Post by Hawks on Nov 20, 2009 9:38:46 GMT -5
Hello Hockey Fans, Chuck Forum here reporting for the JGHL. Today I'm talking with General Manager Greg Vandersteen of the Washington Capitols to discuss the "State of the Caps"; How the team is doing, Player Performances, Last years Free Agency, Recent Trades, and Opinions
Chuck: Hello Greg, its a pleasure to meet you.
Greg: Good to be here Chuck!
Chuck: So lets dive right in. What are your feelings on how the season is progressing for the Capitols 14 games into the season?
Greg: I feel very good about the team this season. Can't ever complain about being the top spot in the division.
Chuck: Does your standings position mean little or a lot to you at this point in the year?
Greg: While its nice to be on the top of the standings it really doesn’t mean all that much other than just the fact that we are playing well and hope to continue to be there. It’s all about where you finish not where you start.
Chuck: You haven't lost a game in regulation in your last 10. What do think that says about the guys you have on the ice? What players have been the biggest reason for that success?
Greg: I think it says a lot about the guys on the ice. They are all playing together really well, we don’t have any weak lines, and a wall in the net. First and foremost its been the play of Nabby. He has been very solid and consistent in the net. Keeps us in every game. Other than him I think the line of Hanzal, Perron, and Steen are playing great. A very nice surprise. I guess it isn’t just one thing that is a big factor to us winning. I think it is just everyone doing his part.
Chuck: You, like the Blackhawks, also signed one of the top goalies in last years Free Agency. What made you choose Nabokov over any of the other goalies available?
Greg: Well I choose Nabby cause he is a very consistent goalie. He is always towards the top in GAA, and Save %; I thought he fit in well with our team chemistry.
Chuck: How important was it to grab Bryan McCabe during the off-season?
Greg: We picked up Bryan McCabe last season and he has been exactly what we'd hoped he'd be. A veteran influence, great on the power play, and a physical force we were lacking before I had gotten here. He was a great pick up for us.
Chuck: What made you seek out Ryan Smyth from New Jersey? Do you have any second thoughts on this trade given his recent NHL injury?
Greg: The main reason we picked up Ryan Smyth was we needed a scoring winger to go along with Kessel, and Cammelleri. He has been a consistent goal scorer thru his career and he has fit in perfect with our team concept. We do wish he was here longer than one season, and we will definitely be trying to resign him since he is a UFA after this season. No second thoughts at all.
Chuck: Who, other than yourself has the best chance of winning the JGHL Stanley Cup?
Greg: I have to go with the defending champs Calgary. Until someone shows that they can beat them I think they have to be considered the best shot at the cup.
Chuck: Who do you think is the most valuable player in the JGHL given their ratings and track record as an NHL player?
Greg: Wow that’s a tough one. I would have to go with Evegni Malkin. The man plays defense, scores goals, and sets up other teammates all at the age of 23.
Chuck: Well, I’ll let you return to your duties. I’d like to thank you for sitting down with us and chatting. Good luck with the rest of the season!
Greg: You’re welcome Chuck, shoot me a line anytime!
Chuck: That concludes our interview. If you'd like to have your team interviewed, please send contact information to Zenn3000@verizon.net (or just PM me). And I'll send you some questions. Thanks for reading!
Chuck: Hello Greg, its a pleasure to meet you.
Greg: Good to be here Chuck!
Chuck: So lets dive right in. What are your feelings on how the season is progressing for the Capitols 14 games into the season?
Greg: I feel very good about the team this season. Can't ever complain about being the top spot in the division.
Chuck: Does your standings position mean little or a lot to you at this point in the year?
Greg: While its nice to be on the top of the standings it really doesn’t mean all that much other than just the fact that we are playing well and hope to continue to be there. It’s all about where you finish not where you start.
Chuck: You haven't lost a game in regulation in your last 10. What do think that says about the guys you have on the ice? What players have been the biggest reason for that success?
Greg: I think it says a lot about the guys on the ice. They are all playing together really well, we don’t have any weak lines, and a wall in the net. First and foremost its been the play of Nabby. He has been very solid and consistent in the net. Keeps us in every game. Other than him I think the line of Hanzal, Perron, and Steen are playing great. A very nice surprise. I guess it isn’t just one thing that is a big factor to us winning. I think it is just everyone doing his part.
Chuck: You, like the Blackhawks, also signed one of the top goalies in last years Free Agency. What made you choose Nabokov over any of the other goalies available?
Greg: Well I choose Nabby cause he is a very consistent goalie. He is always towards the top in GAA, and Save %; I thought he fit in well with our team chemistry.
Chuck: How important was it to grab Bryan McCabe during the off-season?
Greg: We picked up Bryan McCabe last season and he has been exactly what we'd hoped he'd be. A veteran influence, great on the power play, and a physical force we were lacking before I had gotten here. He was a great pick up for us.
Chuck: What made you seek out Ryan Smyth from New Jersey? Do you have any second thoughts on this trade given his recent NHL injury?
Greg: The main reason we picked up Ryan Smyth was we needed a scoring winger to go along with Kessel, and Cammelleri. He has been a consistent goal scorer thru his career and he has fit in perfect with our team concept. We do wish he was here longer than one season, and we will definitely be trying to resign him since he is a UFA after this season. No second thoughts at all.
Chuck: Who, other than yourself has the best chance of winning the JGHL Stanley Cup?
Greg: I have to go with the defending champs Calgary. Until someone shows that they can beat them I think they have to be considered the best shot at the cup.
Chuck: Who do you think is the most valuable player in the JGHL given their ratings and track record as an NHL player?
Greg: Wow that’s a tough one. I would have to go with Evegni Malkin. The man plays defense, scores goals, and sets up other teammates all at the age of 23.
Chuck: Well, I’ll let you return to your duties. I’d like to thank you for sitting down with us and chatting. Good luck with the rest of the season!
Greg: You’re welcome Chuck, shoot me a line anytime!
Chuck: That concludes our interview. If you'd like to have your team interviewed, please send contact information to Zenn3000@verizon.net (or just PM me). And I'll send you some questions. Thanks for reading!