After recovering from an injury, Gordon has been a stalwart on the 4th line and the penalty-killing unit for the Caps. He seems to be a bit bigger this season, and has started to add a bit of a physical element to his game. Never a big-time offensive threat at any level, Gordon’s defensive and faceoff prowess are his ticket to regular playing time, and he can sometimes be found skating in Alexander Semin’s winger spot when the Caps are protecting a late lead.

In the future: Coach Glenn Hanlon has publicly stated that he no longer is expecting any offense from the quiet Gordon, and judges him only on defensive play. That’s good news for Gordon, who doesn’t figure to be much of an offensive player in the bigs. As long as he keeps his defensive conscience, work ethic and faceoff skills honed, he’ll probably have a spot in the Caps’ line-up.

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One-timer: Tomas Fleischmann

By OFB
Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Tomas Fleischmann’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)

Tomas Fleischmann - from WashingtoncCaps.comBack Story: Part of the return for Robert Lang during the firesale, Fleischmann had an excellent AHL season in 05-06, and tore up the playoffs with 32 points in 20 games as the Bears rolled to the Calder Cup. Many thought that performance paved the way to the big club for the talented Czech. (whose last name translates to ‘Meat Man’ in German, btw. That’s the kind of in-depth analysis you get here at OFB) When training camp rolled around, however, Fleischmann found himself back in Hershey. Undeterred, the winger quickly piled up more impressive numbers - 14 points ( 8g, 6a) in seven games in Chocolatetown. And soon after, it was “Rico Fata, please report to Europe, Tomas Fleischmann, please report to the Verizon Center”.

How’s it look so far? Uhm…incomplete. Fleischmann is averaging nine minutes of ice-time in his six Caps games this season, with one-and-a-half of those coming on the power play. The Caps, historically, have relegated young players to the fourth line and kept their minutes low — a tendency that hasn’t served them particularly well in some eyes. I’ve wondered if Coach Glenn Hanlon is keeping the reins tight until players like Fleischmann show they can become proficient in the defensive and forechecking aspects of the Caps’ system.

In the future: Good question. Fleischmann has pretty much shown he has outgrown the AHL — where he fits in at the NHL level is the issue. Though he’s put on some weight, he’s still fairly easy to take off the puck, and I’d suggest that tightening down on the defensive end will help his offense, in the end. In what is something of a common refrain this season, it’s an important campaign for Tomas this year — can he translate his considerable minor league success to big league glory? Keeping Fleischmann on the big club’s roster for the remainder of the season might go a ways as far as giving the 22-year-old a chance to show if he can adapt to the rigors of the NHL.

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One-timer: John Erskine

By OFB
Monday, November 13, 2006

John Erskine’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)

John Erskine - from WashingtoncCaps.comBack Story: Signed in the late off-season, Erskine’s game was suited for the ‘old’ NHL - big, physical, a wide mean streak and the ability to back it up. Initially demoted to Hershey, he’s been in the line-up the past two games.

How’s it look so far? Surprisingly to some, it’s looked okay. Erskine has, to this point, compensated for his lack of speed with acceptable positioning, and utilizing some sweep and poke checks when he’s getting beat (see the Carolina game). He’s thrown some solid hits, and has generally played within himself.

In the future: Erskine seems to have played himself in front of Muir (who has reverted to his previous form), and he hasn’t done anything particularly obvious to play himself into the press box, or back to Hershey. A defender with size, an edge to his game, and a defensive-oriented mind-set has been something that many Caps fans have been hoping for, and Erskine seems to be, in true knee-jerk tradition, the answer for that at this point. If he can keep his minor penalties down, and compensate for some of his shortcomings with smart defensive positioning, then he’ll likely be in a Caps sweater often. Two games isn’t much of a sample to judge a player on, however, and how long-term a solution Erskine represents is still very much up in the air.

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One-timer: Steve Eminger

By OFB
Monday, October 30, 2006

Steve Eminger’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)

Steve Eminger - from WashingtonCaps.comBack Story: Eminger suffered a middling season last year - an ankle injury (suffered when no one was within 5 feet of him) derailed any chance at consistency. Many are expecting Eminger to make ‘the leap’ this season.

How’s it look so far? Sadly, not so good, at this point. Eminger looks nervous at times, lost at times, and flat disinterested at times. Being paired with the struggling Clymer isn’t helping, but the occasional flashes of Eminger’s true ability are more frustrating than anything - some fans are beginning to wonder when and if the talented blueliner is going to put it all together. Expecting him to play like a hardened veteran this season is too much to ask; seeing solid improvement isn’t. While things have started off rocky, there’s plenty of time to turn things around, much like Morrisonn last season.

In the future: It’s probably not over-stating things to say this is may be a make-or-break season for Eminger in Washington. Rumors persist of his unhappiness with the Caps over being sent down to Portland in 03-04, and his on-ice performance seems listless. While there’s time to get things back on track, it’s not too early to wonder if Eminger needs a fresh start in another organization.

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One-timer: Ben Clymer

By OFB
Monday, October 23, 2006

Ben Clymer’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)

Ben Clymer - Photo from WashingtonCaps.com

Back story: Signed as a UFA prior to last season, Clymer responded with solid defensive play, a physical edge, and a career-high in goals. When the Caps resigned him for three years in the offseason, it raised more than a few eyebrows amongst the Caps’ faithful.

How’s it look so far? In a move that caught many fans off-guard, Clymer switched back to defense, his original position, in training camp, and the transition to the blueline hasn’t been without its bumps. Positioning hasn’t been too bad overall, and Clymer has kept his physicality, but keeping the puck in the zone and breaking out of the zone have been problems. In Clymer’s defense, these problems have been apparent throughout the Caps’ blueline, not just him.

In the future: It appears that there are no immediate plans to move Clymer back to forward, and it’s reasonable to expect Clymer to become more comfortable on the blueline as the season progresses. He should continue to see top 4 minutes and significant power-play time.

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One-timers: Chris Clark

By OFB
Saturday, October 21, 2006

Chris Clark’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s Take (via TSN)

Chris Clark - Photo from WashingtonCaps.com

Back Story: Chris Clark was acquired by General Manager George McPhee in what might be one of his best trades. Clark is the grinder on the Caps’ top line and was named team captain for the 2006-2007 campaign. He also set a career-high in goals, assists and points last season, though it is hard not to think that Alex Ovechkin on his opposite wing might have had at least a little to do with those accomplishments.

How’s it look so far? Clark was off the Caps’ number one line to start the season, was returned there one game later, and has flourished, to the tune of 2 goals and 6 assists in the Caps’ six games played. He’s thrown his weight around, as well. A knowledgeable friend of mine has dubbed Clark his MVP for the Caps so far, and it’s hard to argue with that.

In the future? I’ll be surprised if the Ovechkin-Zubrus-Clark line is broken up at this point, as they seem to have settled down a bit in the face of the defensive pressure that Ovechkin is drawing. Clark definitely seems to be taking advantage of the lesser attention, and his start has been as good as could be hoped. Clark could well be headed for another career season, but his true value to the team is his grit, defensive play and physicality. The offense is mostly gravy.

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One-timer: Donald Brashear

By OFB
Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Donald Brashear’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)

Donald Brashear - Photo from WashingtonCaps.com

Back Story: Donald Brashear is a top 10 enforcer in the league, at least, and may be in the top 2, behind Georges Laraque, and his job is simple: deter any rough stuff done unto his star player, Alex Ovechkin, and punish those who do not heed his warnings.

How’s it look so far? Well, it’s a funny thing, Brashear is also a decent, defense-minded winger — at least he has been in his first four games with Washington. He can hit with force, and has more skill than you’d think. Along with center Brian Sutherby and, most often, winger Brooks Laich, he’s part of a good defensive line for the Caps. On the enforcement side, he hasn’t gotten a major yet, though he tried to initiate some thing at home against Carolina after Tim Gleason’s kneeing penalty late in the third.

In the future? The continued thinning of the herd in respect to pure goons continues in the NHL, but Brashear is still in the league because he’s not just a goon. I’d imagine the combination of a kinder, gentler NHL and his reputation will keep Brashear’s fighting majors down in single digits, easily. If he can continue his defensive work and his physical game, however, that doesn’t mean he’s just taking up a roster spot. Indeed, those facets of his game, combined with his reputation and fighting ability, make him an valuable 4th line winger, at least. Coach Hanlon likes the way he and Sutherby are fitting together as well, and he may continue his 3rd line left wing role.

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One-timer: Matt Bradley

By OFB
Thursday, October 12, 2006

Matt Bradley’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s take (via TSN)

Matt Bradley - Photo from WashingtonCaps.com

Back Story: Bradley and the Caps agreed to a two-year deal in the off-season, to the surprise of some fans (quick shout-out to B.T. Marshall’s great salary page at Caps Corner). Bradley led the Caps in majors last season with eight.

How’s it look so far? Well, it hasn’t looked like anything yet, as Bradley has been on the shelf with a strained leg muscle. Mike Vogel reports that Bradley is expected in the line-up tonight in Minnesota.

In the future? Bradley brings size, speed, grit and a defensive bent to the ice, so it will be interesting to see if he’s paired up with fellow checker Brian Sutherby — the two, along with Ben Clymer, formed a strong defensive unit last year. Brooks Laich and Donald Brashear have both spent time on the third line, so it will be interesting to see who matches up tonight.

Bradley also has spent some time wearing the Alternate’s “A”, so it can be guessed that the Caps like the intangibles that he brings. It’s probably fair to expect 10 — 12 goals, 25 points, and some middleweight bouts from Bradley this season.

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One-timer: Kris Beech

By OFB
Tuesday, October 10, 2006

OFB starts a series of brief analyses of each player on the Caps’ big-league roster, discussing his game, what he brings to the ice, and some vague guesses as to how his season is going to work out.

Today’s player: Kris Beech

Kris Beech’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecasters’ Take (via TSN)

Kris Beech - Photo from WashingtonCaps.comBack story: The former first-round pick has bounced around in his career, but the Caps’ management showed that they see good things in Beech by including him in the return for Brendan Witt at the trade deadline.

How’s it look so far? So far this season, Beech is showing more foot-speed and more willingness to play the body than previously — I think it’s fair to consider how much being part of Hershey’s Calder Cup run boosted his confidence. Good thing, too, as this is likely his last shot at the NHL full-time.

Beech will never be fleet, but the increase in his speed will help, and his noted vision on the ice found him on the power play with the Alexanders late in the game against Carolina. He delivered with a pretty cross-crease assist on Semin’s hat-trick goal, which rewarded coach Glen Hanlon’s faith in him. For now.

In the future? The Caps’ emphasis on skating and stamina really helped out Matt Pettinger last year — will Beech be able to tap into that? If so, the way will be paved for Beech’s best NHL season. The Caps have a giant hole at second-line center, and if Beech can develop some chemistry with Alexander Semin (which doesn’t look impossible after early returns), then Beech is going to play big minutes; so far he has only six seconds less power play time than Zubrus does (who, in his defense, has a knee). If Beech keeps it up, he stays in the NHL. If not, it’s off to Europe.

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