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Matt Hendricks Sends a Message

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Two days after signing a one-year deal with the Caps and one week after notching a hat trick in the team's pre-season opener, Matt Hendricks further endeared himself to Caps fans moments after tonight's opening face off. Here's CSN New England's Joe Haggerty's take on what went down at TD Garden:

The Gregory Campbell fight with former B's minor leaguer Matt Hendricks two seconds into the game is likely a carry-over from last night’s third period fireworks with Alexander Ovechkin in Washington DC. Campbell was cross-checked by AO, and he promptly threw Ovechkin into the boards before the Russian sniper came back with a hard slash at Campbell. Johnny Boychuk came to Campbell’s aid and both players were sent to the penalty box before it escalated. Clearly Washington looking to send a message that "you don’t go after our Ovie" and rightfully so.

Hendricks, who is by no means a lock to break camp with the Caps, said last week, "No matter what my role is in a game, no matter how much ice time I get, at the end of it I want to be able to say I changed the game. So sometimes it might be scoring a goal, but for the most part it's the way I play, with the grit and the energy that I bring for the club." Whether or not he changed tonight's game (a 4-1 Caps victory), one thing is for certain - Matt Hendricks is making one heck of an impression on his coaches, teammates and fans.

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Comments

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Truculence done right. Sticktap to Mr. Hendricks.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Sep 29, 2010 9:29 PM EDT reply actions  

Good stuff. Certainly doing enough in these few games to catch some admiration from Caps fans. This maybe even more so than the hat trick.

I love lamp.

by All is Fehr on Sep 29, 2010 9:30 PM EDT reply actions  

If it weren’t for the fact that Andrew Gordon were also competing for the same roster spot, I would immediately argue for giving it to Hendricks. But given his age, contract situation, and how he’s performed in prior NHL games, I have a feeling Hendricks is more likely to survive waivers than Gordon.

We’ll know in about a week or so, I guess.

by Wheeler on Sep 29, 2010 9:33 PM EDT reply actions  

I dont think he has to pass through waivers, he signed a 2 way deal. I’m not exactly sure on the ruling there.

by DonCaps819 on Sep 29, 2010 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Someone today or yesterday said he wouldn’t have to pass through waivers due to his AHL salary.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 29, 2010 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m thinking that’s on the way up. But given that 29 other teams had a chance to sign him, I doubt he’d be claimed.

"It's always good to have vikings."

by gfcaps fan on Sep 29, 2010 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

That might be it. I just remember seeing the comment in passing.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 29, 2010 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Largely unrelated (waivers and contract type). Wish I had the link to the explanation…

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by winterion on Sep 29, 2010 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

The answer is that because of his age, Hendricks must pass through waivers to get down to Hershey. This should theoretically be no problem because he was a UFA a week ago — if anyone had wanted him, they could have had him (I doubt a few preseason games for the Caps have made him that much more of a valued commodity).

Because of his AHL salary, he does not have to pass through reentry waivers on his way back to the Caps.

That last point is a big deal. It makes him a very attractive player to stash in Hershey and then bring back up if the Caps lose anyone for an extended period, either due to injury or being traded away.

$5 says he starts the season in Hershey, but he’s our “Scott Walker” for this season and he’s on the NHL playoff roster.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Sep 29, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

The waivers are irrevocable, though, right? No putting someone on the wire on them pulling them back and regrouping if there’s a claim, a la baseball?

"This guy is an android. He's not human....Oh my goodness."

by Sam DC on Sep 29, 2010 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Right, if he’s claimed he’s gone. But like Gouldie said, he was UFA a week ago and nobody signed him so it doesn’t seem like there would be much of a waiver market for him.

Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman

by Rob Parker on Sep 29, 2010 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks.

"This guy is an android. He's not human....Oh my goodness."

by Sam DC on Sep 29, 2010 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

two way deal has nothing to do with waivers or not, only changes the amount of money they make in AHL vs NHL

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by Sombrero Guy on Sep 29, 2010 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

EA Sports: if it’s in the game… meh, close enough.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 30, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions  

That was awesome. I love the guy already.

by DonCaps819 on Sep 29, 2010 9:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Anyone have video of this. I tuned in 2 seconds late. Sounds like Hendricks got the sweater over Campbell and got the decision.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Sep 29, 2010 9:38 PM EDT reply actions  

It will probably be on the Caps site later tonight or tomorrow. But yeah… Hendricks owned him. Short fight, and to the point.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 29, 2010 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Clan MacDonald would be mighty proud of you, Hendricks!

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Sep 29, 2010 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I tuned in about 2 seconds late and missed the fight. By most accounts, Hendricks put the sweater over Campbell’s head and “Soup” went down faster than a 19-year-old girl with daddy issues.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Sep 29, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions   3 recs

Brutal…

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

by fat_daddyo on Sep 29, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pretty much.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 29, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

It was hard to get a good view… ended a bit quick.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 29, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Happened so fast I thought they were showing clips of Shaone Morrisonn…

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Sep 29, 2010 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

That’s what she said.

'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...

by D'ohboy on Sep 29, 2010 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions   4 recs

eRec’d

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 30, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions  

Didn’t see the fight, so I can’t attest to accuracy.

I was just chuckling of the “daddy issues” line [and wincing a little, but hey].

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

by fat_daddyo on Sep 29, 2010 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

For someone with your username…

;)

'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...

by D'ohboy on Sep 29, 2010 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

So ---"who makes and who does not"?

Wow, what a pleasant quandary for Caps management.
Options: Perreault (Hershey) Johannson (sp) (SEL / Hershey?)
No Options: Andrew Gordon (wouldn’t make it through waivers)
Unknown: Matt Hendricks? Beagle?

Guesses:
Making the squad out of camp: Johannson and A. Gordon

Perreault to Hershey – Hendricks to Hershey or waiver wires

UNLESS

we can trade Andrew Gordon to some team (Hello NY Islanders !!) who will give us something in return --

Just my 2 cents

by Dougeb on Sep 29, 2010 9:40 PM EDT reply actions  

it’s criminal that Matty P isnt going to make the club.
he’s super creative in the offensive zone and works his tail off every shift.
I’d hate to see Gordon claimed off the waivers. ..but i almost hate to see MP in Hershey for another year

Who's your Padre?

by kingzman264 on Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

If MP does start in Hershey, I can promise you he’s not there for the whole year.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Sep 30, 2010 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nope. Though I’d really like to see Hendricks make the roster.

Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

by gotsparkly on Sep 30, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’m guessing the conversation at the face off went something like this:

MH – “Hey Soup, you know you gotta answer for last night, right?”
GC – “Yup. But tell Ovi if he two hands me again my dad’s gonna be pissed.”

Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...

by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 29, 2010 9:53 PM EDT reply actions   4 recs

The best part about the B’s signing Soup is that they are free from The Wheel of Injustice.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Sep 29, 2010 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

SCOC in the hizzay! Welcome to the Rink.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Sep 29, 2010 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cool beans. What’s the SCOC take on the trip to Europe? Distraction, or nice change from the routine?

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Sep 29, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

They usually start the season on a long road trip when the circus is in town (except last yr). So, it isn’t too much difference. I guess you have to deal with some jet lag, but it could be a good time to come together as a team.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Sep 29, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ownzzzzz. Ownzzzzzz.

'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...

by D'ohboy on Sep 29, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Circle the wagons

Having a Master’s degree in communication, I’m all for sending messages. I’m also a Law & Order fan in all its variations. If DJ King is the new sheriff in town, then Matt Hendricks must be auditioning for the role of deputy. You can’t have too many lawmen at the OK Corral to protect Ovie and the other Caps superstars.

by Ovietracker on Sep 29, 2010 9:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Reminded me a lot of last year when the Penguins returned to Boston after Cooke’s hit on Savard and Thornton gave him the much-anticipated dance. I’m sure Claude Julien was expecting this, and I’m impressed that he put Campbell out for the opening faceoff, just to get it over with.

"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010

by bagace on Sep 29, 2010 10:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah, that was a pretty stand up move by Julien to get Campbell out there to face the music. Of course, the Caps didn’t dress King, which helps.

Anyway, I am a big fan of sending (and reinforcing, if need be) this particular message.

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

by fat_daddyo on Sep 29, 2010 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hendricks’ theme song walking into the dressing room http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoAXW30mMAg

Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.

by Davethecapsfan on Sep 29, 2010 10:29 PM EDT reply actions  

Appropriate choice!

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Sep 29, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

So is it pretty much a lock that Matt will be nicknamed “Jimi” before the season begins?

"If I was being paid thirty-thousand dollars a year, the very least I could do was hit .400." - Ted Williams

by Capsfan07 on Sep 30, 2010 12:48 AM EDT reply actions  

Well at least he’s not likely to share a nickname with Semin…

Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy

by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

Even if I was earlier joking about him turning into our next Semin when he got a hat trick in one game and the next game he took two penalties.

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Sep 30, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

That’s what we called him last year at MHH.

Arguably the Avs’ worst offseason decision to let him walk.

You’ll love Jimi. Lord knows we did!

Colorado Avalanche Offseason Strategy - Please wake us in October

by Hopfenkopf on Sep 30, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

After his first couple of pre-season games I think you’re right.

:-)

"If I was being paid thirty-thousand dollars a year, the very least I could do was hit .400." - Ted Williams

by Capsfan07 on Oct 2, 2010 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

this might have bypassed all you homers, but if OV wants to play tough why doesn’t he take the heat himself? Hendricks is looking for a job with the Caps, so I understand part of his willingness. Matt Bradley had to take care of what he started last season. And don’t bring up this “he might get hurt” junk. As recklessly as OV plays sometimes, he is equally likely to get hurt for a stupid check or from kneeing someone.

by doughless on Sep 30, 2010 10:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Hey, name calling in your first post, you’ll do just fine here.

"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."

by Bald Pollack on Sep 30, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

He’s one of the worst CI commenters. Lovely….

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 30, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Matt Bradley chose to take care of it. OV was ready to dance with Downie.

by RedLife19 on Sep 30, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’ve seen you on Capitals Insider…

Have you considered that Ovechkin may not be contractually permitted to engage in fisticuffs? Of course none of us have the details of his contract, but that is a possibility. And being hurt incidentally by a check or an accidental knee-on-knee incident – and you will never convince me Ovi set out to knee anyone! – is different from dropping the gloves and putting yourself at risk on purpose.

Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com

by IRockTheRed on Sep 30, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

Rec! Love the cled reference.

Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy

by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

Alex Ovechkin takes plenty of heat… that said, it’s not his job to deal with folks that give him trouble, that is the job of Matt Bradley, Matt Hendricks and now DJ King. They are in the line up to keep folks like Clownie Downie in line.

Downie is just freaking dangerous. There are better fighters out there, but Downie plays dirty, as dirty as anyone active who’s name doesn’t rhyme with Tarcy Ducker.

As for Bradley, he knows that the Caps as a team are better served with him going to the box for 5 as opposed to Ovechkin going to the box for 5. That’s why he stepped in (and later why Steckel stepped in against Konopka…). It has nothing to do with getting hurt. I am sure OV can handle himself in a scrap. But from a purely practical standpoint, the Caps are going to be more successful with OV on the ice…

Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy

by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 30, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

but if OV wants to play tough why doesn’t he take the heat himself?

Alex Ovechkin: 5 min major (fighting)
Steve Downie/Sean Avery/other: 5 min major (fighting)

Who wins here?

My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the winger that has now terrorized over 70 NHL goalies.

by red army line on Sep 30, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

It’s fairly obvious what team would win that one.

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Sep 30, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

You’ll find a good summation of Rink opinions on the Ovie/Downey/Bradley situtation and how commenters feel about Ovie fighting here:

http://www.japersrink.com/2010/1/12/1248017/recap-lightning-7-caps-4

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on Sep 30, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know you. Been reading a little too much CI lately, where trolling has somehow become the norm?

#. I don’t recommend starting off life as a commenter here with an insult. CI may work that way, but it’s a fast way to get you dismissed as stupid and inflammatory here. Homey don’t play the hostile game here.
#. Ovi in the box for fighting isn’t something that benefits the team. Ovi with a broken hand benefits the team even less. I don’t care whether he can fight or not. It’s just plain not smart asset management.
#. Waiting for Ovi to get that out of the way is just plain silly. Hendricks took care of it right off the faceoff, dealt with it and the issue was cleared and we were all able to get back to the hockey game without wondering when it’d happen.
#. Avatars are recommended. :)

Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

by gotsparkly on Sep 30, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions   3 recs

As with Bradley and Hendricks, I can see OV is getting more cover here. A contractual clause that he can’t fight?? I guess that is possible. The Bruins didn’t exhibit a lot of on ice respect for OV at the Phone Booth. My sense is that if he continues to play a “tough” game and doesn’t start to take up for himself, he will be shown less and less respect on the ice by many other teams.

Thanks for the opportunity to post. Back to the lowly CI.

by doughless on Sep 30, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ovie can and does fight, so there is obviously no clause like that. He fought right after he boarded Briere a few years ago, and he had his gloves off to fight Downie last year. Otherwise, I don’t know of any times anyone has tried to fight him, because he generally plays clean. Or when trouble does start around him, the refs have usually broken it up before a fight starts – like they usually do. I don’t know where you get this idea that Ovie doesn’t stand up for himself, because facts certainly disprove it.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 30, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

The only time I’m actually aware of him fighting is the fight against Mike Richards in the pre-season of his rookie year.

Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman

by Rob Parker on Sep 30, 2010 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

*

But timmy is right, HockeyFights has his fight against Richards and Gaustad (though it wasn’t much of a fight). And the Richards fight doesn’t appear to be his rookie year either.

Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman

by Rob Parker on Sep 30, 2010 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Gaustad was the one where Ovie boarded Briere, correct? And I forgot about Richards. Downie was verging on a fight, before Brads jumped in. Other than those, I’ve mainly just seen pushing and shoving.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 30, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hendricks is a great guy and was a fan favorite in Colorado. My son and I met him after a practice. He got out of his truck and made a special effort to talk to my son and sign his stuff. He is a heart and soul player, like Lappy. I wish him the best.

2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Defying Corsi

by hockeymom on Sep 30, 2010 12:56 PM EDT reply actions  

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