Capitals Make Pair of Moves

The Washingotn Capitals made two major trades yesterday, sending veterans Rob Blake and Zigmund Palffy packing to new teams in the Campbell Conference. Blake is on his way to Minnesota, while Palffy jets west to Los Angeles.

Joining the Caps from Minnesota is young defender Severin Blindenbacher. The 25-year-old from Switzerland is very strong in the defensive end and aso has good speed. He moves the puck well and is also a strong skater. In 25 games with Minnesota, Severin has three goals and 13 assists with 47 hits.

A pair of forwards comes to Washington from Los Angeles. 24-year-old center Cory Stillman and 23-year-old winger Joffrey Lupul are both excellent prospects for the future and should battle for ice time immediately. Stillman has very good speed and skating ability and plays a good game in the offensive zone. Lupul is also a good offensive talent with good speed and skating. Stillman has six goals and seven assists in 25 games. Lupul has four goals and six assists in 10 games.