Your savory breakfast links:
- Karl Alzner is ready for full-time duty in Washington, and the feeling should most certainly be mutual. [Masisak]
- It had been a few days - maybe even double-digits - since the last unprovoked Alex Ovechkin hit piece from north of the border, so this one (complete with standard "we like Ovechkin" disclaimer) was probably overdue. [National Post]
- Same author, less-awful article (even though not completely accurate), this one on the risks of long-term contracts. [National Post]
- George McPhee on his newly-signed Swedes, the playoffs and more. [The FAN 590, XM204 (mp3)]
- Speaking of, what can the Caps expect from Nicklas Backstrom? [RtR]
- More Backstrom reactions and comparisons. [OFB, Homer McFanboy]
- This, from Worlds, is always a welcome site. [TinyPic (h/t YNC, and here's the gamer on the Russia win)]
- Tom Poti, by the tens. [Peerless]
- Re-CAPSule: Brendan Morrison. [Capitals]
- What's Tomas Fleischmann worth? No joke here - too easy. [A Capital Offense]
- Why a summer of excuses won't cut it. [MD Pro Sports]
- We're down to number two on the "Top Ten Games of 09-10" countdown. [Live in Red]
- Bruce Boudreau was on hand last night to watch two of the teams he formerly coached do battle in the AHL's Eastern Conference Finals. [Union Leader]
- "The plans have been in the works for months now, but it looks like the NHL may finally be ready to announce next year's winter classic: the Penguins and Capitals at Heinz Field on New Year's Day 2011." Yawn. [KDKA]