Superstar Alexander Ovechkin returns to his NHL roots tonight at the RBC. Remember this photo fellow Caniacs, when the Caps made Alexander the Great the number one pick in the 2004 draft here in Raleigh?
I remember that day well, thinking to myself that I hope this kid doesn't come back here and hurt us when we play them "x" number of times a year. Well hurt us or not, I must admit I love to watch him play. Plus, anyone that gets in Daniel Briere's head is okay in my book! (Just kidding Buffalo fans!!)
Saturday night Laviolette used Seidenberg as Marian Hossa's shadow because Dennis literally followed him around all night and did a decent job keeping Hossa off the scoresheet. Might they try that again with Dennis on Alex tonight? The last couple of times we played Washington, the Canes did a good job with Ovechkin and Semin unlike the first game in Washington where they lit it up. The Canes lead the season series so far this year 2-1. Bret Hedican and Frank Kaberle are both still out. Tim Gleason is a possibility, but who gets benched if they allow him to play? Tim is anxious, but it might be better just to wait and make sure he is 100%.
The Canes are 4-0-1 in their last five. Brind'Amour leads the team with 52 points and The Wizard is right behind with 51. Ovechkin leads the Caps with 63 points and Semin is next with 44. Get used to the Capitals, the Canes are playing them 3 out of the next 4 games, with a home and home matchup next weekend. We'll see what happens at the barn tonight. Let's Go Canes!
Saliva