Tuesday Roundup - Gamenight: Caps @ Isles
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 6:30 AM EST
57 comments
[AP Preview - WashingtonCaps.com Preview]
The Caps and Isles, who will renew acquaintances for the 205th time tonight, last met just 11 days ago in the nation's capital. And while the game was close for forty minutes, the hosts blew it open in the third period and skated away with a 5-2 victory.
Since then, the Caps are 4-1 and have outscored their opponents 13-7. The Isles? Not so much - five straight losses, having been outscored 25-9 along the way (yes, you read that correctly).
The 'Ders now have given up more goals than any team in the League, are in the bottom five in goals per game (and still haven't scored more than four goals in a single game since October 11), and are absolutely abysmal five-on-five. Trap game for the Caps after two big wins? Nah - they could throw their website producer out there and win this one.
"But the Caps stink on the road," you say. Not really - they're 4-3-2 on the road against Eastern Conference teams, against whom they'll play 23 of their remaining 24 games away from home. The goal differential isn't where you'd want it to be (24 for, 28 agin), but the sample size is still way too small (and West-heavy) to call the Caps a "bad" road team.
This isn't to say that the Caps can't lose tonight. Of course they can ("On any given Tuesday..." or something). But if they do, something has gone horribly wrong, and nothing has gone horribly wrong (with the possible exception of Sami Lepisto's misadventures in Carolina) since the game before the Caps last played the Isles. The timing there is interesting in that after that previous loss to Florida, Bruce Boudreau publicly called out his team for the second time this year (the first being after the 5-0 loss to Buffalo), and the results have been similar - a 5-1-0 run this time and a 6-0-2 run last time. So I suppose the Caps might be due a stinker and a bag skate soon, but probably not tonight. Not against this team from the Island of Misfit Toys.
One more thought about tonight's game - the Caps come into the game with the second-fewest fighting majors in the League, a goalie who has been run repeatedly in the past few games as he nurses a sore hip and a superstar who was taken advantage of a bit by this same Islander team a week-and-a-half ago. Is anyone going to be satisfied with Donald Brashear saying, "Games like that happen and it's going to happen because I can't be out there all the time doing what I do for [them]" if these trends continue (even if he does find the cheese)?
Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
Great article on Karl Alzner over at NHL.com.... Simeon Varlamov is the latest in a long line of goaltenders to benefit from Finnish tutelage (which we actually talked about back in June). Sorry, Allan Muir - it looks like he might be good.... Braden Holtby, too.... Pierre LeBrun wonders who will win the Richard Trophy. Should we spoil it for him, or let him continue to believe it might be close?... A handful of new power rankings are out with the Caps up two to seventh at CBSSports.com, up seven to sixth at The Hockey News, up seven to fifth at SportingNews.com, and up two to (gulp) fourth at ESPN.com (even though they just beat the only Eastern Conference team ahead of them... must be BCS-related).... Cap of the Day: Sylvain Cote.... Oskar Osala continues to make an impression (h/t Capitals Insider... See? That's all it takes.)... Kip Brennan may be returning to Chocolatetown.... A couple of great reads on Stefan Della Rovere making the Canadian WJC team here and here.... On this date back in 1977, Bruce Boudreau scored the only NHL hat trick of his career for the Leafs in an 8-5 win over the North Stars in Minny (and probably looked like this while doing it).... On a sad (the reminder, at least), marginally Caps-related note, the truck driver who caused the crash that killed Jeff Halpern's mother and three other relatives three years ago was sentenced to 36 years in prison.... Finally, just in time for Thursday night's Caps game against the Blues, SB Nation welcomes St. Louis Game Time to the mix (trivia: who is the last player to play for the Caps after playing to the Blues and vice versa?).
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puts on her Eeyore ears
Gloom, despair, and agony on me ….
Okay, just testing. Yeah, we can lose this one, real easy. Show up half-assed. This team has been known to do that on several occasions, with frustrating results. I could wish our record out West had been better – we really are a better team than that. Dunno why our record out West stank so bad. It’s kind of embarrassing, really – the West must wonder what the hell the sprts writers see in us. Of course, there’s also something to be said about a slow start on several parts here, so hey.
takes off the Eeyore ears and folds them up.
There. As long as our boys come out to kill, we’ll be fine.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 7:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Last to be a Blue
I’d have to say that’s stil Johnny. For the reverse, I have no Idear
by MetalCap on Dec 16, 2008 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Half a point for MetalCap. Well done.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 8:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If BJ1 is run tonight, Donald has to go get himself 17 minutes. And if it happens again, Matt Bradley has to go get himself 17 minutes. That simple.
by TylerG on Dec 16, 2008 9:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know that getting himself 17 minutes is necessary, but Brash needs to stand up and trash somebody.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. If BJ1 gets run, it’s necessary. That will mean that teams have seen that for the third straight game they can repeatedly run our goaltender with no consequences. You can’t have that, especially when a G has a bum hip. In a situation such as that you don’t go nice-ies and challenge a guy to go, you go get him.
by TylerG on Dec 16, 2008 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t need to get 17 minutes to teach some damn fool a lesson, dude. :) Five, yeah, maybe 15, but 17 is a bit much IMO.
I sure as hell agree that Brash needs to come out and throw down with these jokers, but a couple of others need to step up too.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The point is: You can’t let the offender skate away, dude. If that means getting five for fighting, two for instigating and a misconduct, so be it. The crease-running has to stop, and other teams have to know it’s been stopped.
by TylerG on Dec 16, 2008 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey, I agree it’s got to stop, but I don’t think the game misconduct is needed :) I think we’ll agree to disagree.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I think you’re agreeing – it’s gotta stop by whatever means necessary to make it stop.
Kill ’em all and let god (or van Massenhoven) sort ’em out.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha. Fair enough. It’s gotta stop by whatever means is necessary. If the 17 minutes is necessary, okay, but I don’t necesasrily think it has to be 17 minutes. Just make it stop.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding Brash and fighting...
I don’t know. It seems to me that Brash is getting less and less willing to drop the gloves, but his game has also improved this year, I think. Is it maybe age?
I do agree that we need some sandpaper on this team. We are getting abused a little bit, although remember that Ottawa’s running of Johnson did not go entirely unanswered – Morrisonn mixed it up with Ruutu, and had Ruutu been less of a chickenshit, it would have been glove-drop time. (They both got roughing minors for that, and I had NO issue with that penalty at all.) Seeing Laich drop the gloves on Saturday told me that the guys know that someone’s got to stand up, and it’s not going to be Brash.
But what about Bradley? He’s not as willing to drop ’em this year either – in fact, I think he has yet to. Has he maybe been told not to?
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 9:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Brads has dropped ’em twice this year – both in the first week of the season (and to less than awe-inspiring results).
Here‘s the full team’s fight card for the season so far.
Frankly, I need to see more of this:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
one of my all time favorite Capitals photos
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 16, 2008 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I stand corrected, and yeah.I’d like to see more of that. Too bad Brads is more willing than effective. We need someone who’s both willing and effective at it.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brash.
And now the circle is complete.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Except ....
I don’t think Brash is especially willing this season. He’s effective, sure, but he’s backing away when he should fight, even more than last year.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him back away. Maybe he isn’t seeking it out as much, but the next time I see Brash back down will be the first time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have. He backed away at least once recently, and I want to say it was during the Bruins game but I could be wrong.
by gotsparkly on Dec 16, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m kind of with JP on this one. If Brashear backed down it was probably because he didn’t want an excuse to spark the other team. He’s not afraid of anyone, so if he needs to be the sheriff out there, he has no excuse.
by David M. Getz on Dec 16, 2008 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Brash hasn’t backed away from anyone. During the Boston game, he was even talking to their heavyweight, Scott Thornton, who didn’t seem to be interested. I just think Brash is just a victim of his own reputation and some bad timing. Virtually everyone puts him in their top three, so there aren’t a lot of guys willing to go with him. And the few that are willing weren’t available. When the Caps went into Minny, the Boogerman wasn’t playing and the two times they’ve played Montreal, Laraque has been out. Game situations have also mitigated against him dropping the gloves(i.e one goal games). Any intimation that Donald doesn’t want to fight anymore doesn’t know how far a million dollars a year (Donald’s salary) goes these days.
by b.orr4 on Dec 16, 2008 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
actually boogaard was in the lineup in minny, but i didn’t see any real reason for those two to tangle during that game. i think brashear is possibly a little gun shy after that six minute penalty CF that cost us a game last year v. boston. that is, he doesn’t mind fighting but he clearly states he doesn’t want to put the caps a man down.
by macvechkin on Dec 16, 2008 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you both bring up a good point
namely, game situation. Fights aren’t just about breaking noses tit for tat. Is it important to remind your worthy opponents that running the crease is not going to be tolerated? Yes. Do you extract your retribution immediately or shortly thereafter the transgression? Maybe—it depends on the game situation. We happen to have been winning, narrowly, the last three games when there were shenanigans that—yes—deserved a busted nose, but I don’t think Brash has to be tapped on the shoulder to remind him to do anything. He’s a smart player and knows when to exert his role.
by bigonetimer on Dec 16, 2008 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
J.P., you know I’m a sucker for that photo, and I think it needs to have a permanent place on the Rink somewhere, kind of like a framed photo on the mantle. If it’s good enough to run in a reputable, brilliant, and beautiful publication like the Atlantic…
by treat on Dec 16, 2008 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s an instant classic. Perhaps I need to assemble a Rink Photo Album.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
injuries
I think the reason in the last few (10 or so) games for so few fights probably came from BB or management. Could we really have afforded to have brash or brads go down with an injury (broken oribal, finger, hand, etc)? We were already depleted as s
by renstar on Dec 16, 2008 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not Bradley, but for Brashear that’s role on the team. To ask him not to because of the risk would be like asking someone not to drive the net or block a shot because they might get hurt,
by David M. Getz on Dec 16, 2008 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Brads’ last fight with Pittsburgh’s Bissonette may have “spooked” him a bit. While the timing and intent of that fight was highly effective in terms of game-changing momentum and garnering respect from his teammates, he got dropped pretty bad. I saw that scar on his lip/cheek for weeks. Don’t get me wrong, Bradley is one of my favorite Caps, just seems like he used to getting into scraps more often. It’s been what, over 25 games now?
by Cluster on Dec 16, 2008 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, would someone please tell TEB that there was no KHL last season. Geez. I mean, pretty much anyone who reads the NYT’s Slap Shot or here knows that without thinking.
by TylerG on Dec 16, 2008 9:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Question to ponder:
Better reflexes – Joey MacDonald or President Bush?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Another question
Better Aim – The shoe throwing iraqi journalist, or Nylander who has a 6.8% shooting percentage.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 16, 2008 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yet another question
Quicker to respond to an attack on someone he’s supposed to defend – Donald Brashear or the Secret Service?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
On the FAN590 yesterday, Nick Kypreos commented that the Secret Service perhaps responded about as quickly as teammates of Sean Avery when he gets into trouble on the ice.
by theredskate on Dec 16, 2008 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
heh
Its been 11 games since Donald’s last fight, so I guess I’ll have to take the Secret Service on that one.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 16, 2008 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LG Dare
Wife & I bought 2 simultaneously. I am supernerd Apple fanboi, but am completely satisfied with the Dare. No iPhone envy whatsoever.
Plus 2 of those with full data plans on Verizon wireless is about the same as 1 iPhone, monthly recurring.
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
by xiix on Dec 16, 2008 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Last cap to play for the Blues
Is it still Jim Carey?
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2008 10:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
No, I am wrong, WOW. Shocked by who the answer is :x
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2008 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Click here for the answer (I believe I’m correct).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And if that link didn’t work for you (or you couldn’t identify the player from the pic), here’s the answer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 10:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno about exact timelines, but in the same year, another guy (Former Caps D-man) played 41 games for the Blues~
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh damn it, I’m a liar. Poapst was a year before that >_<
by Whiter Mage on Dec 16, 2008 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Defense
I gotta say, I love the blue line the Caps should throw out there tonight. Collins so far to my eyes has been light years ahead of Sloan.
by treat on Dec 16, 2008 10:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
'hitting him awkwardly in the neutral zone'
Wow, was surprised to learn via that Washington Times link that Jackman “took some liberties” with Ovechkin last game. I mean, not surprised that liberties were taken (and I remember their battle later in the game), but the “hitting him awkwardly in the neutral zone” they referred to was a non-event, if I recall right. Ovechkin went to the locker room, but even the Caps announcers thought he just turned awkwardly. Did I miss something?
At any rate, if Mitch Fritz plays, he’ll get 2 minutes of ice time, so he won’t be worth Brashear’s time. Jackman is a possible combatant, although I don’t know if he’ll be looking to meet a league heavyweight.
Lighthouse Hockey: an SB Nation New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Dec 16, 2008 12:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Re: Mitch Fritz – never trust a man with two first names.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Never trust a man with two German first names.
by David M. Getz on Dec 16, 2008 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or one.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
OT
Off topic: Anyone have an opinion on the iPhone 3G vs. the BlackBerry Storm?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 12:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Anecdotal but a teammate of mine told me the other day that he hates his iPhone because, in his words, “it’s great for everything except being a phone”. He says it drops calls all the time, he has trouble getting reception, etc.
by David M. Getz on Dec 16, 2008 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My brother said something similar – that the hardest thing to do on it is make a call.
And he’s in LA, where AT&T is actually good. Not sure I can leave Verizon while living in D.C.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW my teammate (and I, obviously) are in Atlanta – I have no idea what the signal strength reputation is down here but if you happen to know maybe it’ll help.
I have Verizon, as do my family members who still live in D.C. Never had any problems with it here or in the D.C. region and my family loves it.
by David M. Getz on Dec 16, 2008 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
iPhone is pretty damn cool, but it’s tough to leave Verizon in this area. I switched to AT&T for about 1 month a couple of years ago and hated it. I’d go with the Storm, probably not as “customizable” as the iPhone, but there are plenty of programs for BB’s if you look in the right places.
by wittcap79 on Dec 16, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Moving right along....
any news on the injury front?
by bigonetimer on Dec 16, 2008 12:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Flash and Collins tonight, per Corey (i.e. no Feds or Sloan).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 16, 2008 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
21 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
19 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 18 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 9:16 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.
