Some new faces in camp for Southeast champs
Another long, painful summer finally came to an end this weekend when the Capitals returned to Kettler Iceplex for training camp. There are few new faces, though some young players are pushing for key roles, especially at center.
But it is a long way from now until April when Washington can really address last year’s shocking first-round playoff loss to No. 8 seed Montreal.
“Our goal has always been the Stanley Cup,” forward Matt Bradley said. “We’re getting to the point now where we need to start making things happen. We’re not thinking about the playoffs or anything. We’re thinking about the start of the season and our first game. As soon as you start getting ahead of yourself that’s when you get in trouble.”
They can’t make up for last year’s missed opportunity anyway. Washington had a 3-1 lead over the Canadiens and played two of the final three games at home. The Caps lost anyway. But it’s a new season and players like Mathieu Perreault, Marcus Johansson and Andrew Gordon, among others, are hoping to crack the final 23-man roster.
Those players got to showcase their skills in a scrimmage between Team A and Team B on Monday in preparation for Wednesday’s preseason opener at Nashville. Gordon scored a goal for Team B. Perreault looked strong centering a line with veterans Eric Fehr and Jason Chimera, who are a good bet to anchor Washington’s third line this season. But Mike Knuble scored twice and goals by Dylan Yeo, Alex Ovechkin and D.J. King broke a 3-3 tie and lifted Team A to a 6-3 win.
“I sometimes think we overuse the word chemistry,” Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said of the Perreault, Fehr, Chimera line. “But I’m not surprised they’re doing good. They have dominated a lot of the play and created scoring chances. [Chimera] and Fehr played together last year and little Matty is motivated to make the team.”
