News: Alexander Semin is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and has expressed displeasure with his role with the Caps.
Analysis: Alexander Semin's agent was quick to not close the door on the Caps but he questioned the significance of Semin's role with the Caps in 2011-2012. Alex was often left on the bench in high pressure situations and the 28-year old appears to want to find a team that values his skills more.
News: Tomas Vokoun is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and multiple reports indicate his time in Washington was unhappy and will be short lived.
Analysis: Tomas Vokoun had a rough 2011-2012 season, plagued by injury and inconsistent performance. Teammates have since questioned his accountability and attitude, with Vokoun often raising his hands after goals, attempting to deflect blame on his defense. The Caps surely allowed a lot of shots on goal throughout the year but seemed to rally around the rookie Holtby who is likely to carry the mantel into the 2012-2013 season.
News: Michal Neuvirth sat out the last portion of the Caps season with a hip flexor injury, according to word out of Caps' camp.
Analysis: Michal Neuvirth backed up Tomas Vokoun but ended up missing time himself as the Caps' season came to an end. Lower body injury was the word on Neuvirth throughout the postseason but a hip flexor was named the culprit after their season ended. Early talk is Vokoun won't return to the Caps, giving Neuvirth and Holtby added value in 2012-2013.
News: Nikita Filatov has signed a two-year deal with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL reports the Ottawa Sun.
Analysis: It certainly appears that the Nikita Filatov experiment is over for good in Ottawa. The Senators will need to make a qualifying offer to Filatov, who will become a restricted free agent come July 1st, or he'll become unrestricted. Ottawa's management is debating whether or not to do so, but odds are good that GM Bryan Murray will take a pass and end the team's association with the winger. His fantasy value next year is next to nil.
News: Jay Beagle broke his foot in the second period of Game 5 versus the Rangers. He finished the game but was unable to return for Game 6 or 7.
Analysis: Jay Beagle said the hardest part of having a broken foot wasn't playing on it for two periods but was missing the last two games of the series that eventually eliminated the Caps from the postseason. He had surgery on his foot and will likely miss the next four to six weeks of workouts. Beagle said he will be able to go for training camp however.
News: Jacob Josefson (wrist) hopes to play in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Rangers, but he still doesn't know when he'll be able to practice with the team, the Bergen Record's Tom Gulitti reports.
Analysis: The series began Monday with a Game 1 victory by the Rangers, with Game 2 slated for Wednesday. While the 21-year-old Jacob Josefson is hopeful that he can return at some point, he'll likely need to turn in some contact practice before making into a game. Josefson recorded a plus-10 ratio in his 41 games this season, but he hasn't played since Apr. 3.
News: Adrian Aucoin (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Kings, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.
Analysis: Adrian Aucoin was held out of Game 1, and it's uncertain whether he'll be ready for Tuesday's tilt. The team would certainly like to get him back, as the 38-year-old defenseman posted a plus-14 ratio during the regular season.
News: Zach Parise led all New Jersey players with five shots on goal in Monday's 3-0 loss to the Rangers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Analysis: Zach Parise had several quality scoring chances, including a semi-breakway that was snuffed out by the Rangers' Ryan McDonagh during the first period. Look for Parise to continue carrying the Devils' offensive load and being a factor on the team's penalty kill.
News: Martin Brodeur allowed two goals on 27 shots in Monday's Game 1 loss to the Rangers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Analysis: Martin Brodeur held strong until early in the third period when the Devils lost track of Dan Girardi, who came off the bench and fired a one-timer past Marty. The second goal came on a 2-on-1 power-play rush but Brodeur did make a highlight reel save on the Rangers' Marc Staal in the third period, denying him on a rebound with a diving save. The Rangers finished off the game with an empty-net goal, but Brodeur played solidly to keep the Devils in the game.
News: Michael Del Zotto posted an assist in Monday's 3-0 victory over New Jersey in the Eastern Conference Finals, putting eight shots on goal for the evening.
Analysis: Michael Del Zotto, leading all NHL defensemen in playoff scoring, created numerous scoring chances in the victory, drawing a secondary assist on the game's opening and game-winning goals. The youngster is playing with confidence and has nine points in the playoffs.
