Saturday Roundup - Gamenight: Rangers @ Caps
by J.P. on Jan 3, 2009 6:00 AM EST
22 comments
[AP Preview - WashingtonCaps.com Preview]
Since getting yanked after allowing three goals on just five shots in the first eleven minutes and change of the Caps 5-4 comeback win at Madison Square Garden on December 23, Jose Theodore has gone 4-0-0 (including the win on that night) with a 1.63 goals against average and .941 save percentage.
The main question on everyone's mind, of course, is was that "the turning point" or just a slow climb on the roller coaster ride that has been his season thus far, with another huge drop just around the bend? There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic that it's the former - he and his defense have had more time to acclimate to one another, the penalty kill has been better, the team is getting healthier (knock on wood), and, perhaps most importantly, his confidence is back.
Theodore is expected to make his ninth home start of the season tonight against that same Ranger team against whom this streak started, and as tough as JT60 has found the road on some nights, the VC has been very good to him (and vice versa) to the tune of 7-1-0/1.98/.918.
At the other end of the ice, Henrik Lundqvist will get the start (shocking, I know). After a great October and a very good November, King Henrik had a lousy December, going 4-5-1/3.74/.873 - very un-Hankly (worse, in fact, than any month Theodore has had so far this season and the worst month of his own career). Lundqvist has given up at least four goals in each of his last three starts, and after posting ten shutouts a year ago, is still looking for his first whitewash of '08-'09. But Lundqvist tends to heat up in January and has a career 38-18-14/2.08/.923 record after the All-Star break.
With last week's embarrassing loss still fresh in the mind of every Ranger, you can be sure they'll come out focused and determined, and if the Caps' effort resembles the final forty minutes of their last game rather than the first twenty, the Blueshirts may very well get that revenge they're seeking.
0 recs |
22 comments
| Add comment
|
Email
Print
Comments
I vote another turn on the roller coaster.
I’m torn because I’m gonna be at this game tonight, and kinda want the Caps to win. As far as my Flyers are concerned, a Rangers loss is more helpful than a Caps loss.
Under NO circumstances, however, will I tolerate this game going into OT. There better only be two points up for grabs at the VC tonight.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 3, 2009 6:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
And if you’re in need of an ego booster, I recommend checking out the poll on the Bruins’ home page.
Swing by The Flyer Frequent if you have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 3, 2009 6:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Not a complete surprise
Caps were the last team to beat them, besides everyone loves an ego boost.
by toymechanic on Jan 3, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ICE ALERT: Georgetown plays at VC at noon. The Caps are going to be playing on pure slop. Sigh.
by TylerG on Jan 3, 2009 8:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why do they do this?
I know scheduling can be difficult with all the teams that call the phone booth home, and I’m also willing to accept the fact that there are certain factors contributing to ice quality that may not be under the control of those willing to fix them (or anyone for that matter)…
But what I don’t get it is why they will schedule events at the VZ Center on the same day that the Caps will be playing on the ice, when it has such a negative effect on the quality of the sheet?
Oh well…out of our hands. Here’s hoping that Georgetown and Pitt don’t go into OT.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 3, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
my guess is it’s gonna take a major injury of a real star (sorry, Clarkie and Mo), directly attributable to a rut in the ice, before something is done about this.
We all know it’s about the almighty dollar, Ted, so how about scheduling the Caps first and the hoops second?
by bigonetimer on Jan 3, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For the umpteenth time: Ted doesn’t own the building and he doesn’t control scheduling. Abe does.
Abe’s also the one that could spend the necessary money on dehumidifying equipment and A/C units that would help get the building at proper levels for hockey. To the best of my knowledge, he has not done this.
by TylerG on Jan 3, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
good point, I shouldn’t blame Ted. He’s just the team owner, and you’d think he’d have some sway with the landlord.
by bigonetimer on Jan 3, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. The Rangers are going to be looking to re-gift that little Christmas present we gave them, and we don’t want it back. So, no slop tonight, please, and here’s to another strong performance from JT60. I think he remembers the Rangers, very well, and let’s see him duplicate the last forty minutes from THAT game instead.
Also, with the Heward comment, Clarkie coming back to his old self (knock on wood) and Brashear back in the lineup (though why they sent Bourque down and kept Giroux is a mystery for the ages – since when is Bourque Brashear’s match?) we should have enough grit to handle any chippy stuff that might come up.
Just please … no defensive slop. Please? We know you’re better than that. Don’t get lazy. We will get torched if we’re not paying attention on defense, just look at the last game if you don’t believe me.
As for Lundqvist: After watching the last Rangers game, I don’t think that’s his fault. I really don’t. His D is leaving him hanging out to dry far, far too often, and they are leaning way too heavily on him. That is not going to work in the playoffs, and the Rangers are headed for a first-round exit if they don’t knock that off quick.
by gotsparkly on Jan 3, 2009 9:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
to say that Lundqvist is carrying that team is a VAST understatement. I’m not even a fan and I cringe to think about where they’d be without him.
by sonia on Jan 3, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s just say they’d be in the run for Tavares without him and leave it at that?
by gotsparkly on Jan 3, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Tampa might beg to differ!
The Litter Box: Your SBNation Florida Panthers Blogging Colossus
by Whale4ever on Jan 3, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe but ....
The Islanders might too. :) But the Rangers are currently out of the draft lottery and they’d have to tank real bad to make that one. Still say it’s thanks largely to King Henrik. Like JP says, they’re relying on him way way way too much.
by gotsparkly on Jan 3, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you can be sure they’ll come out focused and determined
really? they can do that? ;)
by sonia on Jan 3, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m not expecting a revenge game. When you go up 4-0 and then blow the game you can only be mad at yourself. While it may be a revenge games in terms of “grr I’m so mad we lost” I’m not expecting much more than a hard fought hockey game. What I am more interested to see is if Ovie takes some mustard off his hits or if he will go back to his board crushing self.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 3, 2009 11:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
it will be a sad day for hockey fans everywhere if ovie alters his style of play even the slightest bit.
by ovechrist on Jan 3, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s true. I don’t see Ovie “changing his style” for anyone.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Jan 3, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that the Flyers overtook the Rangers for top of the Atlantic last night with the win over Anaheim. Rangers are going to be looking to catch up, too. So I expect the Rangers to come out and be ready to work … and I rather expect our guys to do the same. They’re pretty good about that with the top teams.
So yes, a hard-fought hockey game is in the offing tonight, and I will be amazed if the Phone Booth doesn’t sell out.
by gotsparkly on Jan 3, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
According to the post practice reports by both Tarik and Corey, Semin might play tonight. He will decide after the pre-game skate. Hope the crappy ice does not deter him from playing. The scheduling of other events at Verizon is up to Abe and unfortunately this is not the only double header with Georgetown this season. I really could not believe that the Caps had that promotion last year for Georgetown and Caps games on the same day given how bad the ice is for the night game,
by NovaCath on Jan 3, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
On a positive note...
It’s good to finally see the Caps winning games they should win on a consistent basis. I think this game will be one of them if we get the goaltending we expect. I hope JT60 plays more games than BJ1 for the rest of the season.
by hotdog88gt on Jan 3, 2009 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Latest from a Ranger Blog is Lunqvist is sick
and may not play tonight; not sure that is good or bad for Caps – Valliquette is no slouch and is 4-2 on the season
by markbona-capsfan99 on Jan 3, 2009 6:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Join the community and dive in!
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 22 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
14 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 15 |
|
Atlanta
|
12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 |
|
Florida
|
14 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 11 |
|
Carolina
|
15 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 7 |
(updated 11.7.2009 at 9:10 AM EST)
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Friday's WHL Roundup
- Shinnimin has four points as Americans hammer Giants 8-2 to keep West lead
- Eakin scores 20th goal of season in Swift Current's 4-1 win over Cougars
- Gal scores winner to lift Spokane over Thunderbirds 3-1
- Murray's short-handed goal leads Heat to fourth straight win, 4-2 over Ice Hogs
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.
