Friday Caps Clips: Ugly Start

Your savory breakfast links:

• Recaps and other assorted musings from last night’s loss from us, Vogs, NHL, WaPo, NoVa Caps, RMNB, Vancouver Sun, and CP.
• One bright spot in an otherwise bleak game? Chandler Stephenson picking up his first career NHL goal (with Madison Bowey earning his first point on the assist). [Caps video]
• But seriously, anytime the Caps take the ice without Nicklas Backstrom... it’s a bleak game. [WaPo, NBCSW]
• And they’re down another player, as Brett Connolly left the game early with an upper-body injury. [RMBN]
• He’s been relegated to fourth-line duty so far, but Devante Smith-Pelly may be able to earn his way into a larger role. [NBCSW]
• With Mitch Korn taking a step back, Braden Holtby has a new voice in his ear this season. [NHL]
• Rankings of power and scary-good players for each team. [ESPN]
• The Caps need to keep an eye on the standings and not let the pack get too far ahead of them. So... the opposite of last night’s results. [WaPo]
• Finally, happy 59th birthday to Caps GM Brian MacLellan... may your birthday wishes come true. (Hint: Ask for healthy players and a new defenseman.)