FanNation

     I'm writing this during the second intermission of the Caps game, with Washington holding a 3-1 lead on Atlanta. Because I'm being blessed with NHL Center Ice (for how long, I don't know), I'm keeping tabs on the Carolina-Buffalo game. It was 4-0 Sabres after the 1st period, last I checked.

     Yeah, another "who do I go with??" game. At least this time, it's a no-brainer--have Buffalo win this, so that the Caps close to within 3 points of the Southeast Division lead. (Not to mention, get to within 3 points of the Flyers for the final playoff slot. Philly ain't playing tonight.)

     Anyway, that's not what I wanted to write about. Here's a name to file away for future reference: Sami Lepisto. Never heard of him?? Good. But, someday, you will. He's a defenseman in the Caps farm system, and I got the chance to see him @ Hershey last month. Here's his numbers for the Bears: 3 goals, and 37 assists (so far) this season.

     Now, I highlight the assist numbers for this reason: tonight, Sami Lepisto got his 1st NHL assist (on the Caps' 2nd goal). He'll probably be back in Hershey after the weekend, but remember the name. Way I see it, come the 2009-10 season, you'll be hearing Sami's name a LOT as he feeds Alex Ovechkin the puck.

     (Speaking of Alex, he just scored to give the Caps a 4-1 lead in the 3rd period. 99 points...and counting...)

     I gotta tell you, I'm not giving up just yet on the Caps. Not until I know for sure they make the playoffs, or get eliminated from the chase. They keep coming with the shovels to bury us, and we keep clawing out of the dirt. I LOVE THIS GAME!!! (OK, so the NBA used that line. Sue me.)