Monday, July 14, 2008

Caps have a goalie mine

The Capitals began their annual summer Development Camp last week knowing they possess a pair of elite goaltender prospects.
After a week’s worth of scrimmages and on-ice workouts in front of team officials that opinion still holds. But — at a position notorious for high-profile flameouts — it also guarantees nothing.
Goalies Simeon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth were both selected by the Caps in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Each is a talented prospect — Varlamov, a 20-year-old Russian, was taken in the first round, 23rd overall, while Neuvirth, a Czech Republic native, was taken a few picks later in the second round, 34th overall.
Add in 21-year-old Daren Machesney, who had a solid season at AHL Hershey, and the Caps at least have the numbers to withstand any attrition. But that leaves another problem: Where are they all going to play?
“We’ll see how they play in camp and what we think they need and go from there,” Caps general manager George McPhee said. “It’s never a bad problem having too many good players. It’s when you don’t have enough you have issues.”
Hershey is the ideal spot for all three. Sending one down to ECHL affiliate South Carolina — the hockey equivalent of AA baseball and hockey’s lowest professional rung — is an option. But only a handful of players on South Carolina’s roster are actual Caps property. Varlamov, who speaks little English, would have an especially hard adjustment there. Loaning one of the goalies out to another AHL team isn’t out of the question, according to team officials.
Varlamov is the better athlete, according to Caps goalie coach Dave Pryor, an explosive force in the crease who can get to pucks other goalies can’t. That gives him a higher ceiling than Neuvirth, who is more technically sound.
“I’m not worried about competition,” Varlamov said last week. “I’ve had competition since I was a young boy. I’m ready to face anybody.”


Dilfer no passing fancy in Baltimore

Trent Dilfer left Baltimore after winning a Super Bowl and recently retired. But he still keeps close contact with players and management.
“I’ve talked to Steve Bisciotti this offseason a few times and talking to [quarterback] Kyle Boller, it seems like the offense has a lot more structure and organization,” Dilfer said. “It is better able to utilize more of the weapons, and I think they are doing the right thing.”
But with an offense that averaged a meager 17.2 points and 302.0 yards per game last season, anything new under first-year coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron might seem like an improvement.
“This isn’t a [former Ravens coach] Brian Billick bashing, but sometimes things get old and stale,” Dilfer said. “I think that’s why [former Cowboys and Dolphins coach] Jimmy Johnson said ‘Never coach anywhere for more than five years.’ It’s important to have a fresh face.”
Dilfer, a first-round draft pick out of Fresno State in 1994, played for the Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers during a 14 career. The 36 year old finished with 20,518 yards passing and 113 touchdowns against 129 interceptions.
“I knew the time was coming and here it is,” Dilfer said. “It’s a hill you have to climb.”


ON THE RADAR: Lots of drama, little comedy

What to watch for in the world of sports this week:

All-Star Break » Bud Selig has had plenty of good ideas; having home field advantage for the World Series decided by the winner of the All-Star Game isn’t one of them.

Camp Zorn » The Redskins begin training camp Sunday, their first under Jim Zorn. The Redskins, coming off a playoff season, likely will be the popular choice to finish fourth in the NFC East. Sounds about right.

Favre saga » Just what we need: another week of the unfolding Brett Favre story. This won’t go away for a long time. Brett blew this one; he had plenty of chances to return before now.

British Open » Thursday’s first round is a good test for golf, to see how Tiger Woods’ absence affects a Major. Maybe they can put a life-size cutout in the tee box. What would help golf is if Phil Mickelson or Sergio Garcia can ring up a few wins the rest of the summer, starting this week.


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

So, think anyone in Green Bay cares whether or not Brett Favre returns? Maybe just a little? OK, a lot. And here’s how much some care about the retired-but-maybe-returning quarterback: according to the Associated Press, approximately 200 fans rallied at Lambeau Field on Sunday for his reinstatement. They plan another rally Monday night in the Milwaukee area and will hold one every Sunday until he’s reinstated. They also have a Web site: www.bringbackbrettfavre.com. Heaven help the Packers.


BY THE NUMBERS

39 » Million dollars and three years left on Brett Favre’s contract, one the Packers are refusing to release him from.

62 » Age of former Yankee All-Star Bobby Murcer, who succeeded Mickey Mantle. Murcer passed away this weekend from a brain tumor.


ON THE RECORD

“When you step inside the square circle, I don’t ever think that your size is going to matter because in Philadelphia, we will chop you down.”

— Former Eagles return man Vai Sikahema, who knocked out Jose Canseco in a celebrity fight this weekend.