Caps Today A Homecoming of Sorts

[Bob 0119]

Today’s Storyline

Friendly confines – Tomorrow night’s game at Vancouver – the first for Washington in more than three years – is a homecoming for several Capitals. Consider:

- George McPhee was vice president and director of hockey operations for the Canucks for five seasons

- Defensemen Shaone Morrisonn and Karl Alzner grew up in Vancouver and nearby Burnaby , respectively

- Center Brendan Morrison played eight seasons for the Canucks, several as the center on one of the best lines in hockey with Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi

- Center Nicklas Backstrom, who will play his 199th career game (without missing one) tomorrow, was drafted at GM Place in 2006, just months after playing there in the World Junior Championship

- Left wing Alex Ovechkin, who accepted the Calder Trophy in a landslide vote in Vancouver , announced Backstrom’s selection two days later to a standing ovation at GM Place

[welch]

Say, aren't the Caps the overall points leaders in the NHL?

Hasn't this turned out to be a team that wins without Ovechkin? More than a one-man team, perhaps.

Ah, nearly January and my thoughts turn entirely toward ice rinks and wrist shots.