Capitals Work to Fit in New Players

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Dallas Stars had just scored one of their two third-period power play goals Monday when Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau leaned over to talk to Eric Belanger.

"I got lost on the bench and forgot to use him," Boudreau said at the team's practice facility on Tuesday. "I went up to him and said, 'Eric, I apologize ... I forgot to put you out there.' So, that's my fault."

The Stars went on to win the game, 4-3, via a shootout, not that the Capitals have to worry much about losing out on a point as they sit atop the Southeast Division and Eastern Conference. Still, Boudreau says that's no excuse not to
fully utilize Washington's deadline acquisitions, which include forward Scott Walker and defenseman Joe Corvo.

"I'm a smart guy," Boudreau said. "It shouldn't be a problem to know what you've got and it won't be."

Belanger, Corvo and Walker have all seen a drop in ice time from their previous clubs, something that's to be expected when they're coming to a team as stacked with stars like Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Mike Green. But each new Caps player has recorded at least one point, with Walker nearly doubling his scoring output on the season with two goals against Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Washington also reacquired defenseman Milan Jurcina, who is expected to join the team by the start of the playoffs after he recovers from a sports hernia.

The Caps' dominant position in the standings has made it an almost stress-free transition on the ice, according to Belanger.

"It's a good position to be in, instead of thinking if I make a mistake it might cost you a playoff spot," Belanger said.

Walker said their presence in the locker room is a reminder that not every team around the league has it so easy.

"When we come in, it reinforces that this isn't the way it is at other places around the league," Walker said. "What, [the Capitals] have 13 losses? I think we had that in our first month. You have to appreciate the game and work hard, but you also have to enjoy that you have a good team. It doesn't come along very often."

His former club, the Carolina Hurricanes, lost 10 of 12 games in October. The Hurricanes haves struggled to right themselves ever since, although their 6-3 victory on Dec. 28 marked the last time the Capitals (44-13-9 ) have
lost in regulation at Verizon Center.

Carolina (27-31-7) enters Wednesday's game at Verizon winners of eight of their last 10 games.

"[The Hurricanes] were last for a long time, so teams started taking them for granted," Walker said. "They're a good team. Things were just not clicking or working right at the beginning. All that skill is coming out now."

Corvo, who was acquired from Carolina in a separate deadline trade, said he's worried more about getting lost at the team's practice rink that sits atop the parking garage of a mall than playing his old club.

"This facility is pretty big," Corvo smiled. "I'm just trying to find my way around this place most of the time. Once I get that down, it will all be second nature."