Caps Briefing: Reserved Style

Canadian television personality Don Cherry grabbed some press this weekend for saying that Alexander Ovechkin celebrates his goals with too much exuberance. Cherry said he favors the Canadian way. Don Cherry is famous for making inflammatory statements while wearing suits in which Elton John would not be caught dead.

Cherry's absurd assault on the NHL's reigning scoring champion and most valuable player follows criticism of Ovechkin by Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby, who has sat out three games since Ovechkin hit him legally in a Caps victory. Crosby publicly criticized Ovechkin for trying to hurt his head, but his injury is listed as a groin injury. Makes us wonder where Crosby's head is. Incidentally, the Penguins have climbed back into playoff contention with the resulting three game winning streak--their longest since November.

Meanwhile, the Capitals have benched Michael Nylander for three straight games. Nylander is earning $5.5 million this season. The Capitals called up Jay Beagle, who has six points in the AHL this year, to take Nylander's place in yesterday's loss. Nylander, by contrast, has 27 points in the NHL this year. It seems the Caps want to encourage him to waive the no-trade clause in his contract so they can trade him for another expensive player before Wednesday's trade deadline. We're curious to see the situation unfold.