March 02, 2009
Who Was That Team In Red On The Ice?
Coach Bruce Boudreau said it best, "We stunk. I'm not sure how I even characterize it, but we got beat to every loose puck, seemed like they had the puck on the power-play for the whole two minutes in our zone every time. I can't sugar coat it and I can't find excuses for it."
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 1: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals falls onto the ice in front of goalie Craig Anderson of the Florida Panthers during a NHL hockey game on March 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
In the end the Panther's took the Caps to the shed for a beating, final score was 6-2. The score would have been 6-1, if not for the determination of Alex Ovechkin in the final minute that he was going to score. Down on the ice gave me the opportunity to see the determination in Alex's eyes, he was absolutely going to score, nothing was going to stop him.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 1: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals following his goal late in the third period against goalie Craig Anderson of the Florida Panthers during a NHL hockey game on March 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
The photo above is of Alex just after his goal; no trademark fist-pumping, no jump into the boards, or big toothy smile. That goal was for Alex alone. The lack of celebration? Maybe that was for Don Cherry.
Enjoy the slideshow below by clicking on the photo. Then you can click on the square in the lower right hand corner for a full screen slideshow.
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February 22, 2009
Caps: So Good Even A Cave Man Is A Fan
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 22: Geico's Cave Man cheers on the Washington Capitals during a NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 22, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
With today's 5-2 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins the Caps have now captured all three meetings so far this year. While the last win took last minute heroics, the Caps put this in the bag in the second period when the went up and held the 5-2 margin.
Enjoy the slideshow below by clicking on the photo. Then you can click on the square in the lower right hand corner for a full screen slideshow.
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February 20, 2009
Caps Over Canadiens
The photo above is Alex O as he goes into his back slide before making an incredible goal. Enjoy the following slideshow of pictures from the game.
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February 07, 2009
The Green Machine Rolls Over Panthers
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 7: Mike Green of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammate Jeff Schultz following his third period goal against the Florida Panthers during a NHL hockey game on February 7, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
"He's (Mike Green) pretty good," said Capital's Coach Bruce Boudreau. "He even played well defensively today." Green scored the game winner at the beginning of the third period and then put the game out of reach when he scored an empty-net goal late with just over a minute left in play.
Green continued his hot hand by scoring twice in tonight's game, now the longest goal streak ever by a Washington defenseman, having now scored goals in his last seven straight games. He scored his 18th and 19th goals of the season.
After tonight's game the Capitals hold a 13-point lead over Florida in the Southeast Division standings, sitting second in the Eastern Conference.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 7: Jose Theodore of the Washington Capitals stops Ville Peltonen of the Florida Panthers from scoring during a NHL hockey game on February 7, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
For more photos of game action visit our OffWing Photo flickr gallery.
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February 05, 2009
Rare Occasion At Home, Caps Fall To LA Kings
I am an optimist so here is the good news first.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals controls the puck during a NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings on February 5, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
Alex Ovechkin scored his 200th NHL career goal and has now become only the fourth player in NHL history to score 200 goals in his first four years in the league. With this goal he also erased another NHL franchise that he hasn't scored on, now the list only includes the San Jose Sharks.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: Brook Laich of the Washington Capitals celebrates his third period goal with team mate Alexander Semin during a NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings on February 5, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
Mike Green continued his scoring hot streak and now leads all defenseman in the league with his 17 goals. Green's production is even more amazing when you consider that there are only 14 players, all forwards, in the NHL who have averaged more points per game.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings makes a save during a NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals on February 5, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
Unfortunately last minute heroics came up short and the Kings were able to earn what has been a rare win (5-4) at home against the Capitals in the Verizon Center this year. Goalie Jonathan Quick of the LA Kings able to hold of an onslaught of shots late in third period as the Capitals tried to overcome what had grown to 3 point deficit.
Tonight's game is the second and final match-up this season between the Washington Capitals and the LA Kings. Back in November, it was the Kings that got the win (5-2), which included three in the third period (two in empty nets).
For more photos of game action visit our OffWing Photo flickr gallery.
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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: Michal Handzus of the Los Angeles Kings scores against goalie Jose Theodore of the Washington Capitals during a NHL hockey game on February 5, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing Photo)
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February 01, 2009
Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick In Win Against Ottawa Senators
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scores in the first period against goalie Brian Elliot of the Ottawa Senators during a NHL hockey game on February 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
Ottawa Head Coach probably summed it up best following the game speaking about Alex Ovechkin, "He's the star of the league. People pay a lot of money to come watch him play and he performs every night. He's certainly worth the price of admission; not for the other team, he isn't, but certainly for the fans."
The Caps had an outstanding weekend at home. This weekend they had a big win against the Detroit Redwings and today they kept the momentum going in winning 7-4 against the visiting Ottawa Senators. "It's important because if we get into the play-offs and you have to play back-to-back like Monday/Tuesday, Thursday/Friday type thing you can't let emotion be the sole dictator of how you play, said Coach Bruce Boudreau. "You have to do it day after day after day. We wanted to make a point of playing well after and emotional day yesterday."
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Mike Green of the Washington Capitals celebrates following his first period score against goalie Brian Elliot of the Ottawa Senators during a NHL hockey game on February 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
For more photos of game action visit our OffWing Photo flickr gallery.
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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Goalie Brent Johnson of the Washington Capitals makes a save during a NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
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January 03, 2009
Good Times At Verizon Center: Caps over Rangers
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 3: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals tries to center the puck against Petr Prucha of the New York Rangers during a NHL hockey game on January 3, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WWASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 3: Eric Fehr of the Washington Capitals tries to score against goalie Steve Valiquette of the New York Rangers during a NHL hockey game on January 3, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
For more photos of game action visit theOffWing Photo flickr gallery.
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January 02, 2009
Home Sweet Home, Caps Get Win Over Tampa Bay, 7-4
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 1: David Steckel of the Washington Capitals celebrates following his goal against goalie Mike Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning during a NHL hockey game on January 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 1: Mike Green of the Washington Capitals and Adam Hall of the Tampa Bay Lightning struggle for control of the puck during a NHL hockey game on January 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 1: Goalie Mike Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning fails to make a diving save against Boyd Gordon of the Washington Capitals during a NHL hockey game on January 1, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
For more photos of game action visit our OffWing Photo flickr gallery.
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December 27, 2008
Caps Over Sabres, 3-2
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 26: Alex Oveckin of the Washington Capitals shoots a third period goal against goalie Patrick Lalime of the Bufalo Sabres during a NHL hockey game on December 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)
The Caps went on a scoring spree going up three to one and then held off Buffalo to gain the win. Alex Ovechkin scored what would become the game winning score by slicing and dicing the defense.
"It was a pretty cool goal," admitted Alex Ovechkin afterwards. "It happens sometimes … I just made some moves. Puck was probably neutral, so I won the battle. I was tired and I just fell, and I shoot. It was in, so that's pretty cool. It was a great goal and I'm glad it happened to me."
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 26: Alex Oveckin of the Washington Capitals celebrate following his third period goal against goalie Patrick Lalime of the Bufalo Sabres during a NHL hockey game on December 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)
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December 12, 2008
Caps Win Big Over Senators, 5-1
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Mike Green of the Washington Capitals brings the puck down the ice against the Ottawa Senators during a NHL hockey game on December 12, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals celebrates following his second period goal against the Ottawa Senators during a NHL hockey game on December 12, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
Visit our Flickr gallery for more pictures from the game.www.flickr.com
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December 03, 2008
Caps Fall To Florida Panthers
Last night we had guest photographer, Bill Ingalls shooting for us.
Besides being a long time friend, Bill has traveled the world photographing missions for NASA. His assignments have taken him from familiar locations, such as the Kennedy Space Center, to the inside of an active volcano in Alaska; the Oval Office; the inside of a DC-8, flying through a hurricane; the hearing rooms of Capitol Hill, to the brutally cold Kazakh steppes.
Bill's work has been featured in Apple's professional profiles. An exhibition of Bill's photos can be viewed at the Washington School of Photography until December 10, 2008. The exhibition was part of FotoWeek DC 2008, a week long celebration of photography in the nation's capital.
More photos after the jump.
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For even more photos from the game, visit our flickr gallery.
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November 26, 2008
Washington Caps Stuff Atlanta Thrashers
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Eric Fehr of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammates following his goal during a NHL hockey game with the Atlanta Thrashers on November 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals flies over goalie Ondrej Pavelec of the Atlanta Thrashers during a NHL hockey game on November 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
More photos after the jump.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Fans of the Washington Capitals toss their hats onto the ice following Alex Ovechkin's Hat Trick against the Atlanta Thrashers during a NHL hockey game on November 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Alex Ovechkin and Sami Lepisto of the Washington Capitals celebrate following an Ovechkin goal in the first period against the Atlanta Thrashers during a NHL hockey game on November 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Michael Nylander of the Washington Capitals brings the puck up the ice during a NHL hockey game with the Atlanta Thrashers on November 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Goalie Jose Theodore of the Washington Capitals falls to the ice following Vyacheslav Kozlov of the Atlanta Thrashers goal during a NHL hockey game on November 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
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October 21, 2008
Photo Highlights From The Caps vs. NJ Devils
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July 13, 2008
Washington Capitals Development Camp
It was great attending the the Capital's development camp this week. If you were there you will understand the tremendous energy and excitement for the team and upcoming season.
We have a bunch of pictures from Thursday and Saturday that we will be posting as we get through all of them. We now have our first group online, a few are here and the others will be posted to our complete development camp photographic coverage on our Flickr site.
As always, if you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
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April 13, 2008
Tough Day For Caps in Game 2
The Washington Capitals fell to Philadelphia today, 0-2. For more news on the game check out OffWing Opinion for coverage.
Here is a shout out to the Kaylors watching the game at home. We had a great time watching Friday night's victory on their big HD TV.
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March 09, 2008
Playoff Hopes Beginning To Fade In Loss To Pittsbugh
So what do you say about a game that is lost in the final 40 seconds of play? What is worse is that it was scored mistakingly by Nicklas Backstrom. An empty net goal by the Penguins 15 seconds later by Jordon Staal had the many Pittsburgh fans in the stands on their feet cheering for their 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals.
The 5-3 loss to the Pittshburgh Penguins makes getting into the playoffs that much tougher for the Washington Capitals. Joe Dumas, of OffWing puts it this way, "the two losses on the weekend make it that much harder for the Caps to sneak into the playoffs, as they are 6 points out of the 8th seed and 7 points out of the Southeast lead. With only 12 games to go, they need to do something special to make the postseason."
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 9: Goalie Cristobal Huet and Shaone Morrisonn of the Washington Capitals protects the net during a NHL hockey game with the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 9, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 9: Shaone Morrisonn of the Washington Capitals and Pascal Dupuis of the Pittsburgh Penguins struggle for control of the puck during a NHL hockey game on March 9, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 9: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals controls the puck during a NHL hockey game with the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 9, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
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February 26, 2008
Caps Up-End Minnesota Wild, 4-1
It has been more than five years since Minnesota has played in Washington. In November of 2002, it was Minnesota on the winning end of that game. With the help of Brooks Laich's two goals, the Caps scored a big win against the Wild (4-1).
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Brooks Laich of the Washington Capitals celebrates following his first of two goals against against goalie Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild during a NHL hockey game on February 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals goes up against Sean Hill and Eric Belanger of the Minnesota Wild during a NHL hockey game on February 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
None of the Cap's new players were suited up tonight against the Minnesota Wild, that will have to wait for later this week.
See more photos from the game soon by visiting our Photoshelter gallery or our Flickr gallery.
If you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
Photos by Allen Clark/Offwingphoto.com
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Goalie Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild stops Christopher Bourque of the Washington Capitals from scoring during a NHL hockey game on February 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Branko Radivojevic of the Minnesota Wild scores against goalie Olie Kolzig of the Washington Capitals during a NHL hockey game on February 26, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWingPhoto.com)
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January 02, 2008
Caps Ring In New Year With Big Victory Over Senators, 6-3
For the first day of the year, families filled the Verizon Center for today's afternoon game between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators and went home happy. Washington scored an impressive 6-3 victory and is now unbeaten for the year (haha-not the season). This leave the Caps in third place behind Ottawa and Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 1: Brooks Laich of the Washington Capitals scores a goal against goalie Ray Emory of the Ottawa Senators during a NHL hockey game on January 1, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
Ottawa pulled starting goalie Martin Gerber in the first period after he gave up 3 goals in the first period, replacing him with Ray Emery. Olie Kolzig allowed 3 but stopped 34 shots on goal.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 1: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals goes down onto the ice as Goalie Ray Emory of the Ottawa Senators during a NHL hockey game on January 1, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 1: Donald Brashear of the Washington Capitals and Brian McGrattan of the Ottawa Senators get in a fight during a NHL hockey game on January 1, 2008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
See more photos from the game soon by visiting our Photoshelter gallery or our Flickr gallery.
If you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
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December 28, 2007
Interview With Chris Rutsch Of Hartford's Wolf Pack
I came across a piece about the team photographer for the Hartford Wolf Pack, an American Hockey League (AHL) team located in Hartford Conn.
- Read the story here.
- You can view Chris' pictures here
- The story comes from Mitch Beck's"Howlings: Hartford Wolf Pack News And Commentary."
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December 14, 2007
Caps Lose Heartbreaker to Buffalo, 3-5
The Caps played great for two periods until cracks appeared in the third period and the Sabres came from behind to score the victory.
So, I leave it to the following picture to tell the story. You see the Sabres celebrating a goal but also Washington's goalie Olie Kolzig sitting on the ice, frustrated, in the lower right hand corner.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Maxim Afinogenov of the of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with teammates after his second period goal during a NHL hockey game on December 14, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Alex Ovechkin celebrates with team member Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals following his first period goal against the Buffalo Sabres during a NHL hockey game on December 14, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Henrik Tallinder of the Buffalo Sabres fight for control of the puck during a NHL hockey game on December 14, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery or our Flickr gallery.
If you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Donald Brashear of the Washington Capitals and Toni Lydman of the Buffalo Sabres go after the puck during a NHL hockey game on December 14, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery or our Flickr gallery.
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December 12, 2007
Shooting the Game: Interview with Norwegian hockey photographer Espen Hildrup
Our good friend Jon Swenson over at the Sharkspage recently interviewed Norwegian hockey photographer Espen Hildrup and allowed us to republish the article here. Jon runs a great blog, you should check it out if you are haven't already.
2006-07 VALERENGA TEAM PHOTO - ESPEN HILDRUP
Norwegian photographer Espen Hildrup was kind enough to answer a few questions about hockey photography, the Norwegian Hockey League champion Valerenga team, former NHL Allstar Espen Knutsen, and ice hockey in the small country of Norway.
Espen's latest collection of 2007-08 Valerenga hockey photos are available here, and photos from the 2006-07 Valerenga season are available here. The official GET-Ligaen league website is available at hockey.no, and the official Valerenga Ishockey team website is available at vif.no.
JOHNNY BRUUN 2-1 SHOT - ESPEN HILDRUP
[Q] How long have you been photographing sports, and how long have you been shooting ice hockey in Norway?[EH] I started shooting ice hockey - and sports - in February this year. I picked up photography as a hobby 3 years ago, with a Casio compact. Got my first dSLR 2 years ago; an Olympus e300. Since then I've been doing work for Corinthia International, SAS Radisson, several advertising agencies, magazines and newpapers.
Last winter the weather was really bad here in Oslo, Norway; no snow, only rain and fog, so I didn't get to use my camera at all. Then I called Valerenga Ice Hockey and asked if they could use someone to photograph them. They said yes - and since then I have been to all of their games. Valerenga is by far Norway's #1 ice hockey club, with 25 Norwegian Championships. The ex-NHL All Star player Espen "Shampoo" Knutsen is their head coach.
[Q] What camera do you use when you shoot a game, and which lenses do you use most often for hockey?[EH] I'm using a Canon 5D. Not a typical sports camera, with full frame and 3 fps; but 13mp and very clean high ISO images helps.
In the beginning I brought all sorts of lenses to the games, but the 70-200mm f/2.8 soon became my favorite. I also bring the 1.4x teleconverter, for extra reach - but that gives an f/4, which is a little on slow side. Also the 85mm f/1.8 is a good lens.
[Q] There is a tremendous amount of action and detail in your photos. What do you look to capture when you shoot a hockey game, and what is it like shooting at some of the ice hockey rinks in Norway?
[EH] Having played ice hockey for several years, when I was younger, I try to anticipate the action. Often I just keep the focus at the keeper and zoom in/out as the players move around him. I also try to keep both eyes open; one in the camera, with the other I try to "scan" what goes on outside the viewfinder... When you follow the same team you learn their typical tactics and moves, so you can locate yourself accordingly.
[Q] You have a large collection of photos online, many are of the Valerenga club who have won three straight Norwegian titles. How would you compare the Norwegian league to other leagues? How does Valerenga look so far this season?
[EH] I haven't seen any other leagues except for watching the NHL on ESPN360.com. And comparing the norwegian GET League to NHL is like comparing a Skoda to a Ferrari...
As mentioned, I started shooting ice hockey less than a year ago. Before that I was only into landscapes and travel photography - which got a little boring.
Valerenga is also #1 again this year; but the competition is getting tougher. Valerenga lost 3 major players last season; 2 Americans went back to the US, and 1 native Valerenga-player went to play professionally in Germany. So after not really having found new players, combined with teams like Storhamar Dragons, Stavanger Oilers and Sparta Warriors who are working seriously to be the best, this season looks more uncertain the last year.[Q] Hockey is very popular among the youth in Finland and Sweden, and interest is growing in Denmark and Germany, are more young kids in Norway starting to gain interest in the sport?[EH] Ice hockey is a small sport in Norway, and I have often wondered why. I just do not understand it; why norwegians do not give this sport a chance. In Sweden Ice Hockey is a major sport. Likewise in Finland. One explaination could be, that people has some kind of mental connetion between ice hockey and fighting. Maybe media in Norway has focused too much on the fights, and too little on the game itself. I don't know...
On Valerenga's Hockey School, this year there were almost twice as many participants as last year. And on average, there are 10% more people coming to see the games in Norway this winter. So it looks like ice hockey is picking up in popularity. It also helps that a TV channel broadcasts a match every Thursday night.
There's a lot of talk about the climate change here in Norway; the winters getting warmer, with less snow and ice. So I think more people will look for indoor sports for the winter seasons. This could give ice hockey a boost in the years to come...
[Q] With Norway's Patrick Thoresen playing for the Edmonton Oiler's AHL affiliate in Springfield, and fellow Norwegian Ole-Kristian Tollefsen racking up 47 penalty minutes already for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL, which Norwegians are having the most success playing outside of Norway? And is there a Norwegian player or prospect that fans should keep an eye on?
[EH] Besides Patrick Thoresen and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, I do know the name Mathis Olimb, an ex-Valerenga player who now plays for the Augsburg Panthers in Germany. There's talk he will be playing in the NHL next year.
Right now I heard Mathis Olimb's litte brother, Ken Andre Olimb, who scored Norway's 1-0 goal against Ukraine in the Junior World Championships in Germany, is a player to watch. Also Ken Andre will become one of Norway's top international players. Last night, Patrick Thoresen's little brother Steffen Thoresen signed a contract with Valerenga. He arrives from Allsvenskan in Sweden. So things are looking good right now!
[Q] Espen Knutsen played for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 1997, but he also received a second shot at the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets on the recommendation of former San Jose Sharks/Norwegian national team head coach George Kingston. Knutsen was the only Norwegian to play in an NHL allstar game, the Swedish Elite League team Djurgarden called him one of the best players in the teams history after he retired, and he captured a Norwegian championship in his first year as the head coach of Valerenga, What has been Espen Knutsen's impact on hockey in Norway?
[EH] Espen "Shampoo" Knutsen's impact on norwegian ice hockey is tremendous! He's an icon in Norway, even though I don't think the average Norwegian actually realizes how big being an allstar in the NHL really is. This combined with his sympathetic and nice way of being, makes him a very popular person in Norway. He earned the championship in his first season as head coach for Vålerenga last season. Now there's people who wants him as coach for Norway's National Team.
Thanks very much for taking the time to answer a few questions, and for telling us a little about hockey in Norway. A handful of photographers have contributed to the Shooting the Game series, including Grega Juvancic from Slovenia, Jenik Bohac from Latvia, Laurent Lardiere from France, and several others.
[Update] 2006-2007 in review: Norway, Valerenga Norwegian champions for the 25th time - Eurohockey.net.
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December 08, 2007
Caps Thomp Atlanta Thrashers, 6-3
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 8: Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals comes up with the assist against Kari Lehtonen of the Atlanta Thrashers during a NHL hockey game with the on December 8, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 8: Mike Green of the Washington Capitals goes controls the puck during a NHL hockey game with the Atlanta Thrashers on December 8, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery or our Flickr gallery.
If you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 8: Viktor Kozlov of the Washington Capitals goes after a puck during a NHL hockey game with the Atlanta Thrashers on December 8, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)ee more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery or our Flickr gallery.
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November 27, 2007
Caps Fall To Buffalo, 3-1
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Jochen Hecht and other members of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate following Hecht's goal during a NHL hockey game on November 26, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Interim Head Coach Bruce Boudreau of the Washington Capitals during a NHL hockey game with the Buffalo Sabres on November 26, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Chris Clark of the Washington Capitals and Jaroslav Spacek of the Buffalo Sabres get in a fight during a NHL hockey game on November 26, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery.
Posted by Allen Clark at 07:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 24, 2007
Michigan Over Minnesota, 5-1: College Hockey Showcase
My Thanksgiving pilgrimage took me to Michigan. Here I had the opportunity to catch some of action at the 15 Annual College Hockey Showcase, played at Yost Arena of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Tonight No. 2-ranked Michigan skated to a 5-1 win against No. 15-ranked Minnesota. Minnesota handed Michigan it's only lost for the season earlier this year.
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Members of the University of Michigan gather before a game with the University of Minnesota during a hockey game on November 24, 2007 at the Yost Arena of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)Michigan came into tonight's game ranked No. 2 and now holds a 12 game winning streak. The last time that Michigan swept the College Hockey Showcase was in 2002.
See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery and our flickr page.
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Kyle Okposa of the University of Michigan face off against Mike Hoeffel of the University of Minnesota during a hockey game on November 24, 2007 at the Yost Arena of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Kevin Quick of the University of Michigan protects the goal during a hockey game with the University of Minnesota on November 24, 2007 at the Yost Arena of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Goalie Billy Sauer of the University of Michigan prevents a goal during a hockey game with the University of Minnesota on November 24, 2007 at the Yost Arena of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)Unlike their football counterparts these Big Ten are actually in different conferences, Michigan is part of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), while Minnesota skates in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference. The Annual College Hockey Showcase is an opportunity for cross conference play among the Michigan and Michigan State University of the CCHA, and Wisconsin and Minnesota of the WCHA.
See more photos from the game by visiting our Photoshelter gallery and our flickr page.
Also stop by our new sister website OffWing Photo where we focus on photography, especially sports photography.
Posted by Allen Clark at 07:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 10, 2007
Tampa Bay Lightning Roll-Over Caps, 5-2
Whew...I am happy to be out shooting again. I covered tonight's game between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here are a couple of shots that we published over at OffWing.
Here is one of Tomas Fleischman scoring. I chose this over the other two because it more clearly identifies him despite his stick is hiding the puck. I had a couple of others, one with the puck in the air and another in the net but without Tomas in the picture.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Tomas Fleischman of the Washington Capitals scores a goal against Johan Holmqvist of the Tampa Bay Lightning during a NHL hockey game on November 10, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)Honestly there wasn't a lot out on the ice to shoot tonight, not that many shots on goal and a 4 minute Cap penalty late in the third period which slowed the game down.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Goalie Johan Holmquvist of the Tampa Bay Lightning prevents a goal by the Washington Capitals during a NHL hockey game on November 10, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals takes the puck during a NHL hockey game with the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 10, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)Posted by Allen Clark at 10:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 27, 2007
First Night At The Cap Center
It was fun to get back into the hot seat to start shooting hockey again. Even the photographers appreciated the pre-season game to work through some of the cobwebs of shooting such a fast sport as hockey.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 25: Goalie Olie Kolzig of the Washington Capitals prevents a goal by Scott Walker of the Carolina Hurricanes during during a NHL hockey game on September 25, 2007 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Allen Clark/OffWing)I typically have more decent pictures to pick from but the shots were just not there Tuesday night. My total number of shots were down and I really had only 3-5 pictures relatively decent.
One of my goals for the evening was to try a few different things that I might incorporate later in the season, so I think this had some affect on the number of keepers that I had. It is of course fun to take a good picture, but I also really enjoy pushing myself to try different things and then learning from the good AND bad shots.
See more photos from OffWing Photo by visiting our Photoshelter gallery.
Posted by Allen Clark at 02:02 PM | Comments (0)
