Friday, May 29, 2009

Reasons to Love D.C. - The Caps

Per the Washingtonian (In their segment, 26 Reasons to Love Washington)-
Reason 9: The Caps Are Regular Joes

Five reasons to embrace our hottest team

These guys are fun. ESPN magazine writer Sarah Turcotte spent a few weeks with the Caps and fell in love. They’re a rarity in pro sports, she says—guys who have a good time together and work hard for the team, not for individual glory. “There’s not a sense of hierarchy,” Turcotte says. “It’s really refreshing and fun.”


Read more...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

VIDEO - How not to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals



Apparently, Cam Ward borrowed Semyon Varlamov's glove on that play. Makes sense.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

What Alex Ovechkin Does


Not mine, but true.

UPDATE: It was first seen at Japers' Rink (where else?). Thanks Amanda.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Caps Salary Cap Rundown

Cory has a great piece over at TWT that answers every salary cap-related question you might have had:
The Washington Capitals spent this entire season very close to the ceiling of the NHL's $56.7 million salary cap. There is no official word on what that number is going to be for next season, but it is safe to say there isn't likely to be another huge jump like the previous three offseasons.

Given that the Caps were one win from the NHL's final four, it does make some sense that players on the team were lobbying for GM George McPhee to bring everyone back for another go round. But that's just not likely to be financially possible, and if McPhee wants to make any out-of-house improvements, he's going to have to shed some high-priced guys.

If anyone didn't think the Caps need to unload a player or two (i.e. Jose Theodore or Michael Nylander), here's what the Caps' roster looks like right now (cap figures are for next season, or last season if said player is UFA/RFA):


Read more...

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Capitals 2008-2009 Rookie Review

Per Hockey's Future:
Even though the Capitals are out of rebuilding mode, they still own a plethora of young talent. While only a few rookies played more than a cup of coffee, there were nine Capitals players who fit the NHL’s rookie criteria this season.


Read more...

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Post-Game: Capitals vs Penguins Game 7

Check out the latest from THW:
Out of all the possible headlines following Game 7, “Varlamov yanked after allowing 4 Goals” was probably not very high on that list. Yet Simeon Varlamov– the star rookie who saved the Capitals’ season in Round 1 and played brilliant in Round 2– lasted just 22:13, and was replaced by former starter, Jose Theodore.

In addition to that, I would like to thank everyone out there who has read the blog. I plan on doing some fun things in the off-season so be sure to check back often!

But really, thanks again.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Game 7 LiveBlog

Pre-Game: Capitals vs Penguins Game 7 Drinking Game

Tonight I will be doing a liveblog of Game 7, so please join me why don't you? In anticipation for tonight's game, keep these drinking rules in tact while you're at the Phone Booth, The Greene Turtle, or watching from the friendly confines of your own home while participating in the liveblog:

DRINK


...every time Mike Green breaks his stick (you're drunk already aren't you?).

...every time Alex Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby is interviewed (aka you're trashed by the 1st intermission)

...every time Matt Cooke does something to piss off his former teammates.

...every time Joe Beninati says "finagle" or "dipsy-doo".

...every time the announcers (CSN/VERSUS/CBC/FSN-P, they're all going to do it) mention how young Simeon Varlamov is.

FINISH YOUR DRINK IF

...Crosby scores from more than 10 feet away from the net.

...Ovechkin scores from less than 10 feet from the net.

...Alexander Semin takes a hooking/tripping/slashing/retaliatory penalty.

...the game goes into Overtime.

...David Steckel scores.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Nicklas Backstrom Misses Home



Thanks DaGreatOvechkin

Caps Practice May 12th




















Capitals Top Prospects

Check out the updated list of Capitals Top Prospects over at Hockey's Future:
The Capitals have a bit of everything in their organization: a couple of second-generation players, a couple of potentially elite goaltenders, a couple of NHL-ready players (including one who is already keying a playoff run), and -- most importantly -- a whole lot of talent.

While the prospects may be heavy on the defensive side, there's a school of thought that you can never have too much defense -- especially when used as bargaining chips. The greatest problems that the Caps are going to have is finding a place to put all these players next season.

Top 20 at a glance

1. Karl Alzner, D
2. Simeon Varlamov, G
3. John Carlson, D
4. Anton Gustafsson, C
5. Oskar Osala, LW
6. Michal Neuvirth, G
7. Chris Bourque, C
8. Francois Bouchard, RW
9. Mathieu Perreault, C
10. Dmitri Kugryshev, RW
11. Joe Finley, D
12. Keith Seabrook, D
13. Sami Lepisto, D
14. Joel Broda, C
15. Andrew Gordon, RW
16. Stefan Della Rovere, LW
17. Justin Taylor, C
18. Eric Mestery, D
19. Braden Holtby, G
20. Josh Godfrey, D


Read more...

David Steckel - Game 6 Hero

I sort of did the first one as a joke, but here is the Game 6 hero, David Steckel (NSFW language about :11 into the video):

Friday, May 8, 2009

Ovechkin on The Onion Part Deux

Here's the big guy:

(h/t to Mr. Irrelevant on this one)

If you were curious, here is the first installment of Ovechkin on The Onion.

BallHype: hype it up!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Incwell Caps Rap

You've probably seen this before, but now it's up on youtube by Incwell himself-



And, yes we did change our logo two years ago, thanks for noticing.

BallHype: hype it up!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Linesman Flips the Bird at Caps Fans



This is during Game 1, for what it's worth.

BallHype: hype it up!

Because Capitals Fans Love Chris Cooley

Here is the latest from his blog:

Chainsaw Massacre from Tanner Cooley on Vimeo.

Pre-Game: Capitals @ Penguins Game 3

For today's pre-game, I took a look at David Steckel and his impact on the Capitals:
While out on the ice, Forward David Steckel knows his role: forecheck, take win face-offs, and play solid defense. But this is the playoffs and his role of being a third line center has expanded with every game he’s played.


Read more...

And if you're not already visiting TheHockeyWriters on a daily basis, you're missing out. Here are some of the latest relevant stories:



BallHype: hype it up!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

David Steckel - Game 2 Hero



It's true!


BallHype: hype it up!

Alexander Semin Facial Expressions



We love you Sasha, but seriously stop taking these penalties.

BallHype: hype it up!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Top 10 Stick Saves



BallHype: hype it up!

Off the Record: Alex Ovechkin





"Let's talk about girls."


BallHype: hype it up!