With an alternate work schedule today, I was able to attend my first Caps practice since training camp and first visit to Kettler Capitals Iceplex since the ribbon cutting press conference. I took a few notes and will present them in typical OFB Knee-Jerk style.
- I’d estimate the attendance at about 50-75 fans. A practice at high-noon can’t hurt and it makes me wish I worked closer to Ballston. It’s probably just as well because an “extended lunch” would probably become a bad habit.
- Attendance from the MSM included Lindsay Czarniak. Here’s hoping her non-game day visit means improved quantity and quality of Caps’ coverage on News4.
- Team mood seemed to be quite good. Amazing what winning — and winning big — can do.
- Through most of the practice, the top two stars of Sunday’s game were skating on the same line. Semin on the right wing and Fleishmann on the left. Beech centered them.
- Ovechkin was sporting a fish tank off his helmet, courtesy of Dan Boyle.
- With the hand injury, Pettinger was still practicing, albeit he was the lone man wearing red.
- At some point during drills, both Ovechkin and Semin each tried to complete a “Wheeler goal.”
- The last 5 minutes of the “official” practice icluded a shootout competition. Chris Clark’s team, clad in black, pitted against the Russians & Co., donning white. The cheers grew louder with each goal scored by the Men in Black. I soon found out the reason for the commotion. The losing team in white, upon their loss, took to the ice, laid down on their backs, and began a series of crunches. I didn’t notice if Brent Johnson had to endure the punishment of loss.
- An impromptu unofficial drill took place after practice with Brent Johnson in net surrounded by Brashear, Clark, Laich, Eminger and others as a shot was taken from the top of the circle. BJ would leave a rebound for one of the masses to pick up the sluff and try to score. I did not keep track.
- I was able to thank Lindsay for dramatic reduction of News4 sports replays that include slowed down action and cheesy sound effects. The SportsMachine style of replay, mercifully, seems to be headed to pasture with its trainer.
- When asked if WRC had named a replacement for the top sports anchor, Lindsay told me that she and Dan Hellie will split those duties. Congrats to both. With split responsibilities, all sports not owned by Dan Snyder should get increased coverage.
One Comment
I too was at practice yesterday. Here are Some of my thoughts:
I must say Lindsay’s hotter in person then on tv. And that is a complement.
As for the impromptu drill that took place with Brent in net, I’ve seen them do this before — Is it the equivalent of 21 in basketball?
One thing I noticed that was not referenced, is that Glenn was still coaching; you’ve got 9 games left and he’s telling his players to finish the drill the right way and not to quit if they miss a shot; to grind it out in the corners. In my opinion that is great to see;
Just my 2 cents.
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