Posts Tagged ‘Washington Capitals’

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Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

18, Mar 2010

 

* – Division leader

1. *Washington Capitals – 103

It’s tough to find a weak spot in the Capitals’ game. With a 14-game win streak, this team is not slowing down. Some say they are a one-man team, with Ovechkin leading the way. However, without him in the lineup this season, the Caps have gone 6-2. The Capitals lead the league in goal differential with a plus-79 rating.

2. *New Jersey Devils – 87

Under new coach Jacques Lemaire, the Devils have had a rebirth, jumping atop the always-tough Atlantic Division. With the fewest goals against in the league, Lemaire has brought his defensive play back to New Jersey where it all started. Hall-of-fame goaltender Martin Brodeur has had a great comeback year, as he’s put up a .914 save percentage and leads the NHL in wins.

3. *Buffalo Sabres – 82

On the back of an MVP-worthy season from Ryan Miller, the Sabres are back on top of their division. With great contributions on the defensive side of the puck, the Sabres are second in the conference in goals against. They have 10 players with 20 points or more, but no one over 70, giving the Sabres depth that they have not had in past years.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins – 87

The Pens have talent that has not been matched by any Pittsburgh team since the days of Jagr and Lemieux. Sidney Crosby has found his goal-scoring touch and currently leads the league with 45. The Penguins have 13 players with 20 points or more and six players with 40-plus; a number matched only by the Philadelphia Flyers. However, their defense has been inconsistent, often leaving Marc-Andre Fleury to fend for himself.

5. Ottawa Senators – 79

After falling off the face of the Earth following their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007, the Senators are once again challenging for the playoffs. After replacing Dany Heatley with Alexei Kovalev, the offense is slowly making its way back up to where it used to be. However, their defense and goaltending is lacking, as is shown by their minus-14 goal differential.

6. Montreal Canadiens – 78

Currently on a six-game winning streak, the season story is a goaltending battle of epic proportions. With the trade deadline behind us, the goal now is to win the starting position for the playoffs. Right now, Jaroslav Halak is most likely the go-to guy, with an impressive .923 save percentage and a winning record, something that Carey Price cannot claim he has.

7. Philadelphia Flyers – 77

Inconsistency has been the story for the Flyers, as they are on the brink of a mid-April tee time. With goaltenders Ray Emery and Michael Leighton out for the remainder of the season, the Flyers are stuck with Brian Boucher, who has not played well in big games since his departure from Philadelphia before the lockout. On the plus side, the Flyers are the only other team besides the Penguins with six 40-point players.

8. Boston Bruins – 74

Coming off last year’s storybook season in which the Bruins claimed the top spot in the Eastern Conference, they have struggled to regain their composure. Reigning trophy winners Zdeno Chara and Tim Thomas have failed to meet high expectations, while no one on the roster has more than 50 points. Losing Marc Savard will not help the cause, either.

9. New York Rangers – 71

The final team in the East with a chance to make the playoffs, the Rangers are riding on the wings of incredible seasons by Henrik Lundqvist (.919 save percentage) and Marian Gaborik (73 points). Sean Avery, after being a consistent healthy scratch, is becoming the pain-in-the-you-know-what yet again and the Rangers have responded.

 

Alan Bass is a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com . In addition to writing for Inside Hockey and Pro Hockey News , he has also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College hockey team as well. You can contact him at BergHockey24@gmail.com.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

18, Mar 2010

 

* – Division leader

1. *Washington Capitals – 103

It’s tough to find a weak spot in the Capitals’ game. With a 14-game win streak, this team is not slowing down. Some say they are a one-man team, with Ovechkin leading the way. However, without him in the lineup this season, the Caps have gone 6-2. The Capitals lead the league in goal differential with a plus-79 rating.

2. *New Jersey Devils – 87

Under new coach Jacques Lemaire, the Devils have had a rebirth, jumping atop the always-tough Atlantic Division. With the fewest goals against in the league, Lemaire has brought his defensive play back to New Jersey where it all started. Hall-of-fame goaltender Martin Brodeur has had a great comeback year, as he’s put up a .914 save percentage and leads the NHL in wins.

3. *Buffalo Sabres – 82

On the back of an MVP-worthy season from Ryan Miller, the Sabres are back on top of their division. With great contributions on the defensive side of the puck, the Sabres are second in the conference in goals against. They have 10 players with 20 points or more, but no one over 70, giving the Sabres depth that they have not had in past years.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins – 87

The Pens have talent that has not been matched by any Pittsburgh team since the days of Jagr and Lemieux. Sidney Crosby has found his goal-scoring touch and currently leads the league with 45. The Penguins have 13 players with 20 points or more and six players with 40-plus; a number matched only by the Philadelphia Flyers. However, their defense has been inconsistent, often leaving Marc-Andre Fleury to fend for himself.

5. Ottawa Senators – 79

After falling off the face of the Earth following their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007, the Senators are once again challenging for the playoffs. After replacing Dany Heatley with Alexei Kovalev, the offense is slowly making its way back up to where it used to be. However, their defense and goaltending is lacking, as is shown by their minus-14 goal differential.

6. Montreal Canadiens – 78

Currently on a six-game winning streak, the season story is a goaltending battle of epic proportions. With the trade deadline behind us, the goal now is to win the starting position for the playoffs. Right now, Jaroslav Halak is most likely the go-to guy, with an impressive .923 save percentage and a winning record, something that Carey Price cannot claim he has.

7. Philadelphia Flyers – 77

Inconsistency has been the story for the Flyers, as they are on the brink of a mid-April tee time. With goaltenders Ray Emery and Michael Leighton out for the remainder of the season, the Flyers are stuck with Brian Boucher, who has not played well in big games since his departure from Philadelphia before the lockout. On the plus side, the Flyers are the only other team besides the Penguins with six 40-point players.

8. Boston Bruins – 74

Coming off last year’s storybook season in which the Bruins claimed the top spot in the Eastern Conference, they have struggled to regain their composure. Reigning trophy winners Zdeno Chara and Tim Thomas have failed to meet high expectations, while no one on the roster has more than 50 points. Losing Marc Savard will not help the cause, either.

9. New York Rangers – 71

The final team in the East with a chance to make the playoffs, the Rangers are riding on the wings of incredible seasons by Henrik Lundqvist (.919 save percentage) and Marian Gaborik (73 points). Sean Avery, after being a consistent healthy scratch, is becoming the pain-in-the-you-know-what yet again and the Rangers have responded.

 

Alan Bass is a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com . In addition to writing for Inside Hockey and Pro Hockey News , he has also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College hockey team as well. You can contact him at BergHockey24@gmail.com.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Steven Hindle: Caps @ Canes | Fine-tuning the Machine – Varly Starts

18, Mar 2010

Ovechkin is Great, but he Isn’t Everything

A reality check on how great Alex Ovechkin is does not really have anything to do with how great these Capitals have become.

Ovechkin’s recent ‘reckless’ incidents and his usual panache for playing on the fine line of some fairly blurry guidelines used to mean that the Capitals were about to head into a mess of trouble without their best p…

A Blogger’s Faith in Government Restored: The Formation of the First-Ever Congressional Hockey Caucus

18, Mar 2010

The greeting from the congressman in his office this week was sudden and startling: “Can you blog and walk at the same time?” Nebraska Representative Lee Terry, smiling, asked as he stepped out of a closed-door meeting to meet me.
I was more than a little nervous meeting the congressman on Tuesday. Standing next to the [...]

Colin Campbell: Enough with the Double Standard on “Dirty Hits”

17, Mar 2010

The NHL department for player discipline is by far the worst of the four major North American sports.

Colin Campbell, the man in charge of deciding the “appropriate” punishment for transgressions in the NHL, is by far the most idiotic and unintelligent head of discipline.

Now, there have been numerous instances to show why Campbell is such a lunatic when it comes to handing out suspensions, but no example is as crystal clear as a couple of recent hits this season.

How Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke was not suspended for this hit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z1vJrIAg-0 , yet Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin was suspended for this hit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MozYKCapvWs, is absolute nonsense.

To be fair, both hits are of different variety and both hits caused what will most likely be season-ending injuries for both players.

However, one thing is clear. Cooke’s hit on Boston’s star center Marc Savard was much more deserving of a suspension than Ovechkin’s hit on Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell.

Why? Because of intent to injure.

Ovechkin may run around on the ice and look to dish out punishing hits more often than most players, (including those awful knee on knee collisions) but none of those hits are attempts to injure.

Both players can blow out their knees on those knee on knee type hits and therefore it is usually not an intent to injure. Knee on knee plays happen too fast and are sometimes unavoidable.

And as for the hit on Campbell, how was Ovechkin supposed to know that “Soupy” was going to be off-balance? The Chicago defenseman clearly looks over his shoulder on the video and can sense Ovechkin coming at full speed.

Perhaps Campbell may have started to lose an edge or hit a rut in the ice, but clearly he should have been much better braced for contact.

Was it a questionable hit? Yes, but it wasn’t a clear-cut suspension worthy type of hit. It was a type of play that could really go either way, so a two game suspension for the play wasn’t a terrible decision.

But if that play is given a two game suspension, how in the world does a cheap shot elbow to the head not get a suspension at all?

Did ESPN analyst Barry Melrose even watch the replays? The other day on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption , with Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, Melrose stated that Cooke’s cheap shot was within the rules.

Granted, he did say “shoulder to head hits” are legal (which they are). But Cooke clearly led with his elbow. Earth to Melrose, elbowing is a penalty in our sport.

And an elbow that vicious (obviously an intent to injure and not a play on the puck) should at least be a double-digit suspension. Ten games minimum.

That is the hit that needs to be taken out of hockey. Ovechkin’s hit on Campbell, while a tad reckless and dangerous is a hockey hit. This is the most violent sport in the world and injuries are unavoidable.

If Ovechkin had got any more than a two game suspension, it would have negatively effected the league rather than helped protect the players. Nobody wants to see players afraid to play the body and slow their game down.

The way Ovechkin plays the game is great for the sport (OK, he could cut down on the knee on knee plays) but still, his enthusiasm, work ethic, physicality, and goal scoring is growing the game once again.

Hits like his on Campbell shouldn’t be treated at the same level or worse than elbows to the head.

How Ovechkin get’s suspended and Cooke doesn’t is an insult to, not only hockey fans, but people in general.

I mean it’s basically like Ovechkin was sentenced to six months in prison for driving under the influence but Cooke wasn’t even charged at all despite committing armed robbery.

What type of message is that sending?

The NHL is basically telling its players that head-hunting with the elbow is fine but leading with the shoulder will warrant a suspension.

C’mon commissioner Bettman, get another head of discipline already. Colin Campbell is a joke.

 

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Divisional Breakdowns…

17, Mar 2010

NHLHS Jodie Smola describes her dislike within the Southeast Division and it’s structure.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the fact that the divisions are regional in geography however living within the Southeast Division you rapidly realize that this setup is easily playing favorites.
I cover the Washington Capitals and while they are a good team, with [...]

Imagery from a Reader Roadtrip To Chitown

17, Mar 2010

We are enthusiastic collectors of reader pics from summer vacations that Rock the Red, and in-season roadtrips that do likewise. OFB reader Chris made his first-ever visit to the great city of Chicago this past weekend, scored some prime seats for the big game, took in a little pre-St. Patty’s festivities within the Windy City’s [...]

Should Alexander Ovechkin Change His Game?

17, Mar 2010

To answer my own question, no he shouldn’t.

Listen, I understand that the way Alexander Ovechkin plays he’s going to injury himself and tally up a few more suspensions before he plays his final game, and like any other player in any other sport you are just going to have to take the good with the bad.

And personally I don’t think the way he plays the game is bad at all.

First off, he isn’t a dirty player.  His latest suspension for his hit on Chicago’s Brian Campbell has elicited mixed opinions from everyone in and around hockey. 

I do think that the hit was worth a penalty, maybe even a double minor, but a game misconduct and a suspension were a bit harsh.

In a sport like hockey you’re going to have players make those kinds of hits because of the nature of the game.

It’s easy to look at a replay and say “hey, that was a cheap shot,” but when you’re going all out in the middle of a game it’s a lot harder to determine if the hit you are about to lay on someone will net you a trip to the sin-bin or a suspension.

Most players just make the hit, and sometimes they’re wrong, but it doesn’t make them a dirty player.

And as far as injuries are concerned, I’m actually shocked Ovie hasn’t hurt himself more often given the way he flings his body around the ice.

So given this latest suspension and his risk for injury why do I think that Alex shouldn’t tone down the way he plays?

It’s simple, if you change the way a player plays the game you run the risk of screwing up his game entirely.

Alex scores the goals and gets the assists he gets because of his all out pedal to the metal style of play, and if you tone down one aspect you run the risk of toning down the whole thing.

Honestly I think Ovie’s tendency to check (and check hard) his opponents cuts down the need for an enforcer.  Shoot, Ovie is his own enforcer.  If someone checks him he goes out and checks him right back.

Does this spell out a long career?  Probably not, but I don’t think Ovechkin would want to change the way he plays for couple more seasons in the NHL. 

And I wouldn’t want him to either.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Which Goalie Will The Caps Trust The Playoffs With, Varly Or Theodore?

17, Mar 2010

After clinching their third straight Southeast Division last week the Washington Capitals are in playoff mode.  Despite the notable absence of Alex Ovechkin the team looked pretty sharp last night as they ripped apart the Panthers in a 7-3 win.

As the team keeps racking up wins, fans can’t help but wondering what’s going to happen in goal after the season’s over. 

Just like last year, Jose Theodore is entering playoff season as the team’s starter.  He’s been playing solidly, and fans are beginning to trust his glove after several consistent games, despite his lacking performance in last year’s playoffs.

Seymon Varlamov looked to be the better bet at the beginning of the season, especially given his impressive star turn in last year’s playoffs.  In September, it looked like Theodore was going to fade into the background and make way for his younger counterpart.  Unfortunately for Varly fans, he was injured in early December and has only started 4 times since, allowing a total of 16 goals.

If you look at the stats, Theodore (again, remembering Varlamov’s injury) has played more, and been more consistent.  And after all, he’s been there: he’s won a Stanley Cup and knows what to expect.

It will help the Capitals to have both goalies on hand, but don’t expect Varlamov to start.  As the stats stand right now, Theodore’s the better goalie.  Unless we see a repeat of last year from Theodore that is.

No matter which goalie the team starts, what they really need is some one to back the goalie up.  Their recent losses have been primarily attributed to a lacking power play defense, which both goalies are going to need to top their winning season with a Stanley Cup.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Slainte

17, Mar 2010

Beer should NEVER be green.
©2010 On Frozen Blog. All Rights Reserved..

Being Down One Superstar Isn’t So Bad

17, Mar 2010

What is important to pull from last night’s victory is not that the Washington Capitals crushed the Florida Panthers, but rather the way they went about doing it.

No Ovie, No Problem: Caps Roll without MVP

17, Mar 2010

The Washington Capitals were missing superstar Alexander Ovechkin on Tuesday night, but they didn’t miss a beat in their dominant 7-3 win over the Florida Panthers.

“I thought we were pretty dominant tonight from start to finish,” Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau told the Associated Press Tuesday night. “It goes to show that when your best player gets down that the guys are rallying around him. It’s almost like we’re showing you that he didn’t deserve to be suspended [and] we’ll carry on anyway.”

But fans shouldn’t be surprised by Washington’s performance against the Panthers.

Ovechkin has been out of the lineup for nine games this season—six games because of an upper body injury and the other three because of two separate suspensions.

So far this season, the Caps are 7-2 with Ovechkin out of the lineup. But what’s more remarkable is that Washington has scored 44 goals in those nine games.

Sunday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks was by far the most impressive. Technically, Ovechkin did not miss the game, but he played just under five minutes after receiving a game misconduct for boarding Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell.

Ovechkin left the game with the Caps trailing 1-0. Washington trailed 3-0 heading into the third, but scored three goals in just over two minutes to tie the game and then eventually won it in overtime—all without the help of the league’s leading scorer, Ovechkin.

Of the nine games that Ovie has missed, Washington has scored six or more goals four times.

Washington’s outpouring of offense in Ovie’s absence can largely be attributed to the team’s other superstars.

Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin have combined for 22 points in the nine games Ovechkin has missed this season, while defenseman Mike Green—having missed one game himself—has 11 points in eight games.

“It’s nice that everyone contributes when [Ovechkin’s] not in there,” Capitals’ forward Jason Chimera told the Associated Press after Tuesday’s win. “That’s important down the stretch in case someone big like that goes out. It’s nice to know we can score goals without him.”

If the Caps lose Ovechkin at all in the playoffs, the team they are playing better be careful, because it could get worse without the superstar in the lineup.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Offense Not Suspended: Caps 7 / Cats 3

16, Mar 2010

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What’s My Problem with Alex Ovechkin?

16, Mar 2010

It’s impossible to miss all the talk about the Caps star this week and I’m hearing every possible position.  So here’s my take if you will indulge me.

The main concern as far as the league itself  is that there is too much inconsistencies in calling penalties and punishing infractions. It’s time for the league to [...]

Steven Hindle: NHL Discipline: A Shade of Grey

16, Mar 2010

Statement from Alex Ovechkin

“I am very sorry that Brian was injured and I hope he is able to return to his team soon. NHL hockey is a physical game. We all play hard every time we are on the ice and have battles each shift in every game we play so we can do our jobs and win. As players we must accept responsibility for our actions and I am no different but I did not intend to injure Bria…

Beyond Ovechkin: Stockpiling Capitals a Fantasy Bonanza

16, Mar 2010

Consider the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks rank second, third, and fourth respectively among NHL teams with 225, 218, and 217 goals scored this season. Each of these teams have several offensive fantasy studs—Joe Thornton , Dany Heatley , Patrick Marleau , and Dan Boyle in San Jose, Patrick Kane , Jonathan Toews , Marian Hossa , and Duncan Keith in Chicago, and Daniel and Henrik Sedin in Vancouver.

The Washington Capitals rank first in the NHL with 266 goals scored, 41 more than the Canucks, and 108 more than the 30th ranked Boston Bruins!

Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong picking any player from a scoring line on the Washington Capitals, because they are bound to contribute offensively.

While points are the obvious indicator of a fantasy stud, plus-minus can be a more subtle tell of where the value lies. Let’s take a look at the points and plus-minus totals of the Capitals’ top 10 fantasy-relevant skaters, all of whom should be considered on draft day next season.

 

1. Alexander Ovechkin , LW—96 Pts, +41

Step aside Sid and Geno —Ovie is the consensus No. 1 in fantasy from here on out. He ranks second in the NHL in goals (44), sixth in assists (52), first in points (96), first in plus-minus (+41), first in power play points (33), and fourteenth in game winning goals (5). He also has a robust 81 minutes in penalties, and he’s accomplished all this despite missing eight games due to injury and suspension.

Yup, Ovechkin’s in a class of his own.

 

2. Mike Green , D—69 Pts, +31

The Canadian Olympic-snubbing hasn’t even remotely fazed Green. He’s accumulated nine points in seven games since the break, and is just five points away from breaking his single-season record (73) set last year. Green’s 142 points in the last two seasons alone put him miles ahead of the next three offensive defensemen, Duncan Keith (105), Dan Boyle (104), and Nicklas Lidstrom (102).

You could make a legitimate case for Green being the No. 2 fantasy pick next year after Ovechkin. In fantasy hockey, no one consistently dominates their positions like Ovechkin and Green.

 

3. Nicklas Backstrom , C—83 Pts, +31

Now that he’s shooting more, Backstrom’s a true fantasy stud, and the chemistry he’s formed with Ovechkin is downright scary. If you’ve seen a Capitals power play you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the duo toying with opposing penalty kill units. It’s just simply not fair. He’s a restricted free agent this summer, so expect the Caps to give him a hefty pay increase from his entry level deal, and likely something long-term.

Backstrom will probably go late first or early second round in most drafts next year. Imagine snagging the first overall pick to get Ovechkin and then grabbing Backstrom with your second round pick? Win-win.

 

4. Alexander Semin , RW—68 Pts, +26

Frustratingly inconsistent at times (three points in his last seven games after posting seven points in his previous three contests), there’s no denying Semin’s tremendous skill. The Russian sniper has slick hands and a unique ability to bulge the twine. Semin could go anywhere from the first to third round in fantasy pools next year, depending on whether your pool is broken down into all three forward positions (left wing, center, and right wing), or just simply “forwards.”

Wingers are harder to come by than centers, so draft accordingly.

 

5. Brooks Laich —51 Pts, +11

Laich’s not as flashy as the previous four, but he has an admirable work ethic and benefits from receiving occasional ice-time with some of the NHL’s best players. He might not be as skilled as a Rick Nash or an Eric Staal , but his current numbers are comparable to theirs. In fantasy, it doesn’t matter how you get points.

Laich is deserving of a mid-round pick in drafts next season.

 

6. Tomas Fleischmann —47 Pts, +6

Like Backstrom, Fleischmann’s a RFA this summer but there have been no reports that the Caps intend to let him go. While his plus-minus isn’t as spectacular as some of his teammates, he’s been a top-tier secondary scoring option for the offensive-juggernaut Capitals.

If he stays healthy next season, he could make a run at 70 points. He’s another mid-rounder.

 

7. Mike Knuble —45 Pts, +21

At 37, age is becoming a factor, but playing in Washington, Knuble has at least one more year of fantasy-relevance. He contributes in all categories, and is incredibly consistent. This is his seventh straight year posting at least 20 goals and 45 points.

Depending on the format of your pool (positions and statistic categories), Knuble’s worthy of a pick somewhere between rounds eight and 12.

 

8. Eric Fehr —33 Pts, +18

Fehr, 24, is another RFA who’ll be looking for a pay increase but it’s well deserved. He’s on pace to set career highs in nearly every stat category this season, and has performed admirably even though bouncing between the second and third lines for much of the season.

He’s worth a late pick, especially if the Capitals are unable to resign Fleischmann.

 

9. Tom Poti , D—22 Pts, +19

The Capitals only have one true offensive defenseman, but Poti has the luck of being the next closest player to fit that description. Unfortunately for Poti, prospect John Carlson is fast approaching consistent NHL duty.

If your pool values plus-minus, Poti’s worth a mid-round pick. Otherwise steal him late.

 

10. Brendan Morrison , C—36 Pts, +18

Morrison is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he may have earned some market value with strong play this year so he might not be donning Capital red next season. He’d be better off playing in Washington though, where he’s been an ideal fit as their second line pivot.

If he returns to Washington, he’s worth a late-round pick. Otherwise steer clear.

 

John Canario is a fantasy hockey contributor at DraftBuddy.com . Check weekly articles by John and Iain Arseneau to help manage your team to the championship.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Steven Hindle: Statement from Alex Ovechkin

16, Mar 2010

Statement from Alex Ovechkin

“I am very sorry that Brian was injured and I hope he is able to return to his team soon. NHL hockey is a physical game. We all play hard every time we are on the ice and have battles each shift in every game we play so we can do our jobs and win. As players we must accept responsibility for our actions and I am no different but I did not intend to injure Brian…

Then and Now: I Want My Innocent Ovi Back

16, Mar 2010

It’s seared in my memory in a way virtually no other hockey moment, save the Miracle on Ice, is: the October 5, 2005, debut of Alexander Ovechkin in the NHL. Forty seconds into the new season’s opening game, on his very first NHL shift, Ovechkin slammed Columbus’ Radoslav Suchy so violently into the end boards [...]

NHL Penalties: Green Light For The Head Hunters.

15, Mar 2010

We can almost smell the playoffs. And what does this time of the year means? In the NHL, it usually means less penalties from the officials and tiny suspensions from the league for dangerous–and life threatning–assaults.

The course of the events in the NHL since the end of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics are just a sample of what’s brewing for the next few weeks.

As if it wasn’t enough, simply during the last few hours, we saw a very dangerous check in the back at full speed from Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin delivered to Brian Campbell of the Chicago Blackhawks. That potential serious injury was sanctioned for only two games by the league, mainly because Ovechkin did not decapitate his target in the process.

And because Ovechkin is a 50-goal scorer, the NHL chooses the tickets and ratings to their product’s own life and well being.

During those same last few hours, we also saw a MMA-type leg hold on Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby. There should be a minor suspension awarded by the league–of course–in this case.

With the type of hits, and with the amount of games of penalty awarded by the NHL to the aggressors, the temptation is huge for the head hunters. There is no serious sanction until next season.

The green light is on.

(Picture: Marc Savard.)

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Steven Hindle: “We have no problem with the way Alex tried to finish his check…” – GMGM

15, Mar 2010

Statement from George McPhee, Washington Capitals vice president and general manager

“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.”
…

NHL SUSPENDS WASHINGTON’S OVECHKIN FOR TWO GAMES

TORONTO (March 15, 2010) – The National Hockey League announced…


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