Capitals Insider: November 9, 2008 - November 15, 2008
Devils Defeat Caps in Shootout, 6-5
The Capitals saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, but thanks to a last-second goal by Alex Ovechkin they were able to earn a point in their seventh-straight game. Washington only has one regulation loss in eight games this November and has claimed points in nine of its...
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Katie Carrera
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November 15, 2008; 11:03 PM ET |
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Semin Leaves Warm Up (Update)
Alexander Semin left the ice after the first five minutes of warm ups, which likely means he won't be playing tonight against the Devils. **It's official Semin is scratched tonight as are Shaone Morrisonn and Sergei Fedorov. The Fleischmann-Nylander-Clark line and defense pairing of Poti and Sloan will start. Here...
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Katie Carrera
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November 15, 2008; 6:43 PM ET |
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Semin's Status Still Uncertain
Coach Bruce Boudreau said that the Capitals won't know until after warm up if Alexander Semin will play in tonight's game at Prudential Center, but that it will be Semin's call as to whether he is healthy enough to face the Devils. Semin left yesterday's 3-1 win over New Jersey...
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Katie Carrera
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November 15, 2008; 5:29 PM ET |
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Semin Questionable; Nylander In
Alexander Semin is questionable for tonight's game at Prudential Center after leaving last night's 3-1 win over the Devils with an upper body injury. It's unclear what happened to him, but he did not play at all in the third period and appeared to be favoring his shoulder/neck/back. "He's going...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 15, 2008; 11:09 AM ET |
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Caps 3, Devils 1
With a wake up call coming in a few hours, I've got to be quick tonight. If you missed the game, here's what you need to know: *Jose Theodore had his best performance as a Capital, making 32 saves. He also came up with the best stop of the season...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 11:29 PM ET |
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Semin's Injury Not Serious
Although the team didn't provide any details on Alexander Semin's status after the game, I'm hearing he suffered an upper body injury -- perhaps a minor shoulder sprain -- and could be ready to play tomorrow in New Jersey. I hope to know more tomorrow morning....
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 9:56 PM ET |
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Semin Injured
Winger Alexander Semin suffered an undisclosed injury and did not return for the third period tonight against the Devils. A team spokesman would only say that he is day-to-day. I hope to get more after the game....
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 9:11 PM ET |
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'Great Chance' Nylander Plays Tomorrow
When asked about Michael Nylander's status moments ago, Coach Bruce Boudreau repeated what he said this morning, "he's getting a rest." Whether that "rest" has anything to do with him getting one point in his previous seven games, I guess we'll never know because Boudreau didn't share much about the...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 5:24 PM ET |
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Lightning Fires Melrose, Promotes Tocchet
Well, that didn't take long. Sixteen Games to be exact. From TSN.ca: The Tampa Bay Lightning have relieved head coach Barry Melrose of his duties and named associate coach Rick Tocchet interim head coach. The Lightning are in the midst of a three-game slump and are 4-5-1 in the past...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 4:38 PM ET |
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Tonight's Lineup
Based on the fact that Michael Nylander (healthy), Sergei Fedorov (ankle) and Shaone Morrisonn (goin) are out, here's what I expect the lineup to look like tonight against the Martin Brodeur-less Devils: Goal Theodore Forwards Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin Fleischmann-Laich-Kozlov Fehr-Steckel-Clark Brashear-Gordon-Bradley Defense Schultz-Green Poti-Sloan Erskine-Jurcina...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 11:35 AM ET |
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Update on Morrisonn
Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn practiced again today, but said afterward that he won't play tonight and isn't sure if he'll travel with the team for tomorrow's game in New Jersey. For that reason, Tyler Sloan has remained with the team and the 'D' pairings do not appear to have changed from...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 11:28 AM ET |
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Fedorov Won't Play This Weekend
Sergei Fedorov, who has been sidelined the past eight days with an ankle injury, said he's getting better and he even practiced with the team this morning. But the veteran center also said he does not expect to play this weekend, though he's hopeful he can make the long road...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 11:16 AM ET |
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More on Nylander
As you've probably seen by now, Michael Nylander will be a healthy scratch tonight against Devils. Nylander had already left the dressing room by the time I got there, but I can say that this move has been under consideration for a few games now. Nylander has one assist in...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 10:57 AM ET |
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Nylander A Healthy Scratch
Michael Nylander, who has only one assist in his past seven games, will be a healthy scratch tonight. Jose Theodore will start in goal and likely face Scott Clemmensen. Sergei Fedorov is also out, as is Shaone Morrisonn. More in a minute....
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 14, 2008; 10:20 AM ET |
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Morning Reading List
Brent Johnson hopes to not miss any playing time after injuring his hip against Carolina on Wednesday, but he will most likely back up Jose Theodore tonight at Verizon Center against New Jersey. Theodore hasn't started since the Caps 5-0 loss to Buffalo on Nov. 1, but now has a...
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Katie Carrera
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November 14, 2008; 9:34 AM ET |
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Caps Sign Prospect Carlson
The Caps have signed 2008 first round draft pick John Carlson to a three-year entry level contract, the team announced this afternoon. Carlson, 18, was one of the biggest surprises of training camp, and the defenseman has continued his strong play with London of the OHL, where he has two...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 13, 2008; 4:48 PM ET |
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Morrisonn Will Be a Game-Time Decision
Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn practiced for the first time since suffering a groin muscle pull last week and said afterward that he's close to returning to the lineup. If not tomorrow night against the Devils, it's possible he'll get back into the lineup in New Jersey on Saturday. Just in case,...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 13, 2008; 12:28 PM ET |
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Johnson Okay To Backup
Brent Johnson didn't practice today, but the goalie said he'll be available to backup tomorrow night against the Martin Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils. So there won't be a call-up. "It's not bad," Johnson said. "You never want to do that Jose, but you don't want to stay out there and...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 13, 2008; 12:20 PM ET |
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Morrisonn Returns; No Fedorov Or Johnson
After hurting his hip in the first period of last night's 5-1 win in Carolina, Brent Johnson is not practicing today. But the Caps haven't made a recall, so maybe it's not very serious (or perhaps they're just trying to save a day of salary against the Cap). Defenseman Shaone...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 13, 2008; 11:11 AM ET |
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Morning Reading List
Led by their top line of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin, who were on the ice for each of the Capitals goals, Washington put together its most dominant performance of the season in a convincing 5-1 win over Carolina to claim sole ownership of the Southeast Division lead....
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Katie Carrera
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November 13, 2008; 8:42 AM ET |
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Caps 5, 'Canes 1
Just how dominant was the Alexander Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Alexander Semin line tonight? Well, they were on the ice for all five goals in the Caps' 5-1 victory over the 'Canes, which gave Washington sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division. Consider these stats: Semin -- 2 goals, 3 assists,...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 12, 2008; 11:22 PM ET |
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Johnson Hurts Hip
Goalie Brent Johnson doesn't think the injury he suffered in the first period is too serious. He injured his left hip while kicking out his pad as the Caps killed off a 5-on-3 'Canes power play. "It felt pretty bad out there, but it's tough to tell right now," Johnson...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 12, 2008; 10:10 PM ET |
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Johnson Injured
Goalie Brent Johnson did not return for the start of the second period after appearing to tweak his leg while making a save in the final seconds of the first. I have not received an update on his condition, but I hope to get one after the game. Johnson appeared...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 12, 2008; 8:01 PM ET |
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Fehr Is Out
It's official: right wing Eric Fehr, fresh off notching his first goal of the season against Tampa Bay, is a scratch tonight. Some reward, huh? As for the rest of the lineup, I'm told it will be the same as this morning's. Check back later for post-game notes, quotes and...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 12, 2008; 6:36 PM ET |
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Poll: Your Ideal Goal Total
I see there's been a lot of discussion about last night's barnburner between Detroit and Pittsburgh. Earlier today, I heard from a colleague of mine who is a Wings fan and a self-described "stick in the mud". He suggested there was simply too much scoring in the 7-6 Pittsburgh overtime...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 12, 2008; 4:04 PM ET |
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Johnson To Start; Kozlov Returns
After missing last game with an undisclosed injury, right wing Viktor Kozlov will be back in the lineup tonight, Coach Bruce Boudreau said after the morning skate at RBC Center. Boudreau wouldn't say which forward will be forced out of the lineup, but Eric Fehr, who got his first goal...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 12, 2008; 12:07 PM ET |
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Morning Reading List
The Capitals are looking to extend their winning streak to four games and take sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division tonight against Carolina, and they'll have to do both without veterans Shaone Morrisonn and Sergei Fedorov, who did not travel to Raleigh, N.C. On to your Carolina...
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Katie Carrera
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November 12, 2008; 9:16 AM ET |
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Tuesday Morning Update
As you probably know by now, there was no practice today. The Caps are in the midst of an incredibly busy stretch and, at this point, practice might do more harm that good. Anyway, as far injuries go, Shaone Morrisonn and Sergei Fedorov both skated today but it doesn't look...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 11, 2008; 12:11 PM ET |
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Morning Reading List
The Capitals had their own idea of how to welcome former netminder Olie Kolzig to Verizon Center, with two goals on their first two shots en route to a 4-2 victory that you can read more about in Tarik's story for the hard-copy edition. With the win, Washington tied Carolina...
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Katie Carrera
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November 11, 2008; 9:15 AM ET |
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Caps 4, 'Bolts 2
A win is a win is a win. Right? Well not really. The Capitals pulled out a 4-2 win over Olie Kolzig and the Lightning tonight, but Coach Bruce Boudreau wasn't all that happy with the effort, particularly after the first period. He watched his Capitals get outshot 18-6 in...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 11, 2008; 12:00 AM ET |
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Tonight's Lineup
As you may have seen, Sergei Fedorov, Shaone Morrisonn and Viktor Kozlov are out tonight for the Caps. Brent Johnson will make his fourth straight start and oppose some guy name Olie. Coach Bruce Boudreau said there were no changes to the lineup, so it should look like this: Forwards...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 6:12 PM ET |
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Kolzig Praises Johnson, Semin
In case you didn't already know, Olie Kolzig and Brent Johnson aren't just former teammates, they are very good friends and have remained in close contact with one another. Because of that, Kolzig had plenty of positive things to say about Johnson, who was named the NHL's third star of...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 4:20 PM ET |
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Halpern Hopes To Return In January
Just tell me to stop if you're sick of hearing about former Caps. But I figured there's a bunch of folks out there who want an update on Jeff Halpern, a local favorite and former Caps captain. Halpern, as you probably know, suffered a major injury to his knee (torn...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 1:03 PM ET |
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Melrose: 'Olie Will Be Able to Handle it'
Lightning Coach Barry Melrose went out of his way this morning to say that Olie Kolzig wanted to play tonight. "We asked Olie, and I felt we owed it to him," Melrose said. "I know some goalies would rather not play this game. I said that it would be no...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 12:56 PM ET |
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Eminger Surprised by Trade to Tampa
I also caught up with former Capitals defenseman Steve Eminger, who was traded from Philadelphia to Tampa Bay on Friday. He said he was caught off guard the move and was told by Flyers' management that it wasn't because of his play. "I was happy with the way things were...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 12:37 PM ET |
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Kolzig: 'The butterflies started last night'
Starting goaltenders don't usually talk to reporters after the morning skate, but Olie Kolzig made an exception today. Standing outside of the visitors' dressing room at Verizon Center, a room he had never been in before today, here's what the former Cap had to say: "November 10th came a lot...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 12:17 PM ET |
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Kozlov Out Tonight
A very quick update from KCI: Sergei Fedorov, Shaone Morrisonn and Viktor Kozlov are out tonight against Tampa Bay. Coach Bruce Boudreau said Kozlov, who was wearing an orange jersey this morning, is nursing a nagging injury (he would not be specific) and that he's still hopeful Fedorov and Morrisonn...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 10:14 AM ET |
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Morning Reading List, Kolzig Edition
Tonight when Olie Kolzig plays the 780th NHL game in his career it will only be the fourth that he hasn't played in a Caps jersey. In today's hard-copy edition Mike Wise reminds fans that Kolzig deserves all the respect Verizon Center can offer when he starts in net for...
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Katie Carrera
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November 10, 2008; 10:12 AM ET |
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Poll: Kolzig vs. Caps
With two points in the Southeast Division on the line and an old friend in the opposing net, the Caps are hoping for a big night tonight at Verizon Center. At the other end of the ice, Olie Kolzig, who's been pretty good this season, would like nothing more than...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 10, 2008; 6:58 AM ET |
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Boudreau: 'I Like Olie'
As I mentioned in the previous post, Shaone Morrisonn and Sergei Fedorov did not practice today. They are "questionable" for tomorrow's game against Tampa Bay, while Chris Clark, who did skate, is "possible". Asked how hopeful he is that Morrisonn and/or Fedorov will be able to play, Boudreau said: "I...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 9, 2008; 11:58 AM ET |
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Sunday Morning Update
Shaone Morrisonn and Sergei Fedorov are among several Caps who are not taking part in this morning's optional practice. Mike Green, Alexander Semin, Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich and Brent Johnson also are not skating. Chris Clark, who, according to Coach Bruce Boudreau is nursing a minor injury, is on the...
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Tarik El-Bashir
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November 9, 2008; 11:24 AM ET |
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