-AP Washington
Game one has yet to be played for the Washington Capitals, however Jay Ramirez sent a very strong message to the fans of the Capitals, be patient. The Capitals traded away all of their big gunners this season in return for tons of youth, and becasue of that expectations for the team are not very high. OTHL analysts have already placed the Capitals in the bottom of the Eastern confrence standings, and Ramirez believes they have every reason to think that.
"We have a very solid core of young players, Its going to take a little time to finally get the lines adjusted, just like any team, but I think players like Semin and Eminger may raise some eyebrows. What I ask of the fans is patience...dont expect a fast start but dont expect us to give up on the season 30 games in. Our players are out there to have fun, and to learn the little parts of the game. Paul [Maurice] has done a excellent job in the pre-season to prepare the youngsters for the long 82 game haul."
As of right now, the Capitals have the lowest payroll in the OTHL and Ramirez told us he plans to make some noise in the free agent market next season, however, until then the loyal Washington fans will have to watch the young Capitals take their share of losses
"Every team starts out horrid before they rise to greatness. Right now, we are starting... give us some time and I feel the Capitals will be a playoff contender, and when your in the playoffs the Stanley cup is only 16 wins away. We are not going to be making blockbusters this season, we are going to try and keep this core of youngsters for the ride... hockey is about chemistry, and from what I see on the ice so far in the pre-season, this team is set for success soon. We just need to work on the little thinks, I love the play of Semin, he will be a very great player in this league soon."
Paul Maurice feels very optimisitic about the Capitals future, and why not.. players like Alexander Semin, Niklas Hagman, Shaone Morrison, and Steve Eminger are all blue chip prospects.. not to mention the unsigned prospects this team has like Anthony Stewart and goaltender Maxime Ouelette.
So maybe patience will be the virtue for the Capitals, Ramirez just hopes the fans can hold onto that patience.