When the Caps brought Sergei over at the trade deadline last year I knew this was going to happen (or at least be tried) eventually.  Sergei is playing defenseman for the remainder of the preseason and “seeing what he can do.”  I guess my initial concern is by playing him as a defenseman the Capitals will be losing his faceoff talents.  This was something he did very well last year and during the playoffs.  Winning faceoffs allows puck control.  In my opinion, Adam Oates and the #1 penalty kill allowed the Caps to make its Stanley Cup run in 1998.  I would like to have that again.

I am also concerned his 38 year old legs won’t be fast enough to stop the rush when the Caps don’t forecheck well.  Let’s face it, Sergei is not a banger (a la Erskine).  How many goals were given up last year by wide open guys right in front of Ollie/Huet?  A LOT!  Somebody needs to be back there bangin’ and I don’t see Sergei as that man. 

I would rather see him as the third line center defending the other team’s #1 line that way we keep his skating and faceoff ability in our zone.  We also keep a better defense.  Offense sells tickets.  Defense wins championships.  I would personally prefer watching a season of 2-1 hockey games and hoisting  Lord Stanley’s Cup than the Pengiuns style of play.  Is any lead they have safe?

Thoughts?