Posts Tagged Washington Capitals

Ovechkin Suspended For 2 Games

“The National Hockey League has suspended Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin for two games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brian Campbell on Sunday afternoon.

While the Capitals were not happy with the suspension, vice president and general manager George McPhee chose not to expand on his feelings.

“We have no problem with the way Alex tried to finish his check. Unfortunately, an injury resulted. We are disappointed with the suspension but do not want to comment further,” McPhee said in a statement Monday.” (Source:TSN)

This feels like Deja Vu to me, but as I stated in an earlier post when The Washington Capitals’ forward Alexander Ovechkin was suspended two games after his knee-on-knee hit with Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Tim Gleason, this is a trend that is going to continue as long as Ovechkin continues to abuse his “star status”.

I’ve watched the replay of this hit on Brian Campbell several times and I can’t even understand why Ovechkin delivered the hit in the first place. Campbell had already moved the puck, which is likely why he didn’t anticipate the hit coming a couple seconds after the fact, but in true Ovechkin style, he recklessly pushed Campbell into the boards to “finish his check”.

Like I said before, I’m a fan of OV’s game but he needs to figure out where the line is, when finishing a check does nothing to impact the play in a positive way for his team.

Judging by his comments, (his comments are detailed below in Mark’s post, along with video of the hit) he still doesn’t even see what was wrong with the play in the first place… That speaks to bigger problem, to say the least.

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Ovechkin Hits Campbell from Behind … Weight’s Career Over? Cogliano Would Like to Stay in Edmonton

  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Chicago Blackhawks may be without defenseman Brian Campbell for the remainder of the season with a broken collarbone, after being hit from behind by Alex Ovechkin (youtube video below). The Blackhawks probably won’t agree with Ovie’s comments, “It was not a hard hit,” Ovechkin said. “I just pushed him. I respect everybody, but on the ice it can’t be everything. We play for our team and make some hard hits and sometimes you get hurt. It’s a hockey game. He fell bad, and that’s probably why it looks bad.” Ovechkin received a 5 minute major and a game misconduct.
  • Bill Lankhof on Slam Sports: Andrew Cogliano hasn’t had the season he’d hoped for. Cogliano found himself on the 3rd and 4th lines, and subject to many trade rumors leading up to the trade deadline. The 22-year-old would like to stay in Edmonton, but there are no guarantees, as he’s one player the Oilers have that might be back something nice. He has worked his way back to a top 6 forward on the Oilers the past couple weeks.
  • Dan Martin of the NY Post: New York Islanders captain Doug Weight will be out for the remainder of the year after having surgery to fix a torn rotator cuff and labrum. There is some thought that this could be the end of his NHL career. If the injury heals well, he hopes to return next season.
  • John Tranchina of the Denver Post: Both Cody McLeod and Stephane Yelle left yesterday’s Avalanche game with leg injuries. The Avalanche are already without Brandon Yip, David Koci, David Jones and Ruslan Sulei.
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    Vinny Staying in Tampa? Modano Decided to Stay … Chelios Recalled … Cherry On Headshots Videos

  • Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: New Tampa Bay Lightning owner, Jeffrey Vinik: “I have no problem having Vinny Lecavalier on the hockey team,” Vinik said. “He’s a great player, he’s an elite player, he’s part of the strong team we have here. All I can say is that this franchise is not going to be constrained by financial resources.” … “I’m going to invest for the long term. This franchise is not going to be constrained by financial resources.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mike Modanno was given the option by GM Joe Nieuwendyk to play for a Stanley Cup contender in what could be his last season. 3 teams asked about Modano’s availability, but he decided to remain with the only organization he’s known. Washington was one of the teams that inquired.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The 74-year-old 48-year-old Chris Chelios was recalled by the Atlanta Thrashers. Despite being so old, Chelios was pretty productive  in the AHL this year. In 46 games he had 5 goals and 17 assists, and was a plus 34.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: As the end of the season nears, and even with Semyon Varlamov’s return, Jose Theodore could be the number one goalie for the Caps in the playoffs.

  • From the Vancouver Sun: Don Cherry talks about Headshots. Click on the video area below to start video.
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    Some Trades That Didn’t Happen at the Deadline

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
    • The Flyers, Canucks, Capitals and Ducks all talked to the Maple Leafs about Tomas Kaberle. Burke was looking for a 1st round pick, a mid-round pick, and a top prospect. The Flyers would have had to convince one of Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, or Simon Gagne to waive their no movement clause to fit Kaberle in. The Maple Leafs will most likely look to move Kaberle in the summer when his no trade clause doesn’t apply.
    • The Islanders weren’t sure of the health of Rick DiPietro (shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone), so they decided to hold on to Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. The Blackhawks, Flyers and Capitals all inquired.
    • Ray Whitney refused to waive his no trade clause without getting a contract extension of 3 years and $10.5 million. He could re-sign with the Hurricanes.
    • The Bruins were interested in bringing in Wojtek Wolski, but didn’t have the have the young prospect to send the other way.
    • The Capitals inquired about Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov, but the Sens want to make a strong playoff push.
    • The Canucks called about Raffi Torres, but he went to the Sabres.
    • The Panthers tried to trade Tomas Vokoun but couldn’t get the return they wanted. They will most likely try to deal him at the Draft, and the Capitals might be interested. They could offer Karl Alzner in a package.
    • 10 teams called the Predators about Dan Hamhuis, but Preds GM David Poile wouldn’t lower his 2nd round pick and a top prospect demand.

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    NHL Trade Rumors on Twitter on Trade Deadline Day

    4:35 PM: James Mirtle: The Leafs were offered a 2nd and 4th round picks for Ponikarovsky, but liked Caputi better.

    4:21 PM: Chris Johnston: Canucks GM Mike Gillis says the going rate was a 2nd round pick for an expiring contract.

    3:12 PM: Darren Dreger: Lee Stempniak to Phoenix for a 4th and 7th round pick

    3:11 PM: Bob McKenzie: Capitals acquire Joe Corvo for Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala.

    3:00 PM: John Shannon: Poile confirms taht Dan Hamhuis staying in Nashville.

    2:53 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers could be making move on Lee Stempniak.

    2:46 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Appears that Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron will stay on the Isles

    2:45 PM: Bob McKenzie: Milan Jurcina back to Washington.

    2:39 PM: Frank Seravalli: St. Louis may have offered Brad Boyes and Carlo Colaiacovo for Dan Hamhuis.

    2:35 PM: Darren Dreger: The Leafs are done yet

    2:24 PM: Sportsnet: Raffi Torres traded to the Sabres by the Blue Jackets.

    2:16 PM: Frank Seravalli: Talks between the Flyers and Islanders about Roloson have died down.

    2:06 PM: NHLSourcesSay: Canucks back off talks with Columbus about Milan Jurcina.

    2:04 PM: Michael Russo: Teams are calling about Owen Nolan, but Wild are saying no at the moment.

    1:40 PM: Darren Dreger: Kaberle says he has an agreement with Burke. Burke will tell him what the offers are.

    1:32 PM: TheFourthPeriod: Jeff Halpern is traded from the Lightning to the Kings.

    1:26 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Mathieu Schneider going to Phoenix from Vancouver.

    12:20 PM: Craig Custance: Leafs not getting calls on Grabovski. Atlanta willing to move Devil’s #1 pick.

    12:18 PM: Steve Zipay: Enver Lisin and Aaron Voros clear waivers.

    12:15 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers are still in the hunt for Dan Hamhuis.

    12:08 PM: Nick Kypreos: Oilers claim Ryan Jones off waivers from Nashville.

    12:04 PM: Adrian Dater: Bruins inquired about Wolski, but Avs would want a 1st rounder, not likely

    12:01 PM: Andy Strickland: Flyers shopping Matt Carle, Lightning shopping Mike Smith, both getting little attention.

    11:48 AM: Chip Alexander: Carolina sends Aaron Ward to Anaheim for Justin Pogge and a 4th round pick.

    11:34 AM: Bob McKenzie: Florida sends Seidenberg and Bartowski to Boston for Craig Weller, Byron Bitz, and a 2nd round pick

    11:30 AM: Kevin Allen: Thrashers getting interest in Slava Kozlov. Undecided on what to do with Colby Armstrong. Looking for a top 6 forward.

    11:22 AM: Ben Wright: Kubina may be close to an extension with the Thrashers, doesn’t look like he’ll be moved.

    11:16 AM: Ian Mendes: Doesn’t look like the Senators will be doing anything today.

    11:15 AM: David Pagnotta: The Blue Jackets have inquired about Oilers Tom Gilbert (before Olympic break), another team in mix.

    11:05 AM: Adrian Dater: Svatos to Phoenix is a possibility.

    11:03 AM: Kevin Allen: Leafs not close to anything for Stempniak, Exelby, or Primeau

    10:58 AM: Bob McKenzie: Leafs send Martin Skoula to the Devils.

    10:54 AM: Larry Brooks: Islanders getting calls on Richard Park.

    10:25 AM: Bruce Garrioch: Deal is pending, Derek Morris going to Phoenix.

    10:23 AM: Craig Custance: Thrashers aren’t interested in trading Pavel Kubina.

    10:21 AM: Bruce Garrioch: Ray Whitney is getting interest from Washington.

    10:19 AM: David Pagnotta: Oilers and Rangers are talking, Souray not involved in talks.

    10:07 AM: Craig Custance: Custance asked Kaberle camp if they would consider waiving no trade clause for the right team, “No true” was the reply.

    10:04 AM: Frank Seravalli: Panthers are asking for Jeff Carter for Tomas Vokoun. They have no interest Simon Gagne. Vokoun did waive his no trade clause.

    10:02 AM: Bob McKenzie: Columbus asking for a 1st round pick for Raffi Torres.

    9:54 AM: Tim Panaccio: Tomas Vokoun might have just waived his no-trade clause.

    Twitter Rumors from earlier this morning

    Darren Dreger: Nashville may keep Hamhuis for the playoffs and trade his rights in the summer.

    TheFourthPeriod: The Ducks called the Leafs about Tomas Kaberle, told he won’t waive no-trade.

    John Shannon: If the Hurricanes can trade Aaron Ward and Scott Walker, Ray Whitney may stay.

    TheFourthPeriod: Word out of Montreal is that they want Nathan Horton.

    Darren Dreger: 3 or 4 teams interested in Dennis Seidenberg, who is owed a $1 million plus bonus at end of June.

    Bruce Garrioch: The NY Islanders have shown interest in Oilers Andrew Cogliano.

    Steve Simmons: Kaberle not in play, though that could change as the day progresses. There is no list.

    Kukla’s Korner: Doubtful that Whitney gets traded today.

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    Trade Rumors on Trade Deadline Day

    Here are a bunch of Trade Rumors for you on Trade Deadline Day. Follow trades on our Trade Tracker page.

    9:35 AM: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Flyers, Capitals, and Blackhawks could be looking at Vokoun, Turco, Ellis, and Roloson. The Predators have asked for a high-end prospect and a #1 pick for Dan Hamhuis, though they might keep him and hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Bruins, Canucks, Flyers, Devils, Rangers and Kings have all tried to land Hamhuis. The Leafs will look to move at least Stempniak and Primeau. The Thrashers are trying to sign Pavel Kubina to an extension before he becomes a UFA at seasons end. The Canucks, Capitals and Bruins may look at Joe Corvo.

    9:31 AM: Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Tomas Vokoun hasn’t been asked yet to waive his no trade clause. Paul Kariya won’t waive his no trade clause and Keith Tkachuk may not want to move as well. The Blues could move Brad Boyes if they could find a taker.

    9:23 AM: James Murphy of NESN: Targets for the Bruins could be  Ray Whitney, Erik Cole and Tomas Kaberle. The 2010 first-rounder likely won’t be available back from Boston, but Chiarelli could net Kaberle with the Bruins’ original 2010 first-rounder, possibly a second-rounder and a young roster player. The chances of this happening were unlikely as of Tuesday night, but “don’t rule it out,” the source said. “Anything can happen.” There was also a rumor that the Bruins and Oilers were talking a deal that would get the Bruins a defenseman and possibly Andrew Cogliano.

    9:20 AM: Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers are looking into Dwayne Roloson now that Ray Emery is done for the year. Roloson is a $2.5 million cap hit and is under contract next season.

    9:15 AM: Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM  Peter Chiarelli will continue to look for scoring help. They may look at; Teemu Selanne, Ray Whitney, Keith Tkachuk, Cory Stillman, and Erik Cole.

    9:11 AM: Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Canadiens may look to free up some cap space, and might look to see if they could shed Roman Hamrlik’s $5.5 million salary next season. That might be tough to do. The Habs may also look to move some salary for draft picks, with Maxim Lapierre, Glen Metropolit, and Paul Mara as potential players that could be moved out.

    9:07 AM: Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Washington Capitals are showing interest in Oilers Dman, Steve Staios. Staios is 37, and has another season at $2.7 million. John Erskine and a draft pick could head the other way.

    9:00 AM: Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: It looks like the Canadiens will hold on to both Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price.

    Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are still trying to trade Cristobal Huet and his %5.625 million cap hit. Rumors are that they are talking to the Panthers, Islanders and Leafs.  The Leafs shot down their interest yesterday.

    Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo initially thought that Wild would be trading Owen Nolan, but now he’s not so sure. Unless they get a big offer, they’ll probably keep him. The Wild could be willing to move Eric Belanger.

    Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs have put Wolski’s name out there, with the Coyotes Peter Mueller mentioned as a possible return. The Avalanche could look at bringing in Joe Corvo.

    Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning could use some scoring and a puck moving defenseman. They could also do some selling with Jeff Halpern, Mike Smith, Mattt Smaby, David Hale, and Alex Tanguay’s name being mentioned.

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    Vokoun to Caps? Hamhuis Would Like to Remain a Pred? Auld to Rangers? Kozlov Requests Trade …

  • TheFourthPeriod: The Vokoun to the Blackhawks for Huet, Crawford, and Versteeg rumor has been dismissed by several sources. An “unconfirmed” rumor has Vokoun heading to Capitals for Jose Theodore, one of either John Carlson or Marcus Johnsson, and a draft pick package.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Team USA (are) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (eventually) will be built around the same mold; younger, hungrier, and faster players. “Burke wants to bring the average age of his Leafs down while bringing its intensity up. He wants to change the culture both inside the dressing room and out on the ice.”
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Marc Savard hopes GM Peter Chiarelli can land some scoring help by the trade deadline. Ray Whitney is one possibly. Harris thinks Teemu Selanne would be a good fit. On the blueline, Kaberle and Aaron Ward’s name keep coming up.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Teams looking to add a cheap backup goalie, could take a look at Alex Auld. Auld cleared waivers, and will be put on re-entry waivers. The NY Rangers are one team that will look at claiming him. Auld carries a $500,000 cap number, and would cost a team around $125,000 for the remainder of the season.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Until Tomas Kaberle comes out and says he’s “waiving his no-trade clause” or he “won’t be waiving his no-trade clause”, rumors will continue to surround the Maple Leafs Dman.
  • John Glennon of the Tennessean: Subject of many trade rumors, Dan Hamhuis is still hoping to be a Nashville Predator. He’d like to remain a Predator for the playoff run and hopefully sign a deal after the season. The Preds are in a bit a of cash strap right now which might be preventing them from locking Hamhuis up.

    “That’s kind of what we’re hoping for and kind of what we’ve heard — that the financial situation right now is not where it needs to be to get the deal done,” Hamhuis said. “We’re hoping that with making the playoffs and making the playoff run, that with some money generated from that, that maybe at the end of the season, something could be worked out.”

  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Unhappy with his lack of playing time, Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov has requested a trade. He’s been a healthy scratch of late, and the Kings, Bruins, and Red Wings could be interested.

    “I don’t know if I’m going to be on this team or another team,” Kozlov said. “If we can find a team which I like and which is good for me and my family I will go. If not, I’m going to be here. …

    With coach not playing me, what can you do? That’s why I feel I could go play for somebody that needs my help. Is so, I’ll waive my no trade clause.”

  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Article title “Rumours swirl as trade deadline looms for Edmonton Oilers” is a little misleading, no trade rumors mentioned.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: A healthy scratch since January 19th, Shean Donovan could find himself in a different city after deadline day. Several teams have called the Senators about Donovan.
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    A Couple Signings and a Suspension

  • Ian Busby of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames signed Rene Bourque to a 6 year, $20 million contract extension on Thursday. The 28 year old winger was traded from Chicago Blackhawks before last season for a 2009 2nd round pick. Last year Bourque scored 21 goals and had 40 points in 58 games. So far this season he’s scored 18 goals and added 23 assists in 53 games, while racking up 74 penalty minutes.  Bourque’s salary cap number for the next 6 seasons will be $3.333 million.
  • Chip  Scoggins of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have locked up winger Cal Clutterbuck to a 3 year, $4.2 million deal. Clutterbuck’s salary cap number will be $1.4 million. He’s more known for his physical play rather than scoring ability. Last season he set a single season record for hits with 356, and is leading the league this season with 252 so far.
  • The Globe and Mail: Cam Janssen of the St. Louis Blues has been suspended by the NHL for 5 games for a late hit to the head. Janssen hit Capitals winger Matt Bradley back on February 13th, he’s eligible to come back on March 14th versus Minnesota.
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    Turco Staying Now? Ellis Staying in Nashville? Caps Looking Winger and Dman … Lilja to be Cleared

  • Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com: So the Stars have waived Alex Auld, who might get claimed, and would definitely get claimed if put on re-entry waivers. It looks like the Marty Turco will be staying with Stars. “He’s obviously stepped his game up and has been very consistent for us the last six or seven games,” Nieuwendyk said. “When we sit back and think about it, we have to decide what gives us the best chance in the month of March. Rather than put a lot of pressure on Lehtonen, we’ll have Marty play the way he is.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars will move Steve Ott. This move would clear up some cap space that could be used on a right winger or defenseman.
  • John Glennon of the Tennessean: With the Predators re-signing of Pekka Rinne yesterday, Poile said it doesn’t mean they will trade Dan Ellis. Poile also has said in the past that they wouldn’t trade one of their goalies unless they had one signed.
  • TheFourthPeriod: The Capitals and Blues were talking before the Olympic roster freeze. The Caps would like to add a physical defenseman and a veteran forward. The Capitals are said to be interested in Blues Dman Barrett Jackman, and Blue Jackets winger Raffi Torres.
  • Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Lightning head coach wasn’t too pleased with the firing of his assistant coach, Wes Walz.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings Dman, Andreas Lilja will be cleared to return to action by today. Lilja has been out since last February 28th. Kirk Maltby will be having right shoulder surgery, and will be out for 4-6 weeks, so there is a chance he’ll return for the playoffs.
  • Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: The Olympic break gave many NHLers’ time to heal, but it wasn’t enough for Oilers forward, Sam Gagner. Gagner injured his knee before the break, and 2 MRI’s releaved no structural damage. He is not able to practice yet, but still hopes to be able to return on March 2nd versus Nashville.
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    More Trades Coming for Lou? Teams interested in Turco, Niedermayer

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: It appears New Jersey Devils GM, Lou Lamoriello, isn’t done dealing. Rumors are floating around that he’s trying to acquire another centerman. He talked to Hurricanes about Matt Cullen and the Maple Leafs about Matt Stajan. Though not a center, there is speculation that the Devils might be interested in Alexei Ponikarovsky.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Lamoriello will also look at adding another defenseman, maybe Scott Niedermayer.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald:
    • There is still plenty of speculation in Chicago that the Blackhawks are unsure of their goaltending situation. Antti Niemi has started 4 consectuative games, and is most likely their #1 goalie. Does management think a Marty Turco would be an upgrade over Niemi? They’d also have to look at what it would cost to acquire Turco, a 1st and a prospect?
    • If the Anaheim Ducks and Scott Niedermayer decide to move on, the Blackhawks, Canucks, and Devils would be interested.
    • Are the Capitals unsure of their goaltending situation, and make a run at Marty Turco.
    • Big names in Florida that may be available; Tomas Vokoun, Nathan Horton, David Booth, Dennis Seidenberg, and Jordan Leopold.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: 3 goalies, 2 spots … What will Dallas do? If the Dallas Stars think Marty Turco has played well enough recently and is their best shot to make the playoffs, they may look at trading Alex Auld or sending him to the AHL. They could also trade Turco, which has been rumored for months, but in Heika’s opinion, they’d need to receive more than a 2nd round pick.
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