D.C. Sports Dish: 1/14/13

This is a new weekly segment I'm trying out. Hope you enjoy!

DC Diggs: Caps Gear Up, Fletcher Talks Future

-It wouldn't really feel like the Washington Redskins if London Fletcher wasn't there, but the linebacker will take some time to consider his football future. [Redskins]

-And because you can't get enough #RGKnee, the NFLPA is close to deciding whether or not to open an investigation into the injury. WHY IS THE WHITE HOUSE SO SILENT ON THIS MATTER?! DODGING THE IMPORTANT ISSUES?! ...can you tell I'm over it? [The Insider]

-Brooks Laich is one of the few in the NHL actually addressing how the lockout hurt the growth of the game. [Caps Insider]

-And the fun has officially started, since Alex Ovechkin has a new Gillette commercial out. [Alex Ovetjkin]

-Don't look now, but the Wizards are getting healthy. [Wizards Insider]

-That health (and play style) could be what the team needs to turn the corner the fan base has been waiting for since John Wall came aboard. [Truth About It]

-We look at Bryce Harper's INTENSE campaign to get on the cover of MLB The Show. [KG's District]

-The Nats are also spending more than they ever have before. Will it pay off? [Hardball Talk]

DC Diggs: RGKnee, Caps Trickling In

-In case you were curious, everything bad that's ever happened has to do with the Redskins' name. [Wash Post]

-There has been lots of discussion about RGIII's recovery time from the surgery he is having this morning to repair his ACL and LCL. Really, that's only because random people with no knowledge of the case keep weighing in. [Pro Football Talk]

-Nicklas Backstrom may have come back from Russia with a souvenir injury that could affect his season. [CSN Washington]

-Alex Ovechkin showed up in a pretty fantastic shirt. [DC Sports Bog]

-Looking at how free agents for the Wizards have delivered. [Bullets Forever]

-Bradley Beal has been gaining confidence in his rookie season. That's usually what a game-winning shot with 0.3 secs left against the best team in the league will do for you. [Wizards Insider]

-From us yesterday, the Nats have signed Adam LaRoche on for two more years. [KG's District]

-With the signing of LaRoche and Michael Morse's probably move, he does NOT was to be a DH. Because, you know, he's an actual baseball player. [Hardball Talk]

DC Digs: Wiz Beat OKC, RGIII Knee Talk

-Bradley Beal knocked Kevin Durant and the Thunder with this buzzer-beater. The Wizards are now 5-28 [Wash Post]

-All those rumors about RGIII's knee? ALL FRED SMOOT'S FAULT. [Deadspin]

-The official non-Fred Smoot diagnosis right now is partial ACL and LCL tears, but a second opinion is scheduled. [Pro Football Talk]

-Ovi's back (and more photos of the players returning) [Caps Overtime]

-Giving Jordan Zimmermann some much-deserved credit. [Federal Baseball]

-Bryce Harper is up for being on the cover of MLB Showdown. [Nats Enquirer]

-From the way-back file, everyone remember Caps defenseman Tom Poti? He is hoping to be healthy and ready to go for training camp. [Wash Times]

From us...

-Finding blame for the Redskins loss to the Seahawks.

-A reminder of what the Caps did last offseason.

NHL Lockout is Over, In Case You Forgot What the Caps Did...

Alex Ovechkin will be in his 4th season as captain
of the Capitals. (Backhand Shelf/The Score)

Early yesterday morning, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to a framework for their a new CBA after nearly 4 months of a lockout.  It's been about six months since hockey's offseason, and the sports world has kept on turning.  That's six months of little to no hockey news outside of the CBA negotiations.

In case you forgot what the Caps did, here's a refresher...

New Man at the Helm

Despite a two round-deep playoff run, Dale Hunter will not be back to coach the Capitals.  The organization is now in the hands of another Caps alum: Adam Oates.  Oates came as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils.  This will be his first season as a head coach.

The players who have spoken with him (including Alex Ovechkin) have said that he has a more offensive mentality, something the Caps have missed since Bruce Boudreau was fired.  No one knows quite what to expect, but Oates has been preparing for his debut by serving as co-head coach of the AHL's Hershey Bears (the Caps affiliate).

Annnnnnd We're Back!

Hey there guys! So, it's been a little while.  I got caught up writing for other websites and responsibilities.  But lucky for you all, I am back in business!  News and commentary about the DC sports scene is on the way in full force, with more multimedia elements than ever before. Get ready to get back to work!  I look forward to hearing from all of you and moving forward with each and every reader.  Enjoy!

Capitals @ Stars Preview (Video) 12/2/10

A look as the Caps take on the Dallas Stars in the second half of their 2 back-to-back game road trip and Scott Hannan makes his debut with the team.





Update: Raycroft will be in net for the Stars against Michal Neuvirth (or David, as the Blues announcers called him last night).  Poti out, Hannan will be paired with John Erskine.

Capitals @ Blues Preview (Video) 12/1/10

Here's a look at tonight's matchup between the Blues and the Capitals.  Both teams with back-to-backs, with their last meeting (on the birthday of yours truly) ending in a shootout.

Capitals Send Fleischmann to Colorado for Hannan

The Washington Capitals have traded underachieving center/wing to the Colorado Avalanche for defensive defenseman Scott Hannan.  The two teams have reportedly been in talks since August, and were finally able to get a deal accomplished.  Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season.

Trade rumors involving Fleischmann have been making the rounds since the trade deadline last spring.  They heated up during the offseason, when it is believed that the fall through of a trade involving Fleischmann was the reason Eric Belanger ultimately was not re-signed by the team.

The Capitals had been wearing a little thin in defensive depth, and this trade allows them to feel more comfortable with that.  Instead of having to rely on inexperience call-ups like Brian Fahey, the Caps will have an 11-year veteran to help pick up the slack.

Cody Eakin Invited to Canada WJC Camp

Capitals prospect and Swift Current Bronco Cody Eakin has been one of 39 players invited to Canada’s selection camp for their 2011 World Junior Championship team.  The 19-year-old Winnipeg native was selected by the Capitals in the 3^rd round (85^th overall) in the 2009 entry draft.  The tournament will take place in Buffalo this year.

Eakin impressed at both Development Camp and training camp for the Capitals this summer, and he even played his way into the 2^nd line center debate.  Though he is small at just 5’11, 179 lbs, what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and agility.  He is a power skater, a tough forechecker, and has the work ethic and skill level to fill a role on any type of line.

In 24 games while serving as captain for the Broncos this season, Eakin as lit the lamp 12 times and added 15 assists.  Those 27 points rank second on his team and 36^th in the WHL.  With much more skilled players being invited to the camp, that is probably not the role that Eakin could fill on the team.

What Eakin does bring to the table, however, is his speed, work ethic, and his hard-hitting style of play coupled with noted leadership abilities.  Should he make the team, Eakin would likely serve a third-line role, which happens to be the role he appears to be groomed for at the NHL level.

As rosters start to be released by the various countries, there are a few more Caps prospects to keep an eye on.  Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Patrick Wey, and Philipp Grubauer are all candidates for their countries’ teams.  As rosters are announced, updates will be posted here.

Capitals @ Hurricanes Preview 11/24/10 (Video)

Here is a look at tonight's matchup between these two Southeast Division teams.

What Are You Thankful For?

Hey DC sports fans! What are you guys thankful for this season? A winning hockey team? A revived spirit in the Wizards and Redskins? Hope for the Nationals future?

Email me at kgsdistrict@gmail.com and let me know what you're thankful for this sporting season.  You may include your name if you want, but you can also choose to remain anonymous.  I hope to put them together into a post for Thanksgiving.

So please, write me and let me know what you are thankful for!

Caps vs. Devils Preview 11/22/10

A look at tonight's game between the Capitals and the Devils.  It is the second meeting between the two, with the Caps taking the first in their season opener 7-2.  The game is probably most remembered for the fight between Ilya Kovalchuk and Mike Green.

Caps Miss Chances, Fall to Flyers in SO 5-4

It was an expected wild affair at Verizon Center tonight, but after a rollercoaster of penalty kills and power plays, to many missed chances, and a standout performance by rookie Marcus Johansson, the Capitals eventually fell to the Flyers in a shootout 5-4.

The game started off with chances everywhere.  Alex Ovechkin had a breakaway that beat Flyers goalie Brian Boucher, but was unable to beat the post as it rang wide.  This would tell the tale of Ovechkin’s whole night, which ended with an assist, a -1 and 3 shots on goal in 22:51 of total ice time (with an average shift length of just over a minute).  He also missed when his number came up in the shootout.

As Ovechkin’s mojo troubles continue, it was a different MoJo that stole the show tonight: Marcus Johansson.  He was all over the ice and opened the scoring 8:10 into the game with his second career goal.  On a line tonight with Jason Chimera and Matt Bradley as Bruce Boudreau continues to shuffle the lines, the trio sustained a high energy level throughout the game.  They were hard on the forcheck, and Chimera scored the power play goal that tied the game at 3 near the end of regulation.

Flyers @ Capitals Preview (Video) 11/20/10

Here's a video preview of tonight's tilt between the Capitals and the Flyers at Verizon Center.

Why Johansson Beats Perreault for NHL Spot

Perreault after scoring his first NHL goal

The debate between rookie Swede Marcus Johansson and his French Canadian counterpart Mathieu Perreault has been ongoing since training camp.  The battle between the two for the role as 2^nd line center on the Caps was a blast to watch, and when the decision was ultimately made to start Johansson with the big club there seemed to be more outrage from the fan base than cheers.

That is understandable, as the Washington Capitals organization is a tight-knit one, and most Caps fans are also Hershey Bears fans. They have watched Perreault develop and tear up the AHL, and when they see performances like Sunday’s 6 assist effort from 85, they feel attached and utterly confused that he is not playing in the NHL. It is a natural progression; and it is also wrong.

Tuesday Puck Talk Week #5

This week, I take a look at Matt Hendricks, the St. Louis Blues recent troubles and the Los Angeles Kings.  Want to hear about something? Leave it in the comments or @ me on twitter and I'll talk about it next week! Always love taking suggestions!



Check out my latest posts at The Hockey Writers about the Caps' two Matts (Bradley and Hendricks) and the success the Caps' top line had been having until a few games ago.

Semin Named NHL's Third Star of the Week

Right wing Alexander Semin has been named the NHL’s third star of the week for the week ending November 14^th.  Semin scored four goals and added four assists for eight points on the week in four games.  The Caps collected seven of a possible eight standing points last week, going 3-0-1.  This included a five-point night from Semin on Thursday night in a 6-3 win over the Tamps Bay Lightening.  He had a hat trick in the third period alone and added two assists to lead the team that night.

Semin has been playing extremely well so far this season with 13 goals (2^nd in the league) and 10 assists for 23 points (4^th) in 18 games played.  However, these numbers weren’t enough to get him on the All-Star ballot for fan voting that went up on NHL.com recently.  Voting starts today, so if you feel Semin deserves to go to the All-Star game, you can write in his name.  Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Mike Green are all also on the ballot.  You can vote for your All-Star Game starters here.

New Posts

I have two posts up at The Hockey Writers to check out: one about Matt Bradley and one about the Caps SOB line.  Remember to keep checking there for my analysis!

This is a busy weekend for me because it is the annual Cortaca Jug football game! (BEAT CORTLAND!) So there may not be new material here until early next week.  Have a great weekend!

Tuesday Puck Talk Week #4

New Tuesday Puck Talk is up and ready for action!  As always, leave any feedback in the comments.  If you want to hear about any specific topic for next week, let me know!  I want to hear what you think!






If you haven't already, be sure to check out my post on bandwagon fans and the video from my Hershey trip last May!