Capitals Weekly

Whats new down in the capital district?

Good Week for Caps

After losing their first game of the week 7-4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning the Caps responded with wins over Florida, Toronto, and Philadelphia to close out the weekend.

Neuvirth Struggles

One week after making significant strides and impact with the Capitals Michal Neuvirth struggled in back to back games for the Caps. After giving up 4 goals and getting pulled against the Lightning in what was considered a defensive let down from his support he again gave up 4 and got pulled against the Panthers.

All of a sudden it is looking easier and easier to send the youngster back to Hershey. Jose Theodore looked solid against Toronto and while Semyon Varlamov is still out for another 5-10 days so Neuvy will get another opportunity but expect him back in Hershey once Varly is ready.

Carlson Spends Some Time with Caps

John Carlson got a welcome call Friday morning as he was summoned to Washington as defenseman Brian Pothier was unable to go. Carlson had just finished getting booed by everyone in Manitoba and turning the puck over in the Bears first loss in 12 games. But he played with the Caps through the weekend and was considered to have one of the strongest performances of any blue liner as he ended up a +4 in 2 games. Carlson is currently back in the AHL and will be playing in the All Star Game tomorrow night.

Ovechkin Shining

Alex Ovechkin was named the NHL's #1 star of the week after his 3 goals and 7 assists in the week's 4 games. Add to that a +5 rating in those games and Ovi now has 30 goals, 34 assists, and is a team leading +28 this season.

Alzner Headed Back?

Karl Alzner has reached the number of games with Hershey that allows him to play in Hershey during the NHL's 2 week Olympic break. So word in Washington is that the team is at the very least 'considering' bringing him back into the fold in D.C.

This Week's Schedule

The Caps have 3 games this week:

• Tuesday - Detroit
• Thursday - @ Pittsburgh
• Saturday - Phoenix

Obviously the one everyone has circled is the Pittsburgh game but that is a tough week with games against the last 2 seasons Stanley Cup teams.

This Week's Trade Talk

Last week we saw a few names but this week only one...Ilya Kovalchuk. While the Caps are not actively in discussions with him one league exec says the Caps will probably end up with the forward. It would be as a rental as they would presumably not be able to fit his salary under the salary cap.

IF this trade were to happen this would drastically change the Bears. Whether that change would be right now or in a couple of years, prospects WOULD be moving to Atlanta.

Mid Week Notes

A couple things to mention here this Wednesday since there are no games:

• It appears the Capitals/Bears are close to an agreement to loan out one of the 3 goaltenders currently in Hershey. All signs point to Michal Neuvirth being the one loaned because he is yet to dress for the Bears. By not dressing him the Caps/Bears leave open the possibility of him returning later this season.
• Keith Aucoin was named AHL player of the week for the week ending October 12. Aucoin finished the week with 2 goals and 5 assists in 3 games. An exceptional start to the season.
• Maxime Lacroix and Michael Dubuc were reassigned to South Carolina earlier this week. Dubuc played in the season opener for the Bears and Lacroix had yet to play. This will allow both players to play on a regular basis and get some much needed experience.
• The Capitals will be without RW Viktor Kozlov for the next 2 weeks due to injury. There is no word of any call-ups from Hershey but the possibility is there.

That's it for now. If something happens with a goaltender I will report on it as soon as I hear it.