The other Alexander's great too
Left wing Alexander Semin scored a tie-breaking goal two minutes into the third period to give the Capitals a 3-2 lead. It was Semin's eighth goal of the season, which ties him for the NHL lead. The goal also gave him the overall points lead with 15, at least until the Pittsburgh Penguins play on the West Coast later tonight. Penguins center Evgeni Malkin entered the day tied with Semin in that department.
The goal did not stand up, however, and the Capitals had to win the game, 4-3, in a shootout (2-1) that featured a goal by Semin and the game-winner by Michael Nylander.
"He (Semin) has been really, really good all year,'' said head coach Bruce Boudreau. "It's great to see the emotion in him. I really believe he's coming of age now...coming out of his shell a little. He's a very quiet guy, but he's coming out of his shell and starting to lead this team."
Comments
Listened to the game on the computer, tonite. Wow, what a game. You are right, with two Alexanders, this is going to be a great year.
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: They looked very strong in the first period, then faltered. But a win is a win, especially while Ovechkin is gone.
Posted by: PJ Finkelstien | October 28, 2008 11:44 PM
Hey Peter- Any word on Money Figures in the Markakis negots? Any word on anything? If Ryan Howard got 10 million in his first arb, Nick has got to get close to that right? i would rather have just 20 odd bombs and the .308 then 40 bombs and a .226. Not to mention the should be gold glove and a dozen sbs. That and I just plain like the kid. The o's system hasn;t exactly been a breeding ground for 40/40 position players or had a dead-eye for talent in the draft. Nicky rewards both. How about 7 years 80 million? 8,9,10,12,13,13,15.
.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: No, I don't think Nick gets more than $4 million in arbitration. It's a stair-step process. Howard was a special case because he hit 105 home runs in the previous two seasons.and drove in 285 runs. Nick, by comparison had 43 and 199. From a run-production standpoint, Howard had the equivalent of three Markakis seasons in two years. Also, he was a 3 1/2-year player, with 22 home runs and 66 RBI in about 200 at-bats as a rookie. That said, I don't think it should get to that point. They need to sign Nick this winter. Haven't heard any numbers yet.
Posted by: Ryan | October 29, 2008 5:02 AM
Attaboy Peter - always glad to see hockey show up in the Sun, wherever it might be. And Baltimore fans could take a lesson from the Capitals. After the lockout, the Caps were one of the worst teams in the league. But patience, good drafting, and a few shrewd free agent moves have the Caps positioned as good as anyone to come out of the East and play for the Stanley Cup. Should be an exciting year for Caps fans.
Posted by: Sam | October 29, 2008 6:40 AM
I really love this squad! I have been a Caps fan since I went to my first game as an 8 year old (Caps vs. Flyers at the old Cap Center, need I say more?). I have never, ever seen such an assemblage of young talent on this team. Between Ovie, Mike Green, Semin, and Backstrom, we are going to be lighting the lamp for years to come. It's also encouraging to be winning games with so many injuries on what was already a suspect defense. I would like to see a little more consistency from the goalies. I've seen Theodore give up some week 5 hole goals and he needs to step up, because I don't think 20 year old studmeister Simeon Varlamov will be ready this year. Either way, I've never felt so confident about the future of this franchise.
...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: My association with hockey has been, at best, very sporatic. Used to go to a game or two when I was in LA (at the Fabulous Forum). Also saw the Ducks at The Pond, but that was after I moved here. My kid was a Caps fan, so we went if it was a special occasion. I'm going to try and spend more time there this year and do an occasional blog night like last night.
Posted by: Mr. Deez | October 29, 2008 9:47 AM
I almost hope OV stays out for a few games to see how they do without him (only because it's early in the season). It could be a valuable confidence builder for a lot of the guys who don't get the spot light. Also, did anyone notice the huge grin on Brashear's face as he was congratulating everyone as they left the ice on saturday? It's cool to see him show emotion for a win, I sometimes feel like he exists next to the Caps, not with them... Love that guy!
LET'S GO FLACCO!
Seb
Posted by: Sebastian | October 29, 2008 10:07 AM