The law of averages

Within the confines of the hockey universe, there lies a board of counsel that determines of matters of fate within the game. They are, and rightly so, the hockey gods. On Saturday, with the Washington Capitals in town, I was reminded -- once again -- of their presence.

Earlier this week, when the Calgary Flames came to Tampa for the first time since Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup finals. Being able to commit a full day to hounding, I posted my best autographed puck day of the season: 23, including such players as Jarome Iginla, Miikka Kiprusoff, Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr. The hockey gods, I presume, were smiling upon me.

The latest trip, just before the Capitals beat the Lightning, 3-2, was very humbling.

Not only did we arrive late (thanks, mostly, to my own dubbing around), missing Alex Ovechkin and Olaf Kolzig as they boarded the early ride, but we weren't able to cover both entrances. I'm sure more than a handful of players we didn't see - Chris Clark, Steve Eminger, Eric Fehr and Alexander Semin, among others -- grabbed a cab from the side door.

Once I heard, much to my disbelief, that no one asked Kolzig to sign, I was pretty disappointed. I had four pucks, including one from the Tri-City (Wash.) Americans, a Western Hockey League team in which he owns a stake. You can be sure I would've asked, had I gotten there earlier.

Really, adding another 25 autographs, including these seven on Colin's team sheet, shouldn't elicit a negative word. Brent Johnson signed the American-born goalie stick and four cards. Brian Pother signed four cards, as well.

There are plenty of people who would be more than happy to get than many in a day.

I suppose I've been getting spoiled lately. As I keep telling myself, one is better than none.

Pucks, shown above, are: Donald Brashear, Capitals new logo; Mike Green, Capitals; and Matt Pettinger, Capitals new logo.

Cards, below, are: Green, Johnson, Milan Jurcina and Pothier.