“Matt Bradley said what?!” (Photo credit: Chris Gordon)

136 Days after the Capitals got swept out of the playoffs, the players were back on the ice on Saturday, ready for a new season.

Bruce Boudreau instituted a Redskins-esque fitness test, though unfortunately for the media no one pulled an Albert Haynesworth and failed it. (What the heck is RMNB writing about then, you must be thinking.)

Everybody asked about the test — how difficult it was, what it says about the team’s mentality this season, and so on. And then they asked about it some more. And then they asked about it again. Turns out Mike Knuble took note.

“We should get some of the bloggers out there, see how they do,” the veteran winger quipped.

On a less lighthearted note, Caps General Manager George McPhee told reporters defenseman Tom Poti failed his physical on Friday and has been placed on long-term injured reserve with a groin problem that has bothered the 34-year-old since early last season.

“I’m right where I was last year,” McPhee said. “Unfortunately he’s no further along.”

But let’s end it on a fun note: Alex Ovechkin got pie’d, Marcus Johansson’s new best friend is a local policeman, and Alex Semin cared.

Below, check out the pictures.

So, Ovi, how’s the new equipment working?

I made this one a caption contest on Twitter. Shockingly, not all of the responses were Five Dollar Footlong related.

Not exactly sure what’s happening here.

Neuvy needs just a touch more red in gear, no?

This is hard.

Dean Evason. Whistle. You know the drill.

Jeff Halpern… is back.

Mike Green… has ridiculous hair.

Your daily artistic shot of Dennis Wideman.

Halpern’s happy to be back.

Roman Hamrlik: thrilled.

This is Tomas Vokoun.

This is Dave Prior coaching Tomas Vokoun.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.

Photo credit: Chris Gordon

Alex Ovechkin will surely be getting a lot of presents on Saturday, his 26th birthday. Still, his teammates Brooks Laich and Nicklas Backstrom decided to give him a special gift by pie-ing him in the face not once but twice. I was on the scene with my camera and you can check out the frame-by-frame below.

(All photos by Chris Gordon — Click to enlarge)

Bonus shot: Brooks Laich and Nicklas Backstrom react to their evil deed! (Photo by Kyle M.)

Caps365 Video

Bruce Boudreau is a complex man. A man who has played nearly 20 years of professional hockey, won a Jack Adams award and has helped local businesses by appearing in their commercials. While taking photos for the Washington Capitals Examiner this past weekend, I got to know the man on a deeper level.

First, I met Happy-go-lucky-Bruce:

Then practice started and I met On-looker Bruce:

Uh-oh, “Why are you out of position?” Bruce showed up. Pleased to meet you.

“I heard that!” Bruce:

“I’ll kick you out of Kettler!” Bruce:

“Go ahead. Make my day” Bruce:

“Naw. I’m just kidding with you” Bruce:

And since I know you’re wondering: No, not all of these looks were directed at one individual player. Though if they were, I’m sure we could both guess who it’d be.