Offseason Report for Washington Capitals

The offseason has been a busy one for the Washington Capitals, who made many changes to their roster following a brutal playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in which they went out with a whisper in Game 7 of the second round. 

The Capitals entered the offseason with 14 free agents that needed to be re-signed, and it was inevitable that some of them would have to go. In addition to this, the expansion draft was coming up and the Capitals would lose a player. With all of this adding up, many experts have said that the Capitals had the worst offseason in the NHL and that they would be much diminished from their outstanding regular season last year.

Here is how it all started:

During the expansion draft, the two best players that the Capitals left unprotected were defenseman Nate Schmidt and backup goaltender Philip Grubauer. They figured that the Vegas Golden Knights would want to take a goaltender; however, they failed to realize that Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury as well as several other elite goaltenders were available. Because of that, the Golden Knights picked Schmidt, leaving the Capitals with one less defenseman, who would have been the team's future on the blue line.

The Capitals already had a depleted blue line, with Brooks Orpik being older and slower, as well as Karl Alzner and Kevin Shattenkirk sure to leave via free agency. 

Next, the Capitals resigned TJ Oshie to a huge, eight-year deal, and ended up signing (and overpaying) Evgeny Kuznetsov because he had apparently made a deal with a KHL team. He also had to re-sign Dmitri Orlov, which led to him having to trade Marcus Johansson, who scored the series-clinching goal again Toronto in the first round. In addition, Justin Williams, a solid player for the Washington Capitals, was gone.

Although this was just a report of the offseason, expect an opinion piece on this offseason coming soon.

Evgeny Kuznetsov Just Scored - And His Goal was Dazzling

Evgeny Kuznetsov has been quiet this season- at least speaking in goals, and he's finally broken through. He went past two defenders using an amazing toe drag to put the puck in the net using a solid shot. He put the Capitals up 3-1. 

If Kuznetsov keeps going at it like this, sooner or later he'll be one of the NHL's elite players.

My Outtakes on the Capitals Second-Round Loss

"I think this group feels until we win a Stanley Cup, it won't be a successful season," said Capitals coach Barry Trotz after his team's 6-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

“The wound obviously is very fresh and we’ve seen this far too often, so pardon me if I sound crushed,” added Joe Beninati, the play-by-play man for CSN Washington. “I am. I am crushed because I believed there were a couple of instances in the third period where the Capitals defied death — they did — and once you get into overtime, it’s anybody’s game. It’s a roll of the dice, but the longer the overtime goes between these teams, especially on a night when you lose Karl Alzner, the longer it goes it favors the team that’s faster. And the team that was faster from the outset in this game was Pittsburgh. They were taking away the boards magically in the first period. The Capitals couldn’t get out of their own zone. It seemed like time after time after time, somebody in black and gold was in their way. But, the way Washington rallied is a sign that this is a different team. Please do not say the word ‘collapse’ to me. Do not say the word ‘choke’ to me. This is not one of those. This is a very good Pittsburgh team that’s moving on to a conference final.”

"It's a failure," Justin Williams said, upset, "The only thing I've processed is that it sucks."

Nicklas Backstrom was adamant. "It's getting old... [on the fans] I love them. They are the best fans. ...I promise we're going to do it."

Matt Niskanen teared up during his interview. "This is the most hurt I've been in my career. … This sucks. I can't believe we're talking about this right now."

But the question remained. Did the Capitals really deserve to lose? They dominated in Games 3 and 4, and they only lost the entire series by one goal. Not only that, but their overtime losses were those that could have been avoided.

And in Game 6, the resilience shown by these Capitals, coming back from 3-0 to 3-3 in the third period is a positive sign.

There were many factors as to why the Capitals lost, and some of those were beyond their control.

But, first of all, just a few points for Penguins fans who are all happy:

Look how the Penguins are right at the top. The referees clearly let a lot of Penguin penalties go. I will discuss these penalties here:

1. Kris Letang's one-game suspension. Brooks Orpik had the same exact same hit as Letang did, and he got three games. When Letang did it, after the protesting of Capitals fans and some more, the NHL agreed to give him a one-game suspension. ORPIK RECEIVED THREE GAMES FOR THE SAME EXACT HIT. They weren't even trying to hide their bias towards the Penguins. 

2. Evgeni Malkin's no-game suspension. Malkin headshotted Daniel Winnik. Seriously.

3. Kris letang's headshot on TJ Oshie.

4. The Capitals disallowed goal and Evgeny Kuznetsov's penalty. Why? I get the disallowed goal part, but why the penalty? It wasn't intentional.

5. Crosby holding Backstrom's stick. He got no penalty.

AND MANY, MANY MORE!!! Also, just for the record, THE REFS LET THE PENGUINS GET AWAY WITH 99% OF THEIR PENALTIES.

So, in conclusion, Penguins fans who are happy, admit your team was handed the series win by the Penguins loving refs.

SHOUTOUTS TO AWESOME CAPITALS PLAYERS WHO DESERVE IT

John Carlson!!!!!

Carlson is the first defenseman in franchise history to record twelve points in the first twelve games of the postseason. Well done!!!!

This guy, along with TJ Oshie, were the best in the series. If anyone deserved to go in a Conference Final, it was those too. Shoutout to Jay Beagle and TJ Oshie. 

TJ Oshie!!!!!

He scored all the Caps game-winning goals in the Penguins series. Also, his hat trick in the first game was epic. YAY TJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jay Beagle!!!!

THAT SAVE THOUGH. Also, he's a unicorn in disguise. (Reference to Game 1). 

PENBC

IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT MIKE MILBURY, DOC EMRICK, AND PIERRE MCGUIRE LOVE THE PENS. IT IS ALSO QUITE CLEAR THAT THEY ARE PENS FANS. Whenever the Penguins did a cheap shot they praised the player and justified it, but when Orpik did it he was a "predator." Also, when Orpik was on the Penguins, he was apparently the best player ever but now he is bad. In the eyes of PENBC at least. Well, honestly, I'd rather listen to the Penguins radio. At least they are more objective. Also, PENBC kept saying how the Penguins deserve to win and how the Capitals are really bad. YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE OBJECTIVE, PEOPLE.

Also, Injuries!
There was a number of injuries unknown to people that the Capitals players played through.

1. Alex Ovechkin - lower back injury

2. Karl Alzner - groin injury. He felt it "pop" during game 6. Also, a broken thumb, strained oblique, and pulled hip flexor.

3. Brooks Orpik - cracked femur, concussion, and neck injury

4. John Carlson - broken foot and ankle

5. Marcus Johansson - undisclosed, but he will miss Worlds because of it

The Question of the Day: Why did they lose so badly???

1. Brooks Orpik's poor decisions.

2. Bad defense.

3. Matt Murray.

4. Over-Reliance on the powerplay. 

THE REFEREES LOVE THE PENS!!!!!!!!!!

What do you think happened? Did the Caps deserve to win the series? I say take it to 7 games at least. But, for now, go Lightning!!

P.S. I feel like I didn't get all the missed calls by the refs. please add the ones you saw in the comment boxes. See chart above for proof the league loves the Pens the best. "Golden team"

Recap: Day 2 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs

And today's (well, actually, yesterday's) winners are........

drumroll, please........

1. THE WASHINGTTTTTTOOOOOOOONNNN CAPITALS!

The Capitals shut out the Flyers 2-1 amid a brilliant performance by immortal beast Braden Holtby.

2. THE NEW YORRRRRKKK ISLANDERRS!!!

My prediction isn't so far off thought this is only Game 1... the score was 5-4.

3. THE DALLAS STAAARRRRSS!

A 4-0 shutout!!

4. THE SAN JOSEEEEE SHARKS!!!!

4-3 capped by a goal by none other than Mr. Joe Pavelski.

I am right in all but 2 series so far. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

Will the Capitals Get Past the First Round?

The Capitals could not do it when Braden Holtby needed to break the goalie wins/season record. They failed him and played terribly. In addition, they have lost 3 games in a row, and 5 of the last 7 games. A complete collapse right before the end of the playoffs, which is a bad thing.

As of now, the Caps have only a 47% chance of making it out of the first round, and the Penguins are now the favourites to win the Cup. The Caps might face them in the second round.

I know this is a short post, and I hate being the pessimist here, but I am honestly worried about the Caps' ability to make it out of the first round. What a terrible end to a .... wonderful (?) first half of the season. Well, maybe not so wonderful because it put our hopes up, only to get them down.

Brooks Laich is now a Toronto Maple Leaf

In another heartbreaking, wretched NHL trade, Brooks Laich, Washington D.C.'s longest-tenured athlete, is no longer a Capital. He is a Leaf, after being a faithful, amazing Capital for 12 years, ever since I was only three years old. Boo.

The Capitals traded away Laich, Connor Carrick, and a second-round pick for Daniel Winnik and a fifth-round pick. In my opinion, the Capitals are trading away their future, as they now do not have any first- or second-round picks for the next draft. On top of that, the Leafs are winning more in this trade because they get better players. 

“Daniel is a versatile player who plays with grit and can be used in all situations,” general manager Brian MacLellan said. “This move enables us to add some depth to our forward group and balances our lineup. We would like to thank Brooks for all of his contributions to our organization over the past 10 years. Brooks is a true professional and we wish him all the best in the future.”

The only problem with Laich is that after health complications (injury to the groin) in 2011, he never was the player he had been before and became a fourth-line centre on the Capitals, never again living up to his $4.5 million cap hit. Winnik is much cheaper and by acquiring him and getting rid of Laich's contract, the Capitals have gained $2.2 million in cap space. Still, the trade is heartbreaking, for a multitude of reasons.

The Wawota, Saskatchewan native was a fan favourite in Washington for many reasons. Right after the Capitals' devastating first-round playoff exit in the 2010 playoffs to the Montreal Canadiens, two female Capitals fans were stranded on the side of the road with a messed-up tire. Although the team had just lost and it was clear Laich was going through a tough time, he stopped by the side of the road to fix the tire for them, immediately making their days. 

Not only that, but his shenanigans with Michael Latta and Tom Wilson about an Instagram follow were hilarious, with Wilson and Latta leaving comments on his Instagram posts begging for a follow multiple times. Laich had a drone from his fiancee Julianne Hough, and he used it for another hobby of his, film-making, where he filmed several scenes when he had time and used time-lapse on them. I thought it was pretty amazing. He was going to get married to Julianne this August, but I guess, sadly, us Caps fans will not see it.

He even made this hilarious video telling fans five things every man should know how to do:

On his last days in Washington, Laich and Hough, along with TJ Oshie and his wife Lauren, went to a Carrie Underwood concert all together. Laich, my man. This is even worse than losing Eric Fehr and Joel Ward in the offseason. Brooksie, you will be missed. If the Capitals get their Stanley Cup win this year, it will be bittersweet, as D.C.'s longest-tenured athlete and most faithful player, who has been with the Capitals starting from the 2004 rebuild and is the last remaining piece of Peter Bondra, is now gone. Good luck with your new team, Brooksie, and we hope to have you back in a Capitals uniform soon.

Julianne Hough Needs Your Help Picking Out a Wedding Dress!

This post is a bit outdated and may have almost nothing to do with hockey, but Brooks Laich has asked Julianne Hough to marry him this coming August, after proposing to her in August of 2015. So, on her blog, Julianne has started asking fans to help her pick out her wedding dress: http://juliannehough.com/whats-my-bridal-style/. She has picked five different styles of dressed and is asking for your help. Here, I will analyse each one and pick my favourite, and then you guys - let me know in the comments. I don't think she has picked out the exact dressed; these are just a brief overview of each style.

Here are the five dress styles, as described on her website:

1. The Romantic Bride

In my opinion, this dress is lovely. It is very old-fashioned, and would look good on Julianne, considering she is average size. I love the lace accents on it, and the high neckline means she won't have to spend too much money on a necklace. This one is perfect; however, the earrings she picked along with it are not the greatest, to be honest, although I love the hair feather fascinator that she picked to go with it. 

2. The Boho Bride

This one does proud to Julianne's roots. She is Californian and this dress does represent that. However, I wouldn't wear this one as a wedding dress, because it isn't the traditional white and is a bit too old for her. This one would be appropriate for an older woman's wedding, such as someone over the age of 40. Another downside to this one is that it would only look good on someone with long, blonde hair and blue eyes, and her hair is fairly short right now (and I like it better that way). Also, the headband she picked along with it would suit a cruise ship dinner night more than a wedding.

3. The Classic Bride

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This dress, along with Romantic, is another of my favourites. It is beautiful simple, and timeless. The skirt is flowy, and paired along with a white lace jacket, it would look lovely. It screams old-fashioned and pretty, and is a dress that has been worn over and over by people of many different generations.

4. The Non-Traditional Bride

This one is another of my favourites. The bodice on the top is very simple, and would look wonderful when paired with the right necklace, and the headband she has chosen to wear along with it would look very girly. This one speaks innocence and youth, and the detail in the skirt is beautiful and gorgeous. If it were my wedding, I would absolutely pick this one.

5. The Chic Bride

For the record, I do not like this one at all. It is much too grown-up, and the style is one that came out very, very recently. It is not classic and not traditional. I personally, would not even look at this one if I were in a wedding store. It is very minimalist and probably cheaper, but guessing she is Julianne Hough after all, I'm sure she can afford something better.

So, in conclusion, my favourite is the non-traditional, followed closely by classic and romantic. These three styles are classics and are timeless, and are incredibly pretty and would suit a young bride such as Julianne. Good luck to her and Mr. Laich in the coming years! I hope to be able to announce a coming wedding soon.

~Tia the Wedding Whiz 

Evgeny Kuznetsov, NHL All-Star

I know this is coming a bit late, but right after the All-Stars, I wasn't able to write this, so here it comes. This year, Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals were voted into the All-Star Game. Indeed, it was well-deserved for all of them, as well as for Coach Barry Trotz, who got to coach the Metropolitan Division. It was the first All-Star appearance for Backstrom and Holtby, who more than deserved it  

However, in a storybook ending, Russian superstar Ovechkin decided not to play in Nashville, and by luck, the next star on the list was none other than his fellow countryman and teammate Kuznetsov. 23-year-old Kuznetsov had 2 goals in a losing effort by the Metropolitan Division. 

Another positive from the All-Stars was John Scott. After being voted in by the fans as a way of making fun of him, Gary Bettman and his minions conducted a trade that took Scott from Arizona to Montreal, where he was waived to play for the St. John, Montreal's AHL affiliate. In other words that meant he couldn't play in the game. After he wrote a Player's Tribune article and everyone accused Bettman of plotting to keep Scott out of the All-Star, Bettman allowed him to play, but made him wear a special jersey as humiliation. However, Scott rose above it all, scoring two goals to lead the Pacific Division to a championship and getting named MVP. What a happy ending. 

Evgeny Kuznetsov is on Fire

Who is leading the Washington Capitals right now? I wonder. I open the Capitals' homepage, look at the player stats, and do a double take. That Russian - again? I thought that ended in the beginning of the season when he had a hot streak. No, not Alex Ovechkin, but yes, Evgeny Kuznetsov.

As of now, Kuznetsov has 15 goals and 33 assists, giving him 48 points, good for four better than Nicklas Backstrom and six more than countryman Alex Ovechkin. On top of that, he is seventh in the league in points, fourth in assists, and second in plus-minus. On the team, only Alex Ovechkin and Justin Williams have more goals than him, and he is 46th in the league in goals, and that is only because of ties.

Looking at Kuznetsov, it is not his ability to hit or shoot that makes him so good. Rather, it is his ability to skate so well, it looks like he's not even moving, and his skillful ability to puckhandle.

So, believe in him. These breakout performances last playoffs were not a fluke. This guy is capable of becoming one of the best players in the league, and I think he will be by 2020, if not already. As coach Barry Trotz said about him in October - "He’s not afraid of the big moments. He’s not afraid of the top players in the league. He wants to be one of the best guys in the game, and I think he can be." And its not just the coach, fellow teammates have said it as well. He has the ability to be a top-five player in this league. With the amount of poise, skill, and commitment to getting better, it’s amazing to watch him every day," says Braden Holtby, one of the best goalies in the game.

Kuznetsov truly is a breakout star in his own right. Keep watching his and I think that after Alex Ovechkin retires, he will become the Caps' next Alex Ovechkin.

Evgeny Kuznetsov and Artemi Panarin Featured in NHL Top Duos List (THW)

The Hockey Writers decided to make a list of the NHL's five duos, and (yay!) Artemi Panarin and Evgeny Kuznetsov are both featured in the list. It is as goes (and I will add my own opinions as to why these players are featured in the list if needed):

5. Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec (Montreal Canadiens)

There is a reason Pacioretty was picked as the Habs' captain this year, and it has not been without the help of his trusty steed, the 33-year-old Czech forward Tomas Plekanec. They provide dynamic offence to the Habs, adding to their legitimacy as Stanley Cup contenders.

4. Henrik and Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)

Ahh... of course. The 35-year-old Swedish twins who have been tearing up the NHL for years. They have an impressive chemistry.. almost a sense of where the other is on the ice. Must be a twin thing.

3. Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals)

Two Russians (insert happy emoji here). Of course. This year, Evgeny Kuznetsov leads the Caps with points, with Alex Ovechkin, the goals leader, a few points behind. At the beginning of the year, on the same line, they clicked together perfectly. #RusskiyPower 

2. Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)

One of the interesting stories in the NHL this season is how Patrick Kane has been tearing up the NHL after his off-season controversy. Of course, this wouldn't be the case without the hands of Artemi Panarin, 24-year-old fresh arrival from Russian KHL, who has helped him tonnes.

1. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin (Dallas Stars)

This duo has always been one of the most effective in the game, but their role on the Stars has only been magnified now that their team is in the top of the NHL standings.

What do you all think of these ratings? Any other differing opinions? If so, I'd love to hear them in the comments. Happy Holidays...

Pavel Bure Thinks Evgeny Kuznetsov and Artemi Panarin Will Dominate the NHL for Years to Come

Pavel Bure, in his blog NHL.com/ru, said that have the ability to dominate the NHL for years to come. Bure is arguably one of the best Russian players to ever play the game, and hearing so from him is a huge compliment to both Kuznetsov, 23, and Panarin, 24. 

In his first season with the Washington Capitals, Kuznetsov had a hard time adjusting to the North American lifestyle, but in the 2015 playoffs, he soared above expectations, scoring the series-winning goal against the Islanders to take the Capitals to Round 2 of the playoffs. This season, he leads the Caps in points - even more than the Capitals other superstar, Alex Ovechkin. "It took a little while for Kuznetsov to adjust in the country and in a League that was completely new to him," Bure writes. "But he was a leader everywhere he had ever played. So eventually he adapted to the system Trotz implemented in Washington. He was also lucky to be on the same team with Alex Ovechkin, who should get credit for helping him find his game."

Artemi Panarin, on the other hand, came over to the NHL from the KHL last year, and has had some amazing chemistry with linemate Patrick Kane. He is also in early contention for the Calder Trophy. "Panarin made the transition to the team that won three Stanley Cups in six seasons look effortless," Bure writes. "This alone shows what a special talent he is. Plus, the style of hockey that the Blackhawks play is tailor-made for Panarin. It is not surprising that he leads all rookies in scoring and is capable of winning the Calder Trophy this year."

"I am happy for Panarin and Kuznetsov," Bure further said. "They both dreamed about making it in the NHL and they have done very well thus far, but at the same time both of them are still continuing to develop. It may sound crazy, but I know those two guys can play even better. They possess enough skills to become a dominating force in this League."

Alex Semin Joins Metallurg Magnitogorsk

Yesterday, the Montreal Canadiens placed Alex Semin on waivers, then cleared and sent him to their AHL team, St. John's IceCaps, but Semin failed to report. Semin then took his choice and decided to go to Russia to join in the KHL.

Reportedly, SKA St. Petersburg and Metallurg Magnitogorsk were interested in Semin's services, but Semin chose Metallurg over SKA. 

Alex Semin had one goal and four points in fifteen games with the Canadiens, and he was often a scratch on the bench; he sat out for eight games. He hasn't had a good season since leaving the Capitals in 2012. Semin scored 239 goals and 517 points in 650 games with the Capitals, Hurricanes and Canadiens.

In Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Semin will join NHL counterparts Wojtek Wolski and Oskar Osala, as well as Capitals first-round draft pick Ilya Samsonov. 

The Greatest Russian NHL Goal Scorer is no Longer Sergei Fedorov

Alex Ovechkin is now the greatest Russian goal-scorer the NHL has ever seen! On a crazy sick goal assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie, Ovechkin made it to 484 goals to break Sergei Fedorov's previous record of 483. Naturally, Fedorov, who was like a father to Ovechkin in his young playing days, wasn't upset. As a matter of fact, he was happy for his close friend. "It's awesome," Fedorov told NHL.com last week. "Records are made to be broken, so to me he's always been the goal-scorer and when he got close, I'm like, 'Of course it's him.'" When he heard that the record had finally been broken, he had more to say, "I would like to congratulate Alex on this achievement. What he has accomplished thus far in his career has been nothing short of remarkable."

What is very ironic is that Ovechkin had gotten two goals to break 483 before that, but they were waved off on coach's challenges. This time, Ovi broke the record against the Stars, and the last time the Caps beat the Stars was in 2008, when Sergei Fedorov set his record. Amazing, eh?

Also, the assist master named Backstrom is the one who helped both superstars achieve their milestones, to add to the irony.

Lastly, but not least, Ovi's remarkable goal scoring ability was finally proven, when he achieved the Russian record in 471 games less than Fedorov did. Ladies and gentlemen, you are seeing one of the greatest goal scorers the game of hockey had ever seen right in front of your eyes.

I hope you enjoyed reading! Let me know in the comments box what you think. Congratulations to Ovi on this milestone in his career, and thanks! спасибо!

Sergei Fedorov Influenced Evgeny Kuznetsov and Five Facts About Kuzya

Evgeny Kuznetsov after Russia won gold in the 2011 WJC in Buffalo, NY, USA.

In 2011, a 19-year-old Evgeny Kuznetsov, still in his second season playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk, went to a KHL All-Stars dinner in Riga, Latvia. The young centre had no idea how to act around all these strangers, people much older and more experienced than him, so he took a seat next to Sergei Fedorov, captain of a rival team. He ended up having a conversation with Fedorov, which inspired him as he went forward playing for the same team that Fedorov had played for, the Washington Capitals. Remembering his conversation with Fedorov this past week, Kuznetsov had nothing to say but good things: “He’s very much like a gentleman, you know? He said a couple of good words to me.”  After Fedorov finished his career with Metallurg Magnitogorsk just a year later, in 2012, Kuznetsov asserted that he is looking forward to seeing Fedorov again, and had the chance to meet him again on Monday, during the Capitals game against the Detroit Red Wings. 

Since his arrival in Washington in the late 2013-14 season, I have been impressed by the young Russian's dazzling skills and perfect dangles and passes. He became my favourite player and soon after, I began watching his KHL highlights and became a big fan of Traktor. Sadly, I couldn't watch the games because it is at 4 am here in the States! For all the other Kuzya enthusiasts, here are five facts about him I bet you didn't know:

1. His nickname is "Harry Potter."

The Capitals duo of Tom Wilson and Michael Latta gave him that nickname after he impressed them with his puck-handling skills that seemed magical.

2. He has a 6-month old daughter.

After getting married at age 19, Kuznetsov and his wife Nastia finally had their first daughter, whose full name is Ecenia Evgenia Kuznetsova. 

3. He is humble and a bit (?) shy.

After Kuzya scored his first career against the Edmonton Oilers early this season, he didn't even raise his hands in celebration. Every time he scores a sick overtime goal or does something that is crazy sick, he calls it "luck." Even teammate Backstrom, who is extremely humble himself, had something to say about it: "He’s kind of shy, I would say, for the media,” 

4. His idol is Pavel Datsyuk (just like me!).

Apparently, I am not the only one who thinks Datsyuk is best))

Kuzya had this to say about magic man Datsyuk, and why everyone thinks he is so impressive: “He may not score 100 goals a year, but when he’s out on the ice, he just humiliates you. He sees everything, he can tie his opponent’s shoelaces with one hand. It seems like he never even gets tired. I was happy to play against him [in the KHL during the 2012 NHL lockout], and it was a real honour to play with him [on Team Russia]. I’m too far from him and I have to work every day. I may never be like Pavel, but I want to be and have some of his skills."

5. Barry Trotz (Capitals coach) and Braden Holtby (Capitals goalie) think he can be a top-5 NHL player.

Barry Trotz just couldn't stop oohing and aahing over him: "It’s not even the same person,” Trotz said. “We always knew he had the skill, but his pro game – his North American game – has really come along. He’s not afraid of the big moments. He’s not afraid of the top players in the league. He wants to be one of the best guys in the game, and I think he can be."

On the other hand, Braden Holtby was a bit more realistic: "[Kuznetsov] had an adjustment period last year coming over. It seemed like right after the all-star break he was a different player. He was probably our best player throughout the playoffs. Right from the start of the year you could tell he has world class skill. He has the ability to be a top-five player in this league. With the amount of poise, skill, and commitment to getting better [he has], it’s amazing to watch him every day. He’s a great teammate and he’s huge for us."

Hope you enjoyed this post; let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading! спасибо!!!

Washington Capitals Offseason Recap

12 days until the Capitals' preseason starts, 31 days until their opener against the New Jersey Devils. Can't wait, eh? Well, there is much to be optimistic about this season. From the acquisition of T.J. Oshie to the signing of Justin Williams, be prepared for an exciting year. I expect the Capitals to at least reach the Final this year, if not hoist the Cup.

The Caps made several huge offseason moves:
Their earliest was signing advanced stats deity Justin Williams, who last played for the LA Kings. Williams, known as Mr. Game 7, is a huge playoff performer, and scored one of the goals in Game 5 of the Cup Final 2014, where the Kings won the Cup.
However, they lost Joel Ward, who signed with the San Jose Sharks and was also a clutch playoff performer.
The Capitals also aquired T.J. Oshie from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Winter Classic game-winning-goal scorer Troy Brouwer, as well as AHL-caliber goalie Pheonix Copley and a 2016 draft pick. T.J. Oshie is best known for his performance in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he singlehandedly helped Team USA beat the Russians in a seven-round shootout.
The Capitals also re-signed playoff performer Evgeny Kuznetsov. Expect a lot from him his sophomore year; his playoff numbers were no joke. Kuznetsov should combine with fellow sophomore Andre Burakovsky for at least 60 goals.
Bottom-sixer Jay Beagle was also re-signed; he should help the Capitals acheive their goal.
Marcus Johansson, who should assume the role of third-line centre, was also re-signed; he hit career highs in goals, assists, and points last season. He might be able to do it again.
Last, but not least, Braden  Holtby, one of the elite NHL goalies, was resigned. If Holtby puts up the numbers he did in 2014-15, expect him to be a Vezina finalist, if not the winner.

The Capitals should go deep into the playoffs this year. I nominate them to represent the east in the Final. Are you optimistic heading into this season? You should be. Let me know in the comment box.

Evgeny Kuznetsov Tallies Two Goals In Washington's 5-1 Win Over the Islanders in Game 5

Evgeny Kuznetsov had a wonderful game - tallying two goals and three points, and Jason Chimera, Jay Beagle, Marcus Johnasson, and Karl Alzner each registered two points.

In the background however, it was Joel Ward doing most of the work - setting up goals unnoticed, and helping Kuzetsov get his first playoff goal and his first playoff multi-goal game. What a huge night for Kuzya and the Capitals.

After Kuznetsov's first goal, he said in Russian that "his heart jumped from happiness", but he was able to control his emotions for the rest of the game, and he was able to tally his second goal. When asked about which was his favorite goal of the game, he said Alzner's was, because it "was the game-winner and a very important goal". World, meet Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Game 6 in Nassau Coliseum is an important one - the Capitals can make it or break it.

Kuzya was mic'd up for his first goal - check it out:

http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/openGraph/wid/1_xo5tpf8r

Here are both of Kuznetsov's goals:

Here's a chunk of the winning locker room:

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/capsisles-game-five-winning-locker-room-4-23-15

So, great game to Joel Ward, who played the best today (quietly, in the background), Jay Beagle, Jason Chimera, Karl Alzner, and Marcus Johnasson, who each registered two points in the game, Evgeny Kuznetsov, who tallied two goals and three points and became the third rookie in Capitals history to tally three points in a playoff game,

And congratulations to that Russian on being able to be unselfish and with his limited ability to speak English on being able to deflect every single question praising him to the team as a whole. 

And best of all, Tom Wilson was his usual hard-hitting self. GO BABY WILLY! BEAT THEM UP!

Oh, and Tom WIlson's best friend/roommate Michael Latta was so happy during Alzner's game-winning goal, he gave him a big kiss on the helmet. 

Let's go, Caps!

Why is Barry Trotz Messing With the Capitals Lines?

I have a message for Barry Trotz: Since when does Jay Beagle belong on the top line - and Troy Brouwer on the bottom? Because of Barry Trotz's messing with the Caps lines, the Caps ended up losing to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 because he put four forwards and one defenseman on the ice (Uh, what?), and Troy Brouwer and Jay Beagle switched roles.

My ideal lines are this:

Ovechkin - Backstrom - Glencross

Johansson - Kuznetsov - Brouwer

Chimera - Fehr - Ward

Latta - Beagle - Wilson

Honestly, I do not mind Burakovsky in Hershey as long as Glencross is here, but I do think the Capitals should trade Laich, because his possession numbers are hurting more than helping.

Also, don't forget to tune in to the #CapsNYR game tonight at 8 p.m. Lets go Caps!

Capitals-Flyers Recap: ???

The Flyers-Capitals game started out as what looked like it would be a close game that would be won (or lost) by one goal or in overtime or shootout. With no scoring in the first period, the Capitals and the Flyers played a very unexciting game.

The scoring began in the second period. Mark Streit put the Flyers up by one point within the first minute of the middle period. Alex Ovechkin tied the game about halfway through the period when he took Evgeny Kuznetsov's brilliant feed and shot a wrister which ended up in the back of the Flyers' net. Both teams went into the intermission without any further scoring.

Less than four minutes into the second period, Wayne Simmonds broke the tie for the Flyers, flipping the puck past Braden Holtby and into the net. The Capitals battled to tie the score for the next fifteen minutes, failing to do so. During the Capitals' empty net, Jakub Voracek made it 3-1, which was the final score.

The Capitals just didn't seem mentally prepared for this game, possibly the worst they've played the entire season, almost breaking their record for fewest shots on net. And Tom Wilson's penalty couldn't have had more horrible timing, when the Capitals were desperate to tie the score. What makes it even worse is that if the Capitals had been able to win this game, they would've tied the Pittsburgh Penguins for first place in standings points in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals should have won this game and given themselves the top spot in their division, but they were just not cut out to play this game.

Capitals-Oilers Recap: WHAT HAPPENED THERE?!?!

I have one question: WHAT THE HECK?!?!?!
How did the Edmonton Oilers beat the Washington Capitals?

Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring for the Capitals in the first period, scoring his 26th and 27th goals of the season, and his second goal was from the Ovi Spot. Oiler Derek Roy scored soon after to make it 2-1 Capitals by beating Matt Niskanen to the net and firing his shot past Holtby. Jay Beagle returned that with a goal right before the intermission, ending the first period 3-1 Capitals. 

No scoring in the second, except Nikita Nikitin made it 3-2 late in the period.

In the third period, Nicklas Backstrom took a wonderful pass from John Carlson to make the Oilers' one-goal deficit a two-goal deficit, but Edmonton would not give up. Teddy Purcell made it 4-3 in the final five minutes, then Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tied it in the final 100 second.

A long, uneventful overtime period occurred, with no scoring, then came the shootout:

• Kuznetsov scored.
• Yakupov did NOT score.
• Backstrom did NOT score.
• Eberle did NOT score.
• Ovechkin did NOT score.
• Roy scored.
• Fehr did NOT score.
• Purcell scored.

Ugh! So Capitals lost 5-4 to Edmonton in shootout. No comment.