Zubie-Doobie-Doo...

I fear I have been neglecting my ladies of greatness...so I had every intention of coming on yesterday and posting something witty and urbane. And then the rain came.

I was sitting at work, listening to the NHL Network's deadline show while *ahem* working. Suddenly I heard 'Washington Capitals'. Then I heard 'Dainius Zubrus'. Then 'Buffalo Sabres'. I almost cried. (Almost only because I was sitting at my desk and there was no way to explain why I was crying without sounding like a total lunatic.)

We knew it could happen. An unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the Caps needed to lock up Zubrus with an extension or trade him in order to get something in return. But in my naivete I thought they would get something done. Even as reports came out that the two sides remained far apart on the terms, I believed Zubie would never leave the team.

I'm not really sure how much people outside of DC know about Zubrus, so I'll give you a quick rundown. Zubie came to DC along with Trevor Linden in a deadline deal back in 2000 that sent Richard Zednik and Jan Bulis to Montreal. He took a while to settle in, but he made a bit of noise and performed reasonably well.

Then came that day back in November of 2005 when Hanlon paired Zubie up with Alex Ovechkin and Chris Clark for the first time. And the rest, as they say, is history. Zubrus switched from wing to center and became the guy responsible for setting up Ovechkin - not a bad gig. He set career marks in goals (23), assists (34), points (57) and PIMs (181...although we don't need to focus on that one). This season he is poised to shatter every single one of those marks, with 52 points in 11 fewer games.

Off the ice his value has arguably been even higher. He has played the role of mentor on the team, first to Ovechkin and more recently to Alexander Semin. Being the only Russian speaking player on the team, he has served as translator and guide for both Alexes as they made the transition from Russia to the NHL and has done an amazing job. His place as a leader on the team was cemented when he was given one of the A's.

*Sigh*. I don't really have a point. I'm just sad. I know we're all in the same boat right now - a lot of us have lost those beloved players to other teams and I've read and sympathized with all of you as you've poured your hearts out here. I doubt I'm alone in hating the trade deadline. I just don't handle change well.

So to Heather B. and Paige, our Buffalo gals, I say this - take good care of my Zubie. Treat him well, make sure he's happy, cheer him on. And most of all, tell him I miss him and love him...and I want him back.

Oh, I guess I should answer this week's discussion topic - well, now that Zubrus plays for Buffalo I guess I can say him, but I'll also throw Vinny Lecavalier in there.

Not that he needs my help...the boy likes to score on the Caps. A lot.