Washington Capitals owner is mad!

[MeanGene]

http://newsobserver.com/xml_wire/sports/nhl/story/2477257p-2303355c.html

[MeanGene]

http://newsobserver.com/xml_wire/sports/nhl/story/2477257p-2303355c.html

[Alicia]

Yeah, their fan base kinda sucks.

[Alicia]

Yeah, their fan base kinda sucks.

[StormShaman]

Heh! Cry me a river, Ted.

[StormShaman]

Heh! Cry me a river, Ted.

[raleighcanesfan]

I knew this would happen with the Cancer (aka Jagr). The man totally poisoned the Pens locker room and I see he's done it in DC. Sorry, but the Caps are sort of like mini-Rangers. No real leadership (how can you give Jagr and Bonzai As?), crazy players (Witt--need I say more), and not one (maybe excluding GOnchar--the only player on the team I like). They will never go anywhere in the playoffs with this line-up, fans in the seats or not.

[raleighcanesfan]

I knew this would happen with the Cancer (aka Jagr). The man totally poisoned the Pens locker room and I see he's done it in DC. Sorry, but the Caps are sort of like mini-Rangers. No real leadership (how can you give Jagr and Bonzai As?), crazy players (Witt--need I say more), and not one (maybe excluding GOnchar--the only player on the team I like). They will never go anywhere in the playoffs with this line-up, fans in the seats or not.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be a lot of unity on the Caps team...really watching them in the playoffs...they didn't seem to have that extra "something" to suck it up and win!! I think too many big heads....especially Jagr...surprises me they can find a helmet to fit him!! :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be a lot of unity on the Caps team...really watching them in the playoffs...they didn't seem to have that extra "something" to suck it up and win!! I think too many big heads....especially Jagr...surprises me they can find a helmet to fit him!! :roll:

[nccanes]

Things seem to be unraveling in DC.

Angry Johansson Will Leave Caps
By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 22, 2003; Page D01


Defenseman Calle Johansson, the Washington Capitals' all-time leader in games played, said he will not return to the team next season and will instead pursue unrestricted free agency for the first time in his 16-year career. Johansson, who has played 982 games for Washington since being acquired in 1989, was benched by Coach Bruce Cassidy in the Capitals' series-ending, triple-overtime loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday after averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time in the regular season.

Johansson, 36, has helped to break-in several young defensemen over the years and played in every game after undergoing career-threatening rotator cuff surgery in November 2001. But he played only 13 minutes in Sunday's 104-minute contest and took just two short shifts in overtime.

In March, General Manager George McPhee and Johansson, eligible for free agency on July 1, had agreed to the framework of a one-year contract extension. Johansson had planned to sign the contract once the season ended, but he said yesterday he will not return to the club and hopes to continue his career elsewhere after shunning free agency in the past.

"How could I come back?" Johansson said. "First of all, with the way it ended, I don't think they want me back. Why would they want me back, really? Me and the coach have a totally different view of hockey, and I don't think he's interested in having me back. I won't be coming back. . . . If some other teams are interested, I'll definitely listen. I feel pretty healthy, I'll tell you that."

McPhee declined to comment on the situation, saying he would discuss the matter with Johansson today when he meets individually with each player. Johansson's decision is not surprising to many members of the organization, sources said, and several players already knew of the veteran's intentions Sunday night, after Johansson spent his last hours with the team on the bench.

"We're a team; whether you play or not you've got to be a part of the team and encourage the guys who are playing," Johansson said. "But it kind of [stunk] in a way, because that's the first time that has ever happened in my whole career, and it's such a big game, so it's tough. . . . Sure it hurts to end that way. I can't lie about that."

Cassidy, whose relationship with several key veterans was not strong in his first season behind an NHL bench, and assistant coach Randy Carlyle, who handles the defensemen, opted to sit Johansson in overtime, going with five younger players who they believed could best handle Tampa's speed and size.

Earlier in the game, Cassidy said he asked Johansson, not a physical player, to "go a little bit outside himself" and take a run at one of the Lightning players, believing that would inspire his teammates. The coaches believed Johansson "looked like he lacked confidence on the ice" and could not defend stronger and quicker players, so they left him on the bench for long stretches of the first overtime and opted not to give him a regular shift for the duration of the game.

There have been numerous confrontations between Johansson and Cassidy about how the team should defend, but Cassidy said that had no impact on the benching.

"This decision was made on the spot with our backs against the wall in crunch time," Cassidy said. "As a coach, you take any personal feelings out of it."

Johansson's departure would have major ramifications for the Capitals on and off the ice. Although he had difficulty defending Tampa's first line in the series -- something also true of much younger players such as Brendan Witt, Jeff Halpern, Steve Konowalchuk and Mike Grier -- Johansson was one of the team's steadiest defensemen again this season.

The Capitals lack proven defenders, and he played an integral role in getting the club back in the playoffs; Johansson was limited to 11 games in 2001-02 because of a rotator cuff injury, and the team missed the postseason. Defenseman Ken Klee, who is coming off the best season of his career, is also a potential unrestricted free agent and is asking significantly more than Washington is willing to pay, meaning two of the club's four established defenders might be gone, with rookies replacing them.

Johansson's import within the team should not be undervalued, according to teammates.

"You preach all year long that you win with the best guys," goaltender Olaf Kolzig said. "Your top guys have got to beat their top guys, and to have a guy who has got more playoff games than the entire defense on the ice combined sitting on the bench for the biggest game of the year is baffling.

"To not really be used at all in overtime, whether he was tired or whatever the coaches perceived him to be, did not warrant a player of his stature and caliber with the track record he has accumulated to sit on the bench and get one shift in 50 minutes of play. . . . Everybody who knows Calle knows there's not one guy in that dressing room who takes losing harder than he does. To play all 82 games [after coming back from] the injury he had was courageous and he does not deserve what happened to him last night."

Witt, Johansson's longtime defensive partner said: "You don't do that to that caliber of player like him. It's a shame. He's a leader in Caps career games and that was his 101st playoff game last night and it was a big game and he played 13 minutes. It's an embarrassment, just an embarrassment. Calle is a good friend, but also one of our true leaders on the team with a lot of heart and soul, and to do that to him is very disappointing."

The reaction of Johansson's teammates to the move did not surprise Cassidy.

"Calle's been a big part of this team for a lot of years and I don't blame them for wanting to go to bat for a teammate," Cassidy said. "I'd do the same thing, but at the same time, I've got a team to run. You have to make decisions that are not always popular, but that you think are the best for the team. That's what we did, and I thought our five [defensemen] played great back there."

[nccanes]

Things seem to be unraveling in DC.

Angry Johansson Will Leave Caps
By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 22, 2003; Page D01


Defenseman Calle Johansson, the Washington Capitals' all-time leader in games played, said he will not return to the team next season and will instead pursue unrestricted free agency for the first time in his 16-year career. Johansson, who has played 982 games for Washington since being acquired in 1989, was benched by Coach Bruce Cassidy in the Capitals' series-ending, triple-overtime loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday after averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time in the regular season.

Johansson, 36, has helped to break-in several young defensemen over the years and played in every game after undergoing career-threatening rotator cuff surgery in November 2001. But he played only 13 minutes in Sunday's 104-minute contest and took just two short shifts in overtime.

In March, General Manager George McPhee and Johansson, eligible for free agency on July 1, had agreed to the framework of a one-year contract extension. Johansson had planned to sign the contract once the season ended, but he said yesterday he will not return to the club and hopes to continue his career elsewhere after shunning free agency in the past.

"How could I come back?" Johansson said. "First of all, with the way it ended, I don't think they want me back. Why would they want me back, really? Me and the coach have a totally different view of hockey, and I don't think he's interested in having me back. I won't be coming back. . . . If some other teams are interested, I'll definitely listen. I feel pretty healthy, I'll tell you that."

McPhee declined to comment on the situation, saying he would discuss the matter with Johansson today when he meets individually with each player. Johansson's decision is not surprising to many members of the organization, sources said, and several players already knew of the veteran's intentions Sunday night, after Johansson spent his last hours with the team on the bench.

"We're a team; whether you play or not you've got to be a part of the team and encourage the guys who are playing," Johansson said. "But it kind of [stunk] in a way, because that's the first time that has ever happened in my whole career, and it's such a big game, so it's tough. . . . Sure it hurts to end that way. I can't lie about that."

Cassidy, whose relationship with several key veterans was not strong in his first season behind an NHL bench, and assistant coach Randy Carlyle, who handles the defensemen, opted to sit Johansson in overtime, going with five younger players who they believed could best handle Tampa's speed and size.

Earlier in the game, Cassidy said he asked Johansson, not a physical player, to "go a little bit outside himself" and take a run at one of the Lightning players, believing that would inspire his teammates. The coaches believed Johansson "looked like he lacked confidence on the ice" and could not defend stronger and quicker players, so they left him on the bench for long stretches of the first overtime and opted not to give him a regular shift for the duration of the game.

There have been numerous confrontations between Johansson and Cassidy about how the team should defend, but Cassidy said that had no impact on the benching.

"This decision was made on the spot with our backs against the wall in crunch time," Cassidy said. "As a coach, you take any personal feelings out of it."

Johansson's departure would have major ramifications for the Capitals on and off the ice. Although he had difficulty defending Tampa's first line in the series -- something also true of much younger players such as Brendan Witt, Jeff Halpern, Steve Konowalchuk and Mike Grier -- Johansson was one of the team's steadiest defensemen again this season.

The Capitals lack proven defenders, and he played an integral role in getting the club back in the playoffs; Johansson was limited to 11 games in 2001-02 because of a rotator cuff injury, and the team missed the postseason. Defenseman Ken Klee, who is coming off the best season of his career, is also a potential unrestricted free agent and is asking significantly more than Washington is willing to pay, meaning two of the club's four established defenders might be gone, with rookies replacing them.

Johansson's import within the team should not be undervalued, according to teammates.

"You preach all year long that you win with the best guys," goaltender Olaf Kolzig said. "Your top guys have got to beat their top guys, and to have a guy who has got more playoff games than the entire defense on the ice combined sitting on the bench for the biggest game of the year is baffling.

"To not really be used at all in overtime, whether he was tired or whatever the coaches perceived him to be, did not warrant a player of his stature and caliber with the track record he has accumulated to sit on the bench and get one shift in 50 minutes of play. . . . Everybody who knows Calle knows there's not one guy in that dressing room who takes losing harder than he does. To play all 82 games [after coming back from] the injury he had was courageous and he does not deserve what happened to him last night."

Witt, Johansson's longtime defensive partner said: "You don't do that to that caliber of player like him. It's a shame. He's a leader in Caps career games and that was his 101st playoff game last night and it was a big game and he played 13 minutes. It's an embarrassment, just an embarrassment. Calle is a good friend, but also one of our true leaders on the team with a lot of heart and soul, and to do that to him is very disappointing."

The reaction of Johansson's teammates to the move did not surprise Cassidy.

"Calle's been a big part of this team for a lot of years and I don't blame them for wanting to go to bat for a teammate," Cassidy said. "I'd do the same thing, but at the same time, I've got a team to run. You have to make decisions that are not always popular, but that you think are the best for the team. That's what we did, and I thought our five [defensemen] played great back there."

[Guyute]

eh, I don't think Cassidy is going to "have a team to run" in Washington much longer. :roll:

couple more solid defensemen on the market ain't bad tho :)

[Guyute]

eh, I don't think Cassidy is going to "have a team to run" in Washington much longer. :roll:

couple more solid defensemen on the market ain't bad tho :)

[Shell]

Seems you may wanna re-think the coach if no one will play for your team anymore :roll:

"Leonsis gave his vote of confidence to general manager George McPhee and rookie coach Bruce Cassidy. As for the roster, Ken Klee, Michael Nylander and Sergei Berezin all might depart as free agents."

and of course we can add Calle to that as well.

[Shell]

Seems you may wanna re-think the coach if no one will play for your team anymore :roll:

"Leonsis gave his vote of confidence to general manager George McPhee and rookie coach Bruce Cassidy. As for the roster, Ken Klee, Michael Nylander and Sergei Berezin all might depart as free agents."

and of course we can add Calle to that as well.

[SouthernCaniac]

This is absolutely horrible, and i hate to admit it, but back when the craps visited and we lost to them, my husband was so mad and disgusted that he took his huge wad of nicotine gum out of his mouth and threw it over the glass as hard as he could. It landed squarely on Cassidy's coiffed hair. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. I was so furious at my husband for his lack of sportsmanship, but once i got to the car, all i could see was the image of Cassidy leaving the ice in his suit and gq hair, with a wad of gum sitting prettily on top. He never noticed. Sounds like their players wish they could throw something at him, too. Trouble's definitely brewing in dc...

[SouthernCaniac]

This is absolutely horrible, and i hate to admit it, but back when the craps visited and we lost to them, my husband was so mad and disgusted that he took his huge wad of nicotine gum out of his mouth and threw it over the glass as hard as he could. It landed squarely on Cassidy's coiffed hair. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. I was so furious at my husband for his lack of sportsmanship, but once i got to the car, all i could see was the image of Cassidy leaving the ice in his suit and gq hair, with a wad of gum sitting prettily on top. He never noticed. Sounds like their players wish they could throw something at him, too. Trouble's definitely brewing in dc...

[Jeff O Rocks]

This is absolutely horrible, and i hate to admit it, but back when the craps visited and we lost to them, my husband was so mad and disgusted that he took his huge wad of nicotine gum out of his mouth and threw it over the glass as hard as he could. It landed squarely on Cassidy's coiffed hair. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. I was so furious at my husband for his lack of sportsmanship, but once i got to the car, all i could see was the image of Cassidy leaving the ice in his suit and gq hair, with a wad of gum sitting prettily on top. He never noticed. Sounds like their players wish they could throw something at him, too. Trouble's definitely brewing in dc...

That is too wild...be glad he threw gum at Cassidy and didn't decide to jump in the penalty box with Domi!! :D ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

This is absolutely horrible, and i hate to admit it, but back when the craps visited and we lost to them, my husband was so mad and disgusted that he took his huge wad of nicotine gum out of his mouth and threw it over the glass as hard as he could. It landed squarely on Cassidy's coiffed hair. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. I was so furious at my husband for his lack of sportsmanship, but once i got to the car, all i could see was the image of Cassidy leaving the ice in his suit and gq hair, with a wad of gum sitting prettily on top. He never noticed. Sounds like their players wish they could throw something at him, too. Trouble's definitely brewing in dc...

That is too wild...be glad he threw gum at Cassidy and didn't decide to jump in the penalty box with Domi!! :D ;)

[Cool Hand Luke]

This much adversity and trouble in Washington can only be good for us, hopefully.

Funny story about the gum, although I personally don't condone that behaviour. *LOL*

[Cool Hand Luke]

This much adversity and trouble in Washington can only be good for us, hopefully.

Funny story about the gum, although I personally don't condone that behaviour. *LOL*

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be a lot of unity on the Caps team...really watching them in the playoffs...they didn't seem to have that extra "something" to suck it up and win!! I think too many big heads....especially Jagr...surprises me they can find a helmet to fit him!! :roll:

Mr SHC and I have commented on that too, Mona. They don't seem like a team....they seem like a group of guys. I don't know what it is but they just don't come off as a cohesive unit to me at all. And one thing about the playoffs, IMO, you need to have a good TEAM to win not just a good roster.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be a lot of unity on the Caps team...really watching them in the playoffs...they didn't seem to have that extra "something" to suck it up and win!! I think too many big heads....especially Jagr...surprises me they can find a helmet to fit him!! :roll:

Mr SHC and I have commented on that too, Mona. They don't seem like a team....they seem like a group of guys. I don't know what it is but they just don't come off as a cohesive unit to me at all. And one thing about the playoffs, IMO, you need to have a good TEAM to win not just a good roster.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be a lot of unity on the Caps team...really watching them in the playoffs...they didn't seem to have that extra "something" to suck it up and win!! I think too many big heads....especially Jagr...surprises me they can find a helmet to fit him!! :roll:

Mr SHC and I have commented on that too, Mona. They don't seem like a team....they seem like a group of guys. I don't know what it is but they just don't come off as a cohesive unit to me at all. And one thing about the playoffs, IMO, you need to have a good TEAM to win not just a good roster.

So true SHC....our Canes last year are living proof of what heart and playing as "one" can do for ya! :cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be a lot of unity on the Caps team...really watching them in the playoffs...they didn't seem to have that extra "something" to suck it up and win!! I think too many big heads....especially Jagr...surprises me they can find a helmet to fit him!! :roll:

Mr SHC and I have commented on that too, Mona. They don't seem like a team....they seem like a group of guys. I don't know what it is but they just don't come off as a cohesive unit to me at all. And one thing about the playoffs, IMO, you need to have a good TEAM to win not just a good roster.

So true SHC....our Canes last year are living proof of what heart and playing as "one" can do for ya! :cry:

[Shell]

And one thing about the playoffs, IMO, you need to have a good TEAM to win not just a good roster.

If you can even get there with that kind of team, as illustrated by the New York Rangers for several years now :D

[Shell]

And one thing about the playoffs, IMO, you need to have a good TEAM to win not just a good roster.

If you can even get there with that kind of team, as illustrated by the New York Rangers for several years now :D

[nccanes]

Anyone gonna pick up Jagr and his 11 mil?

Jagr ends frustrating season, could be trade bait for cost-cutting Caps
By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer
April 22, 2003

ODENTON, Md. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr came up average in his first playoff series with the Washington Capitals, and that's not good enough for him.

Now the money-losing team has to decide whether he's worth keeping at $11 million a year.

Jagr failed to score in the final four games -- all defeats -- in the first-round series loss to Tampa Bay. He was double-teamed and triple-teamed by the Lightning, who packed players around the crease and held the Capitals to three goals over the last three games.

``I want to be the best player in the world,'' Jagr said Tuesday. ``Sometimes I cannot do it for whatever reason. Anytime I don't reach it, I am upset.

``I'm very frustrated with hockey. I cannot be average, and I'm going to do all the things I can do to be the best. I still believe I can do it.''

Jagr spoke as he and teammates were lining up for one-at-a-time exit meetings with general manager George McPhee and coach Bruce Cassidy. Two questions were on everyone's mind: Who will be back next season, and who won't?

Those questions arise every year at this time, but they are more pressing now that owner Ted Leonsis is expected to slash payroll to help offset $20 million in losses this season. Trading Jagr would be a major step toward reducing the red ink.

``It's not up to me,'' Jagr said. ``It's up to the ownership. Whatever they decide to do, it's fine with me.

``Of course, I'd like to be back. I don't want to be changing teams every year. I know how hard it was for me to go from Pittsburgh to here.''

Jagr has played two years of a seven-year, $77 million contract, getting 77 goals and 156 points in 144 regular-season games. While those are solid numbers, he hasn't been the force he was for 11 seasons with the Penguins.

Cassidy left no doubt that he'd like to have Jagr back, but McPhee was noncommittal.

``No one's indispensable. I'd trade anybody if it made my team better,'' McPhee said. ``But that guy's a good hockey player, and you've got to have good players to win.''

Still, McPhee echoed Leonsis' message of offseason frugality, saying that the Capitals won't be very active in free agency.

``As we see with a lot of teams, that gets you a pretty good press conference,'' McPhee said. ``I'm not sure how much better that makes your team. I love the subtle deals that no one thinks much of.''

The cost-cutting means defenseman Ken Klee's nine-year run with the team is probably over. Klee is a free agent, and his salary demands aren't in the Capitals' ballpark.

``They told us what they want,'' McPhee said. ``We can't do that.''

Another player whose return is doubtful is defenseman Calle Johansson, who has spent 15 years in Washington. Johansson has not seen eye-to-eye with Cassidy, and he was particularly upset about being benched for most of the overtime periods in Sunday's Game 6 loss to Tampa Bay.

Johansson told The Washington Post on Monday that he would not be back, but he backed off that statement after a meeting with Cassidy that ran more than one hour past the allotted time.

``We're going to wait a week, maybe, and see what happens,'' Johansson said. ``We're going to talk again. There was no hard words. We disagreed on some stuff, but we also agreed on other things.''

Regardless, there was a sense among the players that the financial squeeze means they'll have to do more with less next season. Goaltender Olaf Kolzig put a brave face on the upcoming changes.

``We didn't get it done with a $60 million payroll last year,'' Kolzig said. ``We did a little better with a $52 million payroll. So the logic goes if we get it down to 45, we'll win the division.''


I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

[nccanes]

Anyone gonna pick up Jagr and his 11 mil?

Jagr ends frustrating season, could be trade bait for cost-cutting Caps
By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer
April 22, 2003

ODENTON, Md. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr came up average in his first playoff series with the Washington Capitals, and that's not good enough for him.

Now the money-losing team has to decide whether he's worth keeping at $11 million a year.

Jagr failed to score in the final four games -- all defeats -- in the first-round series loss to Tampa Bay. He was double-teamed and triple-teamed by the Lightning, who packed players around the crease and held the Capitals to three goals over the last three games.

``I want to be the best player in the world,'' Jagr said Tuesday. ``Sometimes I cannot do it for whatever reason. Anytime I don't reach it, I am upset.

``I'm very frustrated with hockey. I cannot be average, and I'm going to do all the things I can do to be the best. I still believe I can do it.''

Jagr spoke as he and teammates were lining up for one-at-a-time exit meetings with general manager George McPhee and coach Bruce Cassidy. Two questions were on everyone's mind: Who will be back next season, and who won't?

Those questions arise every year at this time, but they are more pressing now that owner Ted Leonsis is expected to slash payroll to help offset $20 million in losses this season. Trading Jagr would be a major step toward reducing the red ink.

``It's not up to me,'' Jagr said. ``It's up to the ownership. Whatever they decide to do, it's fine with me.

``Of course, I'd like to be back. I don't want to be changing teams every year. I know how hard it was for me to go from Pittsburgh to here.''

Jagr has played two years of a seven-year, $77 million contract, getting 77 goals and 156 points in 144 regular-season games. While those are solid numbers, he hasn't been the force he was for 11 seasons with the Penguins.

Cassidy left no doubt that he'd like to have Jagr back, but McPhee was noncommittal.

``No one's indispensable. I'd trade anybody if it made my team better,'' McPhee said. ``But that guy's a good hockey player, and you've got to have good players to win.''

Still, McPhee echoed Leonsis' message of offseason frugality, saying that the Capitals won't be very active in free agency.

``As we see with a lot of teams, that gets you a pretty good press conference,'' McPhee said. ``I'm not sure how much better that makes your team. I love the subtle deals that no one thinks much of.''

The cost-cutting means defenseman Ken Klee's nine-year run with the team is probably over. Klee is a free agent, and his salary demands aren't in the Capitals' ballpark.

``They told us what they want,'' McPhee said. ``We can't do that.''

Another player whose return is doubtful is defenseman Calle Johansson, who has spent 15 years in Washington. Johansson has not seen eye-to-eye with Cassidy, and he was particularly upset about being benched for most of the overtime periods in Sunday's Game 6 loss to Tampa Bay.

Johansson told The Washington Post on Monday that he would not be back, but he backed off that statement after a meeting with Cassidy that ran more than one hour past the allotted time.

``We're going to wait a week, maybe, and see what happens,'' Johansson said. ``We're going to talk again. There was no hard words. We disagreed on some stuff, but we also agreed on other things.''

Regardless, there was a sense among the players that the financial squeeze means they'll have to do more with less next season. Goaltender Olaf Kolzig put a brave face on the upcoming changes.

``We didn't get it done with a $60 million payroll last year,'' Kolzig said. ``We did a little better with a $52 million payroll. So the logic goes if we get it down to 45, we'll win the division.''


I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

[talkingcanes]

I like Kolzig as well and after that story they did on him, his wife and autistic child, I have respect for him and his wife. I work with autistic children and it is tough. Living with an autistic child 24/7 is very demanding and they are doing a very admirable job.

[talkingcanes]

I like Kolzig as well and after that story they did on him, his wife and autistic child, I have respect for him and his wife. I work with autistic children and it is tough. Living with an autistic child 24/7 is very demanding and they are doing a very admirable job.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

Will do! I love Olie too!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

Will do! I love Olie too!

[Alicia]

I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

Will do! I love Olie too!

Yay! I want Olie too!! :spin: :D

[Alicia]

I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

Will do! I love Olie too!

Yay! I want Olie too!! :spin: :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

Will do! I love Olie too!

Yay! I want Olie too!! :spin: :D

Dang ...do we have to plan ANOTHER kidnapping????????? :crazy: :eek: :D ;)

...let's see...

Brodeur
Giguere
and now Kolzig..................who is next?????????? :eek2:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I love Kolzig. If your plan to kidnap Brodeur fails SHC, just jump off I-95 in DC and grab Ollie! ;)

Will do! I love Olie too!

Yay! I want Olie too!! :spin: :D

Dang ...do we have to plan ANOTHER kidnapping????????? :crazy: :eek: :D ;)

...let's see...

Brodeur
Giguere
and now Kolzig..................who is next?????????? :eek2:

[Guyute]

since you're heading out west anyway... stop in St. Louis and snag Demitra please. :D

[Guyute]

since you're heading out west anyway... stop in St. Louis and snag Demitra please. :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

We're gonna need to borrow C-Mac's mini-van to get all these guys home! :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

We're gonna need to borrow C-Mac's mini-van to get all these guys home! :evil:

[Jeff O Rocks]

We're gonna need to borrow C-Mac's mini-van to get all these guys home! :evil:

LMAO....I hope all that "roping, gagging and tying up" and all that travel doesn't cause anyone to collapse from exhaustion....maybe we can get C-Mac to drive for us..if he is up to it!! :spin: ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

We're gonna need to borrow C-Mac's mini-van to get all these guys home! :evil:

LMAO....I hope all that "roping, gagging and tying up" and all that travel doesn't cause anyone to collapse from exhaustion....maybe we can get C-Mac to drive for us..if he is up to it!! :spin: ;)

[nccanes]

From the Caps website:

May 7, 2003 - Washington Capitals' vice president and general manager George McPhee and defenseman Calle Johansson jointly agreed that the 16-year veteran would not be part of the team's on-ice plans in 2003-04 and may explore unrestricted free agency beginning July 1, 2003.

"This is a mutual separation," McPhee said. "Calle is not sure if he will play next season, but if he does, he'll explore free agency. If he decides not to play, we'd like to have him join our European scouting staff. He was one of our best defensemen for 15 years and is one of the classiest individuals in the game. We will be fortunate to find another Calle Johansson in the future.

"Good things come to an end from time to time, and Calle was good for us on the ice, in the locker room and in the community. We have tremendous respect for Calle and his wife, Karin, and appreciate all that they have done for the Washington Capitals. We wish the Johansson family the very best."

Johansson has played nearly his entire NHL career in a Capitals uniform, joining the team in 1988-89, his second season in the league.

The native of Goteberg, Sweden, finishes his Washington career having played a franchise-record 983 games during a team-record 15 seasons, totaling 113 goals and 361 assists for 474 points. He currently holds Capitals defenseman records for career points, assists and power-play goals (51), while ranking third in goals (Kevin Hatcher, 149; Sergei Gonchar, 137).

"I truly enjoyed the many years I spent in Washington," Johansson said. "My wife and I raised our children in this area and viewed it as a great place to live. I would like to thank the fans, who were always supportive of my efforts, and my teammates and training staff, who made the last 15 years extremely special. The organization has been tremendous to me throughout the years, and I feel extremely fortunate to have been a Washington Capital. A big piece of my heart will always be in Washington."

The 36-year-old was acquired from Buffalo March 7, 1989, along with the Sabres' second-round choice in the 1989 Entry Draft in exchange for Clint Malarchuk, Grant Ledyard and the Capitals' sixth-round choice in the 1991 Entry Draft. In 16 NHL seasons Johansson has totaled 529 points in 1,101 games, recording 119 goals and 410 assists.

This past season he became the Capitals' all-time leader in games played, appearing in his 941st contest Jan. 3 versus Columbus. He scored 15 points, tallying three goals and 12 assists, while being one of five players on the team to appear in all 82 games. He also appeared in six playoff games in 2002-03, moving into a tie for third all-time in Capitals history (first among defensemen) with 95 playoff games. His 54 points also stand fifth in team playoff scoring. He collected his 400th career assist Oct. 17 at Carolina.

[Shell]

since you're heading out west anyway... stop in St. Louis and snag Demitra please. :D

Blues listen to offers for Demitra
By Derrick Goold Of the Post-Dispatch
updated: 06/20/2003 12:17 PM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Blues, who are trying to reduce their payroll, are forced to consider and perhaps even pursue offers for center Pavol Demitra.

With all the general managers in town for the National Hockey League's Entry Draft, the scene in Nashville is like a summer swap meet. Trade discussions will go on constantly. In that atmosphere, a trade could happen at any time.

"We're fielding phone calls, we're making phone calls," Blues general manager Larry Pleau said. "This is the time of the year. Something could be done."

It is highly likely the Blues will do more than draft.

They are searching for a right-side defenseman so Al MacInnis won't have to play as much. They would like to acquire a pick in the second round to replace the one they dealt away as part of the trade for goalie Chris Osgood.

Pleau has pledged that the team will not be same.

Many of the Blues' high-end players are either untouchable or have salaries so high that few other teams would be interested. Keith Tkachuk has been mentioned as a Blue who might be available, probably because of his lackluster play in the postseason, but he isn't considered marketable because he will make $10 million next season and has a no-trade clause that will kick in July 1.

Demitra is the Blues most marketable asset, to a point. For a third consecutive season, he led the team in points. The Blues can qualify him at $3.95 million by June 30. But because he is arbitration eligible, he could receive a payroll-bursting raise.

The Blues would prefer to keep Demitra, but this weekend everybody's listening to anything. With center Alexei Yashin around, the Islanders could have interest in Demitra - and one possibility to offer is Roman Hamrlik, a right-side defenseman with a wicked shot. Hamrlik is due $3.6 million for next season, the final season in his contract.

The Islanders have a second-round pick, the one acquired from the Blues in the Osgood trade. Center Michael Peca reportedly is available, though the three years and $13.75 million remaining on his contract is imposing.

Pleau and his staff do not comment on specific trade conversations.

"We are trying to explore what's out there that makes sense for us," Pleau said. "Another team has to feel the same way. We're trying to do something, as we all are doing here."

[Shell]

He made it official..

Long-time Cap Johansson retires after 15 years
The Capitals acquired Johansson from Buffalo via trade in 1989.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defenceman Calle Johansson retired Thursday, ending a career in which he appeared in more games than any other player in Washington Capitals history.

Johansson, 36, will remain with the team as a scout.

He played 983 games for the Capitals during a team-record 15 seasons. He also is the franchise's leader in points by a defenceman (474), assists by a defenceman (361) and power-play goals by a defenceman (51).

Johansson's career ended on a harsh note. He was upset when he was benched by rookie coach Bruce Cassidy for most of overtime in the Game 6 loss to Tampa Bay that eliminated Washington from the playoffs. General manager George McPhee previously announced that Johansson would not be returning as a player.

"In pursuing free agency I realized that it would be much too difficult to put on another team's jersey," Johansson said. "And I believe I made a great decision by staying with the Capitals."

Johansson was acquired from Buffalo in a trade in 1989. The Sabres drafted him in 1985.

Johansson played for Sweden in 1998 Olympics, 1996 World Cup, the 1991 and 1992 world championships and the 1986 and 1987 world junior championships.