weeks of bullpen sessions, drills and batting practice, Nationals manager Manny Acta finally watched his players in a true game setting last night against the Florida Marlins."There’s a lot of positive energy at this camp," said Acta by phone, a few hours before his team’s first spring training game of the year. "We know......

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Caps make their moves

Published: Feb 27, 2008

Expected to remain quiet at the NHL trade deadline, the Capitals instead initiated a roster shake up Tuesday, trading for three veterans, including Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cristobal Huet.Huet, 32, arrives in D.C. along with Columbus forward Sergei Fedorov, 38, and Continued...

 

Caps try to shake off weekend blues

Published: Feb 26, 2008

The Capitals played well in stretches during a critical week of hard-hitting hockey, including a 2-1 overtime loss to New Jersey on Sunday.But with just 19 games left in the regular season, effort alone won’t be enough for a Stanley Cup playoff berth. Results are all that matter now.In the midst of their worst run since Bruce Boudreau took over behind the bench on Thanksgiving Day, the Continued...

 

Caps leave much unfinished

Published: Feb 25, 2008

Capitals defenseman Mike Green skated all alone in front of the crease with both the puck and the game on his stick.The 22-year-old, with three overtime goals already this season, has been at his best in those situations. Unfortunately for Green and the Caps, New Jersey goalie Martin......

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Caps struggle out in front

Published: Feb 22, 2008

The victories began mounting throughout January as the Capitals time and again overcame early deficits.Those comeback wins — five in all that month, including three in games they trailed 2-0 — taught a valuable lesson to one of the NHL’s youngest teams. Now, the Caps need to learn another one: How to withstand prosperity.In the midst of a fight for the Southeast Division title, Continued...

 

Caps need puck control

Published: Feb 20, 2008

It is easy to forget sometimes how simple a game hockey can be. Send the puck deep into the opponents’ defensive zone and chase after it hard. Do that enough times and quality scoring chances are guaranteed.But while a good forecheck is a basic mantra for any NHL team, nothing disrupts one more than a stickhandling wizard in the opposing net.Few in the NHL are better with the puck than Continued...

 

Boone to the system

Published: Feb 19, 2008

His brother and his father were already with the Nationals. After two years away from the game, Bret Boone decided he was not ready to give up on baseball after all and joined them.Washington signed Boone to a non-guaranteed minor-league contract on Monday. The 38-year-old second baseman hasn’t played since the end of the 2005 season. He retired during spring training with the Mets in 2006. The Nats signed younger......

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Health is biggest question as Nats head south

Published: Feb 15, 2008

Pitchers and catchers report to Nationals spring training camp today in Viera, Fla., while the rest of the team arrives by Feb. 21. The Examiner breaks down the competition at each position:CATCHERSStarter Brian Schneider was traded to the Mets and the Nats signed veterans Continued...

 

A race to the finish

Published: Feb 15, 2008

The crowded Southeast Division took a turn for the absurd on Wednesday. With their 3-2 shootout loss to Atlanta, the Capitals found themselves in a three-way tie for first place with the Thrashers (28-27-4, 60 points) and Carolina Hurricanes (28-27-4, 60 points) entering Thursday night’s action.Washington (27-25-6, 60 points)......

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Caps keep Fleischmann in the fold

Published: Feb 14, 2008

The Capitals signed forward Tomas Fleischmann to a two-year contract extension on Wednesday, taking one of their promising prospects off the restricted free agent market this summer.Entering last night’s game at Atlanta, Fleischmann, 23, had six goals and 15 assists in his first full season with the Caps, including eight points in the last 13 games. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound Czech......

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Decision time nears for Caps

Published: Feb 13, 2008

The Capitals left for Atlanta on Tuesday in first place in the Southeast Division. But there was no guarantee when the plane landed that would still be the case.Such is life in the compact Southeast, where just two points separated four of the five teams entering play yesterday. Even last-place Tampa Bay is within seven points of a playoff spot.......

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Caps back on winning track

Published: Feb 11, 2008

When Capitals defenseman Mike Green shoots the puck in overtime his teammates might as well start celebrating.Green has made a habit of notching game-winning goals this season. Sunday afternoon against the New York Rangers he did it again. A powerful shot from the point just 23 seconds into overtime lifted the Caps to a 3-2 win at Verizon......

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The push for the playoffs continues

Published: Feb 08, 2008

It will finally feel like playoff hockey again at Verizon Center.For the first time sine March 13, 2003, the Capitals — at least for a day — found themselves in first-place in the Southeast Division. But it will take a win tonight at 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes to stay there when the two teams meet in a key division contest.Of course,......

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Estrada officially a Nat

Published: Feb 01, 2008

Out of sheer necessity the Nationals have mastered the art of the bargain in recent offseasons.They are hoping for yet another one with the signing of catcher Johnny Estrada, whose one-year $1.25 million contract became official when he passed a team physical on Thursday."We feel very fortunate," said Nats general manager Jim Bowden. "I’d compare this signing with getting Continued...

 

Canadiens draw Caps’ ire

Published: Jan 31, 2008

Time was winding down, the game in hand with a three-goal lead. So when the Montreal Canadiens kept their top power-play unit on the ice late during Tuesday’s victory over the Capitals, added a goal with 47 seconds left and then tried for more on the next shift, it did not go unnoticed on the Washington bench.That should add plenty of spice to tonight’s rematch at Continued...

 

St. John’s High benefits from Bailey’s marks on and off field

Published: Jan 28, 2008

The Examiner made a $500 donation to the St. John’s College High School scholarship fund on Sunday at theannual DC Sportsfan Football Celebration dinner.The event, held at George Mason University’s Dewberry Hall, honored football players from the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, the Interstate......

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Resilient Caps making a playoff push

Published: Jan 23, 2008

The Capitals continued their surge towards an Eastern Conference playoff spot after Monday night’s thrilling shootout victory at Pittsburgh.Tonight, they finish a brief road trip with the first of back-to-back games against the floundering Toronto Maple Leafs before the NHL begins its All-Star break over the weekend.Thanks to......

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Caps outlast Oilers in marathon shootout

Published: Jan 18, 2008

It took 12 excruciating rounds. But when goalie Olie Kolzig stopped a slap shot from Edmonton’s Sheldon Souray he finally put an end to the shootout and continued the Capitals’ stellar homestand.Neither team scored in overtime and each goalie made 11 straight saves in the shootout before Caps forward Continued...

 

Nats getting ready for spring training by giving back

Published: Jan 17, 2008

Nationals manager Manny Acta donned a suit and tie instead of his usual baseball uniform on Tuesday. It will not be long before he can change back.With about a month left before pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Viera, Fla., Acta and Nats pitchers Jason Bergmann and Continued...

 

Misfortune leads to opportunity

Published: Jan 17, 2008

In the midst of a busy stretch of seven games in 12 days prior to the NHL All-Star break, the Capitals had a chance Wednesday to catch their breath and get used to life without center Michael Nylander.The team’s assist leader was scheduled for surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday in Cleveland and will not return this season. That leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the Caps’ second line,......

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Shoulder pain becomes too much for Nylander

Published: Jan 16, 2008

For six weeks Capitals center Michael Nylander tried to play through shoulder pain severe enough to disrupt his sleep.It finally became too much this week and Nylander has opted for season-ending shoulder surgery, according to Caps general manager George McPhee.Nylander originally injured his left shoulder on Dec. 1 while taking a faceoff during a game against the Continued...

 

Capital improvement

Published: Jan 11, 2008

The Capitals took a major step toward securing their future on Thursday, signing star forward Alex Ovechkin to a 13-year, $124 million contract extension.It is the largest contract ever awarded by a Washington, D.C., pro sports franchise. But Ovechkin, 22, has been everything the organization hoped since it selected him with the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He has scored 130 goals in just 206 games......

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Steckel, Caps hold off Avalanche

Published: Jan 10, 2008

It did not matter that the Colorado Avalanche were missing two star players or had just played a game last night in Detroit.The Capitals have had their own problems this season. Sympathy was the last thing they needed to dole out at the start of a critical five-game homestand.It took almost 43 minutes and a ton of patience against the deliberate Avalanche. But a Continued...

 

Backstrom wins, Caps lose

Published: Jan 04, 2008

For the first two months of the season the rookie of the year race in the NHL looked like an all-Chicago Blackhawks affair between teammates Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.But an outstanding month of December has Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom......

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Capital improvement

Published: Jan 02, 2008

They battled for nearly seven weeks to escape the Eastern Conference basement. But the shocking way the Capitals have finally leapt in the standings gives renewed hope that the season is far from over.Defenseman Mike Green scored a pair of goals and added an assist to help the Caps shake off a two-goal deficit in the first 4......

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Capitals keeping Boudreau in fold

Published: Dec 27, 2007

The Capitals removed the interim tag from coach Bruce Boudreau’s title on Wednesday, naming him permanent head coach after 35 days with the team.Then a good day became even better as the Caps won Boudreau’s first non-interim game behind the bench, a 3-2 victory over Southeast Division rival Tampa......

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Caps have no time for moral victories

Published: Dec 25, 2007

Mike Greenlay in a heap beside his own net, a teammate’s stick having sliced the ear of the Capitals’ young defenseman. That left New York Islanders forward Richard Park all the open space he needed to bury the game-winning goal in overtime on Saturday night in a 3-2 defeat.Just like the shootout loss at Detroit last Monday and the......

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Mitchell report hits home

Published: Dec 14, 2007

A long-awaited report on the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in major league baseball was released Thursday and implicated one current and four former Nationals players.The Mitchell Report, a 20-month investigative effort headed by former Senate Majority leader George J. Mitchell, mentions Nats catcher Paul Lo Duca along with former outfielders Continued...

 

Green, Caps win third straight

Published: Dec 13, 2007

It was a game the Capitals would not have won last month. Any one of the daggers the New York Rangers threw at them would have done in their fragile confidence.There is still a long way to go for the Caps to get back in the Eastern Conference playoff race. But Wednesday night’s thrilling 5-4 overtime win at Verizon......

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For Westfield, it’s a family affair

Published: Dec 11, 2007

It was an idea hatched four years ago in Richmond as Mike Glennon, now the Westfield quarterback, watched older brother Sean and his Bulldogs teammates hoist the Group AAA Division 6 state championship trophy.That memorable day was a once-in-a-lifetime experience unlikely to be repeated. But Mike Glennon, then a gangly eighth grader, still stood on the field amidst the wild celebration and pictured himself under center with a state title on......

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Despite loss, Potomac still proud of state title run

Published: Dec 11, 2007

It was not the way Mulku Kalokoh wanted to see his high school football career end.But Potomac’s senior linebacker/running back could only watch as the Group AAA Division 5 state championship trophy was presented to Stone Bridge on Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. The score was a decisive 38-0, but losing in a heartbreaker or a blowout mattered little to Kalokoh. Either way the pain remained the same for the seventh-ranked Continued...

 

Laing nabs first NHL goal in win

Published: Dec 11, 2007

Capitals forward Quintin Laing has provided a little bit of everything since being recalled from American Hockey League affiliate Hershey last month.The gritty Laing blocks shots like a maniac and is an effective penalty killer. He is unafraid of contact in front of the net — as evidenced by a near toothless grin. Apparently he scores goals now, too.Late......

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Stars align for title game

Published: Dec 07, 2007

For the second consecutive year the Group AAA Division 6 state championship is an all-Northern Virginia affair.Busloads of fans are expected to stream down Route 29 on Saturday afternoon as No. 2 Westfield (14-0), the Northern Region champion from Fairfax County, faces unranked Woodbridge (9-4), the Northwest Region champ from neighboring Continued...

 

Big run helps Mustangs gallop past Knights

Published: Dec 05, 2007

They were overshadowed at times last season in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. But that is not something that bothers McNamara’s boys basketball team.If the Mustangs have to sneak up on the league’s more renowned programs again so be it. They are off to another strong start this season after a 63-43 victory over Ballou at the inaugural Caron Butler/Downtown Locker Room Classic on Tuesday evening at Coolidge......

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Nats jump into trade waters on first day of MLB’s winter meetings

Published: Dec 04, 2007

The Nationals made their first move at Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings in Nashville on Monday, trading for troubled Tampa Bay outfielder Elijah Dukes.An unquestioned talent, the 23-year-old Dukes was rated the No. 5 prospect in a deep Tampa Bay farm system by Continued...

 

Running down a dream

Published: Nov 30, 2007

They have waited for this weekend for four years now, a chance to prove themselves at the state’s highest level of football.But a Group AAA Division 6 state semifinal isn’t the ultimate goal for Westfield. The year before the current crop of seniors arrived at the school they watched a legendary Bulldogs squad secure a state title in 2003. Now they want one of their own and the final leg of that journey begins Saturday afternoon at Oscar Smith in Chesapeake. "We didn’t come this far to stop at a......

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Time growing short for Caps

Published: Nov 30, 2007

For most NHL teams, earning five standings points from four games is a perfectly acceptable week. Put together a full season’s worth of runs like that and you can book a ticket to the playoffs.But an awful start to the season has left the Capitals needing more. Thus begins a critical slate of weekend games that will either draw them to within shouting distance of the playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference or leave them stuck at the bottom of the standings for the foreseeable future."It’s still relatively early in......

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Capitals fall short against Panthers

Published: Nov 29, 2007

For a team in desperate need of points, the Capitals are beyond caring about moral victories.So shaking off 30 minutes of uninspired play and controlling the game in both the third period and overtime doesn’t matter if it doesn’t lead to a win.All that did matter on Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers was that the Caps left Verizon Center with just one standings point after a 2-1 shootout loss.The Caps (8-15-2, 18 points) won their first two games under interim coach Bruce Boudreau, but have earned just one point......

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Boudreau suffers first NHL loss

Published: Nov 27, 2007

They created plenty of chances and could not finish, save for a highlight-reel goal from their star forward. The power-play faltered. There were too many turnovers in bad spots.In other words, the Capitals looked too much like the pre-Bruce Boudreau version of themselves at Verizon Center on Monday night. And the result was the first loss under Boudreau, their new head coach, 3-1 to the Buffalo Sabres.Buffalo forward Jochen Hecht scored two goals and assisted on another and goalie Ryan Miller steadily turned aside the Caps’ best scoring chances, finishing......

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Uncharted territory

Published: Nov 20, 2007

In four years Langley seniors Lisa Scott and Megan Shifflett had never played a postseason volleyball game beyond the Northern Region quarterfinals.So the scene was a bit surreal last Saturday night as the Saxons took the court at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center in Richmond for the Group AAA state championship game. Not only had Scott, Shifflett and their teammates never been this far. No team from the Northern Region had played in such a game — a historic accomplishment no matter the 3-0 loss to two-time state champion Deep......

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Late rally falls short for Caps

Published: Nov 20, 2007

With the return of dynamic forward Alexander Semin from injured reserve on Monday night, the Capitals iced their ideal lineup for just the third time all season.But mired in a losing skid with a momentum all its own, not even the addition of a 38-goal scorer could halt their free fall. Semin, who has missed 15 games with a severe ankle sprain, scored his first goal of the season. But it wasn’t enough to prevent the latest disappointment, a 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers at Verizon Center.That leaves the......

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A band of brothers

Published: Nov 16, 2007

Few programs in the Northern Region can match the success of Robinson’s football team over the last 11 years: two Group AAA Division 6 state titles, three region championships and another three region final appearances.Sophomore linebacker Brian Laiti saw almost all of it as he watched older bothers Peter (2002 Robinson graduate), Patrick (’04) and David (’07) play for coach Mark Bendorf. Despite some trying times this season, Laiti and the Rams (6-5) have displayed some of that old magic in recent weeks and tonight play at No. 10 West......

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Backstrom’s life away from home

Published: Nov 14, 2007

Capitals rookie center Nicklas Backstrom is 4,100 miles away from his hometown of Gavle, Sweden, for the first time in his life.A new country, a new city, a new team. Not to mention the hard lessons doled out nightly by the best hockey players in the world. It’s enough to make a teenager yearn for home, right?"Actually, I like the U.S. I don’t even want to go back — at least not right now," said Backstrom, the fourth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and a key piece......

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Capitals seeking answers

Published: Nov 08, 2007

For a team desperate for a win few places are less appealing to play than Ottawa.But that’s the challenge the struggling Capitals face entering tonight’s game at Scotiabank Place against the Senators (13-1-0), Stanley Cup finalists last season and off to the best start in NHL history.That a trip to Ottawa comes up now is typical considering how the first month of the season has gone for the Caps (5-9-1). Despite the offseason addition of three key free agents and a top draft pick they are tied for last in......

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Race to the finish line

Published: Nov 02, 2007

Break out the calculators. It’s that time of year when Northern Region football coaches turn into mathematicians as they add up power points to figure out who needs to do what in Week 10 to reach the postseason. Here is a breakdown.Division 6, Northern Region1. Westfield (31.8 power points)Most possible » 34.3; Least possible » 30.9Barring a miracle, nothing to play for Saturday vs. Centreville except pride. Likely clinched top seed even with a loss.2. West Springfield (30.3)Most » 31.5; Least » 29.3Spartans hold second spot for now, but pick......

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Harrison, Bruins aim for Patriot title

Published: Oct 26, 2007

For five years Lake Braddock senior Michael Harrison has participated in a sport that rewards patience and toughness and forces him to use an opponents’ weaknesses to his advantage.No, not football, although Harrison is having a fine season at running back for the Bruins, who are 7-1 entering the final two weeks of the regular season. Instead, Harrison has a black belt in judo, a martial art that originated in Japan in the late 19th Century."I love it because I think the intensity and the focus I need for judo......

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Clark, Caps back on top

Published: Oct 25, 2007

Capitals forward Chris Clark never once complained when asked over the summer to move to the third line.A 30-goal scorer a year ago playing on the top line alongside star forward Alex Ovechkin, Clark, the team captain, immediately accepted his new role. But it didn’t last long.After just seven games, coach Glen Hanlon decided his No. 1 line of Ovechkin and forward Viktor Kozlov could use an infusion of grit at right wing. And that is something Clark possesses in spades. Wednesday night against Tampa Bay the move paid immediate......

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Performance better, goals still missing for Caps

Published: Oct 24, 2007

Halfway through a four-game homestand at Verizon Center the Capitals have little to show so far.The losing streak is now four after dropping games to the New York Islanders, 5-2, and Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-1. But while positive results are missing, the overall level of play was higher than back-to-back road losses to the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres the previous weekend. Now the Caps (3-4, six points) just need a win, starting tonight at 7 p.m. against Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay (4-2, eight points)."That’s the best six periods......

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Jumbled playoff chase in the Northern Region

Published: Oct 23, 2007

The football playoff scenario in the Northern Region features added intrigue this season.The move to an eight-team format in both Group AAA Division 5 and Division 6 means more spots and more competition. With just two games left, the chase is heating up. Even if some teams can’t believe they’re still in it.Speculation before the season was a .500 record would be enough for a Division 5 team to qualify. South Lakes is taking that to another level. With a 2-6 record — 1-4 in the Liberty District — the......

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One Last Stand for the Ginleys

Published: Oct 19, 2007

It is the end of a football era at Madison. When senior Brendan Ginley plays his last game for the Warhawks — sometime in late December he hopes — coach Gordon Leib will suddenly face the prospect of a Ginley-free team for the first time in his 10 years at the school.A standout linebacker and running back, Brendan Ginley is the youngest of five brothers, each of whom played the sport at Madison. From Dillon (class of 1999) to Connor(’00) to Ryan (’02) to Kelly (’04), Leib has coached them......

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Caps face power outage

Published: Oct 19, 2007

The last time the Capitals faced the New York Islanders 10 days ago their opponents left feeling sure that a Columbus Day win had slipped from their grasp.The Islanders had no intention of suffering the same fate on Thursday night at Verizon Center. This time the Caps were the team left scratching their head after a disappointing 5-2 loss.New York defenseman Bryan Berard’s power-play goal at the 9 minute, 39 second mark of the third period broke a 2-2 tie and erased a Caps’ rally. Forward Bill Guerin then put......

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Caps seek new streak at home

Published: Oct 18, 2007

It is only October and already the roller coaster ride that is the 82-game NHL season has begun for the Capitals.A 3-0 start with two wins on the road quickly gave way to back-to-back losses over the weekend, including an ugly 53-shot performance against Buffalo in a 7-3 loss. They aim to get back on track with the start of a four-game homestand beginning tonight at Verizon Center against the New York Islanders."A winning streak is great, but a losing streak is something that can really tear a team apart,"......

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Spartans on the march

Published: Oct 12, 2007

West Springfield junior quarterback Bryn Renner knows exactly what his wide receivers are thinking when he drops back to pass. It was only a year ago that he was one of them.Renner caught a team-high 54 passes last season from record-setting quarterback Peter Lalich, who took his rocket arm to the University of Virginia. Combined with a vastly improved defense, Renner’s smooth transition from receiver to signal caller is a big reason the Spartans (5-1) have a realistic shot at the program’s first Patriot District championship since 1993. "Last year......

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Saxons keep chasing the crown

Published: Oct 09, 2007

Langley’s field hockey team has faced all challengers this season.Defending Northern Region champ Westfield? Check. Perennial power Lake Braddock? Beat them, too. Long-time nemesis W.T. Woodson? After some nervous moments late, the Saxons won that one as well.Not that they are overconfident, even with a sterling 14-0 record. After all, No. 2 Langley still has the bitter memories of last year’s region semifinal loss to Westfield to fuel it."It was devastating," said senior forward KatieKnapp, whose team staged a furious second-half rally that night in a 2-1 loss. "But at......

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Caps leave Islanders seeing red

Published: Oct 09, 2007

Playoff berths are not earned in the month of October. But they can easily be lost in it.The Capitals, who to a man spoke throughout training camp about the need for a strong beginning to the 2007-08 season, have quickly turned words into actions with their best opening week since 2002.The latest triumph was a come-from-behind 2-1 win at the New York Islanders on Monday afternoon. Forward Brooks Laich scored the go-ahead goal 7 minutes, 58 seconds into the third period, his first since Feb. 27, and goalie Olie Kolzig......

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Caps hold Kolzig out of opener

Published: Oct 05, 2007

The Capitals will not start goaltender Olaf Kolzig in net for the regular-season opener tonight at Atlanta.With three games scheduled in four days to begin the year, coach Glen Hanlon has decided to go with back-up goalie Brent Johnson instead. Kolzig will start Saturday’s home opener against Carolina and again on Monday afternoon against the New York Islanders."It was a decision they made after looking at the numbers and how well Johnny has played down there," Kolzig said. "I’ll be ready to go on Saturday."Kolzig has started every season opener......

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An defends his region title

Published: Oct 04, 2007

A rare shaky performance at the Northern Region tournament by Chantilly senior Jake An gave way to yet another brilliant final round. At this point, there is no reason to expect anything less.The defending region champion, who hit just three fairways in regulation during Tuesday’s opening round at Fairfax National Golf Club, shook off that effort with a eight-under-par 64 on Wednesday to win his second region title andlead Chantilly to the team championship as well.The Chargers, who overcame a 10-shot deficit to Concorde District rival Westfield, advanced to next......

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Team roster set for opener

Published: Oct 03, 2007

After a competitive three-week training camp, the Capitals finally settled on their season-opening 23-man roster on Tuesday.Defenseman Steve Eminger was placed on the injured reserve list before the 3 p.m. NHL deadline for final roster decisions. The organization placed forward Eric Fehr on non-roster injured reserve while forward Jakub Klepis did not make the team. He was in camp without a contract and likely will be traded or sign in Europe. Fehr, still battling hip and back injuries, is out indefinitely.Eminger, 24, was the Caps’ first-round draft pick in 2002......

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Failure to capitalize

Published: Oct 01, 2007

The Capitals finished the preseason schedule exactly the way they began it two weeks ago. But even after another one-goal loss — this time 2-1 to the Ottawa Senators at Verizon Center on Sunday — there are enough positives to take to Atlanta this week for Friday’s regular-season opener: A deeper roster that should prevent a replay of last winter’s collapse after injuries and illness hit. A puck-possession team that won’t have to play dump-and-chase hockey all the time. A vastly improved penalty-kill unit."The other team’s havinga hard time containing......

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The West Potomac tradition continues

Published: Sep 28, 2007

Cole Walter knows all about the football tradition at West Potomac. A ballboy at the tail end of the program’s glory days in the late 1990s, Walter watched the Wolverines compete annually for Northern Region and Group AAA state titles. His father, Travis, played football at Groveton, the school that later merged with Fort Hunt in 1985 to form West Potomac. His cousin, Jesse Boyd, quarterbacked the Wolverines to the Northern Region title game in 1994."All that stuff is there in the history books. West Potomac’s tradition can match up......

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Home sweet home for Caps

Published: Sep 26, 2007

The chances to impress are dwindling to a precious few now. So with final cuts looming and the Capitals’ season opener just 10 days away there was plenty at stake for roster hopefuls during Tuesday night’s preseason game against Carolina.In the end, it was the team’s youngsters who came through during a 3-2 overtime victory at Verizon Center. Rookie forward Nicklas Backstrom slammed home a rebound at 3 minutes, 36 seconds of the extra period after defenseman Mike Green drove hard to the net with the puck.The Capitals have now......

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Nats avoid sweep, close out RFK in style

Published: Sep 24, 2007

The Nationals closed out RFK Stadium the same way they opened their three-year stay at the venerable D.C. landmark on April 14, 2005.That night the stands bounced, the fireworks launched and the home team won, a memora