Game Day Open Thread: Leafs @ Caps
by J.P. on Dec 28, 2008 6:00 PM EST
in Game Day Open Threads
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PrintTonight's probable netminders:
Have at it, Mike Gartner-loving people.
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I had no idea Theodore was Toskala bad.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
It’s been a …. somewhat bizarre season so far with Jose.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
generously put
he’s been a disappointment…but hey, a helluva few periods he’s strung together recently!
goalies rarely lose games for you, but they can win (steal) a game for ya. (eg. Chris Osgood was about the 20th best goalie in the NHL last year). Recently, I’ve been thinking “oooh, THE DEFENSE has strung some good periods in a row…….”
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe we should trade?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Sometimes the smartest trades you make are the ones you don’t make.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
I’m not sure what you’re referring to.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Ah. Well, he hasn’t been traded yet.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Man, a lot of teams could really use Nylander. The Avs had to promote a complete loser named Tyler Arnason (career 3rd liner and a bad one at that) to the 1st line to play with Ryan Smyth and Milan Hejduk against the Red Wings last night because Sakic and Stastny have broken fingers, broken arms, etc. etc.
Do the Caps still have lots of injuries on D? The Avs could trade Jordan Leopold or Brett Clark. Lots of Avs fans would like to unload some of Scott Hannan’s big salary too.
We’re still short Poti (and Pothier). Caps don’t have that much cap room.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Not so much Hannan then. But maybe Leopold or Clark. Neither of the other two desirable young players on the Avs (Wojtek Wolski or Marek Svatos) would fit for the Caps since the Caps do just fine with goal-scoring. Probably some future picks along with some D-men. I remember when Nylander was with the Rangers. He knows what he’s doing out there.
do you mean robbery for or from the Caps? Some Colorado fans underappreciate the “Svats Machine” because of his injuries but, dang, he is clutch with game-tying and game-winning goals when he is healthy. He also works his ass off on the ice. When the Avs went on that tear last year it was primarily because of Svats’ timely goals and (believe it or not) Theo’s hot streak.
As you can tell, I’m a huge Svats fan. I wouldn’t want the Avs to lose him. But I really like Nylander as well, especially with his experience. Has he been ineffective or something this year? I know he’s a free agent at the end of the year though.
I don’t see the Avs getting Nylander because we could really use someone like him, and GM Francois Giguere has just made the most bizarre, ineffective moves in the offseason.
the knock on Nyls this year has been that he isn’t a good fit in Boudreau’s system. Frankly, it puzzles me why he hasn’t gotten in sync with the offensive minded philosophy the Caps employ now. 36 and coming off shoulder surgery, maybe he doesn’t have the legs to play a full end to end game?? He is a bit defensively challenged and is not exaclty Rod Brind’Amour in the dot, but the guy has great vision and is a true playmaker.
Not to defend JT, but the D in front of him, which even at the beginning of the season was iffy, has been patchwork at best. We’ve had 4 call ups from the AHL get considerable playing time on the blueline. Sure he’s had some momentary lapses, but let’s not throw this entirely on JT’s lap…………
Maple Leaf Matt Stajan will miss at least one week after whacking himself with a soccer ball at Kettler yesterday during a team warm up. Yep, soccer ball…….
I’m still trying to figure out why he wasn’t wearing his visor to protect them. Did you know those are his sexy eyes?
by general borschevsky on Dec 28, 2008 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
That banner of Gartner looks like a porno cover.
by CapitalsKremlin on Dec 28, 2008 8:02 PM EST reply actions
A skill player without finesse and a grinder without grit, Gartner somehow put up exactly 30 goals for 30 seasons in a row, scored 2 playoff overtime goals for the Leafs, and was always described by opponents as “a nice guy”.
Cheers, and respect.
by general borschevsky on Dec 28, 2008 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
And...
His kid went to St. Andrew’s College and he would sign autographs when he watched him play against my high school.
Great guy.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
The peeps of PPP wanted to drop in. But I think I am the only one who showed up.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 28, 2008 8:03 PM EST reply actions
So how do you feel about former Leaf goalie Raycroft? I’m also an Avs fan, so we occasionally hear from PPP if Raycroft accidentally helps the Avs beat the Wings or somethings weird like that.
He is quite the strange goalie.
Actually I don’t have too much to say about him as I am a noob Leafs fan. I will say the Vesa is not cutting it for me. I am more of a WHL girl. I am watching a few of my boys on Team USA.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 28, 2008 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
Everyone feels the same!
Just like me they hate him!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Hard to believe he won a Calder trophy.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
No kidding
That Bruins team must have been amazing.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
No, I figure Pogge will play no more than 12 this season. Unless Vesa’s junk explodes.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 28, 2008 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
Tough to say
It’s hard to know if Burke is going to really carve the team up by the deadline and ship out anything that’s not tied down or if he’s going to wait for the summer to have the most assets available to make moves at the draft.
My guess is probably next though.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
It might depend on if someone smacks Toskala in the kneecaps before the end of the season.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
Not that anyone is advocating that…yet.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
He’d have a very fashionable cast.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 28, 2008 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Wrap,
I’d love to make an honest woman out of you
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Ahw thanks Arch.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 28, 2008 8:16 PM EST up reply actions
Not advocating
Just best to leave all options open, in case.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
Good first
The Caps have been putting a ridiculous amount of pressure on the Leafs so far.
Surprisingly…Toskala has been the difference.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Yeah – we’ve been getting chances and the goal against was an unfortunate turnover. Caps don’t need to change a whole lot, just tighen up on the D.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Sometimes the Leafs look fast…and then they play the Capitals…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Could be worse
Minnesota is playing the Blackhawks, and managed to get themselves booed off the ice at the end of each of the first two periods – but getting 10 shots on goal over 40 minutes and trailing 3-0 will make the home crowd cranky.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
You know, I’ve seen the Wild fans boo their teams repeatedly this year. Who’d suspect those nice Minnesoh-tans to be so nasty to their own players?
Sometimes the team needs to hear that.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Midwesterners are notoriously nice – but Minnesotans know their hockey, and expect effort.
Part of it is frustration with an organization that seems to be taking them for granted and skating by year after year on happy thoughts and a Cinderella playoff run that gets farther in the past each season. They would like to see a talented team that makes the playoffs regularly as a reward for their loyalty.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
I see CHI making a Cindarella run this year in the West. While not exactly sneaking up on anyone, they have just about everything in place, ‘cept goalie (where it’s coming around).
I can see it too. If Khabibulin keeps going the way he has they will definitely have a shot.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Oh, for sure. They have been pretty healthy this year so far, too. If Kane or Toews goes down for a long time, they’re screwed.
They are no doubt the flavor-of-the-month this season. It’s a change from “Crosby-Crosby-Crosby” but it would be nice if the league could figure out how to market more than one player or team simultaneously. They have the attention span of gnats sometimes.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
To go with the brain power of a gnat…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
and gnat sized penises, I assume.
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Stop insulting the gnats!
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
Time
If you take a look at the current time on ice stats, the Caps seem to be spreading out their shifts much more evenly than in the past few games. Everyone has a few minutes, only Alzner and Green have over 7. Even Ovechkin is down at 5 during the first. Hopefully that’ll keep some of the top players a bit fresher for the third period.
I wonder if that’s a function of Boudreau feeling that he doesn’t need to match lines against the Leafs.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Kubina
Nice shot block
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Found the link here from PPP, my question to Caps fans: when is Michal Pivonka night, or have I missed it?
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
Wow
I haven’t heard that name in forever.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
THAT is a very good question. You have not missed it, and Pivo deserves it as much as any ex-Cap.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Pivonka played his entire career with Washington. Not even Kolzig did that… er, uh COUGH COUGH COUGH.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Pivonka was always a great fantasy pool pick in the late 80s early 90s. Never had the name recognition to go in the early rounds yet he always seemed to put up a solid 65+ points.
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
And it wasn’t simply because he was passing the puck to Bondra. He had good vision out there.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
I just looked Pivonka up at hockey reference he played 13 years with the Caps, had 81 points in 1996 and then his GP just plummets. I’m guessing injuries ended his career?
Bitter Leaf Fan: a life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan comments on the team, the media and the exasperation...
my nom de plume is a shortened tribute to #20. Pivo was class…..
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
Where's Petr Bondra?
He used to be dynamite
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
And a Leaf-killer. Even in his one game as a Hawk against the Leafs he managed to score two goals.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
That’s so bizarre how some players just destroy particular teams no matter what team they play for at the time.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
not a bad one-timer from the circle during a PP that Bonzai…..
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Powerplay
Let’s see what the Leafs can do…a one goal lead is far from enough.
Hell, the Rangers showed that four wasn’t enough!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Grabovski's Hair
What’s the official name for that colour?
Burnt rust?
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
by Archimedies on Dec 28, 2008 8:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Both goalies are looking better than usual.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Shooting
Ovechkin loves it :)
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
This would be funny
Have the Capitals all go play paintball as a team bonding activity. I bet Ovechkin would love that. :)
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
Maybe they’ll all go riding around on Segways again!
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Segways and paintball?
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
based on current imjury woes – suggest gin-rummy tourney in a padded cell….
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
Could still get paper cuts.
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
oh, didnt i say? tourney rules clearly stipulate oven mitts….
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
One of the best video interviews ever.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Rob Zettler is an assistant with the Leafs. JP are you listening? sure there’s a Zet card to throw up on the Cap of the Day….
Jersey Auction for Charity
I saw that the sweaters the players wore in warm-ups would be auctioned off…is that only at the game, or online somewhere? I’m out of town tight now so I’m not at the VC, but I wouldn’t mind bidding on one…anyone know?
USA/CZECH
Tied at 1.
Goal by Ondrej Roman one of my darling former Chiefs.
Ain't nothing but puck drops and poke checks, babydoll.
by Wrap Around Curl on Dec 28, 2008 8:35 PM EST reply actions
Kubina
That is just dumb. You can’t stop Donald freaking Brashear without taking a penalty?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
When you think about this season so far, with all the injuries, it’s quite amazing we’re in 2nd in the Conference.
Q: Is that Brooks Laich?
A: Yeah, it sure Brooks Laich him.
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
actually “concerned” the team may not be in synch’ed when it’s April-May….(well not really, but its something to think about).
Valid Concern
The Leafs were like that pre-lockout especially in 2002 when they made the ECF. Call-ups always stepped up but once everyone was healthy the damn Hurricanes won the series.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
The Caps call ups have been so damn solid. True testament to the system (Gabby Boudreau). Will be nice to get Poti, Semin, Feds, and Fleishmann all aboard for a stretch now that Green, Schultz and Clarkie are back. Whew….
DAMMIT
Got away with one on the post and then they give him another chance.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Thanks
Ok guys, thanks for having us over.
Dear Puppeteers,
Resume things over here if you feel like it:
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2008/12/28/703561/gdt-2-5-normal-service-ret
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2008/12/28/703561/gdt-2-5-normal-service-ret
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2008/12/28/703561/gdt-2-5-normal-service-ret
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2008/12/28/703561/gdt-2-5-normal-service-ret
Rinkers, stop by any time.
Cheers
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
All right – thanks for stopping by.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Thank you for having us
Your blog smells pretty
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
Allow me to re-introduce myself...
My name is “Oave”…
A to-the O-V.
Big Smoke Sports - We Burn The Buds, Roll The Raps, and Smoke The Jays
hopefully the ice-time rationing will allow for a sharp 3rd period…..
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Only been watching peripherally… haven’t been keeping up w/ the shifts. Kid & wife conspire to keep me from completely geeking out.
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
hey, i aint paying that much attention, but somebody posted some TOI stats after the 1st……
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
Poor pass from Backstrom leads to a penalty on Juice.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
jfc i wish that Theodore wouldn’t put so many re’s into the slot
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
i hope he’s finALLY 100%. From puck-to-the-face, to the groin injury, to the forearm, it’s been a struggle…..
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
Is 7 weeks old enough to take an infant to a Caps’ game?
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
Hmmmm. I don’t know about that. The noise might be too much?
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
probably to0 early. if nothing else, the rink announcer on Caps goals will scare the be-jesus out of the kid….plus all the piped in metal.
by Pi on Dec 28, 2008 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
He’s looked pretty solid so far this period. He has a new habit of getting better as a game goes on. Not that I’m complaining.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
Sweet goal. Almost as sweet as that huge 2 pound diaper I had to change.
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
Brooks was cut off, Ovie made the right play.
by CapitalsKremlin on Dec 28, 2008 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
That game was fun as Hell to be in. Sorry I missed you, Leafs fans. Actually, most of the Leafs fans at the game I ran into (Well, all two of them) were quite kind and chatty on the metro, without being douchey.
They didn’t show a replay of Brads, but I was SHOCKED he got up after that hit. Also – was Green’s slapper in the first off the post? They only showed one poor angle of it at the booth, and EVERYONE thought it was a goal. Even the Leafs fans I talked to were surprised.
All in all, great game.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.11.2012 at 8:02 AM EST)
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