Monday Roundup/Gamenight: Bolts @ Caps
by J.P. on Nov 10, 2008 6:37 AM EST
17 comments
[AP Preview - WashingtonCaps.com Preview]It's hard to recall a game in which the starting netminder match-up was of as much interest to Caps fans as tonight's tilt between the Bolts and the host Capitals.
For the locals, the question of who the number one goalie is hasn't been as unclear as it is currently since, well, the guy who will likely be between the pipes at the other end of the ice tonight lost his last job, and it makes for a somewhat difficult decision for head coach Bruce Boudreau - if he starts Brent Johnson, it will be four straight starts for B.J. with a likely tougher opponent (Carolina on the road) looming on Wednesday night before a weekend home-and-home with the Devils; if he starts Jose Theodore and JT60 lays another egg, Gabby's an idiot for not playing the guy who was 2-0-1/1.63/.953 last week (on the other hand, a strong start by Jose and you've got a team with a ton of confidence and two goalies playing well heading into an intra-division roadie).
As for that guy at the other end of the ice, it will be Olie Kolzig, who is 1-1-1/2.67/.925 for a Tampa team that is at the bottom of the League in goals scored (but has been strong five-on-five) and is in the bottom third in power play and penalty killing efficiencies.
So this Monday night in November brings us our first chance to see (with a ticket or Versus, that is) the first overall pick from this past summer's Entry Draft, Steven Stamkos, former Caps Matt Pettinger and Steve Eminger, and long-time nemeses Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. But most importantly to nearly all Caps fans, it's a chance to see an old friend:
Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
Is there some more bulletin board material emanating from the Caps' locker room? Check out Alex Ovechkin's thoughts on Paul Mara.... Via Life in Hockeywood (via Puck Daddy), TFP's 2009 Ice Girls Calendar is now available. "Miss Washington" notwithstanding, it's the perfect gift for the hockey fan who likes really flat-chested women.
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AO finally explodes tonight, and Erskine gets 2 points.
by HotDog88GT on Nov 10, 2008 7:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
by Tyler on Nov 10, 2008 8:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
by JP on Nov 10, 2008 8:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
by b.orr4 on Nov 10, 2008 9:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
And given the way Eminger played in the playoffs, I don't think you can fault anyone for wondering whether or not he got a real fair chance here. That said, the Caps were lucky to get what they got for him, and would take that deal 100 times out of 100.
by JP on Nov 10, 2008 9:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I plan to take part in a pre game "o-lie!" chant but after that its game on. I hope Olie plays well but I hope we win 3-0.
by Sombrero Guy on Nov 10, 2008 9:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Supposedly the trade was in part motivated by the desire to free up cap space so the Flyers can make a run at Brendan Shanahan.
You can put me in the "Eminger deserved better" camp (especially if Erskine's getting 1.25 million a year...) but I'd take Matt Carle over him any day.
by DMG on Nov 10, 2008 10:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Steve Eminger didn't get a fair shake here in DC does drive me a little crazy. Eminger played 212 games for the Caps. During that time, he managed just 43 points and was a -43. And this from a guy who was heralded as an offensive defenseman. By comparison, Keith Ballard, who was drafted one spot ahead of him, has played in 247 games and has 97 points (and is a -16). And he played most of those games for Phoenix, an equally bad team. The bottom line is that Eminger had plenty of opportunity with the Caps, he just never delivered.
by b.orr4 on Nov 10, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
When that puck drops, it's game on. I'll cheer long and loud every time we light him up, and if we send Tampa Bay packing with their tails between their legs, I'll leave with a smile on my face.
by this space for rent on Nov 10, 2008 11:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hope Ovie gets him in the mask and knocks him down in the crease while Backis chips one in.
I hope Ovie is salivating a little at his prospects tonight. Let's face it: the shooter has the advantage over the netminder. No better night I can think of for Ovie busting loose on Olie.
by Shaggy on Nov 10, 2008 11:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Look at SV% of the top 20 goalies vs. shooting % of the top 20 players.
by Girard on Nov 10, 2008 12:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Olie jersey in the car: check
Game On.
by dcrock on Nov 10, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Olie's the goaltender of a rival team. I don't want him to feel good when he comes here. I want him to feel like he should have retired. Because he SHOULD have.
As far as Eminger is concerned, Erskine is a better defenseman than him. On offense and defense. Eminger is trash. I'd almost say Jurcina is better. So, I don't care. Pettinger, if anyone, deserves the biggest boos, because his ass had every chance, and he blew it all. Olie just wanted to play again.
I have no sympathy for rivals.
by Ogre on Nov 10, 2008 1:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
sniff "...memories...only golden memories...of the way we were...." sniff. Maybe it's callous, but I sure hope we spank that ass tonight
by bigonetimer on Nov 10, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And Go Caps!
by Debcapsfan on Nov 10, 2008 6:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
by Hazardous on Nov 11, 2008 12:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 12:53 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
