Capitals Host Annual Media Luncheon

Semyon Varlamov and Mike Green chat with the media

Hockey Mom attended the Capitals' annual media luncheon today where players and team management welcomed members of both the mainstream and new media (including the entire gang at On Frozen Blog). Prior to the luncheon, the team posed for the official team photo and conducted a practice on Verizon Center ice. Sporting the 'A' on their red jerseys were Alex Ovechkin, Tom Poti and Mike Knuble.

Coach Boudreau spoke to the media about the leadership that Knuble brings to the room and the respect he has from his fellow players, contributing to Gabby's decision to give him the assistant captain nod.

Once again, the Michael Nylander saga was the elephant in the room as the veteran Swede's salary takes up a significant $4.875 million against the salary cap. Rumours of Nyls being sent to Russia's KHL League haven't materialized and he hasn't suited up for any of the Caps' pre-season games. The Nylander situation played a role in the bummer of the day, as Chris Bourque was placed on waivers less than a day after he was told he made the team and would travel for the first game in his hometown of Boston. Stay tuned sports fans, as the Nylander situation could change in an instant.


Matt Bradley talks about his new choice of helmet.

One of the most interesting conversations Hockey Mom had this afternoon was with tough guy Matt Bradley regarding his new Cascade helmet. Spearheaded by hockey legend Mark Messier, the Cascade helmet is designed with a special liner system aimed at diminishing the results of major-impact hits with a primary focus on reducing concussions. Bradley spoke about the issue of kids and sports-related concussions and feels that if a helmet can extend a player's career (especially one who has suffered from recurrent concussions), then choosing protective gear that can prevent this is a no-brainer (no pun intended)! He noted that the Cascades helmet is just as comfortable as other models he's used and joked that if he gets any flack about it from opposing players - well, he's a big boy and we know Brads is not afraid to drop the gloves! HM offers a big high-five to Matt Bradley for his efforts in spreading the awareness of hockey-related concussions!

Next stop for the Caps, the season opener on Thursday against the big, bad Bruins (minus Phil Kessel).