A Mid-Summer Day's Thoughts

We've officially hit the dead spot of NHL news, but it's just the calm before the storm, as teams will be back on the ice looking to begin a long journey to what they hope will be the Stanley Cup in 10 months' time.

Besides NHL stars allegedly punching out cab drivers over $15 fares - beware of Chippewa Street, Patty Kane - the summer has slowed with just tidbits of news coming out from various parts of the globe, but that trickle will soon turn into a stream of news as the various national teams get ready for the Vancouver Olympics later this month and the NHL's training camps will open shortly after Labor Day.

After spending a busy weekend in Hershey (who knew they had an big amusement park right next to Giant Center?), Pittsburgh and Canton, there was plenty of time to reflect on what could unfold over the next few months after spending way too much time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

For their part, the Bears certainly had a ton of Calder Cup championship merchandise up for grabs at Hersheypark, and the Steel City was the same for retailers selling Penguins items. It was hard to go anywhere around town without seeing the flightless waterfowl logo, and a reminder of what the Caps want to accomplish next season.

With a month until camp, the Capitals certainly have some big questions answered, although the big question in the room is still what moves the team will make before the season opener on October 1st. It's likely the final version of the roster won't be clear until right before the opener, with so many uncertainties and the salary cap playing a big role.

What was the team's weakness last spring in their seven-game loss to the Penguins certainly will have a cast of characters looking to take up a blueline roster spot, with Karl Alzner and John Carlson looking to break into an already crowded field of six or seven blueliners.

It's likely the Caps will move at least one of the incumbents from last year, not only to shore up cap room, but to clear the logjam at the position.

Speaking of cap room, there's nothing new on the Nylander front, as the team looks like they're going to have to find a role for him with no end to the stalemate. Both sides might be waiting until the last minute to try and make their move, as perhaps both sides hope a good camp by Nylander (or a key injury on another club) could entice a team to take a jump at his salary.

This year too, the Capitals will have to deal with increased expectations of being a true Cup contender, as they certainly won't be sneaking up on any teams - and won't be able to take some nights off like they did last season. A more consistent effort would be a big boost to the team, as they need to avoid playing pedestrian hockey for two periods and then turn on the switch in the third as they did on several occasions last season.

But, while the nation's capital has its first real taste of heat this summer, it's worth knowing that the game isn't too far away from returning and another chance to make an extended run at the Stanley Cup.