The Clymer Experiment Begins Tonight

The decision to switch Washington Capitals veteran Ben Clymer from forward (the position he's played the past five seasons) to defenseman (where he skated as a rookie) appears to have been a wise move.

"In the initial stages, I don't see why Clymer can't do this," Coach Glen Hanlon said yesterday at Ashburn Ice House, where the team is holding its training camp. "I haven't seen anything to deter my enthusiasm for his ability as a defenseman. He can skate and move the puck and do everything that you want a defenseman to do."

Clymer's big test comes tonight in the club's preseason opener against Tampa Bay at Verizon Center. Hanlon said he plans to give the Clymer experiment four exhibition games. If, after that, Clymer doesn't look like he will crack the team's top four, the 28-year-old veteran will return to his role as a checking-line winger.

Against the Lightning, Clymer will be paired with Steve Eminger, another offensive-minded defenseman.

"I've felt better than I thought I would feel," Clymer said. "I thought there was going to be more scrambling, but maybe playing with Eminger has helped settle me down. I'm excited about [tonight]. It's going to be a lot different in game situation."

Eminger added: "The style that the NHL is geared toward now is definitely [Clymer's] style. A [defender] who can contribute offensively is key."

Clymer broke into the league as a defenseman with the Lightning, but was moved to forward midway through the 2000-01 season.

Sutherby's Fight

Veteran center Brian Sutherby took exception to a hit from minor leaguer Chad Wiseman during a scrimmage and challenged him to a fight. After the two dropped their gloves, Sutherby made quick work of Wiseman, who left the ice with what appeared to be a cut above his eye.

"It's camp," Sutherby said, shrugging. "I thought he took a run at me and clipped my knee. My emotions got going and I had a little fight. Everyone is out there trying to make the hockey club. I felt the hit was knee on knee. . . . It's no big deal."

Hanlon brushed off the incident, saying, "All coaches enjoy feistiness and competitiveness."

Roster Moves

Eleven players were reassigned yesterday, reducing the training camp roster to 38. Among the players headed for Hershey (Pa.) of the American Hockey League are: defensemen Sasha Pokulok and Trevor Byrne; forwards Steve Werner (Chevy Chase), Louis Robitaille, Joey Tenute and Matt Stefanishion; and goaltender Daren Machesney. The other cut players -- forwards Oskar Osala and Francois Bouchard, goaltender Michal Neuvirth and defenseman Patrick McNeill -- are headed back to their respective junior teams.

The roster for tonight's game includes star winger Alex Ovechkin as well as newcomers Richard Zednik, Alexander Semin, Donald Brashear and Brian Pothier. Ovechkin is expected to skate with Sutherby and Zednik. Goaltender Olie Kolzig will start in net and is likely to play the entire game.

TV Information

All 82 of the Capitals' games will be televised. Fifty-six will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet; WDCW (formerly WB50) will carry 13; NewsChannel 8 will show 10; and three are scheduled for national broadcasts. All games on Comcast SportsNet will be available in high definition. . . .

Several changes have been made to the team's medical staff. The new doctors are Chris Walsh (internist), Bill Rich (ophthalmologist) and Thomas Lenz (dentist). Ben Schaffer remains the team physician. Capitals officials said the changes were necessary because of the club's move from Odenton to the new practice facility in Arlington, which is scheduled to open in November.