Bears add more toughness

The Caps didn't trade Ribeiro to replenish the organizational depth yesterday.  No, they went the opposite way and traded one of their best prospects, Filip Forsberg, for an old winger in Martin Erat.  I am not a fan of the move...BUT it brings a new player to Hershey so at the end of the day it works out.

Michael Latta is a 6 foot, 213lb center who will be a prime candidate for an energy/checking line.  Latta comes from the Milwaukee Admirals were he had 9 goals and 26 assists in 67 games this season.  Last year, his first full pro season, he had 14 goals and 13 assists in 51 games.

Oh and he has 184 penalty minutes this year.

That now ranks 1st on the Bears.

So far this season the Bears have earned 965 penalty minutes.  Second fewest in the Eastern Conference.

That should change now.

With the addition of Latta, Dane Byers, and Joel Rechlicz the Bears added 478 penalty minutes.  That's a lot.

Geez, what do you think Yingst and company thought was the weakness on this team??? 

Latta could be the most interesting of the three.  We all know what Wrecker brings to the table and he will be an incredible addition to the general atmosphere surrounding the team.  Byers is a big body that has seen some pretty good success in the AHL over the years and is looking to turn things around in Hershey this year.  I don't remember seeing him play, but I am envisioning a Graham Mink like player.  This year he has struggled with only 6 goals and 4 assists in 58 games, but just last year he scored 16 goals and added 23 assists in 61 games. 

Guys who come to Hershey generally experience better offensive numbers.  It was always this way in the past under Boudreau and Woods and it is continuing under French.  Proof?  Look at the forwards who have come this year:

Casey Wellman -

• Before Hershey - 37 gp | 7 goals - 16 assists
• Since Hershey - 24 gp | 8 goals - 15 assists

Peter LeBlanc -

• Before Hershey - 34 gp | 4 goals - 8 assists
• Since Hershey - 24 gp | 5 goals - 9 assists

Nicolas Deschamps -

• Before Hershey - 50 gp | 7 goals - 9 assists
• Since Hershey - 7 gp | 3 goals - 1 assist

All of those players improved their points per game numbers with Hershey.  Hopefully Byers (and Latta) can continue this trend.

Latta is thought to have NHL potential.  Not as a top 6 forward, but as a Boyd Gordon like player I think.  Or a Jay Beagle if you would rather a current Caps comparison. 

Here is HockeysFuture.com's thoughts:

Latta may not have ideal size for an NHLer, but he has shown that he has ample heart. He's displayed a willingness bordering on zeal for competing in the corners and in front of the net. Latta's an effective playmaking center who improves his linemates both through skill and by setting an example on how to pay attention to the intangibles that separate winning teams from the mediocre ones.
 

I envision him as a Beagle or Steve Pinnizzotto type player.  Someone who can probably give you 15-20 goals a season and be an absolute pest on the forecheck.  Willing to stand up for teammates, finish their checks, and just make the opposing player think twice before carrying the puck too long.

It's hard to really gauge a players role without having seen him so take my comments on Byers and Latta lightly until we see them play this weekend.  But based on what I am reading and seeing with their measurables, I think I am probably pretty close.


A commenter a couple of days ago said that this might just be an average Bears team and that we shouldn't expect too much.  I disagree with that.  Yes, maybe the team that started the season was average, but it seems to me that with the trades the organization has made the Bears are in much better position heading towards the playoffs. 

Will it payoff?  We will see.  But it will be fun to watch and follow along over the next 3 weekends.

New Bears, Old Bears...and my opinion on the Caps and Ribeiro

Tomas Kundratek and Dmitry Orlov were re-assigned to Hershey yesterday.  I am guessing that means Kundratek is healthy and ready to play, but he has missed games in Washington recently due to injury and I am not certain on his status.

It helps the Bears immensely as they shipped defenseman Garret Stafford to Oklahoma City for left wing Dane Byers earlier last night.

At first glance (if you don't or didn't know who Dane Byers is) was that maybe this was a move to get under the veteran limit and not have the difficult decision of which veteran to sit each night.  But it isn't.  Byers is also an AHL veteran and has served as team captain multiple times in his career.

No, this was strictly a move to improve the Bears toughness and grit. 

“It's clearly a thing of trying to add a quality that we think we need to win.”
 

That was Mark French's comment on the Stafford trade.  The team obviously feels like they aren't playing physically enough and in order to get tougher they traded a solid defenseman.

Further proof that I wasn't entirely off base on Monday with my post...

The Bears/Caps traded Matt Clackson to Phoenix for Joel Rechlicz.  Obviously I don't have to tell you much about Joel, but he isn't here to help in the goal scoring department.

In Clackson's defense...the team didn't really give him the chance to truly succeed in Hershey.  He dressed in only 19 games so far this year, including just 2 of the last 22.  It's kind of hard to really get and stay in game shape, both physically and mentally, when you are playing so infrequently.

In the Bear's defense...even when he dressed he didn't seem to fill the role they were looking for.  He just didn't seem to have the 'edge' to his game that everyone expected.  I really expected more of a physical player that was willing to drop the gloves whenever given the chance.  But I don't think that was the case this season. 

Overall, I like the moves.  The Bears needed to get more physical and adding these guys will do that.  BUT, I don't see Byers getting into a ton of games unless he starts scoring.  Who do you sit instead...Kane? Taffe, DiSalvatore, Crabb, Potulny? 

I am sure Byers will get his chances early on.  This is a guy that has scored 20+ goals in multiple AHL seasons so the potential is there. 

As for Joel...he brings an energy to the team and game when he is playing.  He will get his chances, but he will also be little more than a cheerleader come the 3rd period of games.  Same as last year.  He is a good guy, a great teammate (based on things I read), and obviously a energizing presence, but his skill set is limited.  I welcome him back to the roster and hope that he can breathe some life into this roster.


NHL Trade Deadline:

The big debate, which probably isn't much of one anymore considering their recent success, in Washington the past week has been...do you trade Mike Ribeiro.  Since my opinion is never requested, I just figured I would offer it.

Personally I agree with this view from RMNB.

I think the Caps should be sellers at today's NHL trade deadline.

Why?  Because your goal at the beginning of each season is not to just make the playoffs.  Your goal, every season, should be to win a championship. 

The Capitals, as they are built right now, don't seem capable of doing that.  There is obviously something to be said for just getting a chance and possibly getting hot and making a run, but considering the teams at the top of the conference, it seems unlikely that the Caps will be able to win 16 games after the regular season ends.

Ribeiro is 33.  He is having a career year point-per-game wise (only 1 other time in his career did he average a point-per-game like he is this year) and his other measurables (faceoff wins and puck possession time) are lacking. 

He has made it clear that he wants a 5 year deal.  Surely at about $6 million a year.  That means you would be paying a 38 year old center $6 million in a few years.

Simply put...that would be a mistake.

And if they don't trade him and don't resign him, then they are getting nothing for him. 

I understand that the organization has been looking for a 2nd line center for a while, I get that.  But do you really think there is only one guy that can fill that role?  Evgeni Kuznetsov is expected in Washington sometime next season and is expected to play center.  I am willing to bet that he can win as many faceoffs as Ribeiro and while he will likely take a year or 2 to adjust to the NHL game, he will surely be better (or at least as good as) Ribeiro shortly.

Ribeiro has huge value right now.  Sometimes you have to plan for the future and make a move that sets you up better for the future for a negative now.

I won't pretend to know what some team will pay for Ribeiro, but seems like a high pick and a couple of prospects would be a good starting point.  There has to be a team out there willing to give up a lot for a player playing to Ribeiro's caliber right now.

Trade Ribeiro, replenish your farm system (weak right now, let's be honest) with picks and prospects and address the 2nd line center role through free agency this summer.  Surely they can find a stop-gap player to fill the role for a season until Kuzentsov is ready to go. 

Hell, I think you trade Mike Green too.  And Jeff Schultz...if you can get anyone to take him.  And maybe even Neuvirth. 

Time to fix the problem you created by selling prospects and picks for fringe players at past deadlines and look towards the next few seasons, instead of a possible playoff berth this spring.

I fully expect the Caps to stand pat at the deadline and try and make the playoffs.  If they go that route...I hope they make the playoffs and I hope they make a run to the Cup finals.  But that won't change my opinion.

 

Caps/Bears rosters unchanged at deadline

It was a relatively quiet day around the NHL on Monday.  Despite the league's annual trade deadline, there was very little activity and even the trades that were made were relatively minor moves.

The general opinion for this inactivity was due to so many teams being on the verge of the playoffs.  And as the Flyers showed a couple of years ago...all you need is a chance.

So, from a Bears perspective...

This is great news.  If the Caps were buyers they likely would have traded prospects and/or draft picks.  Both of which would have hurt the Bears at the very least down the road, if not this season. 

If the Caps were sellers they likely would have traded off their soon-to-be free agents and aging players for draft picks and prospects.  That would have been bad news for this season as Hershey likely would have lost players like Cody Eakin and Tomas Kundratek for the remainder of the season.  That would have been good news for future years though as Hershey would have seen an influx of new talent from the picks.

But neither happened and the Caps and Bears enter the stretch run with their rosters still (relatively) intact. 


Now, from a Caps perspective....

I think this was a mistake.  And I don't think the Caps should have been buyers, which it would appear they were trying to do. 

I understand that the Caps are right in the playoff race (8th as of this morning).  But the Caps aren't the Florida Panthers or Winnipeg Jets.  Their goal is not just to make the playoffs.  Their goal is to win the Stanley Cup.  Making the playoffs is not good enough.

Nor should it be.

I understand that all you need is a chance.  But has this Caps team shown anyone anything over the past 2+ months to convince you that they will be able to win 4 out of 7 against a top Eastern Conference team?  Have they shown you anything to convince you that they can even win 4 of 7 against a bad Eastern Conference team? 

They haven't shown me anything.

So why not trade your soon-to-be free agents (Semin, Wideman, Vokoun) and some of the aging players (Knuble, Hamrlik) for picks and prospects.  Even if you don't get "fair" market value, isn't it better to get something for these players than to watch them all leave this summer for nothing. 

You can't honestly tell me that no teams would have offered a nice package for Alexander Semin.  Or Wideman.  Or Vokoun.

Trade them now, get some high picks or young playmakers, and be better positioned for the next 5 years instead of the rest of this one. 

I keep reading that the Caps have a ton of talented prospects in the system.  Where?  Goalies, yeah they have a few of those.  Orlov...obviously but he is already in the NHL.  Eakin...yeah, but I am not sure anyone is convinced that he will be a top 6 forward in the NHL.  Kuznetsov...I will give you that (although he may not leave Russia).  Galiev...maybe. 

After those players is Mattias Sjogren, listed at #6 by Hockey's Future.  He couldn't manage to compete at the AHL level let alone the NHL.  Brett Flemming is #8.  He has played well for the Bears, but can't even maintain a spot there let alone in Washington.  He seems like a fringe NHL defenseman at this point.

There isn't much talent in the Caps system outside of the goaltenders.  I am not sure what everyone is looking at.

Then I saw a post from someone saying something like...if you sell off members of this team, you are just signaling to the rest of the team that you have given up on them this year. 

Yeah...but didn't the players give up first?  Didn't they give up Boudreau back when everyone was healthy?  Haven't they played like crap for months now?

Obviously trading Wideman would hurt.  But you would still have Green, Carlson, Alzner, and Orlov as your top 4 defenseman with Erskine and Schultz as well.  Plus you recall Kundratek.  Or you play a defensemen you got in one of the trades.  I don't think that top 6 would be that bad.  Surely not any worse than what they have been to date. 

Yes, Semin is arguably the best player in Washington right now.  But do you really think the team would play much worse without him in the lineup?  Semin is a top NHL scoring talent.  No question.  But he doesn't make the players around him better the way a Nicklas Backstrom does.  Or the way a Keith Aucoin does.

Yes, without Semin the team might not make the playoffs.  But guess what, with Semin...the team might not make the playoffs.  And you probably could have gotten a very nice group of players/picks in return.

Vokoun...Neuvirth can handle the duties along with Holtby.

Knuble and Hamrlik...they aren't playing anyways. 

And who knows what kind of pieces the Caps might have gotten in return.  Maybe a couple of players that were "almost there" NHL players.  Young guys, highly drafted, who are starring in the AHL or picking-up valuable, yet fringe, minutes in the NHL just waiting for their chance.  The Blackhawks have a few of them.  Rumor has it they wanted a top 4 defenseman and were willing to part with one.  Were they not interested in Wideman?

Maybe I have it all wrong.  Maybe McPhee was trying to trade for the future and couldn't pull off a single move.  It is possible.  But not likely.  My guess is that the Caps were looking for that elusive 2nd line center that they have been unable to locate for the past few years.  And that player wasn't available for the right price.

And this was the perfect year to be a seller.  You had 20+ teams looking to buy players and only a few looking to sell.  You weren't going to get a ton for some of the guys, but you would have gotten enough to make yourselves better next year and multiple years after that.

Instead you go into the offseason with the likelihood of losing all the players that would have garnered attention this past week. 

And instead of having future stars to replace them, you have fringe prospects and overpriced free agents (see: Joel Ward).

Your Midweek Bears Update

Lots of different topics to discuss this week...a look at the standings, 2 games to play midweek, injuries, Aucoin's return, and a little NHL trade deadline talk.

Bears Sit in 3rd (or 5th depending on your preference)

The Bears were looking to make up some ground in the division this past weekend.  With 3 points in 3 games they failed to do that. 

As of this morning the Bears sit in 3rd place in the division, 2 points out of 1st (and 2nd).  They are also the 5th seed in the conference and would face Norfolk in the 1st round. 

The good news...the Bears have a game in hand.  The bad news...even if they win that extra game they would remain in third based on number of wins. 

The Bears playoff positioning is going to come down to how they play outside of the division.  Only 7 of their remaining 23 games are against teams in the division.  And only 3 of those are against the teams ahead of them (1 against the Pens, and 2 - this weekend and next week - against Norfolk).

That isn't exactly how you want to finish the season either.  In my eyes you would much rather play your division rivals at the end of the season. 

In addition, the Bears are better within the division.  Against the East Division the Bears are 18-7-2-2.  Against the Northeast and Atlantic, the Bears are a combined 8-7-2-3.  Over 50% of the remaining games are against teams from those divisions.  The Bears need to figure out how to beat them...quickly.

Two Mid-Week Games

First though the Bears will travel a little north and barely west for a couple games against Western Conference teams.

Tonight the Bears are in Rochester to take on the Americans before heading to Cleveland for a matchup against the Lake Erie Monsters tomorrow night.

Both teams reside in the North Division and currently sit in 2nd and 3rd in the division.  The Amerks have 55 points while the Monsters have 56.  Neither team is playing especially well or bad of late.  The Amerks are 1-3 in their last 4 and 2-4 in their last 6 but in those 2 wins they scored a combined 15 goals.  The Monsters are 1-2 in their last 3 but that comes on the heels of a 4 game winning streak.

This is the 2nd (and final) meeting with both teams for the Bears.  They beat the Amerks in a shootout in January, but lost to the Monsters just after Thanksgiving. 

4 points would be very helpful.

Hanson Out

On Saturday night Christian Hanson was cut on the wrist by the skate of a falling Monarchs player.  At the time it wasn't thought to be serious but word came down yesterday that a tendon was torn in that wrist and surgery is required. 

There is no precise timetable for his return, but he is officially listed as week to week.  Which more than likely means about a month. 

Aucoin is Back

The loss of Christian would hve been more significant if Keith Aucoin was still in Washington.  But he isn't.  He was returned to Hershey on Sunday and will be on the ice tonight and tomorrow...barring another recall obviously. 

When Coiner was recalled by the Caps he was leading the AHL in points with 70.  He had just finished a January in which he collected 3 goals and 14 assists in just 10 games.  He was on pace to shatter the AHL regular season assists record (89 is the record) and to challenge the Bears single season mark. 

Obviously Coiner wouldn't trade his time with the Caps for anything and we are all happy for him.  But it would have been cool to see him make a run at those marks.

Coiner missed 9 games.  He is now 2nd in the league in scoring behind teammate Chris Bourque (72 points) and is still 6 points ahead of T.J. Hensick in 3rd. 

As for the records.  Coiner would have to absolutely destroy the league to have any shot at the Bears season record for points.  He is on pace for 107 points which would leave him about 20 short of the record.  Probably not going to happen.

Assists are a different story.  His record setting pace pre-callup was so impressive that he is STILL on pace to break the record.  If he continues on the same pre-callup pace he would finish with 91 assists...2 more than the 89 record.

Impressive.

NHL Trade Deadline

The Caps suck right now.  Simple as that.  People can blame the injury to Nicholas Backstrom all they want but the fact is this team is not playing as a team right now. 

I can understand the Caps being 'buyers' at the deadline as they are only 2 points out of the playoffs as of today.  But a 5-0 loss to the Hurricanes on Monday when you are within range of the playoffs tells you everything you need to know about this team right now.

Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post thinks very similarly and says that the Caps should strongly consider being 'sellers' at the deadline.

The effects on the Bears could be interesting. 

If the Caps are buyers I don't see a large effect on Hershey as their aren't a ton of desirable prospects currently on the roster.  Braden Holtby might be the biggest loss for the Bears...which would be huge, but with Dany Sabourin also in town it wouldn't be insurmountable.

If the Caps are sellers though I think all of that could change.  Cody Eakin would likely spend the rest of the season in Washington and some other guys might get looks as well since the Caps would be trying for young prospects and draft picks. 

Tarik mentions Semin, Green, Wideman, and Knuble as possible pieces on the move.  That could mean that Patrick McNeill and Tomas Kundratek could spend time in Washington along with Eakin. 

Pay attention to the moves...it could get interesting. 

Braden Holtby gets the start for Capitals

At about 4:00 yesterday afternoon I checked my Google Reader to see if there were any last minute posts/reports I wanted to read. I subscribe to a couple dozen Caps/Bears related blogs/sites so I am generally up to date on information and news.

Yesterday there was nothing out of the ordinary at 4:00. Cool.

At just before 7:30 I turned on the NBC Sports Network (it was much easier to type Versus by the way) to watch the Caps/Sharks game. I stepped out of the room for a minute so I missed all of the introductions and pregame chatter that typically goes on. Meaning I missed the comparison of starting goaltenders. Last I heard, Michal Neuvirth was starting in goal for the Caps.

I came back in a few minutes later and saw the Caps goalie make a save. Wait, was that #70 in goal? But that’s Braden Holtby’s number…he was called up?

Yes, that is correct. The Washington Capitals coaching staff feels so confident in Neuvirth right now that instead of asking him to play back to back games they recalled Holtby and asked him to play his 3rd game in 4 days…in 3 different states.

The coaching staff said that since Neuvy hadn’t played back to back games this season they didn’t want to ask him to do it now.

Obviously that can’t really be the reason…could it? Nope, apparently the Caps coaching staff just likes to deceive players. You want proof…try these TWO from Capitals Insider:

And then the real reason (maybe) was given (from Capital Insider):

“It’s one of those things that if he was standing on his head every night, would Braden be playing? No,” Hunter said. “It’s always judged by how you play.”

Sounds fair.  If you aren't playing well then you should be benched...just ask Ovechkin.  Just to be sure though, let's see Neuvy's numbers recently:

Over his past four starts, which stretched over the 11 games prior to Monday’s tilt, Neuvirth went 1-2-1 including a shutout but stopped 113 of the 123 shots he faced for a .918 save percentage and 2.50 goals-against average during that span.

Doesn't look that bad to me.  But ok, let's give the coaching staff the benefit of the doubt and see what else we can find...oh wait, here you go:

No one told Michal Neuvirth he wasn’t starting Monday night against the San Jose Sharks. When Neuvirth arrived at Verizon Center, he found out he wasn’t playing. Instead, Braden Holtby would make his first NHL appearance of the year.

Wow. Classy.

I am convinced that Dale Hunter is about as lost in this job as Joel Rechlicz is when he gets 3rd period ice time.

Speaking of Joel….he was recalled too. And he played.

That’s right. Mike Knuble and Keith Aucoin were both healthy scratches so that Joel Rechlicz could get 2 shifts, 1:30 of ice time, and a 10 minute misconduct penalty. Yes, I didn’t see it but apparently Joel got a 10 minute misconduct penalty from the bench.

As I have said before…the guy is nothing if not efficient.

But why would Hunter bench Knuble for yet another game? (also from Capitals Insider) Let’s see:

“He will [get back in] eventually … it’s always who plays the best and who doesn’t play well,” Hunter said. “We watch tape and bring new faces in.”

Ok, fair enough. Wait, you say you watch tape and yet you recalled and played Joel Rechlicz…for the 2nd time this season?

Interesting.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand that Joel brings a certain element to the game, but the Caps need more offense right now…not more confused bodies.

Can anyone honestly tell me that they think Dale Hunter has any clue what he is doing?

In 2007 the Caps fired Glen Hanlon. In 2011 the Caps fired Bruce Boudreau. Now Dale Hunter is the coach and he is on a 1 year deal. Considering how the Caps are playing right now all signs point to a new coach for 2012-13.

Three coaches…4+ years…similar results.

Maybe it is time to look at the players on the ice instead of the guy behind the bench.

As luck would have it the trade deadline is approaching. Fast. February 27th.

A couple of days ago Ted Leonsis, Caps owner, basically said that the team would be active at the deadline.

So was Braden’s appearance in the game last night REALLY because of Neuvirth or was there another reason: (from John Feinstein of the Washington Post)

That’s why it probably wasn’t an accident that there were no fewer than 12 scouts in the building on Monday — including Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier. It probably wasn’t an accident that the Caps decided to call up talented 22-year-old goalie Braden Holtby on the spur of the moment for a spot start.

Personally I don’t buy the whole Neuvy couldn’t start back to back games crap. I agree with what Feinstein is hinting at and think the Caps are trying to figure out which goalie they want to keep.

Both Neuvy and Holtby are likely would garner significant attention at the deadline…if they are made available. Teams need goalies and both of these guys are young and talented. Remember, just last summer the Caps sent Semyon Varlamov to the Avs for a small ransom in return.

Teams pay (a lot) for good young goalies.

Bears sign 3...Caps making curiuos decisions

The first day of free agency has been active for the Bears and Capitals.  Let's start this off with news out of Hershey...

Ryan Potulny, Matthew Ford, and Paul Baier have all been signed for the 2011-12 season. 

Potulny, former Bear Grant's little brother, played for 4 different teams last season...the Binghamton Senators, Rockford IceHogs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators.  He lasted the longest with Rockford, scoring 18 goals and 23 assists in 58 games.  He was traded to Ottawa late and proceeded to lead the Binghamton Senators in scoring during their Calder Cup run with 14 goals and 12 assists in 23 games.

Matthew Ford played the last 2 seasons with the Lake Erie Monsters.  Last season he had his best as a pro, scoring 26 goals and 16 assists in 76 games.

Paul Baier is a big defenseman, 6'4" 225lbs, who is surely being brought in for some muscle.  With Patrick Wellar no longer under contract the Bears were likely looking for someone to fill a similar role.  He spent last season with Rochester, scoring 2 goals and adding 8 assists in 62 games.

None of the moves strike me as difference making type moves but who really knows until these guys get out there with the likes of Aucoin and Perreault. 

One thing to mention is that Potulny is a veteran.  That gives Hershey 4 veteran forwards already with more spots left to fill. 

Based on my rosters, which are in no way official, the Bears have a possible 13 forward spots locked up (not including Perry and Bouch).  But that does include Eakin, Beagle, and Gustafsson so there is likely more activity to come from Hershey this season.



Up in Washington they are making moves too.  Including trading Semyon Varlamov to Colorado for 2 draft picks...a first rounder in 2012 and a 2nd rounder in either 2012 or 2013. 

Those picks will help the Bears down the road but the goaltending trade could hurt Hershey's depth for the immediate future.  As of right now Braden Holtby is likely considered the #2 in Washington.

The Caps also signed a few players...more on that later.

And I don't think the Caps are done yet either.  They still have restricted free agents to sign and stuff to work out. 

My thoughts...Alexander Semin (or maybe Mike Green?) is on the trade block and something could go down soon.  Haven't heard anything to make that more than pure speculation but according to CapGeek.com the Caps only have 2 million left under the cap and players left to sign.  Something has to give.

Bears play well, beat Devils for 5th time

First of all let's get this out of the way...Mathieu Perreault is technically a Hershey Bear again.  But he is not going to play today and in my opinion will never play for Hershey or Washington again. 

The main reason to take a player that was your 2nd line center a couple games ago and put him on the bench (or in the minors) and stipulate that he won't play is because you don't want him to get hurt.  And that means they want to move him.

Perry is talented, no one will deny that.  On another team in another system maybe he sticks in the NHL but there are too many centers in the Capitals system to allow him to sit and wait.  It would make more sense for the organization to include him in a deal for a more consistent and more proven player.

My guess...watch what the Florida Panthers do.  I think Stephen Weiss is one of the best players available and I think the Caps COULD be interested.  But it might cost too much.

If the Caps make a trade I would definitely expect Perreault to be a part of it. 

---------

No on to the game last night.

Best effort I have seen from the Bears since the January 29th game against Charlotte.  The score was 4-3 but it wasn't really that close in my opinion. 

Hershey controlled the play from the beginning of the game.  They registered 19 shots in the first period and tried to put the pressure on the Albany Devils from the opening whistle.

Albany did get the first goal of the game and I will be honest...I was worried at that point.  But Hershey picked up only their 6th win of the season when they allow the first goal thanks to goals by Boyd Kane (2 of them), Francois Bouchard, and Steve Pinizzotto.

Personally I didn't think the offense was lights out amazing last night.  They did enough to get the job done.  The area where I saw the most improvement was the physical side. 

And by physical I don't mean huge hits that knock a guy down...those are rare.  But lately the Bears weren't even touching the other team.

Last night there was few if any times where a Devil went for a loose puck in the corner that a Bear wasn't punishing him for it.  And that makes a HUGE difference in a game.

The effort level all over the ice was better for Hershey.  Keith Aucoin at one point dropped to block a shot.  The defense was solid after a shaky start.  Jared DeMichiel struggled at times but still picked up the win in only his 2nd career AHL start.  Dmitri Orlov showed great poise and looked very controlled all game long...he is definitely a player to keep an eye on.

The power play scored twice.  The 5 on 4 power play goal was their first since February 6th (they scored a 5 on 3 on Wednesday night). 

The penalty kill shut down the Devils opportunities. 

To put it simply the Bears played like they can and have during most of the season.  Instead of caving after they fell behind and instead of giving in when the fluke 2nd goal occurred at the end of the second they came out in the 3rd and played like they wanted to win. 

For the first time in a while the Bears played like they wanted the win more than the opponent.

Now they have to show that they can string together a few good games. That begins this afternoon as they visit the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

It is a tough turn around.  Last night's game finished at about 9:30 and Hershey faces off today at 3:00.  17.5 hours in between with a 4 hour bus ride incorporated.

Fortunately for the Bears they are playing Bridgeport.  They currently reside in 27th of the 30 AHL teams with only 49 points.

Last week Hershey beat them 6-4 at Giant Center in a game that Hershey didn't play that well in despite the score.

After that game Bridgeport won 2 straight before losing their most recent two games including a 5-0 loss to division leading Manchester last night.

Overall the Sound Tigers are 2-12-0-1 in their last 15 games. 

This is the type of game that the Bears HAVE to win.  You can't show up flat against a team at the bottom of the standings.

The Charlotte Checkers have closed the gap on the Bears to only 2 points.  1 game currently separates the 2nd place Bears and 3rd place Checkers.  And it isn't much further to 4th place Binghamton (7 points). 

Games against bottom dwelling teams are games you can not lose this late in the season.

LET'S GO BEARS!!!

A look forward to what could impact Hershey's 2nd half

Yesterday I briefly recapped the seasons first half and talked about where the Bears stand now compared to other teams in the league.  Based on that you would have to say that Hershey is in good position moving forward.

But will that continue?  Will they get better?  Or will they possible get worse?  Those are all questions that will be answered over the next few months.

Here are 5 different things to ask or consider when looking at the remainder of the season.  Some of the following items will help Hershey and a couple will hurt.  And one is just a simple answer to a common question amongst Bears fans right now.

1.  The return of Mathieu Perreault and Jay Beagle.

Obviously this would help the Bears if it were to happen.  Right now the Caps are at 22 players will 3 players on IR (Alex Semin, Eric Fehr, and Tom Poti).  Semin is expected back as early as tonight.  If he returns that would place the Caps at the 23 man ceiling.

Poti could return to practice sometime next week with Fehr returning the following week.  Neither would be back in the lineup immediately but they would be close.

So if we assume (and it really is a big assumption based on how the season has gone) that the remaining Caps stay healthy and Poti and Fehr return in say 3 weeks.  We COULD see Beagle and/or Perreault back in Hershey by the end of the month.

At one time I thought Perreault could beat out Marcus Johansson for the #2 center spot in Washington but that isn't the case as of now.  Perry has only 5 goals and 3 assists in 24 games with the Caps this year.  MoJo isn't any better at 6 and 6 over 38 but he is more likely to get the place because of being higher rated by the organization.

So I no longer think Perry will remain in Washington.  When Semin returns it will be interesting to see how he produces as they did show some chemistry earlier this season.  So we will see.

Beagle is actually more likely to stay but I would say that it is more likely he gets recalled for a playoff push or that he makes the team next year permanently.  He isn't going to provide much offense which is what the Caps need.  They have Bradley, Gordon, Steckel, King, Hendricks, and Laich already and they all play similar games to Beagle's.

In the playoffs Beags is a more interesting idea but assuming there are no more injuries and the Caps actually get healthy...he should be back in Washington.

But that might only be temporary....

2.  The Caps trade for a 2nd line center

There has been speculation since last summer that the Caps would sign or trade for an established 2nd line center.  I would say that as of right now...they 100% will do something.

Plenty of bloggers have offered their opinions in the past few weeks on who is available and who the Caps might target.  I am not going to do that.

The question for Bears fans is...what will it cost the Caps?

And that depends on what they go after.  If you go and get a guy that can fill in for a couple years while the youngsters (Johansson, Eakin, Galiev, Kuznetsov) get ready it will cost you more.

Personally I think there are 3 players that Bears fans should be worried about losing:

• D Patrick McNeill - he is one of the Caps top rated defenseman and could develop into an NHLer but Washington really doesn't need him anytime soon.  Plus there are younger guys (Dmitri Orlov, Patrick Wey) who have higher upside.
• RW Francois Bouchard - he has skills, no one can deny that.  He might just need a change in scenery.  He scored 21 goals with 31 assists last year but has only 6 and 8 this season.  He isn't breaking into the Caps lineup anytime soon so he could be trade bait.
• C Mathieu Perreault - I think he had his shot.  With the young players the Caps have coming up through the minors and Russia there is lots of talent at the position.  He didn't exactly shine with his opportunity and other teams would definitely love to give him a chance.

Personally I think if you packaged the 3 of them together with a middle rounds pick you could probably get yourself a pretty good 2nd line center from a team that is out of the race this season.

I am not going to pretend that I know what teams would ask for or what you would give up but those 3 players look expendable to me.

Pay attention because the trade deadline is coming up...February 28th, 2011 at 3pm.  I 100% the Caps to be active at this time and some Bears (or at least future Bears) could be on the move.

3.  Cody Eakin and Dmitri Orlov

Could these two players join the Bears later this season?  Absolutely.  Eakin joined Hershey late last season for 4 games and then played in 5 more during the playoffs.  He followed that up with a very impressive training camp for the Capitals where he almost made the team.  They decided that he could return to juniors for one more season and see how he improved.

He began the season with Swift Current in the WHL before being traded to Kootenay for 8 different players or picks.  Yes 8.  If I remember correctly it was 5 players and 3 draft picks.  Kootenay is in the playoff hunt and is likely to make it in which will delay Cody joining the Bears.

I expect him to bring energy and depth to the Bears when they need it most.  I would say it is unlikely that we will see him before the Bears regular season is over based on where Kootenay sits in the league but if Hershey manages to stay alive for an extended playoff run we should see Eakin in Hershey this spring.

Orlov is a different case.  The biggest issue is that he plays and is under contract in the KHL which doesn't exactly have a wonderful working relationship with the NHL.  Reportedly he has already said that if he isn't traded to another KHL team for the playoffs he would like to join the Bears for the AHL playoffs.

As of today he has not been traded and currently resides on the last place team in the KHL.  But who knows.  He is a talented offensive defenseman who will likely start his career in Hershey no matter when he comes over.  If it is this season to provide some depth on the blue-line or in the next couple of seasons he will surely develop into a solid player.

During the playoffs it is as much about the depth and effort of the players as it is about the overall skill.  Both Eakin and Orlov show a desire to play for the Bears and will be willing participants to do whatever they can to help the team.  Surely Yingst and French would welcome the players with open arms should they make the move.

4. Capitals Goalies

Lately the Caps goalies, Varlamov and Neuvirth, have struggled to stay 100% healthy.  Each have dealt with minor lower body injuries and have missed time.  But that might not be the bigger issue.

At some point the Caps are going to have to pick one goalie and stick with him.  That goes for the short term and the long term.  You can't have goalies looking over their shoulder every game wondering if they let in a goal will they get to start tomorrow.  It is the same with a quarterback in football...if your starting quarterback is constantly worried about getting replaced after a bad pass he will play more cautious and won't be as effective.

The Canadiens were in that position last season.  Halak and Price were both playing well and they needed to pick one.  They did and it got them to the Eastern finals.  Then they traded him.

The Caps are facing the same situation except theirs goes one step further with Holtby in Hershey.  They have 3 goalies that could all likely be #1's in the NHL now or in the near future.  Eventually they will trade 1 or 2 of them.

Could that be this season?  I doubt it.  I don't think they have decided which 1 or 2 they would like to keep.  Neuvy and Varly have both played extensively at the NHL level but neither has stood out and neither has stayed healthy.  Braden has played a few games in the NHL and has stayed healthy but he hasn't been tested enough in the AHL.  Surely the organization would like to see him as the #1 during the Calder Cup playoffs to see how he handles the pressure.

While I don't think they move one of the goalies this spring it is possible.  Braden has shown that he could be a serviceable goalie right now in the NHL.  And trading one of the young goalies would definitely bring a good second line center or more which the Caps definitely need.

We are probably 1 year to early to worry about this but don't be shocked if it happens this year.  The goalie remaining in Washington would feel much better about his position and they would have a definitive #1 for the playoffs.  Then they could add a veteran backup or bring Braden up to ride the pine for the playoffs (or Dany Sabourin could do that as he would fill both qualities).

5.  Can Hershey catch (and pass) Wilkes-Barre?

This is an easy one to answer...yes.  BUT they have to win at least 4 of the 5 remaining games between the teams.  If they win 4 of those 5 they would pick up 6 points on the Pens overall  and would only need to make up an additional 6 points in their remaining games.

They also have 2 games in hand on the Pens so if they win those they would only need to make up 2 points over the remaining 25 or so games to pass them for the division lead.

Can it be done?  Absolutely.  Will it?  Who knows.  But does it matter?  Not really.  Hershey has won the division 3 of the past 5 years and won the cup twice (the last two).  But they finished 2nd in 05-06 before winning the Cup that year.  Wilkes-Barre won the division that year as well.

As I mentioned yesterday...the Bears currently are the better team stat wise than the Pens in many categories.  The standings is the only difference and that is meaningless once the playoffs arrive.  Records are forgotten and the regular season becomes an after thought.

The Bears are a veteran team that knows what it takes to win in May and June.  16 players on this team have won a Calder Cup at some point...some played minor roles at the time but they know what it takes to get there and what it takes to win.

They are ready!

LET'S GO BEARS!!!!

Caps Weekly

Sorry about the lack of posts this past week. It has been terribly busy for me with work, then I got sick, and then that stupid groundhog dumped 20 inches of snow on me. And now he is sending more...damn him!

Anyways...here is your weekly Caps report and I assure regular posting will resume later this week.


Winning Continues

The Capitals are only 4 wins away from setting a new NHL record for consecutive wins. They are currently #3 with 14 straight but the (I believe) 92-93 Pens won 17 in a row. (It might be a different year but it is the Pens). Unfortunately the best the Caps can do before the Olympic break is tie the record as they have only 3 games remaining this month.

Ovechkin and Backstrom Dominating

Ovi was named the NHL's 1st star of the week for the 3rd time this season and the 2nd time in the last 4 weeks. Meanwhile Nicky Backstrom was named the 3rd star of the week for the 2nd consecutive week. Impressive for the individuals but the team winning streak is still the #1 story.

Kovalchuk Traded

All that speculation of the Caps getting Ilya Kovalchuk from the Thrashers is over with as the winger was traded to the Devils this past week. I would imagine that the recent success the Caps have experienced is leading them to believe that they don't need that much more to make a legitimate run at the cup this Spring.

Upcoming Schedule

The last week before the Olympics sees the Caps hit the road for 3 straight games. Will the added travel hurt their streak? Hopefully not.

• Wednesday - @ Montreal
• Thursday - @ Ottawa
• Saturday - @ St. Louis

The Ottawa game is the most interesting of the bunch as the Senators are 11-1 in their last 12 games. They had won 11 straight before losing to Toronto on Sunday.

Caps Weekly (2/2/10)

A look at the big club in Washington....

Winning Streak

The Caps will go for a franchise record 11th consecutive win tonight in Boston. The Caps haven't lost since a 7-4 defeat in Tampa on January 12th. The Caps have played 7 home games during the current 10 game run while only traveling away from the friendly confines in DC 3 times. During the 10 game stretch they have scored 48 goals while allowing only 21.

Wonderful January

Beyond the 10 game winning streak the Caps dominated the entire month of January. They played 15 games during the month going 13-2 with their only losses coming in LA and Tampa. The LA loss happened the first game of the month which makes the Caps 13-1 in their last 14. Not quite 20 in 21 like Hershey but definitely impressive none the less.

Goaltenders Getting Healthy?

Semyon Varlamov has resumed practicing this past week and is expected to play in Hershey on a conditioning stint at some point this week or next. Fortunately for the Caps having their (at the time) #1 goaltender go down did not affect the rest of the organization. Jose Theodore has been exceptional going 8-1 during January while Michal Neuvirth has also been solid going 5-1 during the month.

Trade News

It would appear as the Ilya Kovalchuk rumors are subsiding. The Kings and Flames are considered the top contenders for the winger but rumor has it the Flyers are throwing their name into the hat. Still plenty of time before the trade deadline and nothing will happen until after the Olympics.

Upcoming Games

The Caps again have 4 games this week including a nationally televised game vs Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon.

• Tuesday - @ Boston
• Thursday - @ NY Rangers
• Friday - vs Atlanta
• Sunday - vs Pittsburgh

Caps Weekly

Our weekly look at what's going on with the Bears NHL affiliate in Washington....

Varlamov still injured

Washington goalie Semyon Varlamov is still out with an injury. A few weeks ago he made a conditioning start in Hershey were he suffered another injury, one that has kept him out since then. Until he is ready to return Michal Neuvirth will remain in Washington as a spot starter and as Jose Theodore's backup. An injury that was supposed to only last a week or two is now into its fourth week and is putting his Olympic team spot in jeopardy.

Theodore playing great

Since Varly went down and Neuvirth struggled a bit Theodore has been dominant. He has won 5 straight games, allowing only 9 goals in those games, and a ridiculous .944 save percentage. Early in the season it seemed that Theodore was going to be Varly's backup most of the season but now with Varly losing ground every day he can't go it looks more and more like he will be the #1 for the rest of the season. And with Varly's injury history can the Caps really commit to him for next season as the #1 without another top option?

Winning ways

Last week saw the Caps beat the last 2 Eastern and Western conference champions, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Then they beat the upstart Coyotes Saturday night to go 3-0 for the week and extending their winning streak to 6 games. In their last 10 they have won 9 and are back to being the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference in addition to having a 19 point lead within the division.

Line continuity

Coach Bruce Boudreau generally fiddles with his lines for months during the season before finally settling on something for the playoffs. But for the past 23 days and 10 games he has used the same lines for every game. Once Jason Chimera joined the team and Tomas Fleischmann was moved to center the lines haven't changed and it has worked for the Caps. During that span the Caps have scored 4.9 goals per game including 3.3 per game at even strength...very impressive.

Kovalchuk rumors

Around the league Washington is still considered the odds on favorite to land Ilya Kovalchuk before the trade deadline. The latest rumors have them trading Alexander Semin for him although most people feel as that would be unlikely. Other teams that were thought to be interested are dropping out, the Leafs, Flames, Avs, Pens and Bruins were all rumored at least once to be interested but have now said no way. It is really coming down to a few teams and the Caps seem to have the most interest.

Upcoming week

The Caps have a busy 4 games in the next 6 days. Fortunately 3 of those games are at home and none of the games feature teams currently in playoff position.

Tonight - @ NY Islanders
Tomorrow - vs Anaheim
Friday - vs Florida
Sunday - vs Tampa Bay

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.

Capitals Weekly Update

Here is your weekly update on the news coming out of the District with the NHL's Washington Capitals.

A New Captain

Alexander Ovechkin was given the 'C' as team captain this week. The previous captain, Chris Clark, was traded to Columbus so a new captain was needed. Ovi was the logical choice as he is the face of the franchise at this time.

A New Center

After spending all of his professional career at wing Tomas Fleischmann was moved to center this week. Bruce Boudreau was reportedly trying to find some consistency and balance as you move down through the lines in Washington. After stellar performances in his first 2 games at center (80% and 66.7%) he struggled a bit in the 3rd game (31.6%). With the success and ability he has shown I would imagine he will remain at center for the time being.

Alzner back in Hershey

The speculation after the Nylander move and the trade of Jurcina was that Hershey had seen the last of Karl Alzner. Well that changed quickly as the young blueliner is back in Hershey. The reasoning...8 healthy defensemen in Washington meant little playing time for Alzner. But that might have changed as John Erskine is not practicing although Tyler Sloan is still in Washington and they may go with him instead of recalling Alzner.

Neuvirth shines

The Caps are running into the same problem as the Bears are having with Braden Holtby. Michal Neuvirth has been stellar allowing 2 or fewer goals in 6 of his last 7 starts including Saturday night against Atlanta when he made a 38 save, one goal allowed performance. When Varlamov comes back it will give them 3 goalies playing very well. One will surely be headed for Hershey which would give the Bears 3 goalies that are playing very well.

Trade Rumors

• The latest trade rumors have a few Bears or Bears prospects on the trading block. One potential trade would bring defenseman Sheldon Souray to Washington in exchange for Jose Theodore, Eric Fehr, Stefan Della Rovere, and draft picks. That would mean Neuvy would stay in Washington, a winger would probably get recalled (although a center might work too), and Hershey would lose prospects too.
• Another trade being discussed would be for Ilya Kovalchuk. Although expectations are that would cost the Caps Karl Alzner. I couldn't imagine the Caps giving up on Alzner to rent a forward for the season.
• Thomas Kaberle has also been mentioned in connection with the Caps although there is no mention of what the cost would be for him.