The last time these teams faced-off in the playoffs, Sergei Fedorov scored the game-winner to eliminate the Rangers in seven games. (Photo credit: Mitchell Layton)

The Capitals find themselves in the top spot in the East for the second year in a row. Washington, however, hopes that is where the similarities to last year end as they bring a new system and mindset into the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. But the Rangers won’t go easily.

Read more about the Capitals’ views as they head into the postseason in this post by RMNB’s own Chris Gordon for The New York Times’ Slap Shot.

Photo credit: Chris Gordon

Earlier in the season, some of the critics (and at least one esteemed newspaper columnist) were saying that the Caps needed an older and more experienced netminder. Now, the quandry is that they have an abundance of young talent and need to finally settle on a goalie before the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With Braden Holtby back in Hershey, the contest seems to be down to Michael Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov. The young goalies, by the way, were roommates on the Caps recent road trip. What did they talk about? “Expensive cars,” Neuvirth confided after Monday’s practice.

Read more about the goalies and the choice Bruce Boudreau faces in this post by RMNB’s own Chris Gordon for The New York Times’ Slap Shot.

Editor’s note: One year ago, Emily Karol gave a newborn RMNB a kick in the pants with her report on the first Casino Night. This year she does the same with the added bonus of Chris Gordon’s photos.

By the way, Emily is looking for a roommate. Available February 1st, she’s got a single bedroom with a private bathroom and a walk-in closet located just 3 miles from Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Email her if you’re interested. Awesome people only, please. Take it away, Emily.

When I learned that the 2nd annual CapsCare Casino Night and Auction would take place on January 9th, I couldn’t be more excited. I attended the first Casino Night and had a blast, but this year’s festivities hit on the birthdays of both Bruce Boudreau and me. Who could pass up the chance to wear a pretty dress, drink some cocktails, and schmooze with fabulous people on your birthday? Not me.

But this evening was very different from the first. I was a year older ,and even though I still attended alone there were many more people I knew and wanted to visit this time around. I purchased the VIP ticket again (hey, it’s for charity!) and was granted access to the coaches and players for a hour before the event really kicked off. I’m guessing the VIP room had fewer people this year; it seemed more casual and the players definitely mingled a lot more. All the guys I met were very sweet. I was surprised at how many of them didn’t know about the blog, Russian Machine Never Breaks. Regardless, they obliged to pose with friendly smiles when I asked, and a few even said they would look up the blog. Ian, Peter, and Neil: I will take my payment in cash or credit.

I made a point in the VIP room to wish Bruce Boudreau a happy birthday and apologize for the dirty looks. That comment provoked a double take from Bruce. I chuckled and said I was the girl in the Mercedes Benz commercials that glared at him during his bird calls and track suit dance. Bruce gave a big smile and said no worries and wished me a happy birthday right back.

The hour flew by quickly, and it was time to venture out into the the main ballroom for food, music, mingling, and gambling. The ballroom was set up completely different from last year, with the food all in the middle by the dance floor. The number of gambling tables doubled. After a quick introduction of the team to the crowd, the party really started. Fans and players scattered throughout the main ballroom and the lobby, which hosted Wii bowling, Rock Band, and the silent auction. I should note that Semyon Varlamov is a sweetheart, staying out in the lobby to sign autographs and take photos with fans for most of the event. Fans were not allowed to take posed photos or ask for autographs in the ballroom, so the fact that Varly stayed in the lobby for most of the time meant a lot to this fan.

I didn’t really partake in any events during the evening. I just wandered around and watched fans interact with their idols. I did see Schultz and Neuvy play on Wii Rock Band, and a year later Mr. Nasty is still intense about that game. Semin and Ovi seemed inseparable, and I loved the wives all hanging out at a poker table together trying to win some chips. The place was really hopping this year.

I’m eager to see what next year’s Casino Night will bring. Two years, two completely different experiences, both enjoyable in their own right. Thanks for reading!

Photos (Click to enlarge)

Nicky Backstrom can manage only a crooked smile after 16 games without a goal.

During a hand of NLHE, Alex Semin checks his wristwatch. It is apparently zebra o’clock.

BBBBBB (Bench boss birthday boy Bruce Boudreau) tells the Slap Shot story for the billionth time.

Karl Alzner: happy and wholesome. Tom Poti: sinisterly counting Karl Alzner’s stack.

Jason Chimera then unhinged his jaw and swallowed this partygoer whole to a smattering of applause.

George McPhee, on the button, raises pot value and then throws in D.J. King’s contract.

Marcus and Nicky pore over an Ikea catalog (out of frame). Billy the Bookshelf FTW.

Tyler Sloan and Jeff Schultz are either throwing dice or watching MoJo and Backy playing Twister.

Okay, Alex Ovechkin’s suit is sharp. No jokes. I need that thing. Fashion bugs: where can I get it?

Ovi’s ongoing Wii Bowling slump has him almost 20 strikes off his 2009-2010 pace.

John Carlson (not yet 21 here ) and Jay Beagle applaud for BBBBBB’s kegstand (not pictured).

The guy from the gaming commission had a stroke when he saw this picture.

Mathieu Perreault sits at the kids table. In the background, Ovi is clearly peeking at someone’s cards.

Alex Ovechkin shuffles his chips. The dealers haaaaaate when you do that, but c’mon: it’s Ovi!

Semyon Varlamov and Alex Semin recite a Plath poem from memory. JK, it was Russian.

Mr. Nasty and Mikey Neuvirth ditch the party for a Rock Band sesh. Band name: Puzzle Crotch.

“So Hendy was like, ‘if you blindside Crosby in the head, I’ll buy you a beer’, and now here we are.”

Beags and Carlson’s persistently cold rolls wiped out the entire table table in two orbits.

DJ Brett Leonhardt simultaneously checks Facebook and updates his iTunes playlist.

BBBBBB’s birthday wish was that this cake was made out of cheeseburgers.

Semyon Varlamov is unamused by BBBBBB’s “I’m not touching you! I’m not touching you!” taunt.

Capitals players and staff with a rousing rendition of Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.”

It looked like an ordinary birthday high-five until Bruce went for the Top Gun follow-through.

Jason Chimera and Alex Ovechkin laugh at you. Damn, that suit is cool.

Editor’s note: Caps Snaps’ Chris Gordon was your man on the street for the Capitals’ outdoor skate at Chevy Chase yesterday. Here’s his report.

Ovi sported a grease mustache for the practice.

The Caps got a little taste of outdoor hockey on Wednesday at a venue that was somewhat less imposing than Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The practice at the Chevy Chase Club’s rink was closed to the public, but with the Winter Classic just three days away it still attracted a sizable crowd of club members.

“I think we’ve been looking forward to this all year, since they announced it,” Mike Green said. “It couldn’t come quick enough, now here we are, able to play in the game on Saturday. I know everybody is excited.”

“You wish the whole season was played outdoors.” added Karl Alzner.

The players certainly had fun during their skate in the elements. Every member of the team sported eye black, but some players took it further than others, including captain Alex Ovechkin who drew a mustache above his upper lip. “Just have fun, like laugh,” Ovechkin said. “Like, make a joke.”

“We had a couple ultimate warriors out there. I have no idea what [Ovechkin] was doing. He was different,” head coach Bruce Boudreau explained.

As for the game itself? “Once you get out there and you’re practicing today, you can’t wait,” Boudreau said. “It’s pretty exciting. We’re looking forward to it. I hope mother nature does their part and we have our way.”

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the coach offered a contingency plan. “If that doesn’t work a game of floor hockey at a local school would be really good,” he quipped.

“I’m really looking forward to it, so I’d be pretty bummed out if it didn’t go on.” John Carlson added.

Sun-soaked Photos Courtesy of Caps Snaps

Editor’s note: Chris Gordon of Caps Snaps once again provides the hook-up. This time it’s the Capitals new gear for the Winter Classic being used at practice. Enjoy! All photos are credited to Caps Snaps.

The Caps took the ice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Friday wearing some new digs. The players rocked their Winter Classic uniforms during a hard practice before the team flew to Boston.

The goalies had some something new to show, too: their brand new masks.

Michal Neuvirth’s mask is similar to the bucket he has sported during his first 22 games of the season. It features an image of a castle from his native Czech Republic on one side, while the reverse sports the Capitol dome and a Bald Eagle. Each side also displays the official Winter Classic logo crashing through a sheet of ice. The top showcases the Caps retro-styled logo, which is to be used for outdoor matchup while the chin of the mask has Neuvirth’s nickname “Neuvy” painted on it.

Semyon Varlamov’s mask is much simpler. The Russian ‘keeper opted not to design the mask himself but rather to leave it up to the artist, Swede David Gunnarsson, who also painted Neuvirth’s new mask. It features a swath of ice ballooning out of the cage and both sides display the same retro Caps logo as his teammate’s mask.

Spelled out on the top of the mask is “Winter Classic” while the chin features the 22 year-old’s nickname “Varly.”

Varlamov may have a special mask for the game but he still wants to think of the big match as just another day at the office. “I’ll be treating it a regular game because being a goalie I have to get in that mental state,” he said through a translator, though he acknowledged that won’t be easy.

“I know how important it is to the fans, I know how unique it is to play outside, I know it is a game everybody is looking forward to,” added Varlamov.

Michal Neuvirth clearly was looking forward to the New Year’s Day contest. “It’s going to be the first time [I have ever played outside]. It’s going to be a great experience for everybody on this team,” he said. “It’s going to be an exciting time, that’s for sure”

Much thanks to Slava Malamud of the Russian newspaper Sport Express for his interpreting assistance.

Photo Gallery
Editor’s note: We’re not sure which parts of these unis are for practice and which we’ll see again at the WC.

Alex Ovechkin skates at practice.

Everyone’s favorite hockey blogger, Andrew Gordon, in a grey practice jersey.

Tufts of Matty’s hair flow out of his helmet.

Snazzy pants.

David Steckel in white.

D.J. King and Jason Chimera play-fight. Beagle and Carlson would scrap later as well.

Friend-of-the-blog Chris Gordon (nom de guerre: Caps Snaps) put together a dazzling piece for the NYT hockey blog, Slap Shot, about the NHL’s media policy.  We discussed the issue at length here already.  The piece features quotes from Japers’ Rink, On the Forecheck, Caps media wizard Nate Ewell, and even us schlubs.  It’s a savvy piece, comparing at the motivations of blog-friendly clubs like the Caps to media-saturated and besieged teams like the Rangers (and pretty much everyone in Canada).

No excuse not to read it when the link is this big!

For the sake of laughs and posterity, here’s the full quote we supplied, unabridged and with a few more jokes:

All I’ve heard so far of the new NHL media policy is rumor. Until some enterprising PR guy leaks the thing, it’ll remain a straw man for bloggers like us to sneer at. From what I can tell, the policy codifies travelling teams’ ability to restrict access from new media folks.

I don’t think access to players – especially visiting teams – is what bloggers are good at or even interested in, so I doubt there will be much practical difference under this new policy. All the NHL has done, therefore, is antagonize and belittle bloggers for no apparent reason. We’re already a cantankerous and unstable breed of people, and although anarchic and headless, we generate a big chunk of buzz for National Hockey League.

Were I a decision-maker in Toronto, I’d begin a Blogger Appeasement Tour. It would start with granting unmitigated access to players in locker rooms and hotel rooms alike and end with perhaps some complimentary Knoll Life office chairs. Ahh, yes. That would be nice.

Congratulations, Chris, on your hard work.