Quality Time With Bruce Boudreau
Here's the marathon post you were all waiting for, beginning with Boudreau, who's really in his element during development camp. He reveling in the chance to be hands on and run the show with these young players. "They're fun," he said. "They're like sponges. They take it all in and they show the love of the game and they keep you young."
He saw players he knows aren't at their peak physical level and a few guys who were still in awe of the process, but said he's hoping they'll be comfortable soon enough.
He's looking forward to having Jose Theodore, who's expected in Arlington sometime this week, join the team. "He had a great year in Colorado. If you look what he did, they had so many injuries to top-notch players and still made the playoffs and to still play as well as he did. I wish Cris the best of luck in the world... but he's on a different team now, so we're not worried about him."
On Sergei Fedorov: "I got to know him personally. He fit in well and I know as a player, when I was 38 and playing my last year, the young guys gave me life and made me want to come to the rink. I think our young guys did the same thing for him. He was enthusiastic, he loved the game again and he was very good for our team. If it happens it happens, but if it doesn't it doesn't."
More normal training camp fodder on the extended page.
--Simeon Varlamov continues to show the pure athleticism and flexibility that makes him a viable prospect. We'll see in the first scrimmage Wednesday, but he needs more polishing though. What stood out to me most was his rebound control, pucks were flying high into the corner glass or pop out toward the blue line, and that's the difference with NHL goaltenders. Their pucks, more often than not, sent into the corners where they're not a threat.
Valramov, though, has his trademark scary-goalie stare out of the mask down pat. Out of all the goaltenders in camp he's the one who is downright intimidating when you look at his regular expression in net.
--Neuvirth update. Today was only the second day that he's been on ice since undergoing right knee surgery three months ago. He's still feeling his way back into a regular rhythm. Another thing that could have contributed to his play this morning was indeed Brent Johnson's mask. He's not used to the sight lines on the cage and the mask itself is too big for him. Apparently he was unable to bring any of the masks he used with the three OHL teams he played with to camp.
--RW Andrew Gordon is much more comfortable here the second time around and after his successful time in Hershey (16G, 35A in 58 games). It may have been his familiarity with the systems Bruce was drawing up, but he was a quick study and looked fast.
--RW Francois Bouchard looked at ease at well, I want to see him more though. The problem for guys like Bouchard and Gordon is that they need to put in as flawless development and training camp showings just because of the players that have been added to the Capitals system.
Quote of the day comes from when Bruce Boudreau was asked if he's sqeezed in any vacation time this off season:
"I've been on the road almost the whole summer," he said. "I feel like a rock band. I'm looking for houses, the draft, (I've been) all over the place."
By Katie Carrera |
July 7, 2008; 8:30 PM ET
Previous: First Practice Observations |
Next: Day Two; Fedorov Rumors (Update)
Posted by: Track Collector | July 7, 2008 8:37 PM
Nice work.
If you get any info on a press conference for Theodore at Kettler, please pass it on.
Posted by: SA-Town | July 7, 2008 8:43 PM
Great update, looking forward to more! I'm wondering how the goalie situation on Hershey will work out.
Thanks for the update, hopefully I'll be able ot make it to Kettler later in the week!
Posted by: Blonde Caps Fan | July 7, 2008 8:46 PM
Much appreciated updates Katie! Glad to know the kids are learning from the best. Can't wait for tomorrow's news once they get to slough off the off-season and the nerves.
Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | July 7, 2008 8:50 PM
I officially love your reports Katie. I hope the Post will let you work on the Caps regularly, you rock - one can feel your knowledge and love for the game.
Posted by: mauree | July 7, 2008 8:51 PM
Varlamov's first name is Semen, not Simeon.
Posted by: hgtr3572 | July 7, 2008 8:52 PM
Katie-Tell Tarik you're doing a great job and that he shouldn't be afraid to take time off more often (that guy works harder then anyone else i know)
Posted by: DC FURY | July 7, 2008 8:56 PM
Just curious.. Are they wearing their names on their backs this time?
Posted by: Jordan | July 7, 2008 8:59 PM
Jordan -
Nope, the numbers are small stickers on te back of their helmets. No numbers on the backs of the jerseys and no names either. But, they were wearing practice jerseys today (split into groupings by color). If I remember last year correctly, they will have numbers and names on their jerseys during the scrimmage.
The goalies were tough to figure out unless you recognize them by face when they take their masks up for a sip of water. They don't have numbers on the backs of their helmets.
Posted by: Jordana | July 7, 2008 9:13 PM
to hgtr3572:
Varlamov's first name is correctly pronounced "Semeon".
Posted by: Slava | July 7, 2008 9:28 PM
@ hgtr3572
The Caps are listing his first name as Simeon on everything I've seen but will check to make sure. Slava's right though with the pronunciation.
Posted by: Katie | July 7, 2008 9:37 PM
I can't believe how long this post has been up and hardly anyone has comments.
Do all of you people go to bed before 8:30?
Anyway, thanks for the updates, Katie.. although if you don't mind I'll be referring to you as New Girl.
Oneal
Posted by: Oneal | July 7, 2008 9:59 PM
@O'Neal
I'm awake - for 5 more minutes!
Got to go today for both sessions and it was good stuff. Love the extended post, and Bouchard did look real strong. It's pretty exciting to watch some hockey and know that the future of the team seems really solid - especially in goal. Having played the game for 20+ years I am a decent judge of goalies, and I thought all of the goalies were very solid today. That bodes well for the future... hope to see plenty of you later this week. Only 3 months (roughly) until Opening Night...
Posted by: Roose | July 7, 2008 10:05 PM
Anyone want to buy a brand new Huet jersey?
Posted by: MNMNT | July 7, 2008 10:19 PM
Good to hear Bouchard looks good, Roose. I wish I could make it down there to see them. Maybe Thursday.
By the way, you are watching some of the best prospects in all of hockey. Hockey's Future says the Caps have the 6th best farm system in the league.
You can't say the same about the rest of the Southest! Why bother even having a development camp when:
Atlanta is ranked 23rd
Florida is 25th
Tampa is 29th
Carolina is 30th. LAST!
Gotta love it.
Oneal
Posted by: Oneal | July 7, 2008 10:22 PM
@ Katie
Thanks for the update. I'm kind of bummed out that Gabby seems not particularly hellbent on bringing Feds back.
Oh yeah, if you don't mind, I'll be referring to you as Katie.
@ hgtr3572
Transliterating Russian names from Cyrillic is touch and go. If you wanted to be "authentic" Ovie's first name would be spelled "Aleksandr". Varly's "authentic" first name would be "Syemyon".
We pick a transliteration and we run with it. Nobody's wrong, nobody's right.
----------------------
I'm def making it out for the Wed scrimmage. I'm stoked. Is the place going to be a zoo?
Posted by: Defense Wins Championships. | July 7, 2008 10:24 PM
Wow! Great info, thanks for the update Katie. I can't wait to see some of these young prospects in Hershey this season. I'm not sure how to take B.B.s comments about Feds. Is it October yet? I am going through some serious hockey withdrawl right now. Well at least coaching my son's summer team gets me on the ice once in a while.
Posted by: BearsWoooo | July 7, 2008 10:42 PM
Katie,
Thanks for the great updates and hard work!
Excellent story on Alzner...can't wait to see him and the rest of the boys Wed.!!
Posted by: fullright | July 7, 2008 10:54 PM
@Katie
Also, nice piece on Alzner for tomorrow. He's exactly the element our team is missing. I hope these folks are right and he is ready to play this season.
So are you an intern?
Posted by: Defense Wins Championships. | July 7, 2008 10:58 PM
Defense Wins Championships,
I too hope the place isn't a zoo on Wed.
There was a small segment on Sports Nite about the Caps' camp. I paid special attention to the bleachers as I watched the highlights. They seemed rather empty. I'm sure the scrimages will draw a larger crowd, but i guess there's still hope. :)
Although large crowds can be fun too!
Posted by: fullright | July 7, 2008 11:11 PM
Thursday might be the only day I can make it down there. Gonna shoot for that.
Katie - thanks for the updates, and keep up the good work! Strange that Neuvirth couldn't bring any of his own masks. I don't get that. Did he run out of room on his carryon or something?
Posted by: Sombrero Guy | July 7, 2008 11:37 PM
Guess they don't have the PlayStation 3 yet up there in Burnaby.
Oneal
Posted by: Oneal | July 7, 2008 11:47 PM
Katie - Great piece on Karl, but what we REALLY want is the back story on that fake mustache Alzner took with him to the draft. If he makes the team, I hope he wears it for the team photo.
Posted by: Sombrero Guy | July 7, 2008 11:53 PM
Katie,
Awesome stuff, thanks! Wish I could be there.
Which prospects in your opinion look the most NHL-ready? Will you get the chance to talk to all/any of them?
Posted by: Ben | July 8, 2008 12:11 AM
SIGN FEDOROV!
Posted by: Zman | July 8, 2008 12:39 AM
Katie - How long will Tarik be out?? Great updates thus far. Thanks.
Posted by: pch49 | July 8, 2008 1:07 AM
Theodore will win the Vezina this year. -Yes u heard it here first.
I luv the silly season. ;)
Posted by: Victor | July 8, 2008 1:21 AM
was wierd goalie equipment issue last camp 2 with pads, right? u would think the caps & players would have worked it out or whatever after last summer.
Posted by: jim* | July 8, 2008 3:28 AM
Keep in mind Katie that there is a potential Pulitzer Prize for your in depth analysis of Caps Development Camp.
You're off to a great start.
BTW Poti, I love Phoenix... Great golf and lovely women everywhere...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 5:35 AM
Katie: Excellent work all around.
hgtr3572: I don't think Varlamov, or any man for that matter, wants to be called "Semen."
Posted by: Tom in FL | July 8, 2008 6:47 AM
Thanks for the updates Katie. It's nice to know what went on for those of us not able to be there personally.
Keep up the great work!
Posted by: bsk | July 8, 2008 7:05 AM
I remember watching the draft when Backstrom and Varlamov were selected by Ovechkin, and I specifically remember the "Semen" spelling with the "Semin" pronunciation.
And it would be quite the experience to meet the parents of someone who intentionally called their child that, and probably a scary one.
Posted by: DrinkingPartner | July 8, 2008 7:59 AM
Katie,
After the revelation you were a childhood Pens fan I think you should say 10 Hail Marys and an Our Father for your act of contrition.
Or if you're not Catholic you could just keep up the excellent insights into Development camp.
Anything more on Osala? He seems a monster with a scoring touch. Possible replacement for Flash on the 3rd line left wing?
Any chance of getting a picture of Katie at the top of the page instead of that other guy, can anyone remember his name still?? :)
Posted by: Dave UK Caps Fan | July 8, 2008 8:04 AM
I think soon enough the other players will start calling Varlamov "Varly." Hopefully they don't use the first name as the basis for the nickname.
Speaking of nicknames, which is a really interesting sidebar in hockey, does anyone know what Alzner's nickname was in Junior? Then, when the player moves up the ladder, do they keep the nickname or do the guys at the NHL level assign them their "official" nickname. Some of my favorites:
"Charlie," for Dave Manson
"Grim Reaper," for Stu Grimson
"Little Ball of Hate," for Pat Verbeek
"Calzone," for Calle Johansson
"Bonzai," for Peter Bondra
Posted by: Tom in FL | July 8, 2008 8:33 AM
Welcome, Katie. Thanks for the helpful updates...and nice piece in the Post this morning.
Posted by: rich | July 8, 2008 8:49 AM
"Rat bastard" for Jagr
Posted by: uncatim | July 8, 2008 8:52 AM
As I submitted my resignation this morning... I am now going to comment on today's hockey happenings at the Kettler Ice Plex.
I love having free time for hockey.
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 8:52 AM
Uncatim,
As the bad guy in "Dirty Harry" would say: "I gots to know"....Is you name derived from the fact that you are a resident of Uncasville CT or a member of the Unca tribe...or do you have a niece or nephew with 2 front teeth missing (Unca Tim)?
Posted by: NJ | July 8, 2008 8:58 AM
I have niece with not more than a few teeth who is coming from Delaware (with my brother) to meet me at Kettler today. Her big sister (23 years older) has never been to Kettler but has been to Piney Orchard. Alana (the youngest) saw her first Hershey Bears game at about 4 months old & has already seen about 5 Caps games in her 17 months. As far as I can tell from her limited speech, she hates the Flyers.
Posted by: uncatim | July 8, 2008 9:08 AM
Hey uncatim, my wife is called Alanna too! Although I can confirm she has no feelings for the Flyers either way.
JSchon, how did your boss take the news? Any news on your trade to Phoenix? Thoughts on potentially working with Wayne?
Posted by: Dave UK Caps Fan | July 8, 2008 9:36 AM
Semen Varlamov
Simeon Varlamov (Russian: Семён ÐлекÑандрович Варламов, Semyon Aleksandrovich Varlamov, b. April 27, 1988, Saratov, Russia) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semen_Varlamov
"Семён" is a biblical name and is equivalent to English "Simon", not the word "semen". :-)
The totaly correct spelling in Russian is Семён. You can see that the first vowel is different than second. However Russians complicate things here, they also allow "incorrect" spelling, like Семен.
Ñ‘ is pronounced as yo.
Because of "incorrect" 2nd allowed spelling Varlamov goes as Semen, not Semyon. But the most close spelling to pronounciation is Simeon, and it is almost the same as English Simon.
BTW, totaly correct pronounciation of Fedorov is Fyodorov because the first vowel in his last name is ё (Фёдоров). That's why his lil' big bro goes as Fedor or Fyodor, like Fyodor Dostoyevski.
Posted by: Simon | July 8, 2008 9:38 AM
JSchon,
Does that mean that you are going to Kettler to post from there? I'm a little slow, not enough coffee yet.
Posted by: Steve R | July 8, 2008 9:44 AM
JSchon: My name is "Tom." The spelling is "Tom" and the pronunciation is "Tom." My name is also biblical, derived from "Doubting" Thomas, although I'm doubtful of that. :)
Since we tend to Anglicize the first names of the Russians somewhat, it would make most sense to call Varlamov "Simon" since that is the English equivalent of his name. This is like when my father-in-law came to the US from Greece, he changed his name from Stavros to Steve, the American equivalent.
Then again because Simon is biblical it would not at all be inappropriate to call Varlamov "Peter."
Posted by: Tom in FL | July 8, 2008 9:48 AM
BTW, Semin (Сёмин) has ё in his last name, Ovechkin doesn't. Correct pronounciation - Syomin
Posted by: Simon says | July 8, 2008 9:59 AM
Nice article on Alzner, Katie.
Two things I like about him already:
1. Defense first.
2. Playoff beard already better than Cindy Crosby will have by decade's end.
Posted by: Joe B | July 8, 2008 10:02 AM
Aramaic is an almost extinct Afro-Asiatic language once spoken in large areas of Mesopotamia, including ancient Palestine, before 200 AD. It is now found in isolated pockets of Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria. The language is also called Assyrian.
(Aramaic) Name: Thomas, Tom, Tammy, Tamsin
Name Meaning: twin
Posted by: Simon says | July 8, 2008 10:08 AM
@Jschon
Nice!!!! Choosing hockey over keeping a job is never a bad choice. Anyways, look forward to hearing a few more details. Me and Super are catching $1 beers at Rock Bottom tomorrow after the scrimmage.
Posted by: Roger # 94 | July 8, 2008 10:13 AM
Live from Kettler, its JSchon...
Havent talked to the former boss yet... I'll talk to him after the first practice over a sandwich...
Speed drills.... all of these players are faster than me... not impressed
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:23 AM
I'm trying to find Katie, aka, "Pens Fan"...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:27 AM
JSchon,
What kinda device are you using?
Posted by: Jordan | July 8, 2008 10:29 AM
Dell Latitude D820 with an imodium 2 space modulator
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:33 AM
Someone just wiped out into the boards in a agility drill...
Jay Beagle is big and fast for his size...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:35 AM
I'm just glad Semin's parents didn't name him "Semen" or "Simeon" or whatever for a first name.
Simon says: Thanks for the update on my name, but I have no twin.
Posted by: Tom in FL | July 8, 2008 10:38 AM
Francois Bouchard acts like he doesnt belong here... I like the moxy... enigmatic, but in a cerebral way...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:39 AM
JSchon... I'm jealous. And They serve beer at Kettler.... get after it.
Posted by: Go Skins Go | July 8, 2008 10:39 AM
You said Beagle is "big for his size."
?
Speaking of Beagle, I am wondering what they would give him as nickname.
Posted by: Tom in FL | July 8, 2008 10:41 AM
@JSchon
pictures please!
What do you mean "acts like he doesnt belong here"? Snotty?
Posted by: mauree | July 8, 2008 10:42 AM
Beagle = "Snoopy"
JSchon,
Is it crowded, any trouble finding a seat?
Posted by: fullright | July 8, 2008 10:46 AM
Snotty? No... just cerebral, he's thinking about hockey... is my impression, while 90% of the guys here know they wont make the team... I think Bouch thinks he's got a legit shot...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:52 AM
Jschon,
I spent a lot of time at the Dev. camp last year and from what I remember Bouchard was one of the best players on the ice during the scrimmages. I actually thought his skate rivaled Backies. I am guess that is not the case.
Posted by: Roger # 94 | July 8, 2008 10:53 AM
Zamboni time...
Um... not crowded at all... maybe 30 people... time for a beer...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 10:53 AM
*skating*
Thats what I thought. I am really excited about seeing the scrimmage tomorrow but I still think that Bouchard might be something some day.
Posted by: Roger # 94 | July 8, 2008 10:58 AM
Drinking before 11.. hats off to you.
Posted by: Jordan | July 8, 2008 10:59 AM
Bouchard definitely belongs in the next level, not sure this year... But he seems very composed and professional...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:00 AM
@JSchon
Was also wondering that about Bouchard "acts like he doesn't belong here" in a good way or a bad way?
What kind of tracking device do you have to find Katie?? Hope she doesnt "walk like a penguin"
Posted by: Capfannmiss | July 8, 2008 11:00 AM
I've only seen a few girls, none of them cute or resembling a penguin... I've seen a mullet... that was cool...
The nets are out and in their moorings... teams are separated...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:02 AM
Going off the Bouchard 'should' play at the next level, what is the 'pecking' order of our AHL guys who would be called up?
I know Lepisto is the first D man (with the thinking Alzner joins the Caps).
Bourque the first Winger; Then who else?
Posted by: Go Skins Go | July 8, 2008 11:05 AM
@ JSchon,
Look for Tarik. The girl he is begging for his job back is probably Katie.
Posted by: Stormblue | July 8, 2008 11:06 AM
@JSchon & Kaite
Thanks for the updates...and the clarification!
Posted by: Capsfannmiss | July 8, 2008 11:09 AM
Have a question for everyone. Does anyone have the website to check teams salary cap numbers? I do not know how Tampa Bay or Chicago is spending all this money but I am anxious to see where their cap number is. Tampa can have all the forwards they want but without a defense and Old 5 Hole playing goal...I think its gonna be a long season for Barry "Business on the sides, Party in the back" Melrose.
Posted by: Roger # 94 | July 8, 2008 11:09 AM
Hope the "mullet" was not Melrose......."scouting" our guys!
Posted by: Capfannmiss | July 8, 2008 11:11 AM
A.Gordon is probably next in line for the big team, he has played for BB... thats my guess...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:12 AM
nhlnumbers.com
Posted by: Mike | July 8, 2008 11:13 AM
John Carlson just ripped a high stick side shot that completely froze Holtby...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:14 AM
Roger #94, you can overspend the cap by 10% as long as you're in compliance by the time the season starts
Posted by: tallbear | July 8, 2008 11:15 AM
Woahhhhh Jschon,
The "none of them are cute" comment...Some of "them" might write on here so be careful!!!!
Posted by: Roger #94 | July 8, 2008 11:18 AM
Saw this just up on OFB and it brought a smile to my face.....
http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/07/08/khl-head-most-likely-today-fedorov-will-sign-a-new-contract-with-washington/
Posted by: Anonymous | July 8, 2008 11:18 AM
Carlson just ripped another inside/out shot that hit high post and went in...
I'm keeping my eye on him...
My bad Rog... and to all the ladies... they were very attractive....
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:21 AM
@Fedorov news,
There is money burning a hole in my pocket.. let's hope he signs so I can get that #91 jersey.
Posted by: Jordan | July 8, 2008 11:23 AM
@Roger #94
Posted by: Defense Wins Championships. | July 8, 2008 11:27 AM
This is no joke... Carlson is the truth...
He looks so good out there, granted against non-nhl'ers... but he is very impressive...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:29 AM
@ JSchon
I appreciate your public service reporting activities. It's like C-SPAN, except it's about something important.
Stay classy.
Posted by: Defense Wins Championships. | July 8, 2008 11:31 AM
I want to know who fights.
Posted by: Ben | July 8, 2008 11:33 AM
@JSchon
like your reports dude :D
How's BB?
Posted by: mauree | July 8, 2008 11:36 AM
BB is BB... his cheeks match his red caps gear... I'd listen to whatever he said... except if was to eat liver, beets or drink zima...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 11:39 AM
wish carlson could play in hershey this year
Posted by: Anonymous | July 8, 2008 11:41 AM
Hey J,
How do the goalies look? You said that the D were taking slappers, are there any drills that the goalies are being worked?
Posted by: Roger # 94 | July 8, 2008 11:42 AM
JSchon, you're awesome! May have to take my laptop to class so I can keep up with your updates. Who's excited for the season to start?!? Me!
Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | July 8, 2008 11:43 AM
@Roger#94
I read over the week-end Chicago was currently 3 million over the Cap as of right now.....have not verified it myself.
Posted by: Capfannmiss | July 8, 2008 11:48 AM
Yeah, Chicago is over. Speculation is that they're going to try and move Khabibulin's 6.5 somewhere.
Posted by: Jordan | July 8, 2008 11:51 AM
liver is good for you JSchon.
That's what I'm telling myself every 3-4 years, then I eat a little piece thinking "how bad could it be?" and go "son of a $$%^&&%$!".
Posted by: mauree | July 8, 2008 11:53 AM
@Jschon
No Zimas? Can't blame you. Do they even still make Zima? There was going to be a gag in the original Austin Powers movie where Austin tried to fit into modern society by drinking a Zima but the company shot it down once they realized they were going to be the butt of a joke.
What's your opinion on Mikes Hard Lemonade. Has their new ad campaign successfully convinced you that it is actuall "hard" as in acceptable for men to drink?
Posted by: Sombrero Guy | July 8, 2008 11:54 AM
Goalies are kinda hard to judge in mass hysteria practice... I'll hold judgment until the scrimmages...
Im here with 828... discussing hockey... fast cars and fast women... and Bruce Hornsby and the Range...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 12:05 PM
Ugh.. Mikes Hard Lemonade makes my stomach turn.
Posted by: Jordan | July 8, 2008 12:06 PM
Ah, jumped on and got a full report from Jschon instead of Tarik, nice.
So Jschon, who are the top 5 so far? I like hearing what you're saying about Carlson.
Keep up the good work!
Posted by: oo7 | July 8, 2008 12:14 PM
Top 3 today...
1. Carlson
2. Bouchard
3. DeSimone
4. JSchon
Holla... heading to lunch... going to get some pho...
828 says wassup to all the peeps...
Posted by: JSchon | July 8, 2008 12:21 PM
JSchon I expect an interview with someone today since you are live blogging. No, not 828 =P.
Thanks for the updates, sounds like Carlson has quite the shot. I wish I could make it up there this week, but I'm stuck at work all week.
Posted by: CapsCorndog | July 8, 2008 12:26 PM
"....that's just the way it is......"
"....somethings'll never change....."
Nice reporting JSchon and to 828, hi right back at ya!
Posted by: Dave UK Caps Fan | July 8, 2008 12:32 PM
CapsCorndog wrote:
"JSchon I expect an interview with someone today since you are live blogging"
Ha, I can see it now - "hi Mr. McPhee, this is JSchon, reporter from the comments section of Tarik's blog, can you give us an update on Federov and the RFA's?
Posted by: Stormblue | July 8, 2008 12:35 PM
McPhee: "What?!?! You are from the the comments page of the post?!?! Are you the little &%#@ that keeps calling me midget???"
Posted by: Anonymous | July 8, 2008 12:45 PM
hahahahahahhahahahahahahahhaha
WHACK!
Posted by: Anonymous | July 8, 2008 12:48 PM
As a random comment on us Mangling foreign names, its not just hockey and its not just Russians. For instance, Robert Lang is actually pronounced "Long". He went by that for awhile in the NHL and then gave up. There's a golfer from Sweeden named Carl Peterson. Its actually pronounced "Petter-son", and in Europe that's how its pronounced. On the PGA Tour, though, he's "Peter-son"
But, to be fair, we do a great job of destroying Russian names here.
Posted by: old time hockey | July 8, 2008 12:49 PM
Back at work...
It was fun catching up with JSchon and watching some hockey - it seems like it's been forever since I have seen ice.
JSchon def has his stuff together. He had his laptop at a table and a roster to go over the names. To be honest, I don't know how he saw all of their numbers... they were only on the back of the helmets. But, props to JSchon.
But def good stuff - Carlson looked good. As for the goalies - they were awesome until I said they looked like a brick wall. After I said that, they looked like swiss cheese.
JSchon will be reporting for the 2nd half around 2:15-2:30ish...
CapsCornDog - the interview went just fine, and thank you for asking! ;)
Posted by: 828 | July 8, 2008 12:56 PM
Anyone else see this?
--"It is sad that we will not see Sergei Fedorov in the KHL. Most likely, today he will sign a new contract with Washington."
Medvedev, according to Lysenkov, is on the board of SKA St. Petersburg hockey club, which was involved in negotiations with Fedorov.--
Posted by: Yosh | July 8, 2008 1:02 PM
@old time hockey
Yep, what really riles me is how the announcers pronouce Johan - YO-HAN (German). In Swedish it is YO-VAN, this is where you can see the link, the same biblical name in Russian Ivan - EE-VAN.
Johan, John, Jane, Joan, Joni, Joanne, Joanna, Janet, Janice, Jean, Sean, Shane, Shana, Shona, Sheena, Ian, Ivan, Evan
meaning: the Lord has favoured
Posted by: Simon says | July 8, 2008 1:12 PM
Darn, Tarik's blog is second!
from James Mirtle
The best of these blogs are already heavily read in their markets and the blogosphere. I've been stopping by these six regularly the past few weeks:
Inside the Kings by Rich Hammond at the L.A. Daily News
Capitals Insider by Tarik El-Bashir at the Washington Post
Russo's Rants by Michael Russo at the Star Tribune
Lightning Strikes by Damian Cristodero at St. Petersburg Times
Puck-rakers by three writers at the Columbus Dispatch
ThrashersBlog by Mike Knobler at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Posted by: Simon says | July 8, 2008 1:14 PM
Heard on a Toronto radio station that the Caps are interested in UFA Jason Smith, the former Flyer Captain. Can anyone confirm this?
Posted by: billy barule | July 8, 2008 1:17 PM
@ Simon says: interesting the majority of the list is comprised of smaller hockey markets.
Posted by: Ben | July 8, 2008 1:18 PM
@ billy barule:
I would seriously doubt that report. We have very little cap space for a guy like Smith, who would command $3 million give or take.
We have a crowded blue line.
Unless there is a taker out there for Jurcina/Erskine AND we're trying to unload one of Nylander/Kozlov's salaries (which I doubt) it cannot possibly happen.
Posted by: Ben | July 8, 2008 1:23 PM
Tuesday morning 8:08am from Sport-Express.ru:
Сергей Федоров ÑегоднÑ, Ñкорее вÑего, подпишет контракт Ñ "Вашингтоном", - добавил Медведев.
Sergei Fedorov will most likely sign the contract with Washington today, added Medvedev.
Posted by: Simon says | July 8, 2008 1:28 PM
i'd just like to chime in and say I LOVE the fact that this blog still pulls several hundred posts a day.. even in the off-season. =)
Posted by: fricknoutstandin | July 8, 2008 1:28 PM
New post. Get movin'. Yes, you. Shoo.
Posted by: Scott in Shaw | July 8, 2008 1:37 PM
@ ben
I'm surprised that Smith hasn't signed with anyone yet. Maybe he can be signed at a bargain closer to the start of training camp.
I think he should be on the Caps radar in case Pothier doesn't make it back.
Posted by: billy barule | July 8, 2008 1:37 PM
I'm jealous of all that can attend camp this week. no chance i can get outta the office :-(
but to JSchon... really apprecaite the updates.
828 - thanks for keeping him company... i hope you bought him a beer.
Sombrero - Mike's is ok to drink in the privacy of your own home, only one per sitting, and be sure to store the bottles in the back of the fridge..behind the beer and old milk. (just in front of the Zima) :-)
Posted by: Scofield | July 8, 2008 1:44 PM
@ Katie ("KC")
Fantastic insight on Boudreau
Granted they are the two gabbiest Caps you can ever hope for as a journalist, but you are a very talented writer. Hopefully as Caps coverage expands in the Post you will be there along with Tarik.
That whole Pens/Lemieux thing is now completely forgiven. Yes, you are that good!
Posted by: Shmoo | July 8, 2008 1:53 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Thanks for the updates!