The following is a video of Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals signing autographs for the fans with a Diet Coke in hand. Nicky signs something for every single fan, then gets in his car to leave.
Unfortunately at the same time, Tom Poti comes out of the building and fans mob him in the parking lot for autographs...right behind Backstrom's car.
Nick honks his horn a couple times, but nobody moves. Find out how long it takes him to slowly squeeze out of his spot and get on the road.
With the NHL in full swing and camps swiftly approaching, here's a quick look at who you should keep an eye on when you go to Kettler this weekend to observe camp (if it begins).
Mike Riberio: Also known as the new kid in town; Mike Riberio is the latest addition to the Caps roster and is, hopefully, the missing ingredient on the second line. It'll be interesting to see who Oates pairs him up with and how his chemistry with the team develops over camp.
The Goalie: Who's starting in net; The long running controversy for the Caps. Is it Neuvirth, Holtby, or none of the above? Or wil GMGM go Vokoun and decide the Caps need another "vet" in the net this season (just kidding). While Holtby was the unlikely hero throughout last seasons Playoffs, don't count Neuvrith out just yet. No matter who ends up being the "starter" with a fast paced season both goaltenders will be needed.
Tom Poti who?; The biggest shock to Caps fans was hearing (or most likely reading) that defensive defenseman Tom Poti plans to participate in training camp this week. Poti, who hasn't played since the '10-'11 season, will probably be one of the most interesting people to see back on the ice. He's one of the seven players still on the Caps who played in the '07-'08 Playoffs and his health is still a question.
The Big Three: Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Green oh my; The three remaining "young guns" will also be ones to watch this week. (assuming Backstrom is well enough to participate in training camp) Caps fans have a lot of questions about these fellas; Will Ovi get over his funk and start having 50+ goal seasons again? Can Green skate five feet without getting injured? Will Nick Backstrom be a more present force this season?
So come join us at training camp, and watch firsthand as these four situations develop. See you at Kettler!
The good new keeps rolling in after the NHL lockout ended in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Among the general excitement of finally getting to see what the Caps can do with their revamped team, long time fans are shocked and thrilled to see Tom Poti, a former Silver medalist at Lake Placid as well as a member of the All-Rookie team in 1999, will be participating in training camp.
For those of you who haven't been around for very long or have forgotten, Tom Poti has been a defenseman for the Caps since the '07-'08 season. Poti was given a contract extension before the 2011 season but missed the entire year on permanent injured reserved. But this year, Poti will join the Caps in training camp and expects to be cleared to play by team doctors.
This is huge news to Caps fans, who know the value of strong stay at home defensemen like Karl Alzner. With Poti back, hopefully he will take the pressure off of Jeff Schultz and take Green's game to the next level, provided he can stay healthy.
Poti appears to be determined to make an impact, and Caps fans are hoping he does too...
