Wednesday Free-For-All

by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 6:39 AM EST Comment 96 comments

No recap. No preview. Just thread, and plenty of it.

Oh, and Happy Birthday wishes to former Cap Alan May and our buddy Gustafsson at OFB who turns, I believe, 22 today.

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Bad.

There was a great deal of reaching for the puck with sticks instead of skating to the puck or to the Oiler with the puck. (Example: How many times did the puck leave the O-zone when a player stuck out his stick instead of skating over to the boards to prevent the puck’s exit?) Lazy.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 7:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, I snapped a great pic of the Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin line last night. Have a look:

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by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 8:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s really not fair to 19. He wasn’t even out there last night, was he?

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But seriously take that line, please. 8 and 28 are puck hogs, usually in the good way. When they’re together on a line it takes puck-time away from 19. You want him to have the puck. He makes things happen. Just a monumentally bad line. And has been for a week.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Like any Capitals fan with half a brain, I love Boudreau. But I’m starting to get annoyed at this “too cute” business. Boudreau talks about getting dirty, getting guys to the front of the net, not trying to always make the fanciest pass or move recently he doesn’t seem to hold players to that standard. The reality is that some guys have that instinct, especially when they’re playing together and it’s up to Boudreau to get them to alter their behavior.

Take the power play. Boudreau can talk all he wants about getting guys in front but until he starts giving more ice time to guys who are actually willing to do it, the players aren’t going to start listening.

One guy I actually saw near the net a lot last night: Michael Nylander. I guess he’s been around long enough to know that the whole going to the net thing works, especially when you’re in a slump.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 9 recs

I wholeheartedly endorse this comment.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rec it

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jan 14, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In defense of BB, I’m not sure there is much else he can do. Here were the starting lines from last night:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Fedorov-Kozlov
Fleischmann-Nylander-Bradley
Brashear-Steckel-Clark

Who among them is a net-crasher? Of the arguably top line forwards, Ovie, Laich and Clark are the only real choices but even that is a stretch. Ovie can do it but it’s not his game and Clark played fewer than 11 minutes last night. That leaves Laich- and Laich alone is not going to get it done.

So who’s left? Flash and Semin are good/great with deflections out front but they are not signing up to get pounded on night in and night out. Fehr is/can be that type of guy but he is snake bitten and can’t get a game.

As I wrote before in the Semin Contract thread, this team needs toughness and should investigate trading some finesse to get it. IMO, the Caps need more players who score Erik Cole type goals and fewer players who score Flash type goals. Until that happens, what can BB do it but talk?

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

by ChrisAm on Jan 14, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s more than just net-crashers, though. It’s about combinations that have the right balance of passers and shooters, and that mix is out of whack with those lines. The top line is cute overload and the second line doesn’t have a 5-on-5 scoring threat. Flip Kozlov and Semin and your problem on both counts is pretty much solved.

Backstrom passes to Ovie as Kozlov goes to the net. Feds passes to Semin as Laich goes to the net. Nyls passes to Flash as Brads goes to the net (ugh, but whatever). Steckel passes to Clark as Brash punches someone. Life is good.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

That’s relentlessly obvious, too.

(At least until 15 is back.)

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, WE say it’s obvious. But clearly BB doesn’t agree. He’s stuck with the 8-19-28 line now for a week, with slightly below avg to well below avg results. I don’t understand the logic. If you switch 28 and 25 you have a first line with the best player in the world and a second line with (arguably) the best pure goal scorer on the team. Why put them together? The eggs in a basket theory is clearly not working here…your team is deeper and more effective when 8 and 28 are not playing on the same line.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m in the same boat, wittcap. It’s hard to question someone who has been as successful as Boudreau but the Ovie-Backstrom-Semin line doesn’t seem to click and, as you’ve pointed out, it vastly weakens the second line’s offense. But then I’ve always been in favor of spreading the scoring talent around as much as possible so I may be biased by my own strategic preference.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Strategery or not, if I was talking to Bruce today it would be…

Look, if 8 and 28 are on the same line you have 4 lines,

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin – 1
Laich-Fedorov-Kozlov – 2
Fleischmann-Nylander-Bradley – 3
Brashear-Steckel-Clark – 4

If you break them up you still have four lines BUT,

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kozlov – 1
Laich-Fedorov-Semin – 1A
Fleischmann-Nylander-Bradley – 3
Brashear-Steckel-Clark – 4

You have made your second line a second first line instead of secondary scoring you have a PRIMARY scorer on your SECOND line…there are alot of teams in the NHL that would take our second line of 21-91-28 and salivate over the idea of it being their first line. Why would you NOT want to do that?

I would genuinely love to hear BBs response and reasoning.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bingo

+1.

(though I personally might swap Clark and Bradley)

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ditto. Flash-Nyls-Clark.

by Scott in Shaw on Jan 14, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the reasoning was simply that the team had been great with 8-19-28 and BB didn’t want to break it up. Now he clearly needs to as the team is struggling.

The good news is that swapping 25 for 28 is an easy and obvious (hopeful) fix.

Unfortunately, right now it seems like getting these (better) injured guys back disrupted the killer chemistry the Caps had developed. I have faith that they can get it back with the real starting lineup, though.

by grapejoos on Jan 14, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To sort of piggy-back on what J.P. said, I agree that the team has a lot of guys who tend towards being too cute with the puck, but the way to mitigate that is to break up guys who encourage that style of play.

For example, Ovechkin is usually willing to fire the puck and crash the net like a madman, but when he’s out there with Semin he tries to feed him the puck too often. Semin is probably more guilty of being overly cute than anyone on the team. You get that combination on the ice and it’s like they’re the Harlem Globetrotters of the NHL.

Conversely, you could put Semin with Fedorov and Laich. Obviously Laich will crash the net and Fedorov, skill based though his game may be, is an exceptionally smart hockey player. He’s going to make the best decision most of the time. At the same time you get Kozlov back on the top line with his “pass Ovechkin the puck and get out of the way” approach and his willing to to at least somewhat use his 6’4’’, 225 pound frame near the net.

Same thing on the powerplay. Obviously Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Green have to be out there on the first unit ([robably Semin as well), but there’s a difference between having the fourth and fifth guys be Semin and Kozlov and having them be Fedorov and Laich.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Caps need to take away 28’s Kovalev Skills DVD.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

They ought to replace it with a highlight reel of Semin’s goals. Maybe the kid will realize he’s got a killer wrist shot and start taking it more often.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that Semin and Ovi need to be given a time out and that is definitely on BB,

But that is not enough.

The Oilers’ first three goals last night are exactly the kind of goals the Caps don’t regularly score. Ovi drives the net like a mad man and I agree that Kozzie and also others go to the net but they are all generally passing through- doing fly-bys on the way back to the perimeter. What the Caps need is someone planted there in front of the net like Hartnell (I just threw up in my mouth) or Tkachuk or- dare I say it- Chris Clark of years past.

If what the Caps need is traffic in front of the net, then which of the forwards is going to skate to the crease, plant himself in front of the goalie and get beat on night and night out in order to stay there? Who is the big body that can’t be/won’t be moved? IMO, that player is not currently on the roster and that’s not on BB.

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

by ChrisAm on Jan 14, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe...

But I would argue that the same style of play that they have maintained throughout the entire season which got them 57 first half points, good for 2nd in the East and 4th in the NHL is not the problem. Maybe the D needs to be a lil more attentive to clearing out the crease certainly, but I don’t see the Caps suddenly changing the style of play because a less talented team has to score goals that way. I think the problem has much more to do with being overly cute than not having a body planted in front of the net. Not to mention the inability of the D to clear the puck or of Stecks drop-passing the pack in his own zone directly to an Oiler F leading to the 3rd goal.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If what the Caps need is traffic in front of the net, then which of the forwards is going to skate to the crease, plant himself in front of the goalie and get beat on night and night out in order to stay there? Who is the big body that can’t be/won’t be moved? IMO, that player is not currently on the roster and that’s not on BB.

I think the onus fall on Boudreau for exactly that reason. There may not be a ton of guys who play that style naturally on the Capitals but in that situation it’s the coach’s job to change the incentive structure to get guys to play that way.

There might not be a huge guy like Tkachuk, Andrychuk, or Chara (who was used in Ottawa on the PP in front of the net at times) on the Capitals but Hartnell is listed at 210 and Tomas Holstrom has been listed at 195-203 for his career. The Caps have eleven guys (counting Giroux) who are listed at 201 or bigger. There are people available to go down low, it’s just a matter of getting them to do it.

The best bets, IMO, would be Laich (who does a pretty good job already), Steckel, and Fehr (when he plays). But you can change the way guys play by ensuring there are consequences for their actions. If you tell the players they need to be in front of the net and they’re not doing it, you dock them ice time, especially on the powerplay, the same way you would dock guys who aren’t backchecking or who are puck hogs when they didn’t change their game in the necessary way.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good points

But there is also a mentality to it. Does Steckel have the mentality?- don’t know. He maybe bigger than Hartnell but a very different kind of player. But I agree that Laich needs to get his ass down there, something he and BB talked about in the games preceding his goal scoring streak (such as it was). And I would alternate Clark and Fehr on the third line until one of them shows he’s the man- starting tonight.

The bottom line is that I am tired of seeing the Caps get pushed around- and I am concerned that it may be a personnel issue rather than a coaching issue. I hope it is the latter.

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

by ChrisAm on Jan 14, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s true. Boudreau can encourage certain styles of play but to really be a presence in front of the net requires more than just being there physically. Does Steckel have it? I can’t answer that either.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, sir. Glad to share my birthday with another #16 as well as yourself.

So if I’m 22… well you’re…. still in middle school?

Let’s hope the boys give a win tonight, eh?

A Haven for the hockey malnourished. / http://www.onfrozenblog.com/

by Gustafsson on Jan 14, 2009 7:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Happy Birthday

To both you and JP!

by Scott in Shaw on Jan 14, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy Birthday JP! Hope you have a great one ;)

w00t!

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by wuffy on Jan 14, 2009 8:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Happy birthday JP! You and my ex-GF share the same day, isn’t that……grrrreat.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 8:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, all.

And there’s one thing that can make my day a happy one – two points.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 8:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Amen, I whole heartedly agree.

A Haven for the hockey malnourished. / http://www.onfrozenblog.com/

by Gustafsson on Jan 14, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

October 16 was my b-day…and oh was it ever a joyous one!!!

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy Birthday JP.

by boz on Jan 14, 2009 8:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oh how special! I’m gonna go tell the folks at Pensblog….

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy Bday JP - Let's hope they can give you a nice victory tonight.

After the Minny game on Friday I thought the Caps could not play with any LESS heart. Well last night proved me wrong, as they played with even LESS heart then Friday night.

Under Hanlon’s last 10 games – the team played with more passion then they did last night or Friday night (and if we played anywhere OTHER then Montreal Saturday night, I’d bet they’d have taken the day off as well).

I hope they had a nice closed door players only meeting after the game last night – and let it all out. Its one thing if you go balls out and lose, but when you just go through the motions – that’s crap.

by vt caps fan on Jan 14, 2009 9:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

In total agreement with VT Caps Fan

That performance was hideous. Funny how it all started a few games ago when the “real lineup” got healthy. We had to send the guys who played with passion back to the minors.

Now we’re stuck with “pros” who got out-hustled by a less talented team. Nylander made a great case for being scratched again, Backstrom played with no urgency, and I still don’t know why Chris Clark is even in the lineup….let alone team captain? What a joke. The guy offers nothing but some pushing and shoving after a whistle. I know we’re at a point of no return in a season in terms of getting rid of the captain of a club, but at least take the letter off his jersey and give it to a guy who plays with passion, ie Ovechkin – even though his game was below par last night as well.

What would I love to see? Guys like Collins and Giroux brought up and useless players like Nylander and Clark scratched. The point would be made and I bet better results would come from it.

by wesvenis on Jan 14, 2009 10:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

no passion, yup

I turned this shit off pretty early. Its one thing to lose while trying but this was straight lazy and careless play. If it was the former, I would have kept watching.

Last night’s team reminded me of a bunch of prima donnas who have bought into their skill and hype instead of work ethic. Guess what? This is a professional league in which nearly any team can beat you on any night if you don’t hustle.

Its a long season so these games are going to happen, but lets just hope this not the beginning of a nasty trend. Boudreau, its time to work.

by ns on Jan 14, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What would I love to see? Guys like Collins and Giroux brought up and useless players like Nylander and Clark scratched. The point would be made and I bet better results would come from it.

Yeah, they should bring Giroux back up. With that Fleischmann goal last night, this team is getting way too good at finishing on breakaways.

In seriousness, I think roster limitations and cap space prevent them from calling up anyone else. Plus Clark’s effort level has been fine. He’s just not the player he was two years ago.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The groin injury took away his speed, and his speed was his best asset.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

See Sutherby, Brian.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

one more thing...

I just can’t wait until we get Poti back. Now there’s a guy with some heart!

oh wait

by wesvenis on Jan 14, 2009 10:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That’s a Crosby-style sucker punch. On what basis are you making it?

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never had any problem with Poti’s effort level and I think he’s the best two-way defenseman on the team. So I am looking forward to him being back in the lineup.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Couldn’t agree more.

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry if this was discussed yesterday...

but who the heck wrote this article…

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5he8vEI8I9y9dHpG-JzXpE0QJc90A

“"Ovechkin is a great player, but every time he hits me – I don’t know why,” Malkin said.

Ovechkin has defended his play by saying that he hits hard against every opponent, although he does not have a reputation among his fellow NHL players for regularly throwing his body around."

Seriously? Ovechkin has been in the top 10 in hits among forwards since he entered the league. Who the hell wrote that piece of trash?

by Sombrero Guy on Jan 14, 2009 10:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I saw that too…some WaPo levels of fact-checking there.

by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jan 14, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Written by the Associated Press’s Alan Robinson.

What I think is funnier is that the quote references other player’s perceptions but in 2007 Ovechkin received the fourth most votes for Hardest Hitter in the NHL in a player’s poll, behind only Phanuef, Blake, and Chara and ahead of Robyn Regehr, Jordin Tootoo, Chris Neil, Eric Lindros, Brendan Witt, and Donald Brashear.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Traffic in front of the net on the PP? Who knew...

Perhaps they should try this more often…

by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jan 14, 2009 10:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Semin's seeing eye wrister through about 6 bodies

That is exactly the goal I was remembering when I posted earlier.

Well done sir!

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

by ChrisAm on Jan 14, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Best of Birthdays, Jon!

As for last night, would that result indicate the Caps were “looking past” the Oilers?

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by Whale4ever on Jan 14, 2009 10:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Poti

Don’t get me wrong, he’s a decent player…. when he plays….which is hardly ever anymore.

To me, durability is a big factor in determining a player’s value. He’s has no durability whatsoever. Get rid of his salary and get someone else in who will actually set foot on the ice.

by wesvenis on Jan 14, 2009 10:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ummm...

In his 10 year career he’s missed more than 15 games only twice. 2001 and this season. Carry-on.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 11:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

He’s also averaged 74 games played per season over his career. If anything, Poti’s notably durable.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Injuries

I’m thinking this in regards to the injured players now being healthy: It may take them awhile to get back their game legs and into the groove of things. We didn’t have much of a drop-off with the Hershey guys ‘cause they didn’t have time off due to injury. Thoughts?

by Feeshbate on Jan 14, 2009 11:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Lines

And the 25-19-8 line MUST be reunited. It was on of the best lines in the league last year and this year, when Kozlov and Backstrom started hitting their stride.

by Feeshbate on Jan 14, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Homers

Look, I’m a Caps fan like most here are. However, I’m not afraid of seeing the reality of some situations without rose-colored glasses. I’ll put this as simply as I can;

Poti was durable. He used to be really good. Now he’s not durable and he’s not as good.

Nylander – used to be really good. Now he’s not.

Clark – used to be a great, tough, checking, goal scoring forward. Now he’s only good for some pushing and shoving after the goaltender covers the puck. Seriously.

I just ask that some people take off their rosie-glasses before flaming. It almost makes Pittsburgh fans look domesticated.

by wesvenis on Jan 14, 2009 11:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

wesvenis, I don’t see or read a lot of flame. one should expect to get criticized when tossing out specious claims around here, but it’s pretty G-rated…

That said, I think you hit two spots on this current lineup where there is dead salary: Clark and Nyls. Neither are playing “up to contract”. The Caps have needed a tough SOB RW since Clark got hurt and has obviously not returned to form. Nyls…what’re ya gonna do? Centers don’t grow on trees, and it’s a short suit in Hershey. Any trade for him needs to clear cap space + land an up and comer C (or Dman). What’s the likelihood of that?

GMGM needs to swing a big trade, but he needs to do it with some leverage…

by bigonetimer on Jan 14, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He does, really? With what cap space? Maybe he should trade Clark for Iginla?

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s ridiculous, you couldn’t get Iginla for Clark. It’d have to be like Clark and a fifth rounder.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what a GREAT idea, Tyler % )

no, I would consider a big trade to be someone like Semin, or Kozlov, or Flash. Varlamov or Neuwirth would have to be considered big at this point. Nyls is going to be next to impossible to move.

by bigonetimer on Jan 14, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

Speaking of flaming…why don’t you fact check before you write-off a good hockey players career?

You’re basing Poti not being durable on his current injury and nothing more. He was healthy last year, the year before that and the year before that. He’s probably not as good as he used to be, you’re correct, he’s 31 and not as good as when he was 25, but he’s still a top 4 D-man in the NHL and if you asked a blogger/pundit/writer/GM from any team in the league I’d bet they’d back it up. So either you can already see Poti’s FUTURE injuries, in which case I would immediately start betting sports, or you’re basing your entire opinion of the guys past and future career off of one incident, which is stupid.

Agreed. Now he’s just ‘good’ and certainly not worth his contract. I’m sure we could find someone just as ‘good’ for much cheaper who would work better in BBs “system”. He’s probably a much better fit for a different team.

Agreed. But we don’t know what he does in the locker room, if anything, there has to be a reason they gave him the C. Unfortunately his injuries seemed to have completely derailed his career. I wouldn’t give up on the guy quite yet. He may just be another victim of “the system”.

The were no rose-colored glasses, you just needed to see through the tears, brought on by a lame losing streak, before you go blasting the team.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jesus...

That should be a

1.
2.
3.

by wittcap79 on Jan 14, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Poti was durable. He used to be really good. Now he’s not durable and he’s not as good.

Over his career Poti’s averaged 73.88 games a season. The last three years, he’s averaged 74. He’s been hurt this year but I’m not ready to say he’s lost his durability. Last year he led Capitals defensemen in blocked shots, tied for second in takeaways, was second in +/-, second in ice time, first in shorthanded ice time. This year, Poti’s on track for more points, more goals, a better +/-, fewer giveaways per game, more takeaways per game, and the second best points-per-game numbers of his career.

Nylander – used to be really good. Now he’s not.
Clark – used to be a great, tough, checking, goal scoring forward. Now he’s only good for some pushing and shoving after the goaltender covers the puck. Seriously.

I don’t think anyone is happy with the way Nylander’s playing this year or his effort level as a whole. As for Clark, he’s had two NHL seasons with more than ten goals – the two seasons he played on Ovechkin’s line. I don’t think anyone thought he would be back to being a fourth liner but he was a second line player at best. To me that pushing and shoving after the whistle shows Clark’s getting back to being the type of player he’s suited to be – a tough, checking winger with enough grit (and the stones) to finish his shift with a crushed palette bone. I can all but promise you this: whatever his struggles are, Clark is exerting effort and his team respects him. To take the captaincy from a guy like that in midseason would be a huge mistake.

I just ask that some people take off their rosie-glasses before flaming. It almost makes Pittsburgh fans look domesticated.

Hey. Let’s not say things we can’t take back.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Saying he’s not as durable anymore is ok, because hey, groin injuries are the types of things that could maybe cause trouble down the line, sure.

Saying he’s not as good anymore doesn’t make any sense. This season has probably been his best season defensively, and he’s been a much more effective offensive player than last (mostly due to health I guess). Or do you mean since he came back for that short time this past two months? He was still pretty darn good, still our best Dman over that stretch IMO. The fact that he was able to play effectively with Tyler Sloan is a testament to that.

His durability is something to look at moving forward, especially since the ice won’t be doing him any favors at VZC. He’s still our best Dman when he can play (and I agree that the games off limits his impact for us).

As for Clark and Nylander, I don’t think you find too much argument there. Clark’s looked a bit better since he came back from the arm, at least like he’s ready to work a bit, but it’s clear that his game is drastically different due to his groin issues and as such his effectiveness in his former role could be gone. Nylander is a fine player but probably not the right guy for this team. I think he could probably do something with more minutes, but he hasn’t earned them and they really aren’t available unless he can show some chemistry (and quickly) with someone other than Flash.

by brs03 on Jan 14, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Muffins, please

Never underestimate the importance of Gordon in the lineup.

Seriously.

by dcrock on Jan 14, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t he net the GWG in October against the Pens? Tonight is a great night for under-the-radar guys to get on the scoresheet. For both teams.

Capitals Kremlin, a Washington Capitals Hockey blog

by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 14, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

OneTimer & DMG

Rock on, BOT.

“Hey. Let’s not say things we can’t take back.”

Lol…good point, DMG

by wesvenis on Jan 14, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry to interrupt

Happy Birthday to JP and Gustafsson….thanks for hosting such terrific blogs. :)

by DebCapsFan on Jan 14, 2009 12:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

word

thanks and Happy Birthday to you both!

by ns on Jan 14, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy B-day guys!

Capitals Kremlin, a Washington Capitals Hockey blog

by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 14, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

viewing party?

is anyone going to the viewing party in Manassas tonight?

by CAPS NEWS NETWORK on Jan 14, 2009 1:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

if we don't win tonight

what are the odds the post (besides Tarik) stops paying attention to us til we rattle off another 8 game win streak

by Ovechkin on Jan 14, 2009 1:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

pretty damn good.

Capitals Kremlin, a Washington Capitals Hockey blog

by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 14, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is Tarik paying attention? I mean, what’s he revealed about the Caps’ salary cap issue, for example?!

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Or the power play/special teams issues? (Only on Japers’ Rink folks, only here…)

Modern Art Notes

by TylerG on Jan 14, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well Tarik is, I’m sure, largely constrained by the powers that be at the post when he decides what the write about.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s not that Tarik doesn’t know what to write about, but he’s only given so many words/page space to work with. The Post probably just wants pre-game stories and occasional write-ups on players, not in depth stat analysis.

Capitals Kremlin, a Washington Capitals Hockey blog

by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 14, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I understand and appreciate the sentiment, and I agree with it for the most part. But I did enjoy Wise’s article today.

by Scott in Shaw on Jan 14, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Erskine

Not sure if this has been covered, but I liked what he did out there last night. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one of our D finishing checks nastily out there.

by grapejoos on Jan 14, 2009 2:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone else notice at some point in the game, the oilers were just gone off offsides and the whistle blew some how Erskine flicked the other player’s stick straight up in the air and skated away like nothing happened.

Good to see that toughness on the blue line yesterday. Its been missed.

by vt caps fan on Jan 14, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Erskine's play duly noted

which makes it that much more frustrating that Schultz WON’T hit anybody. a guy that big, he just doesn’t take advantage of his size. it’s frustrating to watch.

by CAPS NEWS NETWORK on Jan 14, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I disagree – I think he takes plenty of advantage of his size, namely by utilizing his great reach and being very active and good with his stick.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. Schultz’s game is based around positioning, anticipation and smarts. He’s very unwilling to take himself out of the play at all to make a hit.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you don't have to take yourself out of the play...

to hit someone. the ideas aren’t mutually exclusive.

i’m not suggesting that Schultz run around like the proverbial chicken with his head cut off, but when the opportunity is there, i’d like to see him take advantage of his size, that’s all. he does a LOT of pushing and laying on people, but a not-so-gentle nudge with his 6’6" frame when he’s there every now and again would not be a bad thing.

by CAPS NEWS NETWORK on Jan 14, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Of course, but I think Schultz is so concerned with getting out of position that he doesn’t want to hit much, for better or worse.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 8:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And I like that about him. If he starts finishing his checks in the corners, he’ll be a true stud. He’s not going to get more physical by nature, but as he gains experience he’ll have a better sense for timing and knowing when he can take time to hit someone.

by grapejoos on Jan 14, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by Sombrero Guy on Jan 14, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone's favorite time

Good article. And by “good” I mean it relies on suspect facts and is written as if 1982-1998 never happened.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Washington/2009/01/14/8019051-sun.html

by Ginga on Jan 14, 2009 4:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

or "team"

by Ginga on Jan 14, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And as if it’s still 2003. Look at that logo.

by DMG on Jan 14, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

After reading the comments on Puck Daddy, I’m starting to hate Pens fans more than I hate Flyers fans

"Simply Sensational!" Washington Capitals Blog

by Simply Sensational on Jan 14, 2009 4:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

How about we just hate PA

It would simply things.

by ns on Jan 14, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by Leif on Jan 14, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions 4 recs

OMG Hawt.

Capitals Kremlin, a Washington Capitals Hockey blog

by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 14, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

epic win

by Ovechkin on Jan 14, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

FTW

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 14, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+ infinity

by ns on Jan 14, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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