Thursday Caps Clips: Blueline Battles

Your savory breakfast links:

• A few leftovers from Tuesday’s preseason win in St. Louis. [Vogs, NBCSW (video)]
• Blues’ defenseman Robert Bortuzzo is scheduled to have a hearing reviewing his high hit on Michal Kempny Tuesday night... [NHL, NBCSW, NoVa Caps, The Score]
• ...a hit which may have resulted in a concussion for Kempny. Ruh roh. [WaPo]
• The latest round of cuts reveal some interesting battles for the final roster spots, particularly on the blueline. [NBCSW, WashTimes, RMNB, NoVa Caps (and again)]
• New coach Todd Reirden is relying on his longtime coaching roots for confidence as he prepares to take over the Caps’ bench. [NHL]
• Meanwhile presumptive new backup Pheonix Copley is ready to step into some big backup shoes. [NHL]
• A look at what the season could have in store for Braden Holtby. [Peerless]
• Ranking all 31 teams by their goalie tandems. [ESPN]
• The Caps’ power play could very well be lethal again this year. [NBCSW]
• A lot of teams are trying to embrace the role of underdog this year, but the Bruins and Lightning perhaps pose the biggest threat to a Caps’ repeat. [AP]
• 8 questions facing the Metropolitan Division heading into this season. [Murphy’s Hockey]
• Bears fans got to pick up their season tickets and meet some of the newest Hershey players - and even skate with them. [NoVa Caps]
• Tom Wilson walks us through what his perfect DC day would look like. [WaPo]
• The Capitol Police and Metro Police have both had special commemorative patches made honoring the Caps’ Cup win. [NoVa Caps]