Right! The NHL's 2008 Stanley Cup Final will become final when the Detroit Red Wings are awarded the world of sports' most coveted championship trophy either tonight or after a Game 7 on Saturday. That's absolutely true. Sorry Pittsburgh Penguins fans. OK, so I'm not really sorry. My point is that there is so much more to come.
There's the NHL Awards Show in Toronto on June 12, 2008. New season ticket holders for the
2008-2009 season can enjoy the show while picking out their Verizon Center seats at the Washington Capitals Open House that same evening. Of course, Alex Ovechkin is expected to receive another award or two. After already claiming the Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Art Ross Trophies for leading the league with 65 goals and 112 points, he's up for a couple MVP awards as well. We will find out if he got the votes he deserved for the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy on the 12th. Keep in mind that Nicklas Backstrom may take the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year, and Bruce Boudreau should get the Jack Adams Award for coaching the team from the cellar to the playoffs.
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Ottawa June 20 - 21. According to the NHL, 107 of the best draft eligible players arrived in Toronto last week for the Draft Combine. What do you think the Capitals will be looking for this year? General Manager George McPhee has done very well at the past few Drafts. Will he be as successful this time? It's a very exciting time for serious hockey fans.
On July 1st, hockey continues with the Unrestricted Free Agents hitting the open market. Although it's a more expensive route in acquiring veteran players, McPhee has also fared pretty well with this avenue. However, trades are where you usually get better value for your money. It'll be interesting to see who Washington is able to resign, who we might lose, and who George decides to bring to the team.
Another thing to look forward to is the Capitals Development Camp. Many of the young prospects will attend July 7th - 12th. Coaches and management get a better idea of what they have in the pipeline during this camp.
There really isn't that much down time. Sure, there will be a few weeks in the second half of the summer where things really slow down until training camp starts. But, there's plenty going on for a while yet.
There's the NHL Awards Show in Toronto on June 12, 2008. New season ticket holders for the
2008-2009 season can enjoy the show while picking out their Verizon Center seats at the Washington Capitals Open House that same evening. Of course, Alex Ovechkin is expected to receive another award or two. After already claiming the Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Art Ross Trophies for leading the league with 65 goals and 112 points, he's up for a couple MVP awards as well. We will find out if he got the votes he deserved for the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy on the 12th. Keep in mind that Nicklas Backstrom may take the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year, and Bruce Boudreau should get the Jack Adams Award for coaching the team from the cellar to the playoffs.The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Ottawa June 20 - 21. According to the NHL, 107 of the best draft eligible players arrived in Toronto last week for the Draft Combine. What do you think the Capitals will be looking for this year? General Manager George McPhee has done very well at the past few Drafts. Will he be as successful this time? It's a very exciting time for serious hockey fans.
On July 1st, hockey continues with the Unrestricted Free Agents hitting the open market. Although it's a more expensive route in acquiring veteran players, McPhee has also fared pretty well with this avenue. However, trades are where you usually get better value for your money. It'll be interesting to see who Washington is able to resign, who we might lose, and who George decides to bring to the team.Another thing to look forward to is the Capitals Development Camp. Many of the young prospects will attend July 7th - 12th. Coaches and management get a better idea of what they have in the pipeline during this camp.
There really isn't that much down time. Sure, there will be a few weeks in the second half of the summer where things really slow down until training camp starts. But, there's plenty going on for a while yet.
Trophy Photos - NHL, Young Guns Photo/Graphic - Washingtoncaps.com
2 comments:
Well, hello stranger. I was beginning to think that I would need to send a shipment of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups because I haven't seen a post in two weeks. Hope all is well.
Undoubtedly the Red Wings will hoist the Cup this week. I applaud the Penguins for Talbot’s *&^%$ goal with :34 remaining in regulation and their comeback in 3 OTs but injuries prevail: Malone (broken nose), Gonchar (back spasms), Sykora (undisclosed upper-body injury), and Crosby (ankle). The Red Wings might be older (average age 32 v 27) but, like fine wine, age reigns supreme.
I’m looking forward to the Caps Open House next week, and the draft to see who GM GM will sign. He signed Brads but what is the status of Green?
Thanks for your concern, but I'm OK. I had a secret stash of Reese's to get me through. May was a little bit of a trying month. I was busy with other things, and experienced a little self doubt as well. After spending a lot of time thinking things over, I'm ready to get back in the game.
The Penguins have gone a lot further than I thought they could go. When they made it to the Final series, I figured it would take 6 games. I'm still holding to that prediction.
Gonna be another busy summer for the Capitals. After the season Green had, it will take a little longer to get the deal done. I fully expect to see him in Washington for a long time.
I forsee a lot of posts on this blog over the next couple months. Hockey, music, rants, praises, etc.
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