Capitals' stars return to ice, fall to Sabres, 2-1
By: Brian McNally
Examiner Staff Writer
September 22, 2009
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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 ultimately were not thrilled with a 2-1 loss where they were decisively outshot through the first half of the game. Their preseason record dropped to 2-1 with three more exhibition games left this week before the season opener on Oct. 1 at Boston.
Aucoin scored for Washington at 13 minutes, 11 seconds of the second period. Goalie Jose Theodore made his first start of the preseason as he fights to hold onto his starting job with 21-year-olds Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth pushing him.
Theodore made the routine saves early, but was beaten twice by the Sabres in the second period on goals by Drew Stafford and Patrick Kaleta. Those tallies came just 11 seconds apart at 5:55 and 6:06 of the second. Theodore finished with 19 saves on 21 Buffalo shot attempts.
