Sammi’s Weekend Wrap: Capitals’ Cup Window, Ovechkin, Orlov Updates, Remembering ‘Ace’

It’s been a busy weekend with the return of the NFL, and the Washington Capitals are less than a week away from the start of rookie camp (single game tickets are also now on sale). At the same time, several teams are already taking the ice with the season just a month out.

Here are the latest news and notes to catch up on from this past week.

Capitals Links

• Dmitry Orlov discussed the NHL’s new vaccination policy and said he believes that 85 percent of the team was vaccinated. Ian Oland elaborates on what No. 9 had to say. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
• Alex Ovechkin also sat down with OK Magazine to reflect on his decision to leave Russia to come play in North America. Jon Sorensen has more comments and story on quickly signing with the Capitals after a deal with Avangard Omsk after the lockout ended in 2005. (NoVa Caps)
• The Capitals’ Stanley Cup window is still open, but for how long? Ted Starkey takes a closer look. (The Hockey Writers)

NHL Links

• Former Capitals forward and longtime NHLer and scout Garnet “Ace” Bailey was one of the passengers on United 175 when it crashed into the South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001. Sean Leahy sat down with former teammate John Davidson to remember Ace and his memorable character on and off the ice. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• Ever since Gerry Cheevers iconic “stitches” design, goalies’ mask art has become a key part of the NHL’s culture. Sean Shapiro goes inside the studio to take a look at how at Brady Lambert, Dave Gunnarson (DaveArt) and more artists bring goalie masks to life. (The Athletic)
• Could Tomas Hertl be joining the Boston Bruins? Joe Haggerty breaks down the latest speculation surrounding the Sharks center, who’s emerged on the market with the Jack Eichel appearing to stay put for now. (Boston Hockey Now)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Elvis Merzlikins is paying tribute to the late Matiss Kivlenieks with a beautifully designed mask this season. It features Kivlenieks’ No. 80 and the quote “You saved the last puck, little brother.” Merzlikins said “Kivi” stepped in front of an errant firework to save others, including Merzlikins and his pregnant wife. Merzlikins’ newborn son, Knox also has the middle name “Matiss,” and Merzlikins told the media he plans to “win a f– Vezina” for “Kivi” this season.

For Kivi ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/dLdqJvyncd

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 10, 2021

• Ovechkin attended Washington Football Team’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

(Photo:nastyashubskaya/Instagram)

• Thoughts, prayers and love is going out to everyone who was involved with and is still recovering from the 9/11 terrorist attacks 20 years later. I was young at the time, but I still remember the impact and watching it unfold on television. I also remember how the country came together to spread love and support each other afterward. We will never forget.

It’s been 20 years. We will #NeverForget. pic.twitter.com/DICa3BojoW

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 11, 2021