Zednik's Return Nears; His Departure, Too?.

Zednik's Return Nears; His Departure, Too?.

01/30/2007 08:47 am
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Washington Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, January 30, 2007; E03







Washington Capitals winger Richard Zednik has received medical clearance to resume playing and is expected to be in the lineup Thursday against the Panthers in Florida, the second stop on a three-game road trip that begins tonight against the Ottawa Senators.



His return from an abdominal injury that caused him to miss 24 games comes at a critical time for the player and his team. With the NHL's trade deadline four weeks away, Zednik figures to attract interest from clubs seeking to add an offensive threat for a run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The only problem is Capitals General Manager George McPhee isn't ready to declare whether he'll be buying or selling -- yet.



McPhee hopes Zednik's speed and veteran savvy will spark the struggling Capitals, who are lagging behind in the tightly packed Eastern Conference race. They enter tonight's game five points out of the eighth and final spot with 32 games remaining.



"We want to make a playoff push and, if we get healthier, we feel we can do it," McPhee said.



But if that push loses momentum, and it becomes clear they aren't going to make the postseason, McPhee expects to begin fielding calls about Zednik, whose second stint in Washington began in July when he was acquired for a third-round draft pick from the Montreal Canadiens. The 31-year-old is in the final year of a contract that pays him $1.976 million.



"We would like Richard to be part of the future here," McPhee said. "We've always liked the way he plays and the way he competes, but all that will be determined as we move along. It depends on how he performs and what he wants for his future. So it's going to be a mutual decision."



After Sunday's practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, Zednik said he likes playing in Washington, but his only focus is getting back on the ice and regaining his form.



"I haven't been thinking about trades or anything because I wasn't playing," Zednik said. "Right now, I just want to play good and have fun. Then maybe I will think about that stuff."



This has been a trying season for Zednik, who requested to be dealt out of Montreal when his playing time diminished late last season. He arrived in Washington hoping to earn a long-term contract, whether here or elsewhere.



The plan hasn't worked out. He didn't score a goal until his 11th game and then missed six games in November with a wrist injury. And just when he seemed to rediscover his scoring touch, he went down awkwardly against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 2. The following week, Zednik underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia for the second time in his career, once on each side.



"It's been hard," said Zednik, who has five goals and 13 points in 20 games. "I came to a new team look for a good start. I got going, then I had one injury. I start back, start feeling good on the ice and then, 'Boom!' -- another injury. Now I'm excited to go back to the ice and produce."



Although defense has been more of a concern than scoring goals for the Capitals, Coach Glen Hanlon said Zednik will be a welcome addition.



"Most times when injured players come back, those first two or three games you don't expect him to make a dramatic difference," Hanlon said. "But in time I'm sure it will. We've missed him, that's for sure."



Capitals Notes: Defenseman Brian Pothier, believed to be out with a concussion, did not travel with the team to Ottawa. He's been sidelined the past three games. . . . Winger Matt Bradley, who has missed two games for personal reasons, did not practice with the team yesterday at Scotiabank Place. His status for tonight's game is questionable. . . . The Senators have won 12 of 15 games.

Entry for January 29, 2007

Entry for January 29, 2007.

01/29/2007 07:09 pm
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It feels like I'm on a three day weekend. Saturday, I worked and I couldn't believe it - I got right up when the alarm went off and was at work by 7:30 a.m.



I got home around 4 p.m., we went out to Five Guys for dinner and then just chilled. I've been feeling blah and not really up to doing anything. Yesterday, I woke up around 9 or so, we order chinesed around 1 p.m. and by 2:30, I was out on the couch.



Today, I've been productive - cleaning office files and scanning in paperwork. Little by little, I've been picking up Babe's stuff. Today, I washed off her scratch pad base, toys, and grooming supplies. Of course, the tears came. The weekends are the hardest - that's when we had our quality time and no rushing around. I miss her so much.

Entry for January 26, 2007

Entry for January 26, 2007
01/26/2007 01:18 pm
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Oh, tonight will be full of tears -



Dan just called me to say that Babe arrived home - he wanted to tell me before I got home and had a shock.



I can feel the tears coming already........

Entry for January 25, 2007.

Entry for January 25, 2007.

01/25/2007 01:20 pm
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WOOHOO - I just got Alex Ovechkin's autograph on the NHL 07 PS2 game cover (Dan's game).



I keep trying to call Dan, but no answer - where the heck is he????



Anyway, so I just waited in baggage claim where all of the passengers came out and there he was walking out. NO ONE else was around that recongnized him, so I just said "Ovie? - could you sign this" He didn't even look at me twice and signed, and kept walking. I think he was in the middle of a conversation with his brother.



Funny, how no matter who the person is, I get all jittery with excitement. I wonder why that is - celebrities are just ordinary people, who get paid a lot more than me!

Entry for January 23, 2007.

Entry for January 23, 2007.

01/23/2007 04:07 pm
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So I was checking out Washingtoncaps.com and found a "blog" about Alex Ovechkin's trip to the all star game.



Alex Ovechkin’s All-Star experience barely got off the ground, thanks to about an inch of snow on the ground in Northern Virginia. The flights were fine – it’s just that the dusting left the local roads so clogged, it was difficult to get to Dulles in time for the flight.



Nevertheless, the Washington Capitals star left wing made it with time to spare, and American Airlines delivered him, sitting alongside his brother, Mikhail, safely.



It seemed that no one on Ovechkin’s flight recognized him, despite the now-trademark ripped jeans from Dolce Gabbana. The same can’t be said for the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, which was teeming with autograph seekers upon Ovechkin’s arrival.





WOOHOO - MAYBE A CELEBRITY SIGHTING IN THE FUTURE! There are only 3 incoming flights from Dallas, so if workload permits, I should be able to go out there! Woohoo! Otherwise, maybe I can see him here at baggage claim (where our office is).

Entry for January 20, 2007.

Entry for January 20, 2007.
01/20/2007 11:21 am
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The day got worst on Wednesday.



I got home and Babe could not sit up at all. I picked her up to hopefully stretch her like usual and work out the arthritis kinks. It didn't work. She seems REALLY weak. I put her by her food bowl and she ate, but I had to hold her steady. Then she just flopped over on her side.



I called Chrissy (her vet) and she suggested going to the emergency vet because it sounded like a blot clot. I called Dan to let him know and he was on his way home.



The hospital took her right away. Her tempeture was low, so they had her on a heating pad and giving her an IV. Next was a blood test. Dan and I went to dinner while waiting for the results and I gave Chrissy a call.



She's such a good doctor and friend. She had already faxed over Babe's last blood results so they could compare them and mentioned she was going to call the hospital in about an hour to see how she was.



When we got back to the hospital, the vet told us it could be neurological and gave us the option of seeing a surgeon, but said they could keep her overnight to see if anything changed since she has had bouts like this before (just not as serious and usually viral). We got to see her before we left and she seemed calm, but I could tell she wasn't good.



Of course, I didn't sleep well that night. Around 7 a.m., I called and talked to the vet. There was no change. She gave me the options - neurosurgeon consult, trying therapy to see if they could get the blood flowing again, going through all the testing to see what was wrong, but she said sometimes the result is the same.



I knew this day was going to come and I would have to make the choice. I always knew I would never put Babe through the extra pain and stress.



I spoke with Chrissy and she already called the hospital and got the report to review. She confirmed that it looks neurological. She even gave us the choice of bringing Babe home and putting her down here. We knew that would be harder on us.



We got around and went to the hospital. We spend some time with Babe telling her that Grandma will feed her all she wants and Aunt Helen will spoil her too and to give her doggy sister, Sandy, a swat on the nose. Then the doctor came in. Even the doctor said it's the most humane thing to do. We spend some time with Babe afterwards too - needless to say, Babe gave me her last present - pee all over me. I just have to laugh (and cry).



We are getting her cremated and will have an urn along with a paw print. It's been rough the last couple of days. It's just weird not having her around. But, I know she's in a better place.

Entry for January 17, 2007.

Entry for January 17, 2007.

01/17/2007 02:36 pm
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Today has not been that great of a day.



First, I get shampoo in my eye while taking my shower - it still hurts!



Then, as I'm in the shower, Babe pees on the bathrug.



Next, I get to work and don't even get to start my computer and Steph is on me about missing 2 tenants in the rent spreadsheet. I finally open my e-mail and there's a message from Steph about the same thing. I GET IT - I'M NOT PERFECT - AND I WAS SICK WHEN I WENT OVER IT! Never mind the fact that she also had a copy of it that sat on her desk while I was out sick - she could have easily done it.



I haven't mentioned to Steph that our accounting person found another one that was missing.



I'm also trying to get ready for my Creative Memories party on Friday. Right now, only 3 people have RSVP'd. There's no way I'm going to make the $400 in sales to get the extra hostess gifts. I'm surprised I made it the first time! It should be fun. I think 2 people who are interested in scrapbooking, but haven't really tried it are coming. One of my friends is staying the night too since she lives out in West Virginia.



Saturday, I think I'm going to Nordstrom's Rack since they start their inventory sale on Friday and I have like $150 in gift certificates for there. Time for some new clothes or maybe a designer purse.

If I chose the Golden Globes….

If I chose the Golden Globes….

01/14/2007 09:51 am
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24 and Keifer Sutherland would top the list.

Entry for January 12, 2007

Entry for January 12, 2007

01/12/2007 08:47 pm
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Do you believe in random acts of kindness?



I really didn't think it happened around here - so many people just do their own thing around here - we don't even know our neighbors.



Well - a random act of kindness happened to me and made my day. Yesterday, I wasn't feeling too well - had a bad night of sleep and was coughing all day along with a sore throat. All I could think of was that I was getting sick again.



I HAD to stop at the grocery store to pick up puppy pads for kitty. I stopped at the first store, none. Stopped at the next store, and got what I needed. As I'm walking towards the jeep, someone is backing into the space next to mine. I walk up to the jeep and wait for the driver to get out. He sees me standing there and says, Grand Cherokee! and proceeds to open the door for me - I was just awestruck - I thank you and said "that is so sweet"!



It's just so neat that something so small can really make your day. Now I need to remember - pay it forward....

Retirement for Portos

Retirement for Portos

01/09/2007 04:10 pm
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I finally saw Officer Bennie today - and he told me that Portos retired! I told Officer Bennie he'll have to bring Portos in to visit.



Oh - so many days, I'd be having a bad day and I'd see Portos and go pet him. Immediately, my day would become so much better.



Portos got to stay with Officer Bennie and can now live the life of a house dog. I do know that Officer Bennie lives in Ashburn too, so maybe some day, Portos can come over.





Handler: Sgt. Ralph Bennie

K9: Portos

Breed: German Shepherd

Sex: Male

Whelp date (when K9 was born): 1997

First year on MWAA EDD Team:

K9: 1999

Handler: 1999

Favorite Toy: Frisbee

Routine for rewarding K9 after success: A ball is tossed to him and he is given a lot of praise.



Why do you like being a K9 Handler?: Working with a K9 is very rewarding. Dogs are a very good tool and the best companion.

Entry for January 03, 2007

Entry for January 03, 2007

01/03/2007 03:22 pm
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well - I went to the doctor's today. I had a 99 degree fever and swollen glands. I started the antibiotics as soon as I got home and took a nap.



Even the doctor said to rest today, so I called work and let SP know. Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow to get into work. Iris (the new SL manager) is coming down from Boston to see the project.

Entry for January 02, 2007

Entry for January 02, 2007 

01/02/2007 09:19 am
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Well - what a great way to start the year - sick.



I tried to get into the doctor's today, but they don't have an opening until tomorrow. I think it's either an ear infection or sinus infection. My head just hurts and I'm so tired. AND the coughing fits - during the day and night - plus my voice comes and goes. I can do something for a little while and then I just crash.



I had to do a walkthrough yesterday for work and I was exhausted when I got home. I basically sat on the couch the rest of the day.



So, here I am at home - getting tired of being at home too, since I can't really do anything.