Your savory breakfast links:
- We take a look at the Caps’ ongoing even strength woes and how Eric Fehr‘s and Martin Erat’s current roles might be effecting them… [Rink]
- …and then break down a few, well, breakdowns in recent games that proved costly to the Caps. Now with special snazzy GIF power! [Rink]
- Your Capitals Minute for today. [Capitals Voice]
- News and notes from out at Kettler:
- In general. [Monumental video (Oates, Rinkside Update/Fehr)]
- That second line may not have clicked just yet, but all involved are convinced it’s merely a work in progress… and Adam Oates is willing to be patient. Even if we’re not. [WaPo, CSNW, NBC4]
- The Caps recalled center Michael Latta from Hershey to reward him for strong play… [Caps, Patriot-News]
- …and to fill in during practice for Nicklas Backstrom, who was off the ice for the birth of his first child, a baby girl. Mazel Tov! [WaPo, CSNW]
- New blueliner Alexander Urbom is expected to make his Caps’ debut during the upcoming homestand. [WaPo, CSNW]
- While less visible than the even strength or power play efforts, the Caps’ penalty kill has had some decent success so far by combining chemistry with an aggressive attack. [Dump ‘n Chase]
- Fehr, Troy Brouwer and Marcus Johansson could all be poised for a breakout season in 2013-14. [WashTimes]
- Oates’s usage of Erat thus far is one of the early-season surprises… hear that? “One of”. We’re not alone! [ESPN ($)]
- Things to worry about and questions to ask… both of which are common pastimes of Caps fans. [THW (and again)]
- Tales from around the SB Nation network:
- Looking at how the Caps’ success with the 1-3-1 power play makes it a good fit for the Canadiens. [EotP]
- A member of our SBN family was recently in a serious car crash – leave her some get well wishes (and perhaps a little something else, as well). Heal up quick, SK! [Anaheim Calling]
- As the debate over fighting and its place in today’s game continues on, get the perspective on it from one who knows a little about dropping the gloves – Steve Oleksy. [Too Many Men]
- Held up against three-game stretches of historically good possession teams, this rough start might not be as big a deal as we think it is. [RLS]
- With the promotion of Craig Berube to the head coach of the Flyers, the NHL’s coaching ranks are suddenly full of players from the Caps’ Cup Final team of 1997-98. [RMNB]
- Fantasy poolies take note: Alex Ovechkin seems to have picked up where he left off at the end of last season, and Grabo is fabbo. [NHL.com, THN]
- The captain checks in with one of opening week’s top plays. Naturally. [PHT]
- The season may have gotten off to a rocky start, but there’s nothing but optimism and confidence in the Caps locker room. [Talk the Red]
- Sittin’ at the end of the bar, because what else do we have to do? [Peerless]
- Checking in with how the Caps’ prospects have fared over the last week… [THW]
- …including Chandler Stephenson, who is off to a career start and is hoping his success translates to team success. [Leader-Post, WHL (h/t sk84fun_dc)]
- No surprise to anyone, Ted Leonsis thinks that Nationals Park would be a natural spot for the 2015 Winter Classic. Yes, please. [Bog]
- Finally, some pics from last night’s Season Ticket Holder’s event out at Six Flags. [Capitals Outsider]