On the Ice: Sabourin waived, Varly ready

The Washington Capitals have placed backup goal tender Danny Sabourin on waivers, a  strong indication that Semyon Varlamov, at least, will be ready to assume backup goalie duties this weekend.  It is not certain yet whether Varlamov will get a start in net this weekend.  According to HC Bruce Boudreau when asked if Varly will start on Saturday, Boudreau repsonded "I think, but I am not telling'.   

More injury news. . . A more definitive status update on the walking wounded for the Caps will come tomorrow.  Tom Poti, Matt Bradley, and Marcus Johansson all missed the Islanders game.  All three practiced today.  Poti and Bradley are expected to be ready for Saturday.  Mike Green suffered a stinger.  he did not practice today. 

Mr. Neuvirth  . . . Caps G Michal Neuvirth put together a very impressive start last night, stopping 23 of 24 shots to earn his third consecutive win and his tenth consecutive win at the Verizon Center.   Neuvirth is 3-1 on the season with a GAA of 2.22 and save percentage of .920.  In his short career so far, Neuvy improved to 14-6 overall with a GAA of 2.70.

The Calder nominee Defenseman. . . John Carlson is a Calder trophy nominee.  In his rookie so far, Carlson leads the NHL in scoring for defenseman, tallying 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in his first 4 games. 

Alex the Great . . . Alex Ovechkin has scored at leats 1 point in all 4 games this season.  He also has scored a goal in 3 straight games.  The Great 8 leads the NHL in total points, with 7, and tied for goals, with 4. 

Caps Streaks

*  Alexander Ovechkin has tallied a point in each of the first 4 games.  He has also scored a goal in 3 straight games.

*  John Carlson has scored a point in 3 straight games.  He has also added at least 1 assist in his last 3 games.   

*  Michal Neuvirth has won 3 staright games.