Krazz Posted March 2, 2012 Author Share Posted March 2, 2012 Contract Re-signings - Pending restricted free agent F Justin Azevedo has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,600,000 ($800,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent D Patrick Mullen has signed a 1-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $700,000 ($700,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent F Marc-Andre Cliche has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,155,000 ($577,500 / year) - Pending restricted free agent F David Meckler has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,300,000 ($650,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent D Andrew Campbell has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,400,000 ($700,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent F Dwight King has signed a 1-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $650,834 ($650,834 / year) - Pending restricted free agent F Richard Clune has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,600,000 ($800,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent F Stefan Legein has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,798,000 ($899,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent D Jake Muzzin has signed a 1-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $945,000 ($945,000 / year) - Pending restricted free agent F Ray Kaunisto has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1,890,000 ($945,000 / year) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Kane Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Season Recap: Washington Capitals Washington Capitals defense man Dennis Wideman celebrates his goal with defensive partner Brooks Laich. Whats really amazing about the Washington Capitals this year was how much went that wrong. Alexander Ovechkin had his worst season in his career, recording 27 goals, 43 assists, 70 points, and a minus rating of 6. Regardless, he still led the team in points. Nicklas Backstrom didn't have the greatest year either. Notching 33 goals, 35 assists, 68 points, and a plus rating of 4, is far off his previous seasons of 101, and 88 points. Star offensive defenseman Mike Green couldn't get it done in Washington, recording only 4 goals and 2 assists in 34 games played. After being moved to Minnesota and Toronto, he ended the year with 44 points in 77 games played, and finished 2nd in defenseman scoring. Long time member of the Capitals, Alexander Semin was also moved in a huge last-minute block buster deal nearing the trade deadline, which sent Marian Hossa to Washington. Semin was performing poor as well, only having 14 goals, 24 assists, and 38 points in 62 games played. Promising young defenseman John Carlson suffered a sophomore slump, notching only 3 goals, 14 assists, and 17 points in 73 games this year. After 37 point season, +21, and logging top pairing minutes last year, much bigger things were expected. Washington's two top liners, number one center, and two top defenseman had off years, and yet the Capitals finished 3rd overall in the league, 3rd in the conference, and 1st in the division. (49 wins, 25 loses, 8 overtime loses). Washington Capitals made quite a few moves this year, in hopes of winning the cup. Who came in: Martin Hanzal - C The coaches favorite player this year. Martin Hanzal, often known as one of the best 3rd line checking centres in the game, was brought into the Capitals as a 2nd line center + PK specialist. Martin Hanzal had a great offensive year with 7 goals, 36 assists, and 43 points. He threw around his big body, registering 142 hits. He led all forwards in shots blocked with 37. He led all forwards in PK minutes played, had a 54 face off percentage, 1:2 giveaway/takeaway ratio, and averaged 19:09 per game. Martin Hanzal was unsure of his role in Washington, but became one the most important players on the roster. Pavel Datsyuk - LW, C The 4 time Selke winner came in to help Nicklas Backstrom in a 1st or 2nd line role. Datsyuk's arrival elevated Backstrom's play as well. Datsyuk brought in his offensive tools from Detroit (8 goals, 9 assists, 17 points in 22 games played), and was superb on the dot. (60.7%). He techincally was the teams point leader, finishing the season with 72 points in 83 games played. Marian Hossa - LW, RW The Capitals picked up Hossa and his life-time contract at the deadline, in a huge 3-way blockbuster deal. The Capitals were looking at the future while they were making this trade. Hossa has a very managable 5.233 cap hit for the next 10 years. Semin was a pending FA, and wasn't performing to well. The Capitals took the risk, and while it seemed like a bust (5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points in 20 games played) Hossa picked it up in the playoffs registering 14 assists in 14 games played. No goals though. Marian Hossa is relieved he ended up staying on a contendor, being moved twice at the trade deadline. (Chicago to Ottawa to Washington) Brendan Morrison - C, LW, RW A depth pick up at the deadline for a very cheap price. Morrison's versatility proved useful, as he was slotted in every line during the season and playoffs atleast once. Morrison's offensive production wasn' t too bad for averaging 14 minutes (2 goals, 8 assists, 10 points in 23 games played) He also had a solid playoff run chipping in 4 goals, 2 assists, 6 points in 9 games played. Mike Lundin - D The steady defensive defenseman was a great pickup at the time, as Jeff Schultz went down with an injury. In Minnesota he was only playing 13:48, but in Washington he logged 18:16 in the regular season and 15:28 in the playoffs. He had an excellent shotblocking performance with 25 shots blocked in 14 games. Thomas Hickey - D The former 3rd overall pick was acquired in the Mike Green trade. He was on the roster for insurance, in case one of the top 6 defenseman went down. He got some time to play, but just isn't ready for NHL action. He is still a great prospect for the Capitals. Others who came in: Marc Cheverie - G Who left: Mike Green - D One of the top offensive defenseman of the decade played so bad that he was traded. 6 points in 34 games was absolutely unacceptable from him. He was healthy, had talent around him, and had all the chances to produce. Luckily for him, he found his game after being traded, recording 38 points in 43 games played with Minnesota and Toronto. Alexander Semin - LW, RW Another dissapoint, Alexander Semin, one of the core players of Capitals, also had a horrible season, barely producing at a .50 points per game clip. He got shipped to Ottawa, and plays the top line with Galiardi and Foligno. A much bigger responsibility now for Semin, who averages 24 minutes a game, and plays on the PK. He and Shea Weber (acquired in the 3-way trade from Nashville) and the franchise players for Ottawa. Alexander Semin just did not play to his full potential for the Capitals this year. Michal Neuvirth - G Washingtons goaltender depth entering the season consisted with Vokoun, Neuvirth, and Holtby. The Capitals opted to move the more valuable goalie to Phoenix, in a package for Martin Hanzal, and continue to groom Holtby. Neuvirth has been great for Phoenix, and will be a vital part of their rebuild. Marcus Johansson - C Washington didn't really want to move their best prospect, but in a deal for Pavel Datsyuk, it had to be done. Johansson was doing a decent job anchoring the 3rd line between Ward and Brouwer, but was a vital piece for Detroit, in order for them to ship Datsyuk. Others who left: Tom Poti - D John Erksine - D Mathieu Perreault - C Evgeny Kuznetsov - C Devon Setoguchi - RW So we talked about a lot of the bad this season, and little bit of the good. Now lets talk about it who really stepped up this year, and hopefully continue to do so for the next. Brooks Laich - D, LW, C Brooks Laich began playing defense, after the team was struggling at the start of the season. He soon became the teams #1 defenseman, being utilized in all situations. He finished the season with 13 goals, 27 assists, 40 points, +16 in 80 games played. He averaged 21:28 per game, and was great on the powerplay with 15 PP pts. Dennis Wideman - D Dennis Wideman and Brooks Laich complemented each other nicely. Wideman has a great year as well, putting up 6 goals, 27 assists, 33 points, +11, in 76 games played. He played more then Laich, averaging 23:17 per game. He led the team in shots blocked with 93. Mike Knuble - RW The grizzled veteran improved on his last seasons total by 15 points. Notching 23 goals, 32 assists, 55 points put him 4th on team scoring. Not bad for the 39 year old. Martin Hanzal - C We already told you how he was one of the most valuable players for the Capitals, which made him one of the bright spots on the team. Tomas Vokoun - G 44 wins, 2.28 GAA, 0.909 S%, 2 shutouts, 4 assists. Doesn't put him amongst the top of the NHL in stats, but he got the job done, placing 2nd in wins. Other good stats: Alexander Ovechkin - 169 hits Nicklas Backstrom - 155 hits, 7 game winning goals. Troy Brouwer - 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points in 14 playoff games. Jeff Schultz - +16 (tied for 1st with Laich) Roman Hamrlik - 1 goal, 21 assists, 22 points, +15 So what are the Capitals strengths and weaknesses going into next year? Strengths - Defense - As long as Laich-Wideman continue playing as top pairing defenseman, and Hamrlik and Schultz play reliable defense, the D will remain strong. Carlson and Alzner will need to continue their development and improve over last seasons campaign. Potential Breakouts - Although it might not happen, but Marian Hossa went point per game in the playoffs, and Troy Brouwer had 13 points in 14 games. If they can follow through with a good season, the Capitals offense will be better then last year. The third line - Martin Hanzal was playing great on the 2nd line, and now he will be anchoring the 3rd line all year long. Jason Chimera and Troy Brouwer are defensively sound, and can produce points. Joel Ward can also jump onto that line if needed. Powerplay - Datsyuk, Ovechkin and Backstrom up front is dangerous. Laich and Wideman are solid offensive defenseman. The first PP unit will need to continue to capitilize on its chances. The 2nd PP unit is no slouch either. Hossa, Knuble, Brouwer and Carlson and Hamrlik on the points. Weaknesses - Discipline - The Capitals take too many penalties, and it has costed them games. The Capitals were 10th in penalty minutes, and this sometimes doesn't allow for the offensive players to play as much. Consistency - Ovechkin and Backstrom will need to step up period. Ovechkin makes nearly 10 million dollars. His 70 points is solid in this league, but a player of his calibre should be producing much more. He has two great centerman, and talent around him. Hossa will also need to step it up, and play like he did in the playoffs. Vokoun didn't play good in the playoffs. Ovechkin looks to rebound, regardless if hes on Washington or not. Depth Chart - LW Alexander Ovechkin Troy Brouwer Jason Chimera Ryan Potulny C Pavel Datsyuk Nicklas Backstrom Martin Hanzal Brendan Morrison Cody Eakin RW Marian Hossa Mike Knuble Joel Ward Matt Hendricks D Brooks Laich Dennis Wideman Roman Hamrlik John Carlson Jeff Schultz Mike Lundin Karl Alzner Thomas Hickey Dmitri Orlov G Tomas Vokoun Braeden Holtby Red = free agent Green = restricted free agent Draft Picks - WSH 1st round pick, WSH 2nd round pick. Who might be moved this off-season? Rumors are that Alexander Ovechkin and Karl Alzner may be moved. Ovechkin's NTC kicks in during 2014. Team may move Alzner for a NHL ready center prospect. 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InSoM- Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Season Recap: Washington Capitals... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ṣpiderman Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 I gave it a +1 because I know how much effort and time it takes to write something that long. It's not easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboose Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 I wish I had that much time on my hands. Good read PK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanev Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Canucks are looking for a top 4 puck moving defender. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niloc009 Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 EKLUND: Dallas has sacrificed a top defensive prospect along with a few picks for a top-10 goalie and a #2-3 defenceman and a few picks. The deal has been agreed upon, just waiting on the other team to gain some high cap hits in order to stay above the floor. e4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboose Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 RUMOURS: After discovering that the Zamboni driving clause in Komisarek's contract violated the CBA, Toronto felt there was no reason to keep him around. He has been moved for the hockey equivalent of a half eaten hot dog I am told. An elite young defensive defender has been traded for offensive help, and a top prospect. Toronto is going for a more Offensive Defense. (not as offensive as Komisarek's contract) As he is always one for overkill I am told that Leafs GM Caboose has added another top 4 OFD, leaving one defensive D in the lineup. Cab was seen praying that Reimer could hold the fort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InSoM- Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Lol you wrote an essay about how your Heatley deal was legit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboose Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 fracking troll! lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InSoM- Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 You play with fire you'll get burnt, asterisk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboose Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 UMADBRO!?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimon Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 EKLUND: Dallas has sacrificed a top defensive prospect along with a few picks for a top-10 goalie and a #2-3 defenceman and a few picks. The deal has been agreed upon, just waiting on the other team to gain some high cap hits in order to stay above the floor. e4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niloc009 Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Oleksiak + picks for...Kipper + Giordano + picks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboose Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Dallas neither confirms nor denies the rumours of Calgary players coming to the Southern state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niloc009 Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Translation: Oh frack off Chimon I wanted it to be a surprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susraiders Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Just a question, is/when is the draft lottery going to happen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InSoM- Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Translation: Oh frack off Chimon I wanted it to be a surprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Try Again Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Oleksiak + picks for...Kipper + Giordano + picks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedishdomination Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 yay! i love getting fleeced! ah i hate it when people automatically think i get fleeced even if its just a rumour i refuse to comment on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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