Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight’s jostle with the Jets from Vogs, NHL.com, RMNB, RtR and CRtC, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Arctic Ice Hockey for more coverage from the other side of tonight’s match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday’s über-optional practice:
- In general. [Caps365 video (Boudreau, Alzner, Hamrlik), 106.7 The Fan (audio)]
- Alexander Semin skated… but will he play tonight? Smart money’s on “yes.” [WaPo, WashTimes, CSNW, DCEx]
- Meanwhile, GM George McPhee backs his bench boss (to no one’s surprise). [WaPo, PHT]
- Speaking of Bruce Boudreau, all that speculatin’ seems to have died down a bit (for the moment), but he’s still providing plenty of discussion fodder. [WaPo, WashTimes, SB Nation DC, DSP]
- John Erskine hopes to be back in the lineup soon. [WashTimes, WaPo, DCEx]
- Congrats! It’s another bouncing baby blueliner for the Caps. [Dump ‘n Chase]
- Matt Hendricks‘ fight on Monday night was a game-changer. [WashTimes, DCEx]
- Hendricks did a spot with The Junkies yesterday… [106.7 The Fan (audio)]
- … and Boudreau did his weekly hit with LaVar and Dukes. [106.7 The Fan (audio)]
- Rival coaches don’t agree with paring back Alex Ovechkin‘s minutes… or do they, and they’re just planting the contrary thought? Hmm?! [CBC]
- More importantly, which Cap would be most likely to appear on Dancing with the Stars? [Capitals Overtime]
- New-to-me footage of Gabby talking about how HBO portrayed the two coaches in last year’s 24/7 series. [Caps Outsider]
- Joel Ward. What a human. [Capitals Overtime]
- Some Cody Eakin video from the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. [HF]
- Which Alex is killing the Caps more right now? (Uplifting stuff.) [WaPo]
- Ovi4Life. [Sick, Unbelievable]
- At least there are a couple of Russians in the organization getting some love these days. [Hockey Prospectus]
- Update form Tuesday’s practice in Hershey. [Patriot-News]
- Congrats to WCHA Rookie of the Week Caleb Herbert. [WCHA.com]
- Time to be thankful that there are some good dudes associated with the team. [DSP]
- And finally, happy 24th birthday to Nicklas Backstrom.