Game Day: Caps and Cats

The Capitals play host to the Florida Panthers tonight at Verizon Center and hope to continue on their red-hot win streak! Meanwhile, the Cats' play of late has brought up the age-old question of whether or not the feline species really does have nine lives, as Florida is clawing their way back into the playoff race, despite the absence of sniper David Booth (concussion). Good news for them is that Booth recently started full practices with the team - seems like he's been sidelined for ages since taking a brutal hit from Flyer's captain, Mike Richards. The Capitals may see the return of Jose Theodore to the crease tonight and on the other side of the ice, Panther's net minder Tomas Vokoun sits second in the NHL with six shutouts and is second with a .931 save percentage. HM will be in the house for all the fun-filled action!

Meanwhile, I have to give a  Hockey Mom shout out to a hockey pal of mine who was mentioned in today's Washington Post as head coach of local high school team, the Briar Woods Falcons. Coach Bill Hughes has implemented a dress code of khakis, dress shirts, ties and blazers for his team (not unlike the attire of NHLers when traveling to and from venues) which aptly conveys an appearance of professionalism as well as identifying the boys as part of a unified, disciplined team. Hughes has coached my twins in the past and I can attest that he is a fabulous coach and his passion for the game is contagious among his players and everyone he comes across. He also boasts a great team of assistant coaches on the bench. Good luck tonight Coach as your sharp-dressed men take on Stone Bridge High School!

And your Friday funny took place in last night's game between the Atlanta Thrashers and the thugnasty Flyers. In a game that saw our pal Daniel Carcillo score a goal on his 25th birthday (am sure his belated birthday card from Matt Bradley is in the mail), Atlanta goaltender Johann Hedberg found himself in a precarious situation as he lost his helmet and somehow got his jersey stuck over his head. Thankfully, no one was injured in this wacky incident, but let's ask him if he can do that cool turtle imitation again when Atlanta visits the Phone Booth next Friday, shall we? Check it out here: