Boyd Gordon and DJ King are the only players on the Caps’ roster who have won the Memorial Cup

On Friday, the 2011 Memorial Cup tournament will get underway at the Hershey (what?!) Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. It’ll feature three of what Hockey’s Future deems as the Capitals top 20 prospects including 2009 third round pick Cody Eakin (#5), 2010 third round pick Stanislav Galiev (#6) and 2009 fifth round pick Brett Flemming (#17). Last year, current Caps goalie prospect Philipp Grubauer – who at that point had not been drafted by the team yet – helped lead the Windsor Spitfires to their second straight Memorial Cup title. Many current NHL stars have won the prestigious junior tournament including Brian Campbell, Derek Roy, Cam Ward, Brad Richards, Shane Doan, Shea Weber, Dan Girardi, Milan Lucic and Mike Richards.

Let’s learn more about the three talented Caps prospects participating, shall we?

Cody Eakin, Kootenay Ice, WHL Champions

Eakin is sitting in the row below the cup, 2 players over to the right. Click to enlarge. (Photo credit: Kootenay Ice)

When Swift Current Broncos GM/head coach Mark Lamb traded Cody Eakin away for five players and three draft picks on the WHL’s deadline day, he exclaimed that “Eakin [was] the best player to come to this team since Joe Sakic.” He certainly lived up to his billing as one of the WHL’s premier offensive players, notching 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 19 playoff games for the eventual 2011 WHL Champion Kootenay Ice. The Winnipeg native also finished second overall in playoff scoring and shared the team-lead with Matt Fraser for the most game-winning goals. Eakin, whose 1.42 points per game average during the playoffs dipped slightly from his 1.48 PPG pace in the regular season (83 points in 56 games), looks to deliver Cranbrook its first Memorial Cup since the 2001-02 season. The Ice had the WHL’s best playoffs record this season going 16-3, sweeping opponents in two of four series. Next year, Eakin will join the Capitals organization and he’s certainly one of the players we can count on in terms of cracking the NHL line-up sooner rather than later.

Stanislav Galiev, St. John Sea Dogs, QMJHL Champions

Galiev is seated on the ice all the way in the front. Click to enlarge. (Photo credit: QMJHL)

Stanislav Galiev racked up 27 points in the playoffs and was among the QMJHL’s highest scorers. He led the league in shots and improved his scoring from 1.02 points per game scoring average in the regular season (37 goals, 28 assists) to 1.42 points per game during the playoffs (10 goals, 17 assists). Galiev’s a top line winger for the Sea Dogs, playing with two draft-eligible prospects: top-10 lock Jonathan Huberdeau and Zack Phillips. Phillips, who’s projected to fall to a team in the bottom-10 of the first round, is a guy who could potentially be on the Caps radar during the upcoming NHL Draft. Especially when considering Washington’s dearth of quality prospects at wing. The Sea Dogs, like the Ice, also went a remarkable 16-3 in the playoffs, capturing their first-ever league championship.

Brett Flemming, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, D

Photo credit: OHL

Brett Flemming and the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors made the Memorial Cup as the host team this year. In the previous seven years of the tournament, only once did the host city not make it to the finals. This is the “Modern” Majors (re-founded in 1996) first time participating in the tournament, and Dave Cameron’s team is determined to not let someone else win the championship in their hometown. Flemming, who was signed by the Caps to an entry level deal earlier this season, is one of the key puck-moving defensemen for the Mississauga. After notching 43 points (four goals, 39 assists) in 68 regular season games, Flemming continued his strong play in the playoffs, tallying one goal and 12 assists. He was also a club record plus-60 during the 2010-11 regular season.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland

Ed. note – Fedor Fedin and Roman Piontkovsky of GlobalCapsFans live to dish out salacious gossip about those players orbiting just out side the Capitals’ exosphere. Here is your sorta bi-weekly edition about kids in the Caps system (CHL, USHL, NCAA, KHL, TL;DR).  It’s Prospect Watch!

Prospect Watch’s Three Stars

1. Evgeny Kuznetsov
2. Dmitri Orlov
3. Cody Eakin

Brandon Anderson, G, Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL

Stats: 9 GP, 223 Sv, 26 GA, 481:08 TOI

In the middle of the season, Anderson lost his starting job to Dylan Tait. Anderson got a few spot starts as a back-up, and after Tait could not take advantage of his new role, Anderson regained his starting job. Lately, Brandon has shown some improvement, including being named the game’s number one star January 12th against Calgary.

Highlights vs Calgary Hitmen (12 Jan)

Greg Burke, LW, New Hampshire University Wildcats, NCAA

Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 4 PIM

Burke has finally recovered from his bout with mononucleosis, and has been promoted to New Hampshire’s second line.

Samuel Carrier, Lewiston MAINEiacs, QMJHL

Stats: 10 GP, 2 G, 7 A, +14, 9 PIM

Carrier and his MAINEacs had a very productive stretch, winning eight out of eleven. Carrier not only racked up a bunch of points (9pts in 10 games), he also unleashed the fury on Carl-Antoine Delisle of Victoriaville.

Samuel Carrier (#55 in white) fights Carl-Antoine Delisle (Victoriaville Tigres)

Phil DeSimone, C, New Hampshire Wildcats, NCAA

Stats: 4 GP, 1 G, 2 A, +1, 2 PIM

DeSimone continues to lead New Hampshire to NCAA glory. Right now UNH is ranked 7th nationally in the USCHO poll. DeSimone’s third on the team in points with 5 goals and 18 assists (1.15 PPG).

Dan Dunn, G, St. Cloud State Huskies, NCAA

Stats: DNP

All Huskies games including two to win the Florida College Classic, were won by Mike Lee. Dan Dunn was the backup and did not play.

Cody Eakin, C, Kootenay Ice, WHL

Stats: CHL: DNP.
WJC: 7 GP, 1 G, 2 A, +3, 2 PIM

Cody Eakin was very solid in the WJC (3pts in 7 games) and at one point was promoted to Canada’s first line alongside Marcus Foligno and Brayden Schenn. Upon his return to Swift Current, he was traded to the Cup-contending Kootenay Ice for eight assets, including five players and three draft picks. Eakin still hasn’t made his debut for the Ice because of a hand injury.

This past Friday, the Capitals did a feature on Eakin where he talked about his experience in the WJC. Check it out.

Brett Flemming, D, Mississauga Majors, OHL

Stats: 9 GP, 0 G, 4 A, +5, 8 PIM

The Majors have played well, as they’ve lost only two of their last nine games. Flemming has had 4 assists during that span, including one short-handed.

Stanislav Galiev, LW, St John Sea Dogs, QMJHL

Stats: 10 GP, 6 G, 4 A, +8, 4 PIM

At the end of 2010, Galiev slumped, recording just one point in four games. He was obviously very disappointed that he was sent home from the WJC camp. But after the Russian team won the championship, Galiev’s scoring touch returned. He’s recorded 7 points in his last 5 outings.

Hignlights vs Drummondville (14 Jan):

Hignlights vs Drummondville (15 Jan):

Andrew Glass, LW, Boston Terriers, NCAA

Stats: DNP

Andrew Glass is the first player on Prospect Watch to have hockey literally taken away from him. The Terrier was permanently dismissed from his team for being late and missing meetings.

Philipp Grubauer, G, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL

Stats: CHL: 6 GP, 215 Sv, 15 GA, 356:34 TOI.
WJC: 4 GP, 103 Sv, 13 GA, 175:49 TOI

At the WJC, Grubauer didn’t justify the hopes of coaches and fans, and played below average. He was the starting goalie in only 4 of Germany’s 6 games, and was yanked twice as the starter. Since returning to the OHL, he’s won four of his past five games and has been named the game’s second star twice.

Highlights vs Windsor Spitfires

Anton Gustafsson, C, SCL Tigers, Swiss NLA

Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A, -1, 0 PIM

Baby Gus returns to Prospect Watch as he signed a deal in Switzerland with the SCL Tigers. The Tigers have a good chance to make the playoffs. Anton has tallied one point, an assist, in his last four games.

Caleb Herbert, С, Sioux City Musketeers, USHL

Stats: 7 GP, 4 G, 5 A, E, 8 PIM

The Musketeers struggled while Herbert was shelved four games due to an injury. Herbert reclaimed the team lead in points though playing eight games less than Ryan Carpenter. He’s also second on the team in shots and shooting percentage.

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Evgeny Kuznetsov, RW, Traktor Chelyabinsk, KHL

Stats: KHL: 6 GP, 1 G, 1 A, +1, 4 PIM.
WJC: 7 GP, 4 G, 7 A, +3, 4 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/26 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 3-6 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

12/28 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 0-2 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

12/30 Russia U-20 vs Norway U-20 8-2 W, 1 G, 1 A, +3, 0 PIM

12/31 Russia U-20 vs Czech Republic U-20 8-3 W, 1 G, 2 A, +2, 0 PIM

1/2 Russia U-20 vs Finland U-20 4-3 W, 2 G, 1 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/3 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 4-3 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/6 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 5-3 W, 0 G, 3 A, E, 0 PIM

12/22 vs Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg 4-5 L, DNP

12/24 vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk 4-2 W, DNP

12/26 vs Ak Bars Kazan 2-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/3 @ Traktor Chelyabinsk 4-2 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/5 @ Avangard Omsk 0-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

1/7 @ Barys Astana 3-4 L, 1 G, 0 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/9 vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk 6-5 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/13 vs Atlant Mytischi 2-3 L, 0 G, 1 A, +2, 0 PIM

1/15 vs Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod 6-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

Kuznetsov was named the best RW of the WJC and would have been named the best forward if not for Canada’s Brayden Schenn. Overall, Kuz showed his magic against the mega-talented defensemen of Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Kuznetsov scored some crucial goals in the tournament and was surely Russia’s best player. Before the Gold Medal Game I read one fan’s comment: “Only a miracle can help Russia win this one. The miracle’s name is Evgeny Kuznetsov.” Kuz did just what was needed, helping the Russians complete their third straight comeback in the WJC by recording three points in the third period of the Gold Medal Game against Canada. Evgeny was named Traktor’s best player in December and was also rumored to get traded to the KHL’s powerhouse, SKA St. Petersbourg. However, Traktor’s coach Belousov said that they’re not going to trade him even if they are almost out of the playoffs race.

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Nick Larson, C, Minnesota Golden Gophers, NCAA

Stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 2 A, +2, 4 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/31 vs Union Dutchmen 2-3 OTL, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/7 vs Ferris State Bulldogs 2-2 T, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 2 PIM

1/10 vs USA U-18 Team 9-0 W, 0 G, 1 A, +3, 0 PIM

1/14 @ North Dakota Fighting Sioux 3-2 W, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 0 PIM

1/15 @ North Dakota Fighting Sioux 1-4 T, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

Well, Larson is likely the most improving player of the last two weeks, getting promoted to the first line (from the fourth just a month ago).

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Garrett Mitchell, RW, Regina Pats, WHL
Stats: 11 GP, 2 G, 5 A, -6, 46 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/13 @ Edmonton Oil Kings 3-5 L, 0 G, 0 A, -4, 6 PIM

12/14 @ Prince Albert Raiders 3-6 L, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 0 PIM

12/7 vs Everett Silvertips 2-3 L, 0 G, 2 A, +1, 0 PIM

12/17 vs Prince Albert Raiders 6-4 W, 0 G, 1 A, -1, 4 PIM

12/18 @ Prince Albert Raiders 4-6 L, DNP

12/28 vs Swift Current Broncos 4-3 SOW, 1 G, 1 A, +2, 4 PIM

1/1 vs Prince Albert Raiders 3-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 7 PIM

1/2 vs Calgary Hitmen 4-3 SOW, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 0 PIM

1/7 @ Red Deer Rebels 2-1 SOW, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/8 @ Edmonton Oil Kings 1-7 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/12 vs Saskatoon Blades 4-3 SOW, 1 G, 1 A, +1, 0 PIM

1/14 vs Edmonton Oil Kings 1-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 4 PIM

1/15 vs Red Deer Rebels 0-6 L, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 19 PIM

It’s a tough life for the Pats as they lose almost all of their games and their rare wins usually come via the shootout. Captain Mitchell does everything he can, picking up a lot of PIM’s for fighting and instigating, and putting as many points as he can on the board. Over Regina’s last eleven games, Mitchell picked up two goals and five assists.

Highlights vs Red Deer Rebels, Highlightnss vs Calgary Hitmen

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Dmitri Orlov, D, Metallurg Novokuznetsk, KHL

Stats: KHL: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 2 PIM.
WJC: 7 GP, 1 G, 8 A, +10, 2 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/26 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 3-6 L, 0 G, 2 A, +1, 0 PIM

12/28 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 0-2 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

12/30 Russia U-20 vs Norway U-20 8-2 W, 0 G, 3 A, +3, 0 PIM

12/31 Russia U-20 vs Czech Republic U-20 8-3 W, 1 G, 2 A, +2, 0 PIM

1/2 Russia U-20 vs Finland U-20 4-3 W, 0 G, 0 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/3 Russia U-20 vs Sweden U-20 4-3 W, 0 G, 1 A, 2, 2 PIM

1/6 Russia U-20 vs Canada U-20 5-3 W, 0 G, 0 A, +1, 0 PIM

12/22 vs Sibir Novosibirsk 3-5 L, DNP

12/26 vs Amur Khabarovsk 4-2 W, DNP

12/28 @ Sibir Novosibirsk 1-2 L, DNP

12/30 @ Neftskhimik Nizhnekamsk 1-3 L, DNP

1/5 @ Ak Bars Kazan 1-2 L, DNP

1/7 @ Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg 4-3 W, DNP

1/9 @ Avangard Omsk 3-4 L, DNP

1/13 vs Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk 0-2 L, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 0 PIM

1/15 vs Avangard Omsk 2-3 L, 0 G, 0 A, +1, 0 PIM

Orlov was named to the WJC all-star team over many first-round defensemen, such as Calvin de Haan and Erik Gudbranson. Being the Russians’ best D, Orlov showed great attacking skills and defensive responsibility. Even though his positional play had some blunders (such as Brayden Schenn’s goal in the gold-medal game) he really looked like he cared and worked hard at both ends of the rink. Despite new management at Metallurg, the team is going to get good money to acquire good players for the next season, and Orlov will likely cross the pond this summer. Metallurg might trade him before the KHL playoffs start, as their GM Leonid Weissfeld said: “A lot of teams were interested in Orlov. Almost the whole League”.

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Patrick Wey, D, Boston College Eagles, NCAA

Stats: NCAA: 3 GP, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 4 PIM.
WJC: 6 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -2, 2 PIM

Game-by-game:

12/26 USA U-20 vs Finland U-20 3-2 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

12/28 USA U-20 vs Slovakia U-20 6-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

12/30 USA U-20 vs Germany U-20 4-0 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

12/31 USA U-20 vs Switzerland U-20 2-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, -1, 0 PIM

1/3 USA U-20 vs Canada U-20 1-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/5 USA U-20 vs Sweden U-20 4-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

12/30 @ Colgate Raiders 6-5 W, DNP

12/31 vs Mercyhurst Lakers 4-1 W, DNP

1/7 @ Providence Friars 4-1 W, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

1/8 vs Providence Friars 3-1 W, 0 G, 1 A, +1, 2 PIM

1/16 @ Maine Bears 1-4 L, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

Patrick returned from the WJC and found his place on Boston College’s first defensive pairing. On the bronze-winning USA team, he didn’t have a lot of TOI, but was a stable PKer.

More: Patrick Wey for The Almanac

Ed. note – Russian Machine is proud to present our new (sorta) bi-weekly feature. Here you will learn about all the nifty prospects outside the system (CHL, USHL, NCAA, KHL, BBQ).  Fedor Fedin and Roman Piontkovsky of GlobalCapsFans will be your guide to the untamed wilds we call Prospect Watch!

Philipp Grubauer is our first star. [Photo credit: BridgetDS]

Stanislav Galiev, St John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A, -5, 0 PIM

Not a very good start for Stan. The Sea Dogs had only one win on their 4-game road trip, and it was a shootout win. In those games, Galiev had only one point and has a -5 rating, the worst on the team. At least he’s still of good spirits!

Samuel Carrier, Lewiston MAINEiacs, QMJHL
Stats: 6 GP, 2 G, 2 A, +3, 10 PIM

Sam Carrier opened up strong in his very first game after returning from the Caps camp. He cleaned up a powerplay rebound against Acadie-Bathurst Titan for his first goal, and then went two games without any points.  He’s currently on a three-game point streak. Interesting, he scores only on the PP and assists only on PK.

Philipp Grubauer, G, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
Stats: 4 GP, 134 Sv, 11 GA, 240:00 TOI

After the start of the season, he had one outstanding game (where he made 44-save shutout), and also few good games. Has two wins in four games and allowed 5 of his 11 goals while shorthanded.  UPDATE:  Philipp has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Capitals.

Brett Flemming, D, Mississauga Majors, OHL
Stats: 4 GP, 2 G, 0 A, +5, 11 PIM

Spoiled his stats a bit in a performance against Ottawa. Before that game, he always had maintained a positive +/- rating and scored two even-strength goals. The team has scored 11 of its 16 goals (about 69%) while Flemming was on the ice.

Fighting against Ottawa 67′s:

Brandon Anderson, G, Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
Stats: 3 GP, 98 Sv, 11 GA, 184:03 TOI

Helped his team in the first two games. A good game by Anderson allowed the Hurricanes to win over the current WHL champions, the Calgary Hitmen, and force the Thunderbirds to a shootout where the ‘Canes eventually lost, 2:3. He started a game against Portland great, saving 15 of 16 shots, but the powerful Winterhawks offense came back stronger. He might have problems with penalty shots, too- allowing two goals on two shots in the shootout series with Seattle and a penalty shot in Portland, but that is a very small sample size.

View the highlights from the game against Seattle (Anderson’s team wears the white jerseys).

Garrett Mitchell, RW, Regina Pats, WHL
Stats: 5 GP, 1 G, 2 A, E, 15 PIM

According to eyewitness reports, he’s a third-line winger. His line plays a crash-and-bang style. The Pats’ captain had a good first game, recording two points, but dropped back a little since. He’s also recorded penalties in every single game. He’s clocked five minor penalties so far, including three roughings, one elbow, one hooking, and one major for fighting to round it out.

Highlights vs Wheat Kings:  Goal (1:40), assist (1:48)

Fighting vs Edmonton Oil Kings:

Cody Eakin, C, Swift Current Broncos, WHL
Stats: 1GP, 0 G, 2A, +2, 0 PIM

Thanks to the late return from the Caps camp, the Broncos’ new captain has played only one game. But he got off to a good start. He had two third-period assists, including one on the powerplay. Too bad age restrictions kept him from being in the AHL.

Caleb Herbert, С, Sioux City Musketeers, USHL
Stats: 4 GP, 2 G, 2 A, +2, 4 PIM.

The Musketeers started their season with a  4-1 preseason record, losing only to the U-18 Team USA. Herbert had 3 goals and 2 assists in those, with +2 rating. His point streak is five games long now. Herbert became a second-best scorer on his team for the preseason. Caleb didn’t score on his shot during a shootout against the Lancers. In his only regular season game, Herbert posted the only PPG, though both Sioux City and Sioux Falls had many powerplay opportunities.

Dmitri Orlov, D, Metallurg Novokuznetsk, KHL
Stats: 6 GP, 1 G, 1 A, -3, 0 PIM

Orlov and Metallurg were pretty good in the last two weeks with the upset win over Salavat Yulaev. Orlov had a goal and an assist in that span. Dmitri gets a lot of ice time, occasionally playing on the first line of the Metallurg. He also received the award as MHL (minor league) playoffs MVP. The defender even won a faceoff (!) in a game against Amur Khabarovsk.

Goal vs Traktor:

Assist vs Salavat Yulaev:

Evgeny Kuznetsov, RW, Traktor Chelyabinsk, KHL
Stats: 3 GP, 0 G, 2 A, +1, 0 PIM

Kuznetsov didn’t make Traktor’s four-game road trip after a relapse of his shoulder injury. He started the season pretty well though, recording about 11:00-12:00 TOI, but the injury may drop him down in the depth charts. Traktor is going to have to fight for a playoffs spot (they are now four points out).

Assist vs Metallurg Nk (showed Semin-equal dribbling here):

Assist vs Sibir (great tic-tac-toe play, primary assist) (0:26):

Andrew Glass, LW, Boston University Terriers, NCAA
Stats: 1 GP, 0 G, 2 A, +2, 0 PIM

Third-line winger made two assists in his team’s huge win over Toronto University, 9-2. Nothing special, but maybe he’ll see more TOI after posting those numbers.

Highlights from the game vs Varsity Blues (loading may take awhile), Glass (#14) assists: 13:00, 2:13:15 of the video.

Dan Dunn, G, St. Cloud State University Huskies, NCAA
Stats: 1 GP, 10 Sv, 3 GA, 20:00 TOI

He played only one period in the game against Bisons, which was split between three Huskies’ goalies. He did not fare well: 3 goals on 13 shots.

Greg Burke, LW, New Hampshire University Wildcats, NCAA
Stats: 1 GP, 0 G, o A, -2, 0 PIM

The UNH sophomore had a pretty bad game: he didn’t make a single shot, though his team badly outshot their opponents, 44-14.

Phil DeSimone, C, New Hampshire University Wildcats, NCAA
Stats: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, E, 2 PIM

Phil made a couple of shots on goal in the first Wildcats exhibition game but did not score. He also spent some time on the powerplay unit.

Nick Larson, C, Minnesota University Golden Gophers, NCAA
Stats: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, E, 0 PIM

Nick had two shots on goal. Also, he played a lot on Gophers’ perfect penalty killing squad.

Patrick Wey, D, Boston College Eagles, NCAA
Stars: 1 GP, 0 G, 1 A, +2, 2 PIM

The Caps’ best college prospect helped current the NCAA champions to reach victory in an exhibition game against Toronto University by assisting on Brian Gibbons’ goal.

Our Three Stars

1. Philipp Grubauer (and congratulations on your early retirement from Prospect Watch!)
2. Caleb Herbert
3. Sam Carrier