Wizards 102, Mavericks 91: Something tells me that the Wizards are going to be a real interesting team this season: new coach, a whole host of new players, and old players returning with the grudge of last season's epic failure hanging over their heads as motivation. But for whatever reason, the Wizards' hopes seem to always rest on the back of Gilbert Arenas. And man, the old Gilbert was back last night: dishing dimes, driving to the hoop with strength and finesse, and reminding us of that guy whom you could have made an argument for as the best fourth quarter player in the league three years ago. Gil had 29 points and nine assists in the Wizards season-opening 102-91 win on the road in Dallas. Of course, it wasn't all Agent Zero -- new boss Flip Saunders has stressed defense during the offseason, and Washington held the Mavs to only 39% from the field. Andray Blatche, Randy Foye, and Caron Butler also chipped in double digits. Dirk Nowitzki (and his long hair) paced Dallas with 34.

When the NHL named Alexander Semin its First Star of the month for October, we
It seemed like things couldn't get more difficult for the Washington Capitals this week. The Southeast Division leaders were missing enough talented players to field a respectable power play. Alexander Semin, a former first-round pick who had been leading the NHL in scoring, was injured. Sergei Fedorov -- frequent All-Star, holder of multiple Stanley Cup rings, and the highest scoring Russian-born player in NHL history -- was injured. Boyd Gordon, a former first round draft pick who once centered Jaromir Jagr, was injured. John Erskine, the team's toughest defenseman, was injured. Jeff Schultz, a former first round pick and the team's tallest defenseman, was injured. Mike Green, a former first round pick who led NHL blue-liners in goal scoring last season and was first-team All-Star, was injured.
Tonight is the NHL's annual awards show. Alexander Ovechkin, who has won both of the NHL's scoring titles, is nominated for both of the league's most valuable player awards as well.