Steckel's

No one was quite sure what happened on the play at the time, but upon looking at a review, it appears the players were facing in opposite directions and the 6-foot-5 Steckel's right shoulder hit 5-foot-11 Crosby in the left side of the head as he tried to get back into the play.

David Steckel says collision with Sidney Crosby in Winter Classic was unintentional Katie Carrera 2011

And this led me to ask the Caps' best-known fighters about Steckel's performance.

The Caps review David Steckel's fight Dan Steinberg 2011

The defense has been 0.3 yppl better than average in each of defensive coordinator Dave Steckel's first two seasons and I expect that unit to be about the same this season -- although with a much better run defense and a worse pass defense.

Bob Stoll: Dr Bob's Big 12 Preview Bob Stoll 2011

Here are some other notes and quotes from the Capitals '7-2 win over the Flames Saturday night (here are the the full recap of the contest and a breakdown of David Steckel's first-ever penalty shot attempt and goal):

After some 'soul searching,' Caps get it together Katie Carrera 2010

Crosby took issue with Steckel's collision with him late in the second period.

NHL won't discipline David Steckel for collision with Sidney Crosby in Winter Classic Lindsay Applebaum 2011

The defense has been 0.3 yppl better than average in each of defensive coordinator Dave Steckel's first two seasons and I expect that unit to be about the same this season -- although with a much better run defense and a worse pass defense.

Bob Stoll: Dr Bob's Big 12 Preview Bob Stoll 2011

The defense has been 0.3 yppl better than average in each of defensive coordinator Dave Steckel's first two seasons and I expect that unit to be about the same this season -- although with a much better run defense and a worse pass defense.

Bob Stoll: Dr Bob's Big 12 Preview Bob Stoll 2011

The defense has been 0.3 yppl better than average in each of defensive coordinator Dave Steckel's first two seasons and I expect that unit to be about the same this season -- although with a much better run defense and a worse pass defense.

Bob Stoll: Dr Bob's Big 12 Preview Bob Stoll 2011

The case is closed, but here's Steckel's second-period collision with the Penguins captain if you missed it:

NHL won't discipline David Steckel for collision with Sidney Crosby in Winter Classic Lindsay Applebaum 2011

Notes: Five of Steckel's 10 career goals have come against the Lightning. ...

USATODAY.com 2008