Wednesday Roundup - Caps 2, Flyers 1 (SO)
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 6:41 AM EST
98 comments
[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
Shootouts: can't live with 'em, can't live without the extra point they yield.
On a night with subplots ranging from a match-up of the League's two leading goal-scorers to the likelihood for carnage and mayhem on ice, the game ultimately told us what we already knew - that the Caps and Flyers are a hell of a lot more evenly matched than their last meeting would indicate.
In the good ol' days, this game would have been a hard fought tie. Nowadays, we get to watch the ice resurfacing machines do their laps (twice, in fact) followed by a mini-skills competition. The result last night was a Caps win and two fantastic points (especially given Boston's regulation loss in Minny), but it wasn't, as HeartbreakRidge put it in the Open Thread, "the cathartic ass kicking" we were all hoping for - I guess we'll circle February 24 on our calendars for the next opportunity.
Some thoughts on the game:
- Jose Theodore is now 6-0-0/1.39/.949 since getting the hook in Manhattan on December 23. He's starting to remind me of another Francophone who rocked the red not too long ago.
- Last night Shaone Morrisonn was the guy we hoped he'd be this season - physical, smart, and flat-out good.
- Also good - Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn's job on Alex Ovechkin. Frankly, Coburn might have been the best player on the ice not wearing a catching glove and blocker pad.
- To say that Michael Nylander did nothing would be to ignore his giveaways, horrible offensive zone penalty (that led to the Flyer goal), ridiculous stick tapping to alert teammates to his availability to receive a pass on the power play, and inability to lift the puck over a sprawling defenseman (nice play, though) and into an open net. But hey, he won eight of 15 faceoffs.
- Playing without Danny Briere, Joffrey Lupul and others and leaving with a point on the road against the best home team in the Conference probably feels good to the Flyers, and anything that makes them happy (other than Penguin and Ranger losses), makes me more than a little ill.
- Nicklas Backstrom has such good hands (see his goal), and yet continues to stink the building out in the faceoff circle, going 4-for-16 last night (Mike Richards was a fabulous 15-for-18, despite the apparent tears in his eyes). If he can get his faceoff percentage up to even 50%, my bet is he'd add 5-10 points over the course of the season.
- Riley Cote and Josh Gratton combined to play one minute less than Donald Brashear. Clowns.
- Alex Semin had a night full of "way too cute."
- Mike Green had six blocked shots, but he and Viktor Kozlov looked a step or two slower than usual (and for Kozlov, that's particularly problematic - he was terrible - though his shootout goal... wow). Perhaps they've got a bug or something.
- Eric Fehr was buzzing with linemates David Steckel and Chris Clark (the trio had great Corsi Ratings), but his failure to finish (goal-less since December 4) is getting old, fast - if the Caps wanted a good forechecker who rarely converts, they'd call up Chris Bourque.
- We joked in the Open Thread about AO's hit on Clark being an example of Ovie doing what's best for the team - taking someone out so Karl Alzner can stay in Washington. It's not as funny now that Clark is actually hurt.
So the Caps have a couple of days off before Columbus comes to town Friday (trap game with a visit to Montreal on Saturday?), and Friday could find them as healthy as they've been in ages, with the possible returns of Sergei Fedorov and Tomas Fleischmann (and exit(s) of others to make room). Of course, that's a topic for another day (say, tomorrow). For now, let's savor that sweet, sweet... shootout win.
Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
Get ready for Capitals Red Line (which we'd given you the heads up about back in November).... Joel Broda is the WHL's Player of the Week.... Pierre LeBrun and Nicklas Backstrom chatted before the Flyers game.... Happy Birthday to Donald Brashear (37 today) and former Caps Randy Burridge (43) and Mike Liut (53).... Finally, on this day back in 1989, Mike Ridley assisted on all six of the Caps goals in their 6-3 win over Chicago.
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that really felt like a playoff game.
i don’t remember seeing Kozzie that pumped on the ice in….actually, i can’t remember at all.
we need Feds back just to whip Semin back into shape.
i said it in the first period, although not many agreed, and it continued throughout the game: Nylander was the worst player on the ice for the Caps. he is not clicking with this team at the moment. you can see the frustration building on his face.
ShaMo played like an angry bear. loved it.
by ns on Jan 7, 2009 6:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like that the game was that close. Not at all. Not in our barn, That just makes me uncomfortable.
That said, I think a lot of last night’s problem was lack of focus on a lot of parts, mixed with choppy ice (what else would you get between the rain and a fairly warm building?) Some say it was lack of effort and an uninspired performance – I say the opposite. A little more focus and discipline please.
I thought the call on Nylander was really weak, personally.
Ovi’s thing on Clark had to be a crime of enthusiasm rather than intent to injure – a little more focus and a little more discipline would go a long way. I think the getting pumped went a little too far.
And if Richards thinks that Boudreau’s comments were intended to get his team pumped, I’m not so sure. I think those comments were intended to tweak the Flyers – and it worked.
by gotsparkly on Jan 7, 2009 8:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Playing without Danny Briere, Joffrey Lupul and others and leaving with a point on the road against the best home team in the Conference probably feels good to the Flyers, and anything that makes them happy (other than Penguin and Ranger losses), makes me more than a little ill.
That says it all for me. Coburn and Timmonen are great, but I’m not happy about squeaking out a 2-1 win in a shootout over a team missing half their people. There was one stretch in the third where it took about 5 tries for the Caps just to get the puck through the neutral zone. We definitely need to do better.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 7, 2009 8:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Against a tired team
The first period was all Caps, but after that I thought Philly could have broken the game open at any minute. Did we win a faceoff at all in the third?
Both goalies were excellent but I didn’t like seeing Hartnell standing alone with JT60 in front of the net for the Flyers goal.
CSN had a crappy angle on the Nylander penalty. It looked like all stick to me. Weak. The officials let a few hooks go as well for both teams.
The Caps are back to looking for the perfect PP shot instead of shooting and getting deflections and rebounds. They don’t keep bodies in front of the net like they should. Semin needs to shoot and stop with the fancy stuff when there’s pressure on him. Sure, he sometimes makes it work but more than not he gets stripped or loses control of the puck.
by hotdog88gt on Jan 7, 2009 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Caps are back to looking for the perfect PP shot instead of shooting and getting deflections and rebounds.
Coinciding with the returns of Messrs. Semin and Green?
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s mostly Semin, in my opinion. He has developed a tendency to hold the puck and stand still for a long time on the PP. Sometimes it results in a perfect pass (Green’s PP goal vs. NYR), but often just wastes time and ends in a turnover.
Definitely saw a lot of the “rabbit” last night, and not in a good way.
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I vote yes. Well, sort of. I think the problem is having all skill guys out there when you have Backstrom, Ovechkin, Semin, Green and Kozlov. Personally I’d drop Kozlov from that unit and add in Clark or Laich to get someone in front of the net.
by David M. Getz on Jan 7, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really think the reason they didn’t let Nylander’s hook go (and he did give the guy a little tug) was that if they didn’t blow it down, Nyls was in alone on Biron. Not that he would have scored (Biron and Theo were both awesome), but if a slight penalty leads to a major advantage, they’re going to call it. If the puck had just slid out to center, I doubt they would have called it.
by MikeL-Caps on Jan 7, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In a fanpost I complain about the HIDEOUS ice that Ted & VC gave the two teams and their fans last night.
by TylerG on Jan 7, 2009 8:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was at the game last night.
While I have noticed cooler temperatures in the building this year at times (in general), I thought it was downright warm in the Phone Booth last night. Quite a shame when you consider that this game meant to the players and fans.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 7, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Downright warm?
Granted, I was in the lower bowl (warm air rises, cool air falls, right?) pretty close to the ice, but I thought it was one of the coldest games of the year.
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 7, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps it was where I was sitting (412)…? I can usually feel a “cool breeze” from my seats, but that was absent last night. My friend, who joins me for about 1/3 of the games, remarked how he “had to take his jacket off”—which he usually doesn’t do.
We weren’t drinking (so that wasn’t affecting our ability to judge temperatures either), but it could have just been that our section was “warmer than usual”…I don’t know.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 7, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Riley Cote also found it warmer than normal where he was sitting, but that’s because he’d peed in his pants when he saw The Donald.
That may or may not be 100% accurate.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is it just that Abe doesn’t want to pay to cool the place?
by hotdog88gt on Jan 7, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A very strange game, to say the least. When the Caps got the lead, it looked like they were trying to nurse it all the way to the end. And then when Philly tied it, they definitely were playing for the overtime, employing the most blatant neutral zone trap I’ve seen in years. The second half of the third period eerily reminded me of game seven last year where the Caps had glorious chance after glorious chance but couldn’t put it away. Needless to say I was a little nervous going into OT, but you’re right jp, Theo is reminding me of Huet in that I’m suddenly feeling very secure with him back there. Finally, what is it about Philly that turns every Flyer into a dick. Here’s what Carter had to say about the crowd last night: “They’re starting to get some fans now, I guess,” Philadelphia center Jeff Carter said. “We can’t buy all the tickets.” Ah, such a gracious loser.
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 8:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I saw that Carter quote.
To whomever defended James vanRiemsdyk (Tyler, perhaps?) by saying, “People don’t become assholes just because of the sweater they’re wearing”… Example A.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Richards post game quotes
J. P. – Did you hear Richards say that Ovechkin’s hits are dirty and he is going to end up injuring someone?
by Feeshbate on Jan 7, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup – linked to the quote in the post (where I mentioned Richards’ night in the faceoff circle). A bit of an over-reaction, though I questioned at the time in the Open Thread why AO left his feet on that hit.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
AO leaves his feet for a lot of hit hits, but lately he’s been getting closer and closer to charging. Clark hasn’t learned to stay off the ice when AO is out there.
by hotdog88gt on Jan 7, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe just trying to get in his head after that Tampa guy left on a stretcher?
Swing by The Flyer Frequent if you have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 7, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Finally, what is it about Philly that turns every Flyer into a dick. Here’s what Carter had to say about the crowd last night: "They’re starting to get some fans now, I guess," Philadelphia center Jeff Carter said. "We can’t buy all the tickets." Ah, such a gracious loser.
It hurts because, to a large extent, it’s true.
by David M. Getz on Jan 7, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To a certain extent. This team has always had fans, but the pants-crapping/rebuild/lockout took a huge wind out of the sails. Yes, it has taken winning to bring them back. But they always drew well prior to the arrival of the cancer.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Capitals have a decent enough fanbase and if you look around the league, losing drives the fans away no matter where the team is (Chicago, Long Island, Boston, etc) and winning brings them in (Tampa, Dallas, Atlanta…Chicago….), but the Flyers have a hardcore fanbase and will draw 18,000+ on average no matter how bad the team is.
I admit though that I am sensitive to it because I’m sick of friends who ignored or criticized the Capitals for years suddenly pledging undying loyalty because there’s no other decent team in town.
by David M. Getz on Jan 7, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have no problem with it until the “we can’t buy all the tickets” line. Clearly a swipe at the Caps’ fanbase. I was having a hard time hating Carter, so I hope he keeps talking.
He also said about his performance in the shootout, “We can’t score all the goals.”
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But it’s definitely based in some fact. There were games back in the 90s that easily had more Flyers than Caps fans at them, especially on weekends.
Swing by The Flyer Frequent if you have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 7, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
whatever. first of all we are talking what, 10-15 years ago?? and it wasn’t a 50/50 (or worse) split, they are just loud and obnoxious, like the dickheads they are.
by macvechkin on Jan 7, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course. It’s based in truth, nobody is arguing that. I still think Carter was being a dick when he said it, though when I saw it in the context of the AP article, it seemed more like an annoyed reaction to some reporter asking him about the lack of Flyer fans in the stands.
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I used the extra tickets they send STH (somehow I got sent 4 instead of 2) and took my parents. We were sitting behind the goal the caps attack twice, two rows from the top, and it was pretty chilly up there. The ice didn’t seem to reflect that though.
Regarding Nylander’s penalty, it looked to me like a perfect stick lift and strip. The flyer player turned as he got his stick lifted because he knew he was losing hte puck. Perhaps the Ref saw the player turn and assumed he was being hooked? I didn’t have the benefit of seeing it on a replay so what did TV viewers see?
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I saw stick in the gut, stick in the gut, stick on stick. They weren’t the most offensive hooks I’ve seen, but given that it created a chance in the O-zone, I think they had to call it.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough. Its not as if a Nylander offensive zone penalty isn’t without precedent.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 7, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet Nylander would take a trade to anywhere right now. The guy just isn’t having any fun out on the ice. Maybe it’s because he’s so much older than most of the team, maybe it’s because his east-west style that was successful with the Rangers doesn’t fit here, but if ever there was a player needing a change of scenery, it’s Michael. I kind of feel sorry for him. I know he’s making a ton of money, but if you know you’re not contributing and your coach probably wants you gone and the fans certainly want you gone, it can’t be very enjoyable.
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A few games ago I saw a child holding a sign that said “Trade Nylander” during warm-ups. It was clearly visible to everyone. Harsh.
by Lisita on Jan 7, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was a good call, and horrible penalty to take by Nylander. The Caps seemed to get the benefit of the doubt on a lot of calls last night, in my opinion (a nice change of pace vs. Philly).
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sombrero, I saw the same thing.
I thought it was a crap call. I am no Nylander fan but I thought it was just aggressive play- the kind of thing I wish he would do more of, frankly. Maybe it was the ref’s angle but the ref who called it seemed to have the perfect angle.
by ChrisAm on Jan 7, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Sombrero, I was up there too. And they were my STH comp tickets as well. Got 4 nosebleeds in Sec 407, row O. Man, do you ever lose a lot of the speed and contact from up there. Looked like slow motion most of the time. I’m anxious to get back to 109
by Cluster on Jan 7, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A win vs the Fly-dung is a WIN - I'll take it
I loathe the shootout, but this from last night is interesting: "Jose Theodore is now 11-3 in shootouts in his career. There were 19 players in the NHL with at least 40 points coming into the night and he faced three of them in the one-on-one format. And he stopped them all. " (from Cory)
I thought Joe-Zay looked damn good out there. I am oh-so-slowly coming around to stand by his side. He is showing me consistency, positioning, speed, anticipation, patience, experience, confidence. Almost everything, in short, that I frigging hired him for. Hurrah! Hurrah!
Ok, check that item off. [[fingers crossed — knock on wood — rubbing rabbit’s foot — tapping the bongos]]
Now, on to poor Eric Fehr. Oh-My-God but is that boy close. Just please oh Hockey Gods don’t let him turn into Brian Sutherby or Zubie. What in the world kinda advice could we offer him? He’s got the go-to linemates in Big Stecks and Brooksie, he goes to the right places, he wins the battles, he takes the shots. Maybe a session with a hypnotist. . . .
by Uncle C on Jan 7, 2009 9:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Fehr is close, but I don’t think he’s got the right linemates. He’s a skilled player and he needs to play with other skill players. The problem is there’s no room at the inn for him on the top two lines. I’d love to see him in front of the goalie on the power play. I think he’s got the size and hands to be another Tim Kerr.
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
All we can do is be patient with Fehr, but therein lies the rub – when Flash is healthy, you have to scratch Fehr for him, don’t you?
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Flash MUST be back in the line up
He was really heating up before he got ill. If Clark is out with an injury, I guess Fehr and Flash can both stay for at least one more game.
By the way J.P…. without your spreadsheet handy to 2xCheck myself, is there anyway that we keep Alzner when Feds returns (assuming Clark isn’t out again)?
by Wisper on Jan 7, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to preempt jp, but I heard last night on the Caps post-game show that they may put Poti on retroactive LTIR which would keep rom for Alzner.
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That makes sense – he’s already missed the last seven games by my count – but obviously it’s a temporary solution (and the answer, Wisper, is, barring other moves, no – not by my math).
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not if Clark is injured. What is it with AO and Chris? First he drills him with a puck to the ear last year and now he nails him with an open ice check. Does he really want to be captain that badly? ;-)
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, yeah. But I (stupidly) was assuming no other injuries.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it's definitely the rub
" . . . when Flash is healthy, you have to scratch Fehr for him, don’t you?" Yes, you do. Which is a real shame since Fehrsie is so annoyingly and maddeningly and vexatiously close.
Poor Eric.
by Uncle C on Jan 7, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kozlov
Maybe it’s just me, but I thought he looked pretty good last night. I was actually miffed that BB put Semin on the top line because Kozlov seemed to be working hard (and was clearly the best player on the 2nd line after the switch).
His shootout prowess alone makes me hope the Caps re-sign him. He can get us a couple of extra standings points a year.
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 10:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I also thought Alzner had a great game. When contrasted with Nylander’s, the choice is clear. Sorry, Nyls.
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, especially since Alzner turns Jurcina into a good defender. The choice is basically, two good defenders or one halfway decent center? I’d take the two good defensemen almost any day of the week, especially on a team with Ovechkin, Backstrom, Kozlov, Semin, etc.
by David M. Getz on Jan 7, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup. But there is no "choice" here – so says 92’s contract.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The team is so hamstrung by Nylander’s NMC. If he didn’t have it, he’d have been gone a month ago ( which is precisely why he demanded it).
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I posted a link to an interesting post on Guerin’s NMC. The situations aren’t identical, of course, but probably more similar than we’d wish them to be.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
by the way
I’d swap 92 for Guerin in a heartbeat…save us ~375K as well. He’s exaclty the kind of gritty, playoff tested vet we need on RW
by bigonetimer on Jan 7, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, good point. Can’t he be bribed or something? Ugh.
by grapejoos on Jan 7, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if he has an NMC without a minimum performance requirement, that kinda screws us. Oh, wait…
If we have to eat his cap hit, why should we also have to eat his on ice performance if that’s how it is going to be? sigh
by HeartbreakRidge on Jan 7, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, he can be sent to the press box. Just not anywhere else.
Related: how long before a player demands a NSC – No Scratch Clause?
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good question. Related to my point, is it possible for a team to demand a performance clause, or is that somehow prohibited by the labor agreement?
by HeartbreakRidge on Jan 7, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No good in the CBA. The only acceptable performance clauses (as far as I know) are incentives, and those are only available for entry contracts and players who are 35 and over.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Figures.
I now hate NMCs and shootouts.
by HeartbreakRidge on Jan 7, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who to let go? I say the Sarge
I am rapidly losing patience with the Sarge. As much as I am frustrated by his lack of physical play, his giveaways are driving me to distraction. The worst was at about the 4 min mark of the 2nd, he shot the puck right off a Flyers’ shin pads, the Flyers got an odd man rush and only a great save by JT60 bailed him out. He had plenty of options, not under any pressure- just no excuse.
Reminded me of Juice before Alzner.
And that is just one among many, IMO.
Given the coming dilemma, I say: Green ShaMo, Alzner Juice, Poti Erskine.
Does that work cap-wise? Probably not.
by ChrisAm on Jan 7, 2009 10:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sarge doesn’t clear enough cap room.
As for your frustrations with him… remember that he’s younger than Green and Ovechkin. We’re spoiled by their relatively immediate successes, but I wouldn’t give up on Schultz yet. Not by a long shot.
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there no escape?
So, baring a trade, it’s back to Juice, Erskine, Green, Schultz, Poti, Shamo?
But who can the Caps move who makes enough money? I think the Caps may be screwed.
by ChrisAm on Jan 7, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As for your frustrations with him… remember that he’s younger than Green and Ovechkin. We’re spoiled by their relatively immediate successes, but I wouldn’t give up on Schultz yet. Not by a long shot.
Here here.
It would seem like if there was someone on the block, I’d throw ShaMo out there, based on a potential $2m plus cap hit. Speculating, of course.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 7, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who has two thumbs and blockquoted his post? You got it.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 7, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh
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by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree Schultz looked bad last night, but a lot of it was due to his skating. I think being off the ice for so long has left him out of game-shape. With more playing time, he should be able to rectify that. The point about his age is spot on. As defensemen go, he’s still relatively young and guys his size need to grow into their bodies. Do I wish he hit more? Yeah, but that’s clearly not a part of his game. But guys with that kind of size and reach can very valuable when they learn how to use their bodies and their sticks. If Jeff wants some guidance, he should look no further than Alzner whose play has been nothing short of amazing. Alas, that’s why Karl is called the “King” and Schultz “Sarge”. Some guys are born royalty and others have to work for everything they get. The bottom line is giving up on Schultz now, while tempting, is the kind of mistake that can haunt you for a decade.
by b.orr4 on Jan 7, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the size issue is a huge thing. Everyone looks at his 6’5’’, 225 pounds frame and wonders why he doesn’t play more physical (which is a fair critique) but no one would have any problem if he were the exact same player at 6’0’’, 195.
by David M. Getz on Jan 7, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, Schultz is very good considering his age, position, and size. Not a lot of flash in his game but stopping good NHL forwards on a regular basis is a skill very few have.
I still think he’s the most underrated player on the team.
by David M. Getz on Jan 7, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts on last night...
…are here: http://flyerfrequent.blogspot.com/2009/01/game-40-review-flyers-1-capitals-2-so.html
I agree with the sentiment that it seemed like the Flyers were on the verge of putting it away through the third and OT. Props to Theodore and the Caps D for shutting them down. And I agree that the game bodes real well for the Flyers, especially in terms of Biron’s focus against quality opponents.
With the Caps looking more secure in the second seed, it’s looking less likely that any playoff rematch will happen in the first round. Which is fine by all, I’m sure.
Swing by The Flyer Frequent if you have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 7, 2009 10:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about “secure in the second seed,” but we’re closing in on “likely winning the Southeast,” which would mean that the only way there’s a first round match up would be if the Flyers fall to 6th or below in the Conference (which is unlikely).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Come on, you guys locked up the Southeast back in August. If the Caps DON’T win the southeast, I’ll post that Dale Hunter goal like 20 times on my blog in shock.
Swing by The Flyer Frequent if you have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 7, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For the record
We’re also leading the Atlantic, 8-1-2.
by macvechkin on Jan 7, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Our schedule is actually pretty front-loaded. As in, the majority of our divisional games occur in the second half of the season. While we may very well have the Southeast wrapped up (I say nothing’s automatic, keep your foot on the gas), it’s not because we’ve gotten to pad our record playing the Canes, Bolts, Cats and Thrash.
8-1-1 vs. the Northeast
8-1-2 vs. the Atlantic
5-3-0 vs. the Southeast (go figure, right?)
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Jan 7, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Too true. The Caps also haven’t padded their record by playing the majority of their games at home – 21 road, 20 home so far.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I’ve got a great idea! Someone should post the Caps’ schedule for the end of the season in a blog comments thread.
/snark
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 7, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot to mention that we’re 8-1-2 against the Atlantic!
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Jan 7, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought OT was 70/30, Washington.
by hotdog88gt on Jan 7, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t get home in time to post this in the open thread, so I’ll ask it here. When did Nicky get Brash’s “A”? And what was the reasoning behind it?
by Ovechkin on Jan 7, 2009 11:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
That's Fedorov's "A" and it gets passed around while he's out
Backs has had it a few times recently… Brash wears it often. its even been on Bradley and (I think…someone correct me if I’m wrong on this) Laich had it one game.
by Wisper on Jan 7, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not the only thing that used to be Fedorov’s that has gotten passed around:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll take some of those sloppy seconds right about now.
by macvechkin on Jan 7, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s been a long time since they were seconds, brother Mac.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Russian hockey-tennis pairings, is Ovechkin still with Olga Puchkova? I’m guessing no…
Swing by The Flyer Frequent if you have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Jan 7, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With all of the injuries that have happened, I’ve seen that “A” on Brashear, Bradley, Laich, Poti, and Backstrom. When Feds comes back, it’ll go back on his sweater.
In the future, that A will probably be stuck on Alzner’s chest (along with the C on Ovie’s and the other A on Backstrom’s)
by MikeL-Caps on Jan 7, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Alex Semin was cuter than my little pony, but aside from that, it was a great game.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 7, 2009 11:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I really enjoyed your post from last night, btw
It’s here for those who missed it — a behind-the-scenes look at the media at the Phone Booth.
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 7, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to post that in the WWR sidebar, but the feed hasn’t come up yet in my Google Reader for some reason. Definitely great stuff.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of behind the scenes, how does your WWR sidebar stay so current, JP? I’m sure this is Blog Maintenance 101, but I’ve been curious about that. I know you don’t sit there at work refreshing a dozen other blog sites for their updates. Just wondering….
by Cluster on Jan 7, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how familiar you are with Google Reader, but it’s a feed reader that allows you to subscribe to sites’ feeds (basically updates) and then share them by either embedding them in a site (as I have done) or on a stand alone site (which you can see here).
So what I’ve done is subscribed to a crapload of feeds (technical term), and then decide which ones to share with everyone. The beauty of it is that nearly every time you come to the site – be it daily, hourly, or every ten minutes – there’s new content to check out. And anything I don’t link to there (or elsewhere on the site – in FanShots and whatnot), you really don’t need to be reading. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
I appreciate the love and thank you to all the regulars at Japers’ who stop by the Kremlin. Your support is appreciated and I hope that if you haven’t stopped by to see my Verizon Center tour you do. I had a great time putting it together for the Capitals blogosphere. Once again thanks to everyone.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 7, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Happy birthday to Mathieu Perreault also, who turned 21 on January 5th.
I got his autograph/trading card in Hershey a few weeks ago. (sorry about the quality)
by Simply Sensational on Jan 7, 2009 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather he turn 5’10".
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
for real
we have to have the smallest top-two centers in the AHL
by bigonetimer on Jan 7, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Nylander penalty WAS bogus. A gift to keep the game close. Fuck you, NHL officials and your tendency for “keeping it close.”
by Hazardous on Jan 8, 2009 8:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dude… why always with the language? Can I ask that you at least type “F**k” or something, so that folks who view this stuff at work don’t stop coming ‘round because they’re afraid their bosses will fire them for looking at NSFW sites?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 8, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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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)
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.
