The Capitals fans likely would buy into an Ovechkin deal at this point. But there is surely no guarantee that owner Ted Leonsis would be amenable to moving on from the individual who almost singularly transformed the Caps into a power brand in the league and a vibrant product in D.C. and for whom he always demonstrated the utmost support. If Ovechkin is traded, it will be an ownership decision.

Twelve years of Ovechkin. Seven division titles. Four first-seeds without a conference title. Never once more than seven playoff wins in any year to show for it.

The Caps am what they am.

-Larry Brooks of the New York Post where you can read more on the Caps and other toics like this...

If the Chicago-Los Angeles Western power axis shifts to Edmonton-Nashville, as seems quite possible, what exactly does that mean on a national scale to and for an NHL that has a soft spot for its small markets, but thrives when big-market powers dominate?