Catching Pens

by Dave Fay Washington Times

"Pittsburgh is a few years ahead of us with their plan," McPhee said. "They missed the playoffs three years in a row [this will be the Caps' third straight miss]. They've had top-five picks for five straight years, where we've only had two. We'll be all right."

The Penguins have improved 40 points from last season. They are fighting for home ice in the first round of the playoffs. The Caps are glancing at the other end of the standings to see whether they can hold on to a shot at the No. 1 draft pick.

"To get where we need to go, we need to continue to add to the organization," McPhee said. "We have a lot of good pieces; now we need some more. A couple pieces we need are important but just a couple. We'll be aggressive and try to acquire those pieces."



He refused to discuss what those pieces are or their costs, but it's obvious -- at least one quality center, a skilled right wing and at least two defensemen who can handle the puck without treating it like a live hand grenade. McPhee's main problem might be to persuade free agents to come to a team lacking in a winning atmosphere.

Pittsburgh, flying high right now with youthful enthusiasm, also needs some of the same parts to stay ahead of the Caps. It is a team with a tradition of suspect defense and now is loaded with highly skilled centers who have nobody to pass to. The Caps have left wings with nobody to play catch with and a suspect defense.

"I don't think we're that far behind Pittsburgh because they had a nucleus and then brought in key players to make them a playoff caliber team," Washington captain Chris Clark said.

"I think that's all we need, but it might not happen over the summer. Maybe what we don't need is the best free agent available; maybe what we need is the best free agent for our particular team, the one that best fits our spot. It doesn't have to be the most expensive guy because he might not be the best fit for the team."

Washington fans seemingly would be pacified if they had the feeling the club was doing something to improve. McPhee said nothing when the subject was broached, then indicated he hoped it would be a busy summer on the personnel front.

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Interview with GMGM

by Dmitri Chesnokov sovsport.ru

Interview with GM George MacPhee at the Pens - Caps game.

Q. What do you think about the upcoming draft? Who is your favorite?

A. I have not decided yet, I need to watch the draftees in the games. I plan to travel a lot in the next few weeks to many places to see and scout the players. I have already asked our scouts to make the list of the best ten players and going to focus on it.

Q. I am sure Alex Cherepanov will make the list. What do you think about him? This right wing would look good with Ovechkin.

A. Alex is a very, very talented player. He is very technical and has a lot of potential. I personally watched Cherepanov at the junior world championship and I got a very good impression about him. But I will make a decision only after reviewing all the candidates.

Q. What is the future look like for Washington? Look how the team fell behind Pittsburgh!

A. The Penguins had a five year plan for rebuilding. In comparison we are behind them in about three years. They couldn't get into the playoffs for five consecutive years and were one of the first in the draft to choose the top picks. These players now make all the difference for them. We too had high draft picks and it is most likely the case this year. Our goal, and we are very hopeful, is to reach the playoffs within three years rather than five.

That means to get into the playoffs next season.

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Do you want to play hockey?

Alexander Ovechkin: "Waiting for new 9 million dollars teammates"

by Slava Malamud sport-express.ru

How is it for Alexander Ovechkin to finish this tenuous season in a mirage team? Certainly it is not easy. The Washington Capitals are stuck to play for another month and the media coverage for the club has diminished completely. Only the most dedicated fans who have no other life go to the games, the city is gradually limiting NHL coverage switching their journalists to other assignments, and even the local tv doesn't broadcasts all games. Even last year, when it was clear from the first month of the season that Washington won't make the playoffs, the situation was not so desperate.

CROSBY THE PERSIAN KING

But then one could go and enjoy a one actor theater of Alexander Mikhailovich, competing for the rookie of the year with Sidney Crosby, an uneven fight deciding the destinies of Mankind against Persian king Xerxes, pardon, Sidney Crosby. Now Alexander is not threatening individual titles, and indeed behind is the worst slump in his career.

In a recent interview with the Canadian Press Alexander Ovechkin, in his usual politically correct fashion, expressed his disappointment about this season. If desired his words could be construed as a soft criticism of the Washington club.

"No, I did not criticize anyone," said Ovechkin, "Just gave my opinion that in future we need to significantly strengthen the team. To have a young team is of course great, but compared with Pittsburgh, one can see that they have a good mix of young and veteran players. We need it too."

Q. But the team traded veterans Zubrus and Zednik. Is it because this season is over and now the team looks to the future?

A. Yes, it's all clear about this season. It can be said that we have surrendered ... That is, I mean, we are still playing, but we gave up on playoffs.

Q.But even back in January you could still make it in playoffs.

A. Yes, but then there was a string injuries. Zednik, Erskine, Zubrus played with injury for a long time. And we didn't get into the rhythme.

Q. Is this season a disappointment or a logical conclusion?

A. For me personally every new season is a step forward. NHL is NHL, one year of experience is worth a lot. Next year I will be a better player.

Q. You believe that the change is needed for the next year. What is it exactly?

A. We need reinforcements. We lost the first line center in Zubrus, and we need a replacement. We need top notch d-men. I think that if we won't strengthen our defence, Kolzig (and I think he is one of the best goalies in this league) won't want to return to this team. But I am sure that the management knows it better than me, so my words are not a criticism, but simply a statement of facts.

Q. What was your reaction to the Zubrus trade?

A. I was prepared. He was at my house right before. We ate dinner and talked a lot. Zubie said it was most likely he would be traded. Not an end of the world, this is NHL, anything like that can happen.

Q. As far as I know, Danius wanted to stay in Washington, but the club did not want to give him a five-year contract.

A. Yes, that's true.

Q. You got the letter "A" on your sweater meaning you are an assistant captain as one of the side-effects of the Zubrus and Zednik trade.

A. Doesn't matter. A letter or not, what's the difference? For me it is more important to have the great guys on the team and to play well.

Q. After they left you without first line center do you think Washington must get you some significant talent?

A. Everyone understands that with the roster that we have now, we will never make it. it is clear to the management and it is clear to the players. We need top notch players. So the fact that they let Zubie go certainly means that they will look for someone to replace him.

Q. And who would you like to have in you line? For example, Datsyuk and Drury will be available as UFAs this summer.

A. It's difficult to say... Of course, would be nice if Pasha would come to play for us. You probably need to spend about nine million dollars to greatly strengthen the team.

Q. This sounds like Jarg's type money.

A. Well, to be frank, I'd be glad even if they sign just one player for this money. Just imagine what kind of a player it would be for this money. We need defencemen and we need good playmaking forwards. You saw what we had, only three players scored more than 20 goals (Ovechkin, Semin and Zubrus. Note by SM).

Q. By the way, one of them, Alexander Semin, is playing more and more on your line. How would you evaluate his game?

A. Well, Sema is, of course, awesome... Played well, has become one of the leaders. I am pleased that he started to talk a bit in English and started to fit in well with the team.


TICKETS TO RUSSIA ON APRIL 10TH

Q. How was this year with Glen Hanlon, better, worse or the same?

A. The same, that is, everything is in place. Sometime he points to the problem, sometime gives you a praise.

Q. You had a very serious slump after All Star game. How did your Coach handle it?

A. It was normal. He was telling me all the time that I was a leading player and even if I was not scoring, I was playing hard, and the management saw it and appreciated it. No claims. He was telling me not to blame and depress myself.

Q. And what do you think yourself about the slump?

A. As strange as it may seem, I had no worries. I just hit the psychological and physical slump. Now I feel excellent. Ready for the World Cup.

Q. Let's talk about the World Championship.

A. Just a few days ago Sema and I met with Nemchinov. Everything is all right. We've already bought the tickets to Moscow on 10th of April.

Q. So Semin will be playing for the national team too?

A. I don't know. He will fly to Russia anyway, the season will be over.

Q. What did you talk about with Nemchinov?

A. I said that they could count on me, I'd be there. I asked who would be there from NHL, asked about Khabibulin.

Q. What did he say?

A. It is not yet known. The talk is still under way. It would be nice if Khabibulin would play.

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Alexander Ovechkin: "I did not criticize anyone"

In a recent interview with the Canadian Press Alexander Ovechkin, in his usual politically correct fashion, expressed his disappointment about this season. If desired his words could be construed as a soft criticism of the Washington club.

"No, I did not criticize anyone," explained Ovechkin in interview with the Sport-Express correspondent Slava Malamud. Just gave my opinion that in future we need to significantly strengthen the team. To have a young team is of course great, but compared with Pittsburgh, one can see that they have a good mix of young and veteran players. We need it too.

The complete interview with Alexander Ovechkin will be in tomorrow's issue of SE.

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Brashear's interview

by Dmitry Chesnokov sovsport.ru

Our correspondent met with the best NHL enforcer Donald Brashear who answered the questions from the fans via www.sovsport.ru site. You'll find the complete interview in the next issues of sovetsky sport.

DUBINA : Is it true that Joey Kocur had a punch of horrendous blow force? Have you ever fought him?

A. Yes, once I had a scrap with Joey. I tried to stand for him, but he was punching and punching me. Kocur was hitting me in the helmet like a power hammer and in the end the helmet split! I remember the next day I had a terrible pain, my gums on the left side of my head were hurting even though he was hitting me on the right side of my face. I couldn't chew anything. I wonder what it would be if I did not have a helmet? Too scary.

Lekha, Riga: Would you accept the bout against Nikolai Valuyev if you offered decent premium?

A. Against Valuev? I am not crazy! In general I don't think I could box professionally. I was boxing at the amateur level, I had a soft helmet, Brashear makes a gesture with his hands, as if he is putting it on. But to become a professional? You have to fight big guys who have years of training. Plus, they all punch with incredible impact force! I don't think I wish to risk my health.

Yatskevich Alexander, Grodno: Who do you think is the best Russian hockey player? And would agree to come to Russian super league if you'd be paid big bucks?

A. Best Russian hockey player? Of course, Alexander Ovechkin! He is young and very talented. He has the ability to apply force, can play at the corners. He doesn't fight, and it is not necessary for him because I am there. But if a situation arises I am pretty sure Ovechkin can beat up anybody.

I was thinking to play in Russia during the lockout. Even this year I was thinking about it and would come to super league, but Washington extended my contract. I do not know if I'll play in Russia in the future. But there were teams that were interested.

Andrei, Yaroslavl: Donald, can you tell what fight you remember the most?

A. No question, my very first fight. As soon as I remember... Brashear laughs and rolls up his eyes. I was shaking. I was too nervous because that fight was with Bob Probert. I remember him grabbing me, I grabbed him too, but because I was too stressed I didn't move as if I was paralyzed. Probert tried to strike, I dodged and fell. My first fight lasted about two seconds. And then even the referees could not raise me from ice because my legs were shaking.

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But the team has to get better

from SLAM! Hockey

Ovechkin said yesterday he would like to see Capitals management augment the team's talent base through free agency over the summer.

"We have to sign good players and I hope we do," he said yesterday. "I want to play on a good team.

"Don't get me wrong. We have good guys in this dressing room and we have a lot of fun. But the team has to get better."

In his second year in the league, Ovechkin is taking a stronger leadership role with the Caps. With the likes of Richard Zednik and Dainius Zubrus having been shipped out at the trade deadline, Ovechkin is now wearing the prestigious "A" on his jersey.

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Alex in disko

Alex is interviewed in a sushi bar and shows how he would deke in Moscow diskoteque. :-)

NHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
ALEX OVECHKIN
RETAINS TRESELER ZALBE FOR MARKETING REPRESENTATION

Washington, D.C., February 26, 2007 – Treseler Zalbe LLC, a nationally recognized sports & entertainment marketing agency specializing in corporate consulting, event marketing, property representation, sponsorship activation and celebrity integration, has been retained by 2006 NHL Rookie of the Year Alex Ovechkin for his marketing representation.

read more...

Treseler Zalbe LLC Celebrity Access list has two hockey players: Ovechkin and Fedorov.

From the best sports beat writer who is pioneering a new way of covering a professional sports team

read more...

On Ovechkin's earnings this year:

Tarik El-Bashir: Ovechkin's base salary is $984,200. But with his bonuses (which he has already reached), he'll earn closer to $3.9 million. He also gets a pretty penny from his CCM endorsement.
I got an email yesterday from a marketing agency that he has retained to represent him. So he'll probably make even more in the near future.

Old Town, Alexandria, Va.: Tarik, it's only been two games, but the power play passing has looked much, much better now that Zednik and Zubrus are no longer on it. The scheme seems simplified, and puck movement has increased significantly. I'm not saying, but I'm just saying.

Tarik El-Bashir: Do you mean passing to other Caps? Or passing to Martin St. Louis?

Yeah, that lil' stab at AO... it hurts... :-)

On Sid and Alex comparison:

Tarik El-Bashir: "Ovechkin is stronger and has a better shot. Crosby is more crafty and is a better passer."

Can't make it more informative in two short statements. Tarik is da man!


Kansas Board of Education: Do you think Caps will evolve next season for a good playoff run?

Tarik El-Bashir: It's way too early. Right now, there's no chance that THIS team would come anywhere close to the playoffs. But let's see what McPhee does this summer.

You can take this to the bank: If this free agency period doesn't go well, and the team misses the playoffs next season, too, heads will roll.

On this good note we should follow Tarik's advice and go out, it's 60-plus degrees in Washington.

Hockey popularity hits new high in US

Tonight the hockey popularity in US hit a new high:
Jay Leno called David Beckham a hockey star!

He also said that according to a new poll in Canada, 92% of Canadians were happy in general. He guessed the poll was taken before Ryan Smyth was traded to Islanders.

Ok, just kidding, actually he said the poll was taken before the lockout and the joke is as old, but he did call Beckham a hockey star tonight. In any case, good news, unless you are a soccer fan. Soccer fans know, when their sport will start to dominate, David Beckham will be referred as a football star.

In other news Sidney Crosby didn't get a single point vs Rangers, but you gotta give Sid the credit, he scored in SO and Pens won for the second time in shootout because of him.

Also Caps D sucks because they were told NOT TO LET Vinny and Martin St. Louis to score. For Pete's sake, just let anybody else but NOT Vinny and Martin do it!

Alex Ovechkin! Got 1G, 1A and the player of the game tonight. Life is good even though he didn't score in SO.

Washington Post: "Ovechkin was named an alternate captain. He wore an 'A' on his jersey four times in November..."

POS      Name          TM GP  G  A PTS
 1 Vincent Lecavalier TAM 66 42 45 87 
 2 Martin St. Louis   TAM 66 39 49 88 
 3 Dany Heatley       OTT 64 38 44 82 
 4 Alexander Ovechkin WAS 65 38 42 80 
...
31 Sidney Crosby      PIT 60 26 71 97

From Gordie Howe to Igor Larionov, from Igor Larionov to Alex Ovechkin

Here's a story from SJ Sharks fan, and Larionov used to play for Sharks. She read my previous post and this is how she responded...

Shrkfinatic:

Igor had a story about kids and autographs. While he was still with the Russian national team they played an exhibition game against Canada, I think. After the game Igor was starting to blow by the kids asking for autographs when he saw Gordie Howe patiently signing autographs. Gordie gave him "the look" and made a comment about giving back to the kids. Igor thought about it and since then he started signing for the kids.

BTW, he is still very gracious about signing autographs. Last fall he was in SJ signing his farewell tour DVD. I, of course, got mine and when I got up to the front of the line I asked him to autograph my Sharks Larionov jersey. Of course he complied and I asked if I could get my picture taken with him with my jersey. Very graciously he said of course! When I pulled the jersey on he took the time to help me get it all neatly arranged for the picture. I still like Igor.

And then it was passed to Ovechkin:

“I remember Igor Larionov coming to one of my practices as a kid,” Ovechkin said as he signed autographs for the five- to seven-year-olds on the Resor Rink. “That was important for me, so I am happy to come here and see the kids.”