The Washington Capitals Are Moving On

Sergei Fedorov and the Capitals skate past the Rangers to the semifinals.
April 28, 2009 photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo.

The Washington Capitals won their first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, when they defeated the New York Rangers in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.

Everybody knows about the offensive power of the Capitals, and although the Rangers are not known as particularly offensively gifted, Washington held them to fewer shots on average than any other team in the first round. The Caps also got great goaltending out of their young NHL rookie Simeon Varlamov, who earned two shutouts during the series.

So, we know the team is ready. For the first time since 1998, the Washington Capitals are "Moving On" the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They will be facing the Pittburgh Penguins. Here's the schedule for the semifinals.

Triumph - "Moving On"

Rangers Vs Capitals 04/28/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 7 Review

Sergei Fedorov celebrates winning goal with Alex Ovechkin and Viktor Kozlov.
April 28, 2009 photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo.

Rangers 1 - Capitals 2

The Washington Capitals advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1998, when they defeated the New York Rangers in Game 7 at home Tuesday night, April 28, 2009.

The Rangers, as expected, came out full of determination and played at their top level. The Capitals started off the game a lot weaker than their fans would ever want to see in a Game 7. New York's goalie Henrik Lundqvist was as sharp as ever and Washington's netminder Simeon Varlamov was just as good. It was Varlamov who was tested early, due to the sheepish play by most of the Capitals for the first several minutes.

The visitors scored the first goal at 5:35 in the first period. Alex Ovechkin was joined by defenseman John Erskine in clearing forward Brandon Dubinsky from the front of the Caps' net while Varlamov made a stick save on his shot, leaving a hole for the snap shot of Nik Antropov to find it's way into the net. The fact that the home team wins a Game 7 about 63% of the time was little comfort to the hometown fans who also remembered that the team that had scored first has won every game but the first of this series. About ten minutes later, worried fans got some relief when Washington's Alexander Semin evened up the score. Just out of the penalty box, Mike Green joined Semin and Nicklas Backstrom for a 3 on 2 odd man rush. Backstrom left a drop pass to Semin as they neared the goal. Semin's shot deflected off the stick of Ryan Callahan and fluttered into the far side of the cage.

Neither team scored in the second period. The Rangers continued to play strong, but there was also some improvement by the Capitals. Some nervous (and classless) fans with higher expectations, due to the accomplishments of the team over the past two seasons, booed their team anyway.

The team leaders, it has been reported, spoke a few words of probably both warning and encouragement before the start of the third period. That seemed to help an awful lot, and Washington came alive when they got back to the ice. Fans also added fuel to the fire by cheering on the team the rest of the way. From the reactions of the players, that made as big a difference as anything. The Capitals kept up the pressure on the Rangers, while New York seemed to be running out of gas. With about five minutes left in the game, 39 year old Sergei Fedorov scored the playoff game winning (12th of his career) and playoff series winning goal. Matt Bradley fed Feds from the sidewall in the Caps end. Fedorov skated up the ice and fired the puck in top shelf, giving him point number 172 in his 176th playoff game.

The first round playoff series between the Capitals and the Rangers probably shouldn't have taken seven games to decide, but we're not going to hang our heads down now, are we? Some important lessons have been taught by the older, more experienced players and learned by the younger players. All of Washington's players know more about what they are capable of, as a team and as far as individuals. The players, coaches and the entire organization has made us Washington Capitals fans very proud.

The Rangers Should "Expect No Mercy"!

Matt Bradley celebrates Game 5 goal at Capitals bench.
April 24, 2009 photo by Getty Images.

There's been a lot of useless and unwarranted drama on and off the ice during the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Especially in the series between the Southeast Division Champion Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers.

The Rangers, who just barely made it into the playoffs, have tried all sorts of mind games, dirty tricks and misleading accusations to distract the much more well equiped Capitals from focusing on their goal.

Sure, they may have a right to be unhappy about a couple things that have happened, even though they've gotten away with so much more. For the Capitals, all those things need to take a back seat to the main event. Game 7 of the series takes place at Verizon Center in Washington, DC tonight. However mistreated the Rangers may feel, they should "Expect No Mercy"!

Nazareth - "Expect No Mercy"

Capitals Vs Rangers 04/26/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 6 Review

Tom Poti celebrates goal with David Steckel on April 26, 2009.
Photo by Getty Images

Capitals 5 - Rangers 3

The Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers was evened up 3-3 yesterday, when the Capitals beat the Rangers in New York, after having been down by three games to one.

The Rangers' temporary bench boss was Assistant GM and interim coach Jim Schoenfeld. Schoenfeld took over the position for this game while Head Coach John Tortorella had a seat upstairs. Tortorella had been suspended for one game for throwing a water bottle at an unruly spectater in Washington at Game 5. The decision to suspend Torts was followed up by Rangers GM Glen Sather asking NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to punish the Capitals for what he thought was a lack of action by their security personnel. His request, which was full of fantasy about how well behaved the fans are in their arena, is just another desperate move by an organization that will stop at nothing to gain any advantage they can.

As far as the game itself, it was another display of the Capitals superiority over the Rangers. Simeon Varlamov didn't have to make very many spectacular saves in net for the Caps, but he was good when he needed to be. Washington's first three goals were all scored by defensemen. Milan Jurcina was first to light the lamp, putting the puck past goalie Henrik Lundqvist at 7:09 in the first period. Matt Bradley had blocked a clearing attempt and the puck ended up with David Steckel. Steckel's centering pass reached Brooks Laich, who dished it to Jurcina for the well screened shot. Uncharacteristically for the Rangers, they answered back with a power play goal by Scott Gomez about a minute later. The next power play opportunity belonged to the Capitals, and Mike Green banged in a rebound off of an Alexander Semin shot that was set up by defenseman Tom Poti. A few minutes later, Poti just got out of the penalty box for a puck over the glass delay of game call, when he found himself joining David Steckel and Boyd Gordon for a three on one odd man rush going into New York's end. It was a beautiful play that ended with Poti tipping in a cross ice pass from Steckel.

Halfway through the second period, Poti was involved in another Washington goal. Sergei Fedorov got the puck to Poti from behind the Caps net, and he sent an outlet pass to Viktor Kozlov. Kozlov skated the puck the rest of the way and ended up following the puck into the Rangers' net after his game winning shot. Poti would also be a part of a power play goal by Alex Ovechkin at 16:44. Nicklas Backstrom had control of the puck high in the slot. Under pressure, he sent it back to Poti at the point. Ovechkin purposefully deflected in Poti's slap shot.

As in Game 5, Steven Valiquette replaced Lundqvist to start the third period. At least one of the Rangers' two goals in the third shouldn't have happened, but they didn't change the outcome of the game anyway. After a couple really weak calls that sent defenseman John Erskine to the penalty box for holding and Backstrom for hooking, the Rangers scored their second goal during the 5 on 3. Shortly after getting back to even strength from a couple more bad calls, New York got their final meaningless goal just before time ran out.

Just as they did last season, Washington has come from seeming to be hopelessly behind in the series, to forcing a Game 7. Their talent and relentless determination has gotten them far, and should carry them past the Rangers in the final game of the series.

Hey John Tortorella, Have A Drink On Me

Since New York's pesky little jerk Sean Avery was a healthy scratch for last night's Game 5 of the playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Rangers, the in game entertainment had to come from somewhere else.

Apparently, some fans gave Rangers coach John Tortorella (Inset NHL / Rangers file photo to left) a hard time. At one point, Tortorella threw a water bottle into the stands. Later, he was threatening the fans behind New York's bench with a hockey stick. It looked like he was trying to jam the stick through the plexiglass that separates the bench area from the stands. One of the hecklers may have thrown or poured a beer on Torts. The fan didn't appear to be wearing red (Caps' team color), and may have in fact been an unhappy Rangers fan. The "gentleman" was eventually escorted out of the building.

AC/DC -"Have A Drink On Me"

Rangers Vs Capitals 04/24/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 5 Review

Matt Bradley scores first goal of Game 5 on April 24, 2009.
Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo.

Rangers 0 - Capitals 4

The Washington Capitals extended their first round playoff series to at least a Game 6 by shutting out the New York Rangers 4-0 for the second time in the post season. The Rangers played hard, but the Capitals were at least a little better in every category.

Forward Matt Bradley scored the first goal of the game with the very first shot on goal, while the Caps were killing off their first penalty. It was only the second shorthanded goal in all of the 2009 Quarterfinals so far, and Bradley's first ever NHL level playoff goal. The primary assist came from Boyd Gordon, who cleared the puck from behind the Caps' net, sending it along the boards. Bradley collected the puck just inside the offensive zone, drove straight through the slot and slid it past goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Just 7:09 later and still in the first period, Bradley got his second goal of the game with a severe angle shot from the sidewall, near the goal line.

The other two goals came from Alexander Semin and Alex Ovechkin during the second period. Ovechkin's goal was another highlight reel spectacle, scored 29 seconds before the end of the period. He grabbed the puck at the Caps' blueline and skated it all the way up ice. After entering the Rangers' end, he plowed through New York forward Chris Drury as he went across the ice, slid the puck between the legs of defenseman Derek Morris and then headed right down the middle. He sent a backhander to the net as he fell to the ice, and Aaron Voros rode piggy back as Ovie slid to the end wall.

There were a lot of penalties called in this very physical game, with 11 of the 19 committed by the Rangers. That's not the best game plan fellas. There were a few more that could have been called, but this game probably was officiated a little bit better than in the previous contests. I would like to know why it always seems like the referees end up holding on to Washingtons' players at the end of fights, while the other guys get a few more punches in. Thankfully, we've got seriously tough guys like John Erskine and Donald Brashear, who can take some sucker punches. Our enforcers can also play hockey pretty well too, unlike New York's thug only Colton Orr.

If you're a Capitals fan, it's a time to be proud of your team. They did just about everything right, including chasing Henrik Lundqvist from between the pipes, by scoring four goals within their first 14 shots on net in the first two periods. He was replaced by Steven Valiquette at the start of the third. Valiqutte didn't give up any goals on the measly seven shots that made it to the net, but New York never got anything past Simeon Varlamov through all 60 minutes, earning him his second shutout of the series. Former Washington goalie Olie Kolzig is the only other Capital to have earned more than one shutout (4 in 1998) during a playoff series. The Caps also blocked 21 shots in this game, while the Rangers only blocked 11.

The Capitals will now head back to New York for Game 6 on Sunday afternoon. They must win that game to get a Game 7 back in Washington, DC. They must win both games to advance to the next round and avoid elimination.

Queen + Paul Rodgers 'Live In Ukraine' 2CD + DVD Package Sets Available In June

The Queen + Paul Rodgers new 'Live In Ukraine' 2CD Album / DVD package sets are scheduled to be released on June 15, 2009. For those of us who could not attend the actual "Life Must Go On" benefit concert or any of the tour dates for 'The Cosmos Rocks' album that followed, this is an important release. The closest we've been to experiencing the newer music live in the USA was the 'Let The Cosmos Rock' one night only movie theatre version of this concert.The following Press Release was issued on April 13th.


Queen + Paul Rodgers Live in Ukraine
Release date: June 15th

Formats / Package Choices:
DVD Amaray Box
2CD Album + DVD Limited Edition
Tin Box 2CD Album + DVD + T-Shirt
Digital Download (Audio only)

When it comes to taking on logic-defying challenges, Queen have never fought shy: think Hyde Park, Latin America, Live Aid. All these years later, Queen are still living adventurously. Here’s the case in point: just weeks ahead of the start of the band’s 2008 Queen + Paul Rodgers’ The Cosmos Rocks tour the band were approached to help Ukraine’s AntiAids Foundation reach out to the youth of the country with the message "Don’t Let Aids Ruin Your Life”.

In a country facing the highest rising rate of infection throughout Europe, it is a message which cannot wait. For Queen + Paul Rodgers - already well prepared for a tour opening with two nights at Moscow’s SCO arena, it would mean some drastic rethinking. The venue on offer was Kharkov, Ukraine’s, historic Freedom Square, a place so big that during World War II it was used to land planes. For the band and crew it meant “Everyone had to run very fast, very suddenly, but then most of the great and worthwhile things in your life are a little dangerous.” Despite the seeming impossibility of it, Queen + Paul Rodgers made it to Freedom Square for the night of September 12, 2008.

Over 350,000 Ukrainians came to see them play and more than 10million homes watched the show live on television. In all, more than 20 million took part in what the band recall as “an unforgettable experience…one of those rare things in life you know you will never forget. A meeting in Music, but also a coming together to fight a common enemy…”

Learn more at:
http://www.antiaids.org/ / http://www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com/

Tracklisting:
One Vision
Tie Your Mother Down
Show Must Go On
Fat Bottomed Girls
Another One Bites The Dust
Hammer To Fall
I Want It All
I Want To Break Free
Seagull
Love Of My Life
‘39
Drum Solo
I’m In Love With My Car
Say It's Not True

--------------------------------------- (proposed CD split point)

Shooting Star
Bad Company
Guitar Solo
Bijou
Last Horizon
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
C-lebrity
Feel Like Making Love
Bohemian Rhapsody
Cosmos Rockin'
All Right Now
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
God Save The Queen

Capitals Vs Rangers 04/22/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 4 Review

Capitals players watch final minute of Game 4 from bench April 22, 2009.
Photo by Julie Jacobson / AP Photo.

Capitals 1 - Rangers 2

After seeming to have learned some important lessons in the first two games in round one of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Washington Capitals appeared to have lost their notes before last night's disappointing loss to the New York Rangers in Game 4.

If you watched the game, you know that both of New York's goals came with the help of a few incredibly lucky bounces. The game winner, scored by the essentially one handed (injured) Chris Drury, came about when Caps' netminder Simeon Varlamov had trouble closing his glove on the puck and eventually dropped it (Would have been a good time for one of those quick whistles, ref!). The puck bounced to Drury, who got another fortunate bounce off of Varlamov, on a shot from an almost impossible angle. The game could have turned out very differently if some of those pipe ringing shots by Washington had been the teensiest bit more accurate, or gotten some of those lucky bounces. However, leaving the what ifs behind and concentrating on the controllable things the Caps did and didn't do, shows where they went wrong.

They didn't win nearly as many of the faceoffs as they had been (Caps 33% - Rangers 67%). Some of them didn't refrain from using too many cutesy little moves instead of keeping it simple as in the previous game, which they won. Washington finally started putting a lot of traffic in front of Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist during that win, but there was almost never more than one guy anywhere near the opponent's net in last night's contest. They had a couple less giveaways (Caps 5 - Rangers 7) than New York , but they also had fewer takeaways (Caps 8 - Rangers 12).

Perhaps one of the biggest questions fans are asking is ... "What the hell is wrong with Mike Green ?". He had two assists in Game 1, but has faded into the background since then. He was on the ice for 29:52 last night, more than any other Washington Capital, but only managed two hits. Green just isn't playing like he did for most of the regular season, a level of play which earned him a spot as finalist for the Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's top defenseman.

Lundqvist has been goaltending as well as he ever has, and that's freakin' great. But if Washington keeps firing tons of shots at him, some more are going to start to go in. They've got to keep the pressure on him as much as possible. To do that, they'll have to get through New York's defense, which has been great, but not unbeatable.

With the loss, the Capitals find themselves in the same spot they were in last year, down three games to one. If they were able to force a Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers in that series, surely they can do the same against the inferior New York Rangers in this one. They will have to win three straight to make it to the next round. To do that, they are going to have to get much more physical and start converting on their scoring chances. Alex Ovechkin scored the Caps only goal in this game, his first of this series, and that's a very good sign. He'll likely get on a hot streak now, but he's going to need some help.

Capitals Vs Rangers 04/20/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 3 Review

Simeon Varlamov closes off goal mouth April 20, 2009.
Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images.

Capitals 4 - Rangers 0

The Washington Capitals turned things around in Game 3 of the Quarterfinals versus the New York Rangers. Down two games to none, they broke through the barriers to score four goals on netminder Henrik Lundqvist. Meanwhile, goalie Simeon Varlamov and the Caps held the Rangers scoreless.

Washington had done many things right in their two playoff loses, but they improved on the aspects that were lacking. The forwards drove to the net, with all four goals shot from close range (Alex Semin - 2 Goals, Brooks Laich - 1 PPG, Tom Poti - 1 PPG). Nicklas Backstom was brilliant in every facet, including two perfect passes that led to goals. The defensemen kept the level of traffic in front of the Capitals net under control. Forward Alex Ovechkin still hasn't scored a goal in the series, but he's lent a hand to defense by clearing some of that traffic himself, among other things. Washington players worked as a team in this one, and kept to simple play. They also only had one giveaway, after having been very genorous in that area the previous two games.

Goaltending is one of the areas that didn't need improvement, at least not since the second game. Simeon Varlamov who only allowed one goal in Game 2, the first in which he played, continued to breathe hope into the hearts of Caps fans. Since that one goal, Varlamov has stopped 55 consecutive shots on goal through over 112 minutes of play. He became only the fourth NHL goalie in history to shutout an opponent in the playoffs before the age of 21.

The future, both near and far off, looks very bright for this team. I'm confident they will go far in the playoffs this year and many years to come.

It's Not The 'Kiss Of Death'

Alex Ovechkin reacts to hitting cross bar in third period of Game 2.
April 18, 2009 photo by Getty Images.

The Southeast Division Champion (2 consecutive seasons) Washington Capitals have fallen behind in the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. They lost the first game at home last Wednesday, then were shut out on Saturday afternoon. But it's not over yet Caps' fans. Getting behind by two games isn't the 'Kiss Of Death'. They can still pull it off. It hasn't been done very often, but it has been done before. It will be done again, so why not now? Why not by the Washington Capitals? Below, you'll see some of my thoughts on the current situation.


This is not a time for the coach or the players to say ... "I don't know what else to do".

The fans shouldn't be praying or begging ... "Please don't let this happen".

Everyone should remember ..."Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger".

After the Capitals come back from behind to win the series, John Tortorella and the New York Rangers will tell you ... "Red is my bad luck color. I ain't got nothin' to do with red".

To those inconsistent refs, I say ... be a "Man of honor". And no, I don't need you to ask ... "Do you want my hand on it or somethin'?".

To Washington's defensemen, when you're guarding your own net ... "The time has come for everyone to clean up their own backyard".

When I hear Torts complaining about the officials, I think to myself (Dan, Jr. of Junior's Eyes ) ... "This mother smells scared Junior".

All the Capitals players need to be thinking ... "I will do whatever I have to do to protect me and mine".

Hey Alex Ovechkin. If anybody that's asked about your chances of winning the Stanley Cup this year says ... "Now is not the time my man, but I'm gonna see you real soon", just answer back ... "See me now!".

'Kiss Of Death' movie trailer.

Montreux Music Announces Freddie Mercury Mountain Tour

Queen on lakeside Montreux, Switzerland pier.

The following is an announcement from MontreuxMusic.com that was posted on their web site a few weeks ago. They've come up with a new Freddie Mercury tour idea that sounds very interesting. It's another good reason to visit incredibly beautiful Montreux, Switzerland. I can only imagine that a special aura still exists at the former home of Mountain Studios.

Freddie Mercury’s Mountain Tour

After the popular success of the Bavaria Tour in 2007, montreuxmusic proudly presents the brand-new Freddie Mercury’s Mountain Tour and its amazing new field of experience.

Discover where Freddie and Queen recorded some of their best work, have the same lunch package as the one PETER FREESTONE himself prepared for Freddie when he and the band could not leave the studio – in the very place where it all happened!

The mythic place of the former Mountain Studios, owned by QUEEN from 1979 until 1991, and then by David Richards until August 2002, after long negotiations with the casino, will be opened especially for you! In order to give all Freddie fans the possibility to discover this extraordinary place where Freddie and Queen recorded « Made in Heaven », « Jazz » and « Innuendo », montreuxmusic.com organises May 9th and July 18th, 2009 this exclusive experience with PETER FREESTONE.

Take the chance and book one of the two only dates right now!

The number of participants by tour is limited. Quorum for each tour is 15.

::: Registration/Subscriptions :::

Kiss Ask Fans To Demand To See Them

US veteran rockers Kiss, are asking their fans to demand to see them in concert this coming Fall, when they tour North America. So, if you want them to visit your area, all you have to do is tell them they have to come and play for you.

Kiss claim this will be the first ever fan-routed tour. They just finished touring South America and will be making their way across Canada in July (Kiss tour page). The band is taking votes (click on widget above) now to decide where they go after Summer leaves us behind. This is an interesting idea, and it will show them what regions they are strong in and where they need to work on their popularity. Currently, Canada holds most of the top ten rankings in votes.

Rangers Vs Capitals 04/18/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 2 Review

Matt Bradley attempts to score a goal in Game 2 on April 18, 2009.
Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo.

Rangers 1 - Capitals 0

The Washington Capitals lost their second straight game, in round one of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Heavily outshooting the New York Rangers, as in Game 1, was not enough to get a win.

After suffering a 4-3 loss in the post season opener, which included a less than stellar performance in net by veteran goalie Jose Theodore, the Caps' Head Coach Bruce Boudreau went with rookie Simeon Varlamov in this afternoon's match. It's only the fourth time in the team's history, that they put a rookie in goal to start a playoff game.

Varlamov only played in six games at the NHL level during the 2008-2009 regular season, but he had done very well, with a 4-0-1 record. This 20 year old kid also did fairly well last year in the Russian Super League, falling just short of winning the title. He didn't face the number of shots that Henrik Lundqvist did while guarding the Rangers net, but he was very sharp throughout today's entire game. Only one of those shots got past him. Unfortunately, that was all it would take to lose this one.

So, what went wrong? Not that many things, really. But the things that did go wrong for the Capitals, were bad enough to lose them the game. They committed three times as many turnovers as the Rangers for a start. Even though they fired off more than 80 shots, 35 of which went on goal, 29 were blocked. Alex Ovechkin came closest to scoring, when the puck hit the cross bar of the goal on one of his shots in period three. The rest didn't get anywhere close to the goal. Far too many were launched from the perimeter. Washington had plenty of scoring chances, but if they can't get close enough to Lundqvist, those chances won't be of the right quality level.

Thankfully, the Caps are good at making comebacks these days. As a matter of fact, after falling behind in the first round last year, they ended up taking it to a Game 7. Washington lost that one in overtime. I'm sure that the memories of how that series played out and being two games down this time are going to be strong motivators, when they play Game 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday night.

WJFK 106.7 FM Broadcasts Capitals Playoff Games

Yesterday's Press Release (including graphic above) from the Washington Capitals via WashingtonCaps.com:


Capitals Playoff Games to be Broadcast
on WJFK 106.7 FM

Station also will air final three regular-season games

Apr 6, 2009, 1:10 PM EDT

___________________________________________________________

ARLINGTON, Va. – For the second consecutive year the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup playoff games will be broadcast on WJFK 106.7 FM. The station also will carry the Capitals remaining three regular-season games.

WJFK’s Caps coverage begins Tuesday, April 7, when Washington plays in Atlanta. WJFK will then broadcast the Washington at Tampa Bay game on Thursday April 9, and the Caps regular-season finale at Florida on Saturday, April 11. In addition to broadcasting the games, WJFK also will carry complete pre- and postgame shows.

Thursday’s game at Tampa Bay also will be broadcast by the Capitals regular-season radio partner, WFED 1500 AM.

The Capitals recently won their second consecutive Southeast Division championship and qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Bill Ward Wants Reunion Of Original Black Sabbath

October 2002 Promo Picture

There's been a lot of talk lately about drummer Bill Ward and his desire for another reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup. Much has been made of his recent comments, like those at the end of an interview that appeared in The Shropshire Star, perhaps too much.

Personally, I would love to see it happen. With the success of Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath / Dio fusion) though, I don't see it happening in the next couple years anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if former singer Ozzy Osbourne was up for it, but he's also doing fine with his band and TV shows as well.

In the following recent Kerrang! video podcast, Bill talks about early Black Sabbath album rereleases and his feelings on a possible Black Sabbath reunion. He also answers questions about the past, present and future, in relation to Black Sabbath, Ozzy, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler.

Kerrang! Podcast: Black Sabbath - Bill Ward

Thrashers Vs Capitals 04/05/2009 Review

Eric Fehr celebrates his third period goal with Brooks Laich.
April 5, 2009 photo by Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Thrashers 4 - Capitals 6

In their final home game of the 2008-2009 NHL season, the Washington Capitals win combined both secondary and even strength scoring. With those features, so rare during the second half of the season, they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers and stay two points ahead (with 104 points) of the third place New Jersey Devils (102 points) in the Eastern Conference.

Tomas Fleischmann scored the first goal of the game early in the first period. Fleischman swatted down a bad clearing attempt by Atlanta's Nathan Oystrick, and sent the puck past netminder Johan Hedberg for his first ever goal against the Thrashers and his 18th of the season. Colby Armstrong answered back at 7:48 with his 20th goal of the season, getting one by goalie Jose Theodore, after Eric Fehr turned over the puck in the neutral zone.

Jim Slater put the Thrashers ahead at the beginning of the second period, while the Caps continued to play sluggishly, as they did for almost the entire first period. Just before the midpoint of the game though, they got a little boost when Keith Aucoin tipped in a cross ice pass from Alex Ovechkin, that went right through the crease to Aucoin for the back door goal. About six minutes later, Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk sent the puck over Theodore's glove side and into the net for his 42nd of the season, making the score 3-2.

By the start of the third period, Washington had gotten back into gear. They started heating it up, the red light, that is. Four of their six goals came in the final frame. The only wrinkle in the third was a clearing attempt blunder by Theo, less than a minute before the end of the game. The mistake resulted in Slava Kozlov netting the Thrashers' fourth and final goal.

The rest of the scoresheet for the third period was all Caps. Michael Nylander started the relentless assault, when he fired one in from the top of the left faceoff circle for his ninth goal of the season, and only his second at home. It was an astonishing sight, somewhat because he shot the puck toward the goal on purpose instead of passing. But the most shocking and wonderful thing to see was the rather enthusiastic celebration he exhibited right afterward. Eric Fehr battled hard to get the next one for Washington, thwarting a tripping attempt while making his way toward the net, and then getting knocked down immediately afterward. Alexander Semin put in his 31st of the season at 8:20. I can't help but wonder how many he could've had, if he were able to avoid injury this season. Brooks Laich scored the final goal of the game, with an empty netter 12.8 seconds before the final horn sounded.

The Thrashers looked like they had a good chance at taking one from the Capitals in the first half of the game, but by the third period, Washington had switched into domination mode. They really should try to play more like that for the whole 60 minutes. They can do it. I've seen it before. Focusing on what they're supposed to do, forechecking, backchecking, driving to the net, clearing the crease in front of their own goalie. They will face the Thrashers one more time, when they hit Atlanta on Tuesday.

Sabres Vs Capitals 04/03/2009 Review

Capitals fans celebrating last season's Southeast Division title on April 5, 2008.
Photo by Mithell Layton / Getty Images.

Sabres 5 - Capitals 4 OT

The Washington Capitals clinched the Southeast Division title for the second straight season, by getting the overtime point in last night's game versus the Buffalo Sabres. The play of both teams, and the on ice officiating as well, were inconsistent throughout. With that said, it was still an exciting game for the most part.

Both teams made some really good plays at times. Netminder Ryan "Sucker Punch" Miller and his Buffalo teammates never let up, showing that they are desperate to make the playoffs, which are currently just out of reach for them. They got a couple lucky bounces and deflections that turned into a few goals. The Sabres also made several mistakes that lead to a non-goal and a fairly steady parade to the penalty box.

The Capitals took advantage of those power play chances, scoring three times out of seven chances. They moved up to number one in the league for power play success. Washington also continued to do incredibly well in winning faceoffs. Rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov (3-0-1) might not have been at his best, but he was better in his fourth game than the score indicates. Alex Ovechkin scored his 55th goal of the season, extending his scoring streak to seven straight games, while on the power play in the first period. Alexander Semin hit the 30 goal mark with his second period PPG. Sergei Fedorov scored two goals, both with long range shots that made their way through traffic. Unfortunately, Fedorov was also the one that made the bad pass during overtime which led directly to Buffalo's game winning goal. There were some other mistakes and miscomunications by his Washington teammates, so all the blame certainly does not land solely on him.

The Caps kept shrinking the gap between themselves and the Eastern Conference's first place Boston Bruins over the past couple months, but Boston has now clinched the conference title for the season. Washington should be able to hold onto second place, though the New Jersey Devils aren't far behind them.

Seinfeld (Season 5 / Ep. 21) - "The Hamptons" (Shrinkage Scene)

The Capitals' inconsistencies have got to at least be greatly reduced if they are going to go far in the playoffs. They haven't got much time to work on it now, with only four regular season games left. Hopefully they can improve on their focus. They definitely have the talent to be Stanley Cup contenders.

April 2009 Concerts In Maryland & Washington, DC

Below, you'll find the current list of concerts scheduled to take place in April 2009 at venues in Maryland and Washington, DC.

Bret Michaels - April 2nd @ Cancun Cantina in Hanover, MD

Lily Tomlin - April 3rd @ Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD

Bryan Adams - April 8th @ Warner Theatre in Washington, DC
This is to be an acoustic performance.

Jay Mohr - April 10th @ Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC Canceled

70's Soul Jam - April 11th @ Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD
Show Features: The Stylistics, The Dramatics, The Delphonics, Cuba Gooding Sr. And The Main Ingredient & J.J. Walker.

The Grateful Dead - April 14th @ Verizon Center in Washington, DC

Todd Rundgren - April 14th @ Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD

Seal - April 15th @ Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD

Dave Attell - April 18th @ Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD

MPT Presents Best Of Doo Wop 2009 - April 19th 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
@ Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD
Both Shows Feature: Little Anthony And The Imperials, Barbara Harris of The Toys, The Marcels, The Classics

Molly Hatchet - April 26th @ Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

America - April 30th @ The Hippodrome in Baltimore, MD

Islanders Vs Capitals 04/01/2009 Review

Mike Green celebrates goal number 30 of the season on April 1, 2009.
Photo by Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Islanders 3 - Capitals 5

After a very weak effort in the first period, the Washington Capitals got a little physical in the second. Then in the third period, defenseman Mike Green scored two power play goals, putting the Capitals ahead of the New York Islanders for the win.

Once again, Washington spent the first 20 minutes making a lesser team look real good. They seem to like to toy with bottom dwellers, allowing them to gain the lead and become over confident, before pouring it on for an exciting comeback win. Personally, I could do without the nerve wracking start, followed up by a late winning surge scenario. However they do it though, a win and two more points are always good.

It was clear that the Caps needed a spark to get them going after falling two goals behind, and at 1:40 in the second period, defenseman John Erskine provided that spark via a good old fashioned hockey fight with New York's Joel Rechlicz. While Jeff Schultz will never be the tough guy that Erskine is, he joined the effort, getting into his first NHL fight shortly after. His opponent was Islander Tim Jackman. The rough stuff seemed to be the right kind of fuel to get the Capitals' scoring engine running. At 5:37, Alex Ovechkin banged in his NHL leading 54th goal of the season past netminder Joey MacDonald, after getting a nice from behind the goal pass from Sergei Fedorov. Fedorov, who was actually playing defense on that particular shift, had collected the puck sent deep by Mike Green. Recent call up and AHL leading scorer with 94 points, Keith Aucoin scored his first goal as a Capital about four and a half minutes later. It was also his first NHL goal of the season.

Richard Park put the Islanders back ahead early in the third period. The unassisted goal versus Caps' goalie Jose Theodore made the score 3-2. With the help of Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green scored his 29th goal of the season at 10:55, while on the PP. One minute and twenty-three seconds later, on the power play again, he scored his 30th unassisted. Green is only the eighth NHL defenseman ever to score 30 or more goals in a single season. It's an accomplishment that hasn't been done since the 1992-1993 season. Green currently has a seven game scoring streak going. About a minute before the end of the game, Nicklas Backstrom scored his 22nd of the season. Backstrom got the unassisted empty netter after taking the puck away from NY defenseman Jack Hillen just inside the offensive zone.

The win gives Theodore 30 on the season for the third time in his career. It also means 101 points for the Capitals, who are now just 7 points behind the Eastern Conference leading Boston Bruins and 3 points ahead of the third place New Jersey Devils.