With nary a game to recap nor preview and the trade deadline a mere two weeks away, we'll use this opportunity to let you play fantasy GM. Despite the fact that reality GMGM has stated that he expects to stand pat rather than seek reinforcements from outside the organization, it's time for you to chime in and let us know what you'd do if you were in his shoes. What are the team's needs? What assets would you be willing to part with (keep in mind that the Caps have a first round pick, three seconds, a third, fifth, sixth and seventh in the upcoming draft)? And, of course, who is/are your target acquisition(s)?To help, here's a list of guys who will be free agents this coming summer - and if yesterday's Carolina/Ottawa trade showed us anything, it's that anyone can be a buyer or a seller (or both) in this market.
Of course, the Caps could conceivably get a 30-goal scorer and/or a top four defenseman around the deadline at no additional cost at all, but that seems increasingly less likely, perhaps making a small splash in the market all the more probable.
So have at it, armchair GMs. These are your Caps - make 'em better or stand pat.
Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
Bruce Boudreau's Adams candidacy is gaining steam.... Nice trend.... Check out Hockey Underground for another source for Caps coverage.... Happy 28th Birthday to former Cap suckfest and number six overall pick (!) Rico Fata.... Finally, a year ago today we saw insult added to injury, noted a contract extension for a big winger and got word of a tough injury.
Daily Awards
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Hart: Mike Modano (Game-winning goal, A, +1, 5 SOG)
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Ross: Jere Lehtinen, Mike Modano (2 points each)
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Norris: Stephane Robidas (+1, 5 SOG, 4 hits)
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Vezina: Ilja Bryzgalov (L, 42 saves on 44 shots against)
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Richard: Niko Kapanen, Steve Ott, Mike Modano (1G each)
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Calder: Matt Niskanen (+1, 3 SOG)
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Aiken: Radim Vrbata (0 points, 0% faceoffs won, 3 GvA, 0 TkA)