Welcome!

Welcome to Caps 'Round the Clock, a blog covering the Washington Capitals and the NHL. In season, I update the Blog after every practice and on game day with Caps news and information, and then provide a recap and analysis after each contest. I also write a periodical Prospect Watch and weekly feature pieces on the state of the Men in Red and other things Capitals. And of course, I will post videos and tidbits from around the League and offer my two cents as the season wears on. In the offseason, I write a Report Card for each player, and will keep you updated on all the news about the Caps through the summer. I'm glad you're here, and hope you come back!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Capitals Extend Jason Chimera

As first reported by Caps senior writer Mike Vogel, the Washington Capitals have signed left wing Jason Chimera to a two-year contract extension through the end of the 2013-14 season.  The deal has an annual cap hit of $1.75 million and will go into effect after this season.
Seriously, Mr. McPhee?  We are signing Jason Chimera, who was mediocre last season, to a contract extension during training camp?  What exactly has he done to earn this contract?
I was seriously hopeful that Chimmer would be allowed to walk after this season to free up cap room that Washington badly needs in order to attempt to re-sign Alexander Semin, Mike Green, and John Carlson, as well as sign Evgeny Kuznetsov to an entry-level deal.  This is almost $2 million gone in a player Washington does not need and has not proved to be valuable to the organization. Oy vey.

Where Does Mathieu Perreault Fit?

If nothing else, Matty P brings great cellies to the lineup.
Throughout the two weeks that the Capitals have been in preseason and during all five of their preseason games, a player who has been up and down over the last three seasons has really stood out.  That player is center Mathieu Perreault, who leads the Capitals in preseason points with four and has been one of the best players on the ice every time he has played.  He has been so good, in fact, that many are predicting Bruce Boudreau will not be able to cut Perreault because of it.
Which, of course, begs the question: if Perreault makes this team, where does he play?

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Gameday: at Nashville, Sep. 28

Alex Ovechkin has yet to score this preseason.
The Washington Capitals will travel to Nashville this evening to take on the Predators in their fifth game of the 2011 pre-season. The Capitals are 1-2-1 this pre-season, having beaten the Blue Jackets on Monday night 3-1 behind a great performance from Chris Bourque, Cody Eakin, and Mathieu Perreault. Nashville, on the other hand, is 4-1 this preseason, having beaten the Caps in DC's preseason opener and won their last game against the Winnipeg Jets.

For Washington, Tomas Vokoun is expected to make his second start of the preseason, the first being a 3-2 loss in Chicago to the Blackhawks.  Alex Ovechkin, Marcus Johansson, and Chris Bourque are all unlikely to travel to Tennessee, but most of Washington's defense corps should make the journey. The exact lineup is not known at this time.

The Predators will likely play Vezina Trophy nominee Pekka Rinne in nets, the second time Washington has faced Rinne this preseason.  Barry Trotz is also expected to roll out star defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.  Top center Mike Fisher is out and will not play.

Puck drops 8:07-ish.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Around the NHL: More Head Hits

Seen here is video of a Chris Neil hit from Tuesday night's Senators-Leafs preseason game.

As you can see, Neil clearly targets the head of Maple Leaf Mikhail Grabovski with his shoulder, even though Grabovski does not have the puck and has his head down.  This is eerily similar to Matt Cooke's hit on Marc Savard two seasons ago which is expected to end the Boston center's career.
No doubt, NHL VP of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan will be busy tomorrow handing Neil, a repeat offender and known hitman, a hefty suspension.  Can't we all just get along?

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Joel Ward Is Not Mike Knuble

Not an offensive player.
As training camp continues, so does the Bruce Boudreau line shuffle dance.  As the regular season get's closer and closer, the Capitals's coach has continued tinkering, as always, with his units, trying to find the best fits for players.  One such lineup that we have seen in recent days involving new acquisition Joel Ward on the top line instead of Mike Knuble or Troy Brouwer.  Which once again begs the question, is this the right call for the guy to tag along with the Alex Ovechkin show?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Does Mike Knuble Belong On the Top Line?

Can Knuble contribute significantly away from Alex Ovechkin?
Through the first week of training camp and during Washington's first home preseason game, Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has pieced together a top line with an unfamiliar look.  Despite having Marcus Johansson in the middle, Boudreau has bumped new acquisition Troy Brouwer into the top line right wing spot opposite Alex Ovechkin.  Brouwer's promotion means that Mike Knuble has been demoted to the third line, as Brooks Laich has been on the second line left wing.  This switch has sparked a debate among Caps fans about whether this is the right call or not.  Read on for my take.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Brooks Laich Must Play Center

Would you rather have him or an AHL guy?  Yeah, me too.
Among the core Capitals to speak to the media on Saturday at the first day of training camp was Brooks Laich, who, among other things, told reporters that the plan was for him to play primarily wing during preseason and the beginning of the regular season, which starts in a little less then three weeks.  Laich attempted to add a disclaimer at the end by saying "it could all change," but lo and behold, he was skating on a line with Nicklas Backstrom as the center and Alexander Semin as the other wing during practice that day.  And during Washington's preseason opener, Laich could again be found on the second-line left wing.
I really think that Laich should not be playing wing on the second line, but instead should be manning the third line center spot, a position that would give the Capitals four established NHL caliber centers instead of three.  Why any coach would not want to do this is beyond me.

Gameday: vs. Nashville, Sep. 20 - Baltimore Hockey Classic

Back to hockey...finally.
The Washington Capitals will open their 2011-12 pre-season this evening with a game against the Nashville Predators at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore.  This is the first pre-season game for Washington and the second for Nashville as they prepare for the opening of the regular season in a little more than two weeks.

For Washington, the majority of Group A is expected to play tonight.  That means that several of Washington's established top guns may give it a go.  This group includes Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Marcus Johansson, Mike Knuble, and Brooks Laich.  In addition, two promising rookies may make get a chance to play as well: Cody Eakin and Stan Galiev. Michal Neuvirth is expected to start the contest in nets; he will be backed up by prospect Brandon Anderson.

Nashville coach Barry Trotz is also likely to bring north a lineup with many of his top players, including defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter as well as star goaltender Pekka Rinne.  The Predators played last night against the Panthers and none of these players suited up, making it very likely they play tonight.

Faceoff is scheduled for just after 7 P.M.  The game will not be televised.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Season Preview: Alex Ovechkin

Methinks Ovie will do this 18 more times than last year. 32+18=50.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is superstar Russian captain and the new poster boy for both Nike and Bauer, Alex Ovechkin.  Ovie will begin his seventh year in the organization this fall, and his second full campaign as captain.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Season Preview: John Carlson

You...shall...not...PASS!
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is rising star defenseman John Carlson, who will begin his fourth season in the organization this fall.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Season Preview: Nicklas Backstrom

No more swings and misses.  Please, 19, I beg you.

As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is young centerman Nicklas Backstrom, who will being his fifth season in the organization this fall.

Training Camp: Day One

The Washington Capitals hit the ice for the first time since May Saturday, beginning training camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex for the 2011-12 season.  Some news and updates from Arlington:

General Manager George McPhee spoke to the media in the morning, and offered several status updates on players.  Most notable was defenseman Tom Poti, who failed his medical examination and will be placed on long-term injured reserve for the beginning of the year due to his groin injury.  This confirms what we all pretty much knew, that Poti is a long way away from contributing to the team.  McPhee also noted that Washington's medical staff will try a new rehab regimen with Poti, who has not been advised to undergo surgery.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Season Preview: Mike Green

Man, do we need this guy back at full strength.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is star defenseman Mike Green, who will begin his seventh season in the organization this fall.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Season Preview: Alexander Semin

Can Semin silence his critics with a big year?
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is enigmatic winger Alexander Semin, who will begin his seventh season in the organization this fall.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Season Preview: Tomas Vokoun

Need for a championship goalie: check. We hope.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is new goaltender Tomas Vokoun, who will begin his fist season with the organization in the fall after signing a one-year, $1.5 million contract on July 2.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Season Preview: Mike Knuble

For the offense to rebound, Knuble (right) must finish in close.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is winger Mike Knuble, who will begin his third season in the organization this fall.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Season Preview: Karl Alzner

Ah, an elite shutdown defenseman: a rare thing for a Caps fan until now.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is defenseman Karl Alzner, who will begin his fifth season in the organization this fall.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Season Preview: Troy Brouwer

Crunch.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is winger Troy Brouwer, who will begin his first season in the organization this fall after being acquired from Chicago on June 24 from for the Capitals' first round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft.

9.11.01 - We Will Never Forget

Ten years ago today, it was a Tuesday just like any other.  We had all school assembly at 8:40 AM in the gym, a long walk from the classroom building that was colder than it usually was.  I had barely sat down in my bleacher when the headmaster stepped up to the podium and told us that a plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  We were told to go back to our classrooms silently.
My teacher turned on CNN when we got back to the room, where my entire class watched United 175 slam into the South Tower and explode.  We all screamed; people started crying.  Then came the news of the plane hitting the Pentagon. Rumors began to fly about the Capitol.  My mom worked, and still works, on the Hill.
One by one, I watched my classmates get pulled out of class by their parents; I still had no idea where my mom was.  Phone lines were jammed.  The towers fell, live on TV, right in front of my face.  It was surreal; I literally had no idea how to react.  Finally, I got a call from my dad, who told me my mom was okay.  I was to go home with a friend of mine where I would wait to go home.
At his house, I could see the smoke from the Pentagon in the distance.  I thought of my friend, Paul Melnick, who was a volunteer firefighter near Arlington.  I knew he would be in the building at this point.  I saw fighter jets fly over the house every 20 minutes.  I was terrified.  What next?
Eventually, I made it home, but the father of two of my classmates at school did not; he was on American 77.  Paul made it out of the Pentagon okay, but several of his friends did not.  It was simply horrific.  I remember the looks on their faces the next time I saw both my classmates and Paul.  It was shock, disbelief.  It was anger and sadness.

All of us have been touched by that tragic day ten years ago in some way.  Let us all honor the memory of almost 3,000 men and women; not just today, but every day.  They made the ultimate sacrifice.  They did not die in vain.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Season Preview: Dennis Wideman

Wideman (left) needs to be an elite power play quarterback this year.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is defenseman Dennis Wideman, who will being his first full, and second overall, season in the organization this fall.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Season Preview: Marcus Johansson

MoJo has to have it working all season.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is sophomore center Marcus Johansson, who will begin his third season in the organization this fall.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Season Preview: Brooks Laich

Now that you got your millions, Brooks, time to play like you earn 'em.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is utility man Brooks Laich, who will begin his ninth season in the organization this fall.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Season Preview: Michal Neuvrith

Neuvy time.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is goaltender Michal Neuvirth, who will begin his fifth year in the organization this fall.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Season Preview: Roman Hamrlik

Aight stop....Hammer time.
As the regular season begins to draw nigh, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is new defenseman Roman Hamrlik, who will begin his first season in the organization this fall after signing a two-year, $7 million contract on July 1.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Season Preview: Joel Ward

Joel Ward should bring defense and toughness to the Caps.
As the regular season inches closer, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is new winger Joel Ward, who will begin his first season in the organization this fall after signing a four-year, $12 million contract on July 1.

One Goal

Over the last month or so, three past or present members of the Capitals franchise have called into question the drive and character of enigmatic winger Alexander Semin.  Mike Green, David Steckel, and Matt Bradley have all commented on the fact that Semin seems to “not care” about being on the Caps and that he does not always give his full effort during practices and games. 
If true, these statements clearly show that a rift has developed in locker room between Semin and the rest of the team, a rift that cannot go unattended if Washington has any prayer of vanquishing their demons and making it to the Promised Land.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Season Preview: Jason Chimera

Speed.  Now move along, nothing else to see here.
As the regular season inches closer, day by day, the time has come to predict and begin to take a look at what the Caps and their fans can expect from each player on the roster.  Today's player is speedy winger Jason Chimera, who will begin his second full and third total season with the organization in the fall.