Centers, centers, centers, everyone knows what the Capitals need right now, and Keith Aucoin is the latest attempt to fix the problem, or at least to temporarily plug the hole. Most of you should know a little more about Aucoin than most call-ups – he’s a lifetime AHLer, a future AHL Hall of Famer, and from what we’ve heard an all-around great guy. We haven’t seen him much in the big leagues, but he’s been part of the organization for awhile now. He’s not going to look nearly as flashy in the NHL as he does in the AHL, but you can bet that he will do his job.

Name: Keith Aucoin
How to Pronounce That: AH-COYN. Like a coin you put in a pinball machine.
Nicknames: Coiner
Age: 33
Hair: Dad hair.

In a Nutshell: At 5’8, Keith Aucoin is small for the NHL, but the other skills have always been there. He’s a sturdy playmaker who passes extremely well and can put it in the back of the net, though it’s doubtful that will be his role here.
Not His First Rodeo: Aucoin is pretty used to being an emergency fill-in. He’s even got 3 goals and 11 points in his 21 overall games with the Capitals, as well as five goals with the Carolina Hurricanes before us.
Why He’s Getting a Shot: Since the Capitals are have been struggling offensively, maybe the the AHL’s leading scorer and former MVP can lend a hand. Keith Aucoin leads the NHL’s development league with 70 points – his line mate, Chris Bourque, has 69, and the next closest player is Peoria’s T.J. Hensick with 53. Unfortunately, much like former teammate Alexandre Giroux, Aucoin is a tweener who’s size and lack of consistency will forever keep him from cracking an NHL roster full-time. That said, Aucoin will bring energy, skill, and a savvy that is sorely missing at center with Nicklas Backstrom out.

Unexpected: He’s not afraid to drop the gloves, even though he’s teeny. We are sensing a theme here.

Maybe Don’t Worry About: His size–at least not for this game. For the same reason that less developed players like Perreault and Eakin weren’t hassled too much when we last played Montreal, this is not a team that’s going to press the issue. The Habs’ lineup has gotten bigger overall but they still don’t play a terribly physical game, so Aucoin should do all right. With Perreault, Johansson, and Aucoin down the middle, though, the Caps now may have the shortest center corps in the league–stack them up, and they make one Nicklas Backstrom.
Awww: Aucoin’s wife is having a baby.

He’s On Twitter: Follow him, or just go say congratulations!
Question of the Day: Upgrade, or downgrade?

Welcome to the Washington Capitals, Fists of Fury edition. A few key pieces are essentially dead right now, and some others are playing like they are, so these holes will be filled by kids from Hershey, which is what they are there for.

I know you are all smart and cool people who keep up to date on our minor leaguers, but if you are at all behind in this I do not blame you, as there are like a million of them. In case you are wondering who in the world this is on your ice, here is a quick rundown!

Name: Joel Rechlicz
How to Pronounce That: WRECK-lish
Nicknames: Reck, Wrecker, Recking Ball
Age: 24
Number: He’ll be wearing #54 for the Caps tonight.
Hair: Medium-longish at the moment, but it’s the beard you have to watch out for.

In a Nutshell: Joel Rechlicz fights. A lot. He’s leading the AHL in penalty minutes currently, would be leading the NHL in penalty minutes if he played there, and has had 12 fights this season in 27 games. What’s more, he actually wins those fights, D.J. King. Fear of spiders is called arachnaphobia. Fear of tight spaces is called claustrophobia. Fear of Joel Rechlicz is called logic.

His Style: Joel Rechlicz doesn’t do the stupid jersey-grabby, spin-around-for-ten-seconds-and-then-shake-hands fights. Oh no. He enjoys minutes-long marathon bouts. He also enjoys punching with his tongue out–watch for this–and taunting from the bench. He’s everything you want when he’s on your team, and everything you hate to play against when he’s not–this guy is there to make you mad and then punch you in the face if you’ve got a problem with it.
Why He’s Getting a Shot: Dale Hunter’s expressed a desire to add toughness, and Rechlicz is about as literal as you can get with that one. He is toughness in person form. Don’t expect much in the way of skill from him, but judging from the ridiculous nonsense Tampa Bay tried to pull last time we played them, he may be a good addition for tonight.
Caps He’s Fought: Donald Brashear, John Erskine.
Oddity: Rechlicz plays with a wooden stick. Presumably nothing else would survive his sheer power.

Will He Play? Yes! Rechlicz is in, Beagle is out tonight, and will also be traveling with the team for the game against the Panthers. Hey Steve Downie, want to pick on a guy who’s never had a fight, huh? Try that with Joel Rechlicz around.

Question of the Day: Will Recker have more punches thrown than total seconds played tonight? Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.

Photo credit: Kyle Mace

The Hershey Bears lost to the Adirondack Phantoms 4-3. The game was played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, home of the Phillies, in front of the largest audience in AHL history.

Our sister blog, Sweetest Hockey on Earth, has comprehensive coverage of the game. There’s Brian Mills’ pre-game reminiscence of outdoor hockey, Kyle Mace’s magnificent photos from outdoor practice, the team picture, the pump-up video,  the recap of actual game, and a billion photos of the game.

NHL Network will broadcast the game at 4 PM on Saturday, so, ya know… spoilers.

(Photo credit: Kyle Mace)

Making the Hershey Bears 7-1 victory over the Pirates even sweeter, fans threw over 10 thousand bears on the ice for charity. Check out our Hershey blog, Sweetest Hockey on Earth, for more of Kyle Mace’s photos and Kathryn’s game recap.

It’s impossible not to click this gigantic link.

Dima celebrates his fourth goal of the year (Photo credit: Kyle Mace of Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

Dripping with sweat after a thirty-minute session on a stationary bike, I asked Dmitry Orlov how he was feeling Saturday night after the biggest game of his professional career.

“Not good. We lost.”

Orlov, a 20-year-old offensive defenseman from Novokuznetsk, Russia, could have cared less about his first ever three-point performance, the fact that he rifled three shots on net, or that he was on the ice for three minutes of the game’s five-minute overtime– big-time minutes for a young player.

He also didn’t want to think about his highlight-reel goal in the first period where he took the puck from behind Hershey’s own net, went around two defenders in the neutral zone, and scored on a slapshot from just inside Albany’s blue line – a jaw-dropping individual play. The Bears endured their fourth straight loss, this time to the visiting Devils, and he was victimized on Albany’s second goal, in which he lost a one-one-one battle with Nathan Perkovich in front of the net.

Unlike Dima (Orlov’s nickname), Mark French, the Bears’ Calder Cup-winning head coach, kept perspective in his post-game press conference. “His talent was on display tonight. His first goal — the second goal of the game — was a nice shot, but I thought his skill and his NHL upside was clearly on display.”

Orlov — continuing to grow more comfortable by the day with English — was recalled to the Washington Capitals early Sunday and looks to play in his first NHL game Monday against the Phoenix Coyotes, trying the give the Capitals a much-needed jolt. Mike Green, whose latest groin injury was classified by Bruce Boudreau as “an actual day-to-day thing” nine days ago, has not recovered as fast as team officials would have liked and may not skate until later this week. Green has only played in 13 games since February 1st of last season, a harrowing statistic.

“We just thought we needed a little shake up, just somebody with a little more energy from the back end a little bit,” Boudreau, the Capitals embattled head coach, told the Washington Post’s Katie Carrera. “Supposedly last night in Hershey he was fabulous — he had a goal and two assists, and thought we could use that.”

For those of you who have been reading RMNB for the last two years, Orlov’s quick rise to the NHL should not be a surprise. For those of you who have gotten on the RMNB bandwagon a wee bit late, hey, that’s all good. Let’s catch you up on what you’ve missed.

Dmitry Orlov’s First KHL Goal (11-23-2008)

Dima’s first KHL goal came on November 23, 2008 when he was 17 years, 4 months, and 0 days old. Orlov became the second youngest player defenseman to ever record a goal in the KHL — a league mostly comprised of men and NHL retreads. Only Zakhar Arzamastsev has scored quicker at 17 years and 1 month. Orlov went on to record seven goals and 14 assists in 102 career games in the KHL and Russian Super League.

Dmitry Orlov is Drafted by the Washington Capitals (6-29-2009)

Orlov was selected by the Washington Capitals in the second round, 55th overall of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He was the second Russian drafted – Dmitry Kulikov was selected 14th by the Panthers. With his debut Monday, Orlov will now be the third Capitals player in the 2009 draft to play in the NHL. Marcus Johansson and Cody Eakin are the others.

Dmitry Orlov Eats Cupcakes at 2010 Development Camp

This isn’t really an accomplishment. This is just a great photo by RMNB’s Chris Gordon. Here Orlov and 2010 first round pick Evgeny Kuznetsov scarf down cupcakes.

Dmitry Orlov Awarded Davydov Trophy (9/16/2010)

During the 2009-10 season, Metallurg Novokuznetsk failed to qualify for the KHL playoffs so they decided to send Orlov down to the Novokuznetsk Bears of the MHL, the KHL’s developmental league. After totaling only four goals and three assists in 43 KHL games, Orlov found his game in the junior circuit, leading the Bears to the MHL Finals. Orlov’s nine goals and 10 assists in the playoffs ranked him third among all players. He was awarded several top honors including the Davydov trophy as the MHL Playoff MVP and was also named the best defenseman of the MHL Finals and Semifinals.

Dmitry Orlov Wins Gold Medal at WJC (1/5/2011)

Orlov, along with fellow Capitals draft pick Evgeny Kuznetsov, led the Russians to a Gold Medal in the 2010 World Junior Championship held in Buffalo. Trailing Canada 3-0 in the Championship game, the Russians scored five unanswered goals in the third period, winning the tournament in dramatic fashion. One of Russia’s assistant captains, Orlov played a key role for the squad finishing with nine points in six games. He also was named to the post-tournament the all-star squad.

Dmitry Orlov Leaves the KHL for Hershey (2/27/2011)

After another losing season in the KHL, Orlov got out of his contract with Metallurg and signed an entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals. On February 27th, Orlov made AHL debut against the Albany Devils. Not only did he register a point in his first game as a Hershey Bear, he also inspired The Patriot-News’s Tim Leone to comment,”That’s the best first 20 minutes from a 19-year-old D I’ve ever seen in this league.” RMNB’s Igor Kleyner caught up with Dima after his first professional game. You can check out the interview here.

Dmitry Orlov Scores His First Career AHL Goal (3/9/2011)

Orlov went on to score his first AHL goal ten days later against the Worchester Sharks. In his first abbreviated season in the AHL, Orlov finished with nine points in 19 games.

Mark French Compares Orlov to John Carlson (9/22/2011)

During Caps training camp, I caught up with Hershey Bears Head Coach Mark French and he compared Dmitry to fellow Capital John Carlson. “I think Dmitry’s got a lot of upside. What I really like about him that he has similar to John is he has a real swagger [on the ice]. They both don’t get intimidated by a situation. They both seem to rise to the occasion more than be intimidated by it. I think that’ll make him a very good hockey player.” Read the whole interview here.

A few weeks ago, word leaked out on Twitter that Braden Holtby was sporting a new goalie mask during practice up in Hershey. We sent photographer Kyle Mace — of our sister blog Sweetest Hockey on Earth — to the Bears’ next home game and had him capture every angle imaginable of Braden’s new roller-coaster themed mask.

Well now, David Gunnarsson — the Swedish artist who custom-painted Holtby’s new headgear — explains the backstory to the project.

How about transforming a mask into a rollercoaster ride? Sounds like fun! Braden Holtby had an awesome idea to put a rollercoaster ride on his mask, cause in Hershey there is a sweet amusement park. So I came up with this design with a mix of Hershey and Caps theme.

…

The bear is, of course, a goalie bear… his facemask is flying off in the high speed ride. And not only that, maybe the bear looks kind, but look again… this goalie bear is a real badass bear… He has a black eye, bruises and scars… He must have been in a number of fights… Don’t mess with him…

Yup. Sounds perfect for Braden.

You can check out Gunnarsson’s entire explanation and a few more photos at his website daveart.com.

S/t to the Tumblr I Love Goalies.

Friend of the blog Holly F. and King mug for the camera at a Movember event last year.

Vice President and General Manager George McPhee announced today that the Washington Capitals have sent forward D.J. King to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. The 6’3”, 231-pound horse-lover played in a total of 18 games in Washington over the past two seasons, watching another 85 from the press box. King collected $660,823 during those 85 games he did not play, which should totally bum you out.

Last week King was made available on waivers, signaling his desire to see actual playing time. The move to Hershey may be a continuation of that.

Despite his limited impact on the ice, King was popular among fans, teammates, and media members alike. Here’s just a small sampling of the fan reaction on Twitter:

Here’s the backstory on why Clyde’s daughter loves D.J. so much.

When McPhee traded for King way back in the Summer of 2010, he told the media that D.J. “could play.” That was encouraging since we were already dubious on the value of adding an enforcer.

Unfortunately, D.J. never had a moment in Washington that inspired much confidence. He had the skating ability of Happy Gilmore, and when he did actually did drop the gloves, his fights were contrived and didn’t create momentum for the Capitals.

Let’s review. (And just a warning: this is a really, really sad walk down memory lane.)

October 13, 2010 – D.J. King vs. Trevor Gilles

King’s first fight as a Capital was promising. That is until two thundering left crosses from Gilles knocks him from a standing position to one knee. 79% of voters on HockeyFights.com viewed Gilles the winner of the fight.

November 3, 2010 – D.J. King vs. Colton Orr

Watch Colton Orr punch D.J. for about 70 seconds straight. The best comment on YouTube of the fight is from user zegermans750, a Blues’ fan. “Jesus, Kinger used to be better than this.” 82% of voters on HockeyFights.com viewed Orr the winner of the fight.

December 6, 2010 – D.J. King vs. Colton Orr

A month and three days later, King drops the mitts with Orr again this time to exact revenge on a dirty hit on Ovechkin. The fight however, is a snooze-fest as Orr spends a minute-plus throwing punches, while D.J. holds on for dear life. 85% of voters on HockeyFights.com viewed Orr the winner of the fight. Yikes.

January 18, 2011 – D.J. King vs. Jody Shelly

Here watch as King bruises Shelly’s left shoulder pad with punch after punch. 49% of voters on HockeyFights.com viewed this fight as a draw. Hey! Progress!

February 12, 2011 – D.J. King vs. Kevin Westgarth

Two days before Valentine’s Day, King and Westgarth show their love for each other by exchanging a bag full of knuckle sandwiches. No hugging for these love birds. However, King definitely takes a brunt of the shots. 51% of voters on HockeyFights.com viewed Westgarth the winner of this fight.

March 21, 2011 – D.J. King vs. Francis Lessard

In King’s final fight hopefully ever as a Capital, he and Lessard wrap each other up like a burrito and hug it out. Come on, guys. Get a room! 64% of voters on HockeyFights.com viewed this fight as a draw.

King will travel up I-83 to Hershey and try to establish himself on a team which already has a few heavyweight fighters in Joel Rechlicz and Patrick Weller. Where he fits in there is anyone’s guess. For now the Capitals can rely on Matt Hendricks, Jason Chimera, and Big John Erskine for pugilism. And maybe Cody Eakin sticks around for a little bit longer.

Thanks for all the hard work, Kinger. Good luck to you.

Photo credit: Kyle Mace

Andrew Gordon won two Calder Cups with the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears in four seasons.  He played nine games with Washington last season, scoring his first career NHL goal on future hall of famer Martin Brodeur, a feat he celebrated by kissing assister Marcus Johansson on the bench. But Andrew left the organization over the summer to hazard the free market. After a promising performance at Anaheim’s training camp, Gordon was added to the team’s roster (and then cheated on us in Finland with another blog).

I caught up with the notoriously well-spoken Andrew Gordon after the Ducks’ painful 5-4 overtime loss to the Capitals on Tuesday. We talked about California weather, competing against his former teammates, and the enduring adoration of Washington’s fans.

Ian Oland: So Andrew, what’s the move been like from Hershey and Washington to Anaheim?

Andrew Gordon: It was different going in. California’s a lot different from the East Coast cities I’ve played in and grown to love. It’s good. Everywhere you go in hockey, it’s the same sort of thing. A lot of good hockey players. A lot of good guys who came up through the same system and had the same coaches and everything. The guys [at Anaheim] are great, and they’re easy to get along with. Plus, you leave the rink, and it’s 85 degrees everyday. Nothing to complain about there. It’s a much different lifestyle up there though. It took a little bit of an adjustment.

Gordo during warm-ups. (Photo credit: Kyle Mace)

Ian Oland: What was it like playing your old teammates tonight? In the first period, you almost checked John Carlson through the boards.

Andrew Gordon: No, I know. I just tried to make sure that I wasn’t thinking about it. That was the main thing. You know, in practice, you go out there and you don’t really finish your checks as hard as you would. These are guys I practiced with and against for years and years and years. I really tried to make sure that I didn’t treat it like that. I tried to make sure that I treated it like a game situation and ‘do what I do.’ There was a lot of good players out there that I know a lot of their tendencies and stuff. At the same time, it’s a quick game out there. It’s a fast game. Guys with that much skill can beat you. You gotta remember when you’re out there who’s on the ice with you. [The Capitals] have so much skill — no matter if you’re friends with the guys or not — they’re going to try and go out there and beat you. It was fun leading up to the game, but it wasn’t the result I wanted. I’m not too keen on how tonight ended.

Ian Oland: During your years in Hershey, you were a jack of all trades. You started your career there as a bottom-six forward. Later on, you played on the first line and was always out there on the power play. So far in Anaheim, you’ve mostly played on the third line and when the team’s shorthanded. What has the transition been like to concentrate so much on offense to now being a bottom six guy again?

Andrew Gordon: Well, you have to find a role out there. You know, guys like Perry. Guys like Getzlaf. Guys like Bobby Ryan, Selanne, Koivu. These are the guys that have been putting up numbers for years and years and years. We have guys that can score goals. We have guys that are going to play those offensive minutes, those powerplay minutes. So they’re starting me off on the PK. It was something I used to do back in Hershey a few years ago. It was something I used to do back in college quite a bit. So I’ve been taking that really seriously and have really been trying to contribute on that end of the ice. A team is made up of 20-25 guys and not everyone is going to score every night. When you’re not scoring — as I’ve been struggling with lately — you have to make sure you’re contributing in other ways every night. Our PK was pretty good, but [the bottom six guys] have to find a way to chip in. Like I said earlier, change is inevitable when a team starts struggling like this. Managers and coaches aren’t going to put up with losing. So everybody’s gotta find a way to dig ourselves out of this. Everybody’s got to find a way to do their jobs a little bit better. For me, that’s keeping up with this PK and not giving up anything while I’m on the ice. And also finding a way to contribute offensively.

Photo credit: Kyle Mace

Another fan's sign dedicated to Andrew. (Photo credit: Kyle Mace)

Ian Oland: What did you think of the warm reception you got from Caps fans during warm-ups? There certainly were a lot of signs…

Andrew Gordon: It was really nice. It was wonderful. Yeah, it was good to see a lot of people from Hershey, some familiar faces. It’s a community that’s embraced me and I really grew to love during my time here. To see that I haven’t been forgotten quickly, that really means a lot to me. It’s really a unique situation here in Washington and Hershey. The fans and the media, they don’t mind that short two-hour drive ‘down the street.’ It’s sorta like one big community whereas with a newer organization — the teams are split up by cost and country — and you don’t really hear what’s going on in the minor leagues. Even though I played about 95% of my career in Hershey, it was like I was a member of this Washington Capitals family for a long time. It was great to see how some of the staff and some of the fans welcomed me back. It was much appreciated.

Ian Oland: Some of my friends have been nagging me, so of course I have to ask: when’s the Twitter hiatus going to end?

Andrew Gordon: ::laughs::

Ian Oland: Is it because you’re superstitious or maybe waiting for a certain something to happen this year?

Andrew Gordon: I just wanted to make sure I was focusing on the right things. There was no single event that triggered it. I just wanted to make sure I was thinking about the right things out there. Focus a little bit harder. But you know, I should definitely switch back soon. I haven’t scored a goal since I quit! I think with Movember coming up, I’m going to do some promotion and generate some money for that organization. I’m sure you’ll see me back on there pretty soon.

Image of Hiller’s mask via The Goalie Guild.

Ian Oland: What did you think of Hiller’s mask by the way with you on there? What did you think of your portrait?

Andrew Gordon: ::laughs:: Oh man, I don’t know. That’s more stache’ growth than I’ll probably have for my whole life! It was pretty cool. He first brought the mask in when we were in Minnesota. Everyone got a good laugh out of it. It was pretty creative. He did a great job on it that’s for sure!

Ian Oland: So big question. What were your feelings when you made Anaheim out of camp? Last year with the Caps, you were one of the final cuts, one of the final three not to make the team.

Andrew Gordon: I mentioned this to someone earlier in the day. It wasn’t like one day the coaches called me into the office and said ‘congratulations.’ Just no one told me I wasn’t on the team. It was a no news is good news kind of thing. So as long as they haven’t talked to you, then they can’t really be too upset by the way you’ve been playing. That’s been the case for me so far. I don’t know — whenever you’re a rookie or a guy that’s constantly on the bubble — nothing’s guaranteed. You have to earn every practice. You have to earn every game. You have to earn every minute you get out there. So for me, it’s not like I made the team yet. It’s a 365 day tryout I’m on now. I gotta make sure I bring my ‘A’ game every day, and unfortunately I don’t know if today was it.

Gordo gives a hug to a fan in a Hershey Bears jersey before warm-ups. (Photo credit: Kyle Mace)

Ian Oland: We talked about this earlier, so you know what should be coming. Tell me something great about Teemu Selanne.

Andrew Gordon: What’s NOT great about Teemu Selanne would be the better question. Growing up he was my favorite player. In fact, there’s still some of my old posters of him up at my parents’ house that I see when I come home for the summers. My dad’s from Winnipeg, so I used to watch [the Jets] religiously all the time. He turns out to be one of the best guys in the game. You find that nobody in the world has a bad thing to say about Teemu Selanne. I think his character and personality is what brings him above all the other superstars. You know, if you look, and there’s an article written about him, you’ll look and see the comments below and they’ll say, ‘I hate the Ducks, but I love Teemu Selanne.’ Nobody has anything bad to say about the guy. He’s a guy that gives back to the community. He welcomes young guys. He’s really the face of this franchise. He’d probably be the face of the NHL if he was a little bit younger. The personality behind this great player and this great skill set is something that stands out to me and makes him above the rest. He’s an unbelievable guy and I’m really fortunate to play with him.

Ian Oland: Awesome. Well good luck with the facial hair. It was obviously very nice catching up with you.

Sheepvechkin! (Illustration by Rachel Cohen)

Today is Halloween, which for me means less than one month until my birthday! Yay! Oh wait — I mean, dressing up, eating candy, and looking like a tool. To celebrate the holiday right, we figured we’d do a Halloween-themed post.

I’ll be honest: when I heard Chris Gordon‘s demand to solicit Caps-themed jack-o-lanterns, I thought we’d get maybe four images and this post would be a total disaster. Three days and 50 emails later, holy lord did you guys come through in a BIG way. (I guess that’s why he contributes to the New York Times, and I don’t.)

We’ve got Caps logos, we’ve got Ovi heads, and we’ve got 10 million Weagle-carved pumpkins. Follow me past the jump to check out the gallery.

Oh yeah. Homeowners, please remember: the more Mr. Big bars you give out to the kids tonight, the more goals Ovechkin will score on Tuesday. So don’t be stingy. And kids, show no restraint in eating your candy when you get home. Sugar is good for you, no matter what your parents say. Eat it all in one night. Dive into those Kit-Kats and Milky Ways like Alex Ovechkin dives into the boards after scoaring. Type II diabetes be damned.

The Creatively Carved Pumpkins

Justine K.’s Mike Green Painted and Carved Pumpkin

Katie W.’s Caps Pumpkins

Katie’s explanation of her submission cracked me up: “Go Caps!! … and Freddie Mercury. Freddie loves the Caps too.” Sure. Why not?

Chris Gardner’s RMNB-inspired Pumpkins

That last design is by @nazarcruce. Awesome!

Caps Painted Pumpkins by Josie G. (@jgoggs23)

Here’s Josie’s explanation on why she didn’t actually carve anything. “I only had a chance to paint… I KNOW it is nothing like that really cool RMNBesque jack o lantern of Ovi’s face, but I tried!” It’s like the hard hat the Caps give out after every game. Totally works!

Libby D.’s Caps-Carved Pumpkins Featuring a Special Guest

Creative and awesome because… Look at the cat! Also she totally sucked up in her email: “First off, let me just say that you are hands-down my favorite Caps blog. That’s not just ego-stroking so you’ll view my pumpkins more favorably (okay fine, maybe 80/20), I really enjoy reading your stuff – always so entertaining! The picture even includes a seasonally-appropriate orange kitty.” Thanks, Libby.

Chris C.’s Stanley Cup Pumpkin

To everyone in Chris’s neighborhood, please make sure to stay at least an arm’s length away from this thing!

Joey W. Gives Us Caveman Backstrom

The Ovechkin-Inspired Pumpkins

Linnea W.’s Angry Ovi Face

I literally almost fell out of my chair when I first saw this. Incredible work, Linnea!

Daniel C.’s beautiful Ovi Head

So good, I thought this was photoshopped at first.

Alli K.’s Tribute to our Website Header

In my heart of hearts, this is the grand-prize winner if we were to call this a contest. Which we’re totally not. But man, look at that detail. Thanks, Alli!

Jenna M.’s Half-Cut off Ovi Head

so sick hahaha))))

Justine K.’s Great 8 Pumpkin

The Caps Logo Pumpkins

Via Julie R. (@H8Crosby)

Via Morgan C.

Via Jamie N.

Via Cecilia V.

Via LuAyne B.

Via an Anonymous reader

Weagles, Weagles, and MORE Weagles

Behold! Neil Greenberg‘s first ever carved pumpkin.

We also assume Nicci U. had the primary assist here. Great job, guys.

Via Vivian F.

We loved the note she sent us: “Hey guys! Love the blog. I’m a student at McGill University – smack dab in the middle of Habs (ew) territory. Carved this one and set it right outside of my residence for all of Montreal to see. Let’s go Caps!” Awesome.

Via Wendi O.

Via Monte F.

Great photo!

Via Jackie Q.

Jackie tells us that she carved this with her girls. Great jorb.

Via Elana L.

Via Amsi H.

Amsi told us in her email, “I’m not too happy with it, but it’s my first pumpkin carving ever.” This is way better than anything I’ve carved in ten-plus years of trying. And I’m technically an artist. Great job!

Via Chad S.

Via Rebecca S.

Via Cecilia V.

Via Joshua G.

The Capitol dome’s a nice touch!

Via Laura S.

Haha. It looks like the pumpkin has newspaper shoes! I’m immature. Thanks, Laura. Ignore me.

Via Emily J.

Via Michelle P.

Via Allison C.

Via Scott M.

Via Scott W.

Via Brad P. (@StopTheHats)

Via Brendon D.

Via an Anonymous reader

And we can’t forget Hershey. Here’s SHOE‘s own Brian Mills and his Bears-0-lantern.

Which ones did you like the best? Let us know in the comments, and thanks to everyone who shared your pumpkins.

All photos by Kyle Mace. Click to enlarge.

We heard from reader Matthew W. that Braden Holtby got a new mask this week. Until today, all we had were blurry, long-distance cell phone pictures, but now we’ve got pics from Kyle Mace (of our sister blog Sweetest Hockey On Earth) taken during warm-ups of the Bears/Senators game.

The front of the mask features a bear on a roller coaster (either a reference to Hersheypark or his turbulent offseason) and the Capitals Weagle logo. The back features the flags of Saskatchewan and Alberta (Holtby’s home); the Japanese symbol meaning “Constant Improvement,” the words “Carpe Diem”, and the Hershey Bears logo.

Below the jump, check out Kyle’s hi-res images of Braden’s sweet new headgear. And thanks to Holtby for unknowingly being such a great model.

Photos of Braden Holtby’s New Mask