Group C Cruises on Day Two of Training Camp

HM unfortunately did not get to join the masses of hockey-hungry fans who welcomed the boys back to Kettler yesterday for the first official day of Capitals' 2010 Training Camp. No, I was in a rink far, far away as my own boys' season is in full swing.

But I did manage to get there today, two teen Bantam boys in tow, just in time to catch Group C put on a show in their 5-0 victory over Group B in pursuit of camp's annual Duchesne Cup. Group C spotlighted the speed and skill of several of its forwards against Group B's  mostly young corps of defense men (with the exception of vets Tom Poti and John Erskine). Of particular note was the speed and chemistry of the Jason Chimera-Mathieu Perreault-Eric Fehr line. Each of the aforementioned players tallied a goal and the speedy Chimera looked like he'd been on the ice all summer vacation. Coach Boudreau seemed happy with that line's efforts and noted in the post-scrimmage conference that Chimera already appears to be in "mid-season" form. Fan favorite Mathieu Perreault continues to make a case for a permanent spot as second or third line center - he had a terrific scrimmage and has added some weight over the summer. Another highlight of today's contest came when a surly Trevor Bruess upended Tomas Fleischmann over the players' bench, drawing a big reaction from the standing room only crowd.

Other observations - Brooks Laich seems to be taking the "playing angry" attitude very literally with a perma-scowl across his usually jovial face. Don't worry ladies, it's a good look for him! In any case, it was great to finally see all the guys back in town for a new start and a new season...