Your savory breakfast links:
- Previewing the tournament with the Rink Radio crew… [Rink]
- …Team Europe… [FanSided]
- …Team Russia… [Puck Daddy]
- …and Team Sweden. [EoTP]
- Power rankings and predictions for the World Cup. [WashTimes, ESPN, NHL]
- After disappointing showings at the Olympics, Team Russia – aka the Red Machine – is looking for redemption in Toronto. [RBTH]
- They’ll be led in their pursuit by Alex Ovechkin – aka the Tsar of Russia – who has had quite a career so far. [La Sueur]
- The tournament kicks off with a pair of games today, as USA takes on Europe and Canada battles the Czech Republic. [ESPN, WCH]
- Looks like – surprise, surprise! – Braden Holtby won’t be in net for Canada’s opener. [CSNMA]
- 20 years after their last World Cup victory, Team USA says it’s time to win. [WCH]
- And the Capitals contingent of the team is ready for the challenge of trying to make it happen. [CSNMA]
- Dmitry Orlov is one of many players attending the World Cup without a new contract in hand. [AP]
- What happens if Orlov doesn’t re-sign? [StarsandSticks]
- While the big names are in Toronto, the Caps’ rookies are down in Florida soaking up some sun and getting ready for their own tournament. [Monumental video (Troy Mann, Day 1)]
- Breaking down the top five of the top 10 prospects. [RMNB]
- Defensive prospect Jonas Siegenthaler is ready to move stateside after a year in his native Switzerland. [WaPo]
- Meanwhile, the Caps are pretty high on forward prospect Zach Sanford… but do they like him enough to give him a spot on the opening-night roster? [NoVa Caps]
- Continuing a look at the best moments of Bruce Boudreau‘s distinguished career behind the Caps’ bench. [NoVa Caps]
- Is the championship window closing for Ovechkin? [Medium (McErlain)]
- More on Ovechkin’s – and the NHL’s – future Olympic plans. [TSS]
- Hey, NHL: fix the goaltender interference. [NoVa Caps]
- The Capitals, delicious chicken and charity – what could be bad? [Patch]
- Remembering Holtby’s historic night at the end of last season. [NoVa Caps]
- If you haven’t listened to the latest installment of Hockey Diaries, remedy that immediately. All three parts are now available, along with a Q&A with the producers. [Monumental]
- Finally, happy 31st birthday to the man, the myth, the legend – the one and only Alex Ovechkin.