Washington Capitals News

Carl Hagelin(Left Wing)(LW)|Washington Capitals WAS

Call up / Send down

The Rangers trimmed their roster by eight this morning, down to 25, with defensemen Tim Erixon and Blake Parlett and forwards Ryan Bourque, Carl Hagelin, John Mitchell, Kris Newbury and Dale Weise being re-assigned to Connecticut (AHL).

No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL

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Ranger Rants 2011-10-01T17:56:54.000Z

Lars Eller(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

Injury

Eller still on the shelf: Centre Lars Eller, who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, expressed optimism this week that he would be cleared for contact Friday, but coach Jacques Martin said it isn’t going to happen. While there’s still an outside chance Eller will be ready for the season opener Thursday in Toronto, he would do so without the benefit of any preseason games.

Eller scored seven goals and 17 points in his rookie season for the Habs. In his second season with the organization he is expected to move up to a full-time role on the third line. Expect him to make the jump, if healthy, to the 30 point range.

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Faceoff.com 2011-09-30T12:04:04.000Z

T.J. Oshie(Right Wing)(RW)|Washington Capitals WAS

Line Change

Last season was interrupted by a serious injury that limited Oshie to 49 games, and he is still looking to get as many as 20 goals or 50 points in a season. So there is still room for him to “break out” in that manner.

The former 24th overall pick was on pace for 20 goals and 57 points last season. If he and his supporting cast can remain healthy, we could be looking at a 25 goal, 60 point season for the forward.

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2011-09-29T16:10:49.000Z

Nicklas Backstrom(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

Line Change

Ovechkin and Backstrom were laughing and chatting before practice like two old buddies who hadn't seen each other in a while. They were wearing matching red jerseys, too, possibly indicating a reunion for Monday night's game against the Blue Jackets.

Good news for Backstrom owners who expected him to play on the top line by default. Coming off his worst professional season, the former fourth overall pick will be tested all season. Expect Marcus Johansson to occasionally sub in on the top line, taking value away from Backstrom.

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Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:41:44.000Z

Nicklas Backstrom(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

Call up / Send down

Nicklas Backstrom is still rolling with the second group.

If Backstrom is demoted to the second line, look for his production to continue falling. Last sesaon the former fourth overall pick scored 18 goals and 65 points. That would be his ceiling without Ovechkin.

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Capitals Watch 2011-09-22T22:14:55.000Z

Lars Eller(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

Injury

Martin said. The former is “more advanced” and will likely be in contact drills next week.

Eller should be on track to make Opening Night, or return shortly after. The former 13th overall pick scored seven goals and 17 points in his first NHL campaign for the Habs. Expect a pretty drastic uptick in production this season.

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Hockey Inside/Out 2011-09-22T15:02:18.000Z

Nicklas Backstrom(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

None

Brooks Laich – Nicklas Backstrom – Alexander Semin

If Backstrom continues to center the second line, he will no longer be considered a first round pick. The former 4th overall posted his lowest point totals of his young career due to Ovechkin's inconsistency and battling his Swedish counterpart for playing time.

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Capitals Watch 2011-09-19T18:31:00.000Z

Dylan McIlrath(Defenseman)(D)|Washington Capitals WAS

None

McIlrath continues to show the growth, both physically and in his game, over the past year, though he’s not ready to make the jump from juniors to the NHL.

Feel more-than-safe crossing McIlrath off your draft sheet.

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Ranger Rants 2011-09-18T17:20:19.000Z

Lars Eller(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

None

"There is no set date for my return, but it is possible that I am ready for the first game of the season, we told Eller. I could also miss the first week of the calendar. The doctors will evaluate it during training camp.

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Cyberpresse 2011-08-17T11:50:11.000Z

T.J. Oshie(Right Wing)(RW)|Washington Capitals WAS

None

Blues forward T.J. Oshie and the Blues have agreed to a one-year contract extension.

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STL Today 2011-06-30T11:24:01.000Z

Nicklas Backstrom(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

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Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble

Backstrom gets back on the top line. Lines updated.

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