Stupid ping pong balls

Per Tarik, the Caps were knocked back one spot when the Blackhawks won this year's weighted draft lottery. Given the lack of a consensus top pick and the lack of players considered NHL ready in their first year of eligibility, it's not the worst thing in the world. Still stings a bit, though.

Let the speculation begin! Will the Caps take a center, a right wing, or a defenseman (I think we may have our netminder of the future in Varlamov)? Will they package the pick in a draft day trade? Will they pick a blue chip Alex (Ovechkin) or a cow chip Alex (Volchkov)? Only time will tell.

And before anyone (but me) starts complaining about the bouncing balls, remember the Caps won the first weighted lottery. Now if I could only remember who they picked first overall...

500 and counting

Peter Bondra scored his 500th career goal last night, snapping a 1-1 tie and leading the Blackhawks to a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Congratulations Peter! Caps fans everywhere still support (and miss) you. Keep those goals coming!