Recap: Devils 3, Caps 2 (SO)
by J.P. on Oct 12, 2009 10:25 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
162 comments
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
A season ago, the Caps were 33-3-2 when leading after two periods and the Devils just 6-22-0 when trailing heading into the game's final regulation frame. A season ago, the Caps didn't lose their second game at the Verizon Center until December 2.
But, as we're finding out in different ways seemingly every game, that was then, this is now, as the Caps lost a 2-1 lead with just over seven-and-a-half minutes left in the third period and then dropped the game in the dreaded shootout (where's Viktor Kozlov when you... well, don't need him?).
Ten more notes on the game:
- If Jose Theodore was to blame for giving up a point (or two) to the Rangers last week, he deserves all the credit for earning the Caps a point tonight. He was brilliant - never moreso than during an overtime penalty kill - and ended up stopping 27 of 29 shots on the night. Two weeks ago, Bruce Boudreau said of his goaltending situation, "[T]he first two [goalies], will play very even over the first 30 or 40 games. And then somebody is going to take over...." Maybe he was off by a factor of ten.
- It didn't take long for Mike Knuble to mesh with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, as his go-to-the-net style created chances (including the Mike Green goal) and he even scored one on the rush from far out (for him).
- The second line, on the other hand, did not gel so easily, as the trio of Alexander Semin, Brendan Morrison and Brooks Laich had an awful night, including being on the ice for both Jersey goals.
- Speaking of the Jersey goals, Green and Tom Poti did a lot of pointing on that 3-on-2, but not much of anything else. All around ugly play.
- The Caps failed to score yet again on a lengthy 5-on-3 power play, this time 53 seconds with just two (mediocre) shots on goal for. Move, boys, move. On the plus side, 15 shots on goal on five power plays overall is a good number.
- Only two Devils - Travis Zajac and Rob Niedermayer - won a faceoff all night. On the flip side, David Steckel won 11 of the 13 draws he took.
- Matt Bradley's one goal remains the only goal scored by a non-top six forward, and Green's goal was the first by a Caps defenseman this season. Not good enough (especially when you've got fourth-liners playing like Boyd Gordon is lately).
- A tale of two call-outs? Green responds with his best game of the season, Semin responds with perhaps his worst (though he did stay out of the box), including a slap shot in the shootout. Really, Sasha?
- John Erskine was plus-two before leaving the game with an injury after skating just nine shifts. Kudos to the other five defensemen for finishing the game out.
- On the one hand, you've gotta admire Chris Clark for dropping the gloves in defense of a teammate. On the other hand, Milan Jurcina's a big boy and if David Clarkson wants to take a bad penalty down 2-0, let him. This little tidbit from Elliotte Friedman earlier in the day came immediately to mind:
When Bryan Murray coached in Ottawa, he had a "two-goal rule" when it came to fighting. If the Senators were up two, no one was allowed to go. He didn’t want to lose momentum. After Max Talbot’s fight with Daniel Carcillo turned a 3-0 Philly lead into a series clinching loss last year, you figure everyone would learn the lesson. But noooooooooo. Last Tuesday, Anaheim led Minnesota 3-0 when John Scott challenged George Parros. Parros accepted, and was kayoed. Andrew Brunette won it in OT for the Wild.
Those who understand: John Erskine and Darcy Hordichuk. Both skated away from fights last week when their teams were in control.
And so the losing streak reaches four games (only the second time they've lost four in a row under Boudreau, last March being the first) with the reigning President's Trophy winners coming to town Thursday. It's still early in the season, of course, but it's starting to feel as if it's getting late awfully early.
0 recs |
162 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
It’s to the point I’m going to get superstitious, I’ve worked the past 4 game nights, and what happens? They lose.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Oct 12, 2009 10:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had season tickets last year, and ironically, the Caps lost every game I didn’t go to.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series."
by Steck It Out on Oct 12, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t quite figure out what I’m doing wrong but I’ll tell ya what I did last year for our awesome home record, does not work this year AT ALL.
by MetalCap on Oct 13, 2009 6:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else catch Boudreau as he was leaving the bench? He looked like he was gonna kill someone.
by David M. Getz on Oct 12, 2009 10:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He can dish out all the mean looks he wants, but until he translates his words into some sort of tangible consequence, he’s just pissin’ in the wind.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 12, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actions speak louder than…er…facial expressions.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series."
by Steck It Out on Oct 12, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look, if they’re going to have a stretch of uninspired play, better now than in April. It sucks, but I’m willing to give the team the benefit of the doubt at this point.
But maybe not Semin…that SO slapshot looked like a big kid version of the temper tantrum my two-year-old threw this evening, when she didn’t get the toy she wanted…I’m getting pretty tired of his act.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 12, 2009 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
i was thinking the same thing
i really hate slapshots in the shootout. especially shots to the glove side. ovie could have a bit less predictable with his attempt too
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i kinda liked the Brodeur glove-shake psyche-out
Didn’t notice it until the Devils’ color guy commented on it. But it did seem that Ovie was gonna shoot glove side and then went backhand after Marty shook his glove at him. Kind of like a soccer goalkeeper teasing one side in a penalty shootout.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i guess
but he always does that snapshot set up and then sorta dekes to the backhand. i’ve seen him do it enough that both my roommate and i called the shot before he even took it. it’s almost like watching UVA football….QB draw after QB draw
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Ovie was so successful at the beginning of his career because he’d freeze the goalie then go top shelf glove with a wrister or to the backhand. What happened?
by red army line on Oct 12, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rec’d for college reference!
'It is bitter -- bitter,' he answered. 'But I like it, because it is bitter, and because it is my heart.'"
by HooLovesDC on Oct 13, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea...you know what im talking about
ironically, they only called the qb draw a handful of times on saturday. result….47-7 victory. coincidence? i dont think so.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The shift that led to Clarkson's goal
When’s the last time we’ve seen a Capitals shift that dominant from beginning to end (and not just one guy) at even-strength? I mean, seriously. What was so illuminating about seeing that kind of shift as a Caps fan is how rarely we see that from our team. Yeah we have our “hardworking,” “effort” lines, but they produce nada (see Boudreau’s recent comments). To see actual muck and hustle result in an actual goal? Wow.
A soccer team that wants to pass the ball into the net but can’t score from set pieces… a baseball team that relies on home runs but can’t play small-ball… a football team that has a great aerial attack but no running game… that’s what we have. It’s all or nothing. We create an ESPY-worthy goal, or we get scored on. Great for the casual observers, great for the pundits, great for “the league”… but not looking great so far in real life or for us fans. Yeah we added “grit” with Knuble and Morrison but it looks like they’re assimilating to the team’s old style rather than the other way around.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah we added "grit" with Knuble and Morrison but it looks like they’re assimilating to the team’s old style rather than the other way around.
I disagree. Knuble’s been a great net presence and I haven’t seen him try to be too fancy once. Morrison is a 5’1’’, 180 pound playmaking center – his style of play has always been more or less what the Caps are doing now. Plus it’s hard to complain with the production he’s had so far.
by David M. Getz on Oct 12, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh – left out a “1” on his height, I think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 12, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oy, no more typing without my contacts in.
by David M. Getz on Oct 12, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
point taken on Morrison
It’s not so much “grit” meaning toughness, but “grit” meaning honest, non-toe-curling play. Overall my complaint isn’t with the new guys… my complaint is that the old guys are still the same old guys. We love the highlight material, but to see them get outworked again and again by less talented players is getting mighty old.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
one more thing: how long before Circles dusts off the pads?
Not that he would help per se… but still….
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It may happen if the losing streak drags on much longer. (Sooner or later, things will have to turn around for us.)
Oh, didn’t Philthy get off to a bad start in October last year (but by Jan they were leading their division.)?
And didn’t the Devils get off to a bad start as well.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 12, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flyers started 0-3-3, much worse than 2-2-2.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Oct 13, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the team is dressing Boyd Kane and Tyler Sloan at forward over Nylander, it’s not going to happen.
by David M. Getz on Oct 13, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and one more last thing! No more Ovie on PP point
Please. Too many mistakes, too many shorthanded opportunities created the other way, not enough reward. Let point men play point.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like Ovie on the point. The team has more than enough offensively capable forwards and not so many offensively capable defensemen. Plus he’s the team’s best shooter in that situation. Plus it lets him stay out longer.
by David M. Getz on Oct 12, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But how many times do we have to watch Ovie fumble clearances that either (at best) waste PP time or (at worst) lead to direct chances at the other end? One of those outcomes happens at least once a PP.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
but ovechkin and green are the best shooters on the team. i’d rather have backstrom winning a faceoff back to ovie or green than backstrom winning a faceoff back to…..brooks laich?
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JURCINA.. .POTI... POTHIER... etc.
Ovie’s not the only guy on the team that can shoot a slapshot. And besides, there’s no rule saying he’s not allowed to shoot from the slot on the power play. And I’ve seen Ovie score PLENTY of goals from the slot.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well poti plays the point on the 2nd PP squad
and i dont want jurcina out there on a PP….something about that does not scream goal….
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know how many shots were blocked by NJD tonight? There had to have been a ton of them.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pot-Pothier are the D for the 2nd unit when neither Green nor Ovie double shifts.
by red army line on Oct 12, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot Semin. He may have the best shot on the team if you combine accuracy, quickness, and power.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 12, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the end it’s about what gets you the biggest goal differential and given the Caps relative offensive depth at the forward and defense position and how good Ovechkin is from the point, I think the best way to maximize the goal differential is to have him in that position on the powerplay.
by David M. Getz on Oct 12, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree and I’ll elaborate tomorrow, but I would rather Pothier out there on the point and Ovechkin slide down to the forward slot.
Disclaimer, I haven’t looked at shot-handedness, so I don’t know if Potsy can play opposite Green.
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2009 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erskine, Schultz, ShaMo, Sloan, and Poti are lefties, Green, Juice, and Potsy are righties.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect, I give two hoots about “biggest goal differential” when I see clear shorthanded opportunities from opponents game after game after game. It’s gonna burn us when it really matters at some point, trust me.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with you, personally, I much prefer to see AO on the boards against teams like NYR, PHI, and NJD, just because those short-handed opportunities are going to happen against those teams, and I don’t want him caught in that. But AO’s awfully effective from the point as well. Far more so than most players in the league, let alone the team’s D. Green’s the only other D who comes close, but they need Ovechkin to be QB #2 until they can find a better legitimate point shot.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, Ovie’s effective there. I suppose in a must-score situations (i.e. end-game, trailing) it’s worth the risk.. as to finding a better legitimate point shot… up to this point all we see is Ovie at point, so how can we find one?
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
part of the reason the PP has been so effective (last year at least) was the fact that ovie can slip down from the point relatively unnoticed and take that cross pass for an open net. he’ll get less of those opportunities playing along the boards and will have fewer opportunities to use that deadly snapshot we all love
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
point taken but
there’s nothing ovie does that goes “relatively unnoticed” at this point
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. And when I think of the unnoticed back door pass I think of Green. AO is a shark and he finds open spaces where the puck is going. He’ll do that no matter where he is, it’s how he plays. I’d prefer him sharking around the net, not the blue line.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 12, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect, I give two hoots about "biggest goal differential"
Um, you are aware that the team with more goals wins, right? I mean, I understand people being skeptical about more esoteric stats like Corsi ratio, but really? Bagging on “goal differential”? Isn’t everything else in hockey just about trying to improve your goal differential by scoring more and allowing fewer?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 12, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
riddle me this
Number of Ovie PP goals in the last three games?
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Riddle me this
Number of AO PP goals in his career while playing the point?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'll answer mine while you look up yours
zero. thanks for playing.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but seriously though
could it possibly be that the league has taken note of Ovie’s PP tendencies at the point from years pat and are thus being more aggressive attacking the blue line and subsequently forcing more turnovers? i know if i were an opposing coach, i would send PKers flying at him at all times to disrupt him and cause possible shorthandeded breaks. I mean it’s not that hard to figure out.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think so. The aggressive teams (PHI and NYR) were aggressive last year. Maybe more teams will try that but if you don’t have the personnel, which most teams don’t, then you can’t play that way or you’ll get burned by our PP.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 12, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And how long do you think that dry spell is going to last? He’s been awfully productive from the point on the PP in his career, that hasn’t changed.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 12, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes but he's played the point so much in the last two years
perhaps BB can try him in the slot or in a proper forward position for an entire game’s worth of PPs. Just to see. Who knows, he might be equally—if not more—productive operating full-time in the slot or elsewhere.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know I agree about where AO should play, but you can’t be outright dismissive of AO’s PP production from the point. The last 3 games. Mean. Dick. Quick, what’s the longest scoring drought of AO’s career? Who cares because he’s a lock for 50.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't mean to be outright dismissive of it
and i’m sure he’ll rack up goals aplenty against the dregs of the league from the point. I’m just saying: I’ve watched three straight losses to three good teams in which Ovie’s PP point blunders have led to major SH opps…also three games in which our PP has been inept. (i missed the philly loss, dam you directv)… so i bring all this up to say, now might be the time to switch it up.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you’re reading too much into a few early season games. AO has been on the point his whole career in DC and has been a PP beast the whole time. Could he be better in the slot or on the boards? I think so. But of all the complaints and problems I have with the Washington Capitals “AO being on the point” is buried way down the list. That’s not why we lost any game ever. Ever. Even given the Callahan breakaway SHG the Caps win that game if Theo treats his legs like they are family-friendly entertainment and closes them.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Even given the Callahan breakaway SHG the Caps win that game if Theo treats his legs like they are family-friendly entertainment and closes them.
i rofl’ed. this is the best thing i’ve heard all night.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed as far as being a low-priority problem
but for me it one of the only ones that the coaches can directly do something to change. so maybe that’s why i view it as high-priority.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think BB can change all of the problems. If he doesn’t then he shouldn’t, and won’t, be the coach. But he definitely has earned, and will surely get, a good chance to turn it all around.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree
i think we’re all getting a little too jumpy this early in the season. i’m not happy with losing, but its still early. i would expect to see some changes by next game.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right
i mean, “Ovie play in the slot this PP” is a lot easier than, “Jose, close your legs right when they shoot at your five-hole”
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, we WOULD win more games if theo kept his legs closed
we probs would have won that game against the rangers. plus, i think that shot by parise in the SO was something he coulda stopped
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah we would
my point is just that changing a line-up is much easier than changing a player’s tendencies. that’s all.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t sell that Parise shot short. It was absurd. In mid-stickhandle he snapped that shot off lightning quick and deadly accurate. That’s extremely tough when a guy can get the puck off that quick. Parise beat him from 10’ not 60’.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i know
parise’s skills are wicked. i’m def not downplaying that. i just think theo was really slow to react on the shot.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty tough on him but I’m cutting him slack for that one.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough
i’ve always liked parise anyways, so i wouldnt wanna say anything that sells short on his skills. maybe we could trade semin for him. parise sure as heck takes fewer penalties.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Parises goal was really good. The second goal…not so much.
Theo could have let in empty netters in that carnival game and I wouldn’t be saying anything at this point though. He had a really good game and was a beast in OT. If there is someone to pick on for the SO it’s Semin shooting an obvious slapshot to Martys best save.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
haha i know
i had already mentioned my displeasure in semin’s shot so that was boring :-)
langenbrunners goal was definitely stoppable, but that bounce he got was lucky. the puck sorta came back with theo as he went into the next rather than coming straight down off of the blocker.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AO has been on the point his whole career in DC
IIRC that’s not accurate. His first season he was playing a more circle type position, with one guy on the point, two in front of the net, and Ovie and someone else on opposite circles.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true story
but he played the point last year and the PP was flippin AWESOME. it does however rely on the rotation play as somebody mentioned before. i think green will start to come around now that he’s scored. we’ll see.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I think the SH chances against AO have more to do with the fact that he stays out there all 2 minutes and is gassed by the end than it does with him not being good on the point. Notice that most of the blunders, including the Callahan goal, come around the end of the powerplay and AO is too tired to get back.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 13, 2009 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess, as been stated before
he could do a lot less skating by not being on the point and carrying the puck all the way up the ice every time. but good point.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its not really about him skating less
if hes out there the whole two minutes, hes gonna be tired no matter where he is. sure he’ll do less skating if hes not on the point, but ovechkin is most effective when hes skating. yup hockey players generally are more effective when they are skating, but with ovie, it really makes a difference.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
even-strength i agree
on the PP, it’s his shot—not his skating—that’s gonna be the difference maker.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if its just the shot then i'd still want him at the point
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
aww
arguing about who should play at the point was sooo much better than psych hw.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s assuming the formation stays the same. BB could change it every now and then, and tell them again to start rotation plays. We might as well have Juice at the point because from that distance you’re scoring on hard shots, not well-placed shots (minus a few situations like the PKers suddenly leaving Ovie with space by collapsing).
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think Ovi is as "gassed’ as everyone keeps saying. He barely has to skate that much and there are usually quite a few whistles during that full 2 minutes of play. If he’s exhausted he is professional enough to know to get off the ice. He and Green stayed off a few times when the team went right into a PP following a hard shift by them.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how you can watch that Callahan goal and not see a gassed player.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunno, I haven’t watched the highlights, I was at the game.
I just hear that said a lot about him and I don’t see him as being gassed as everyone mentions. I’ll take his speed "gassed’ to what Poti would do.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you're out there for 2 mins
you’re gonna be pretty damned tired unless you dont move AT ALL. considering that ovie is the guy chasing the puck down the ice everytime its cleared, he skates A LOT
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like he’s not that gassed because his stamina is excellent.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats what she said?
his stamina might be great, but that’s still going to tire you out.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh…I just said that he IS tired, but his fitness makes it SEEM like he’s NOT. I think we just said the same thing.
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I can see how my comment was misleading. Sorry.
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I want to know is whether the team can get a good stay-at-home defenseman for Ovechkin. He’s just not carrying his weight. Better dump him while he still has some trade value.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
yea...hes really been lollygagging lately and turning the puck over too much
trade him!
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not yet. They better be sure to move him before it kicks in.
by David M. Getz on Oct 13, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My mistake…he also only has a limited no-trade clause, right?
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't know why you're going the heavy sarcasm route here
to an honest suggestion from an honest fan…i mean, do you really think i question ovie’s value? sheesh.
i take it that’s your style. so i’ll leave you be.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
relax chief
humor lightens the mood :-)
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it might burn the team, I agree with that. But if it hurts them once and it benefits them ten times, it’s worth doing.
by David M. Getz on Oct 13, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate AO on the point. Obviously my opinion. Means. Dick. But I like him hanging around the slot. That makes all 4 PKers pay attention to him and slide to him. That closes the box and makes a ton more room for everyone else. He’s easy to isolate on the point and that neutralizes him more. If he’s in the slot loose pucks are going to find him, or he’ll find them. He’ll be closer to the net for rebounds. I just think it’s a better situation. He may be able to stay out longer on the point, but he still can’t do 2 minutes at the point, and when he gets gassed it’s a SH breakaway the other way. I think you also underestimate how much more skating the point guys have to do when the puck gets cleared. He has to go back to his own goal line to retrieve it. If he was playing a true F role he could hang at the offensive blue line, spread the D out, and potentially catch the PK in a bad change and get a quick head man. I like some combination of Green/Semin/Backstrom carrying the puck into the zone and I think I may even like Semin on the point more than AO (but don’t hold me to that yet).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 12, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
totally agree on retrieving the puck
didn’t even mention that but that’s another major negative to Ovie on the point. Wasted strides retrieving/bringing up the puck that leads to the domino effect of fatigue which leads to fumbles on clearances which leads to shorty opportunities the other way.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well in my opinion
ovie needs to limit the giveaways in all facets of the game, not just the PP
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me the biggest issue with moving Ovechkin from the point to a forward spot is that it bumps someone else. You’re not just trading Semin at forward for Ovechkin at forward, you’re also trading Semin on the first unit for Pothier or Poti on the first unit.
by David M. Getz on Oct 13, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depending on who you move to that point. If Semin can’t play that point then maybe you just spread the wealth and actually go with 2 PP units. There are plenty of talented NHL players on 2nd PP units.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
via Corey:
“Bruce Boudreau says John Erskine is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Nothing broken, but he’s sore from a blocked shot.”
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series."
by Steck It Out on Oct 12, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m seriously considering skipping NHL Center Ice this year. I’m not sure I keep watching this team every game.
Anyone think BB has taken this team as far as he’s ever going to?
Washington’s 5-on-3 should be money in the net. Instead, it’s just plain horrible. You can change the 3 in that sentence to a 4 if you’d like.
Please stop putting AO on the shootout. If you must, have him him shoot first.
It’s time to start having a center carrying the puck up ice.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 12, 2009 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Melodrama your favorite flavor of ice cream?
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had just got done watching the game…was pretty pissed off.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 13, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please stop putting AO on the shootout. If you must, have him him shoot first.
I don’t understand – I regard the first slot as the most important one. Why is it either don’t use him or use him in the most important slot?
by David M. Getz on Oct 12, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no inconsequential shoot-out position, but I’d argue that going last is most important, if the shoot-out makes it that far.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea
and if semin is gonna take slapshots, i sure as heck dont want him going last
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i can only recall Sasha doing that 1 other time in the shoot out. We all know OV last year would fake left and go right most of the time. Sasha actually, IMO, makes sure he mixes it up so that no one has him pegged.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
by kurlNdrag on Oct 12, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha yea
i’m just pissed that he did that. didn’t mean he’d always do that.
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with labeling ‘last’ most important is that you don’t know when ’last’s is going to be; if you save your best shootout guy for #3 and fail to score on your first two while the other team converts on their first two, you’ve failed to give your best shooter the chance to score.
by David M. Getz on Oct 13, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AO may be a two-time MVP but he’s at or below the average in SO/penalty shots (assuming 2 in 3 shots are stopped by the goalie). BB needs to start putting other players out there that aren’t as well known by goaltenders.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 13, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What Ovie is though is great on breakaways. Players themselves say that SOs/penalty shot situations and breakaways in-game are drastically different. The former is really mental and rehearsed, while the latter is more instinct.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AO great on breakaways? No sir.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course he is. I reckon he converts more than half of them (though I don’t know how that compares to other NHLers). He’s horrible (ever since early in his rookie year) in shootout/penalty shots, but great on the spur of the moment breakaways. Forget Game 7, F&B…
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No. I’m just not agreeing on this one. You can forget game 7 but the reality is I feel much more confident AO will score in any scenario except a breakaway. I don’t think he’s above 50% on all breakaways combined whether PS, SO or in game breakaway.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who would you want to hire as coach instead?
by CapsFan75 on Oct 12, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m just saying I see a look of complete frustration on BB’s face the last four games.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 13, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something has changed from the Boston game to now: the team fired on all cylinders, gave a good effort, and dominated. Since that game, they’ve looked off, starting with the 3rd period against Toronto.
Tonight, it really showed in one particular, inconsequential break-out by Mike Green, you all may have noticed it, too, when Green was coming out from behind Jose and Backstrom nearly ran into him. It didn’t bother anything, or keep them from breaking out or anything, but that’s something we don’t see too often, with them being that out of sync. They looked like they couldn’t anticipate where their teammates were going to be.
Green looked like Green, again, finally, for all the good and bad that brings. I’m glad he’s confident, but he was cheating a little too far. I don’t blame him, though: he feels like he’s just as put-upon as Ovechkin, and he really wanted another taste of the net.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I was at the game behind that net and noticed that breakout too. Needless to say my hands were partially covering my eyes for fear that Backie’s skate would knock the puck in his own net for the game-loser. Yikes.
http://dclandingstrip.blogspot.com/
by ninefttall on Oct 13, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who do you think he is?
tom poti?
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and one more thing: did anyone else nearly die laughing when they saw Martin Brodeur club Brooks Laich?
I’m glad he was okay and all, but it was like watching a Wile E. Coyote cartoon with him running face first into an anvil, or something. And it didn’t help matters when they replayed it in slow motion, and we could see Brooks’ face smooshing over and over again.
He got hit so hard!
Lol.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 12, 2009 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was actually pretty pissed. It’s a ridiculously reckless play and deserved 4 minutes. Marty “If you wear a mirrored visor my safety may be at risk” Brodeur cannot be swinging his paddle at that height in traffic.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 12, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was slightly comical but i was also peeved
if ever there were a time for the phrase “all fun and games until somebody loses an eye”… cause seriously, Brooksy coulda lost an eye right there.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I woulda settled for a tooth
But it wouldn’t have made a difference the way the PP was going at that point in the game.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, no “hahas” here either. I think I scream “what the fuck” pretty loudly and stood out of my seat. I didn’t know who it was and then I was glad to see Brooks was OK.
I did almost die laughing when Jose dropped his stick when he was doing his switch-a-roo thing to play the puck.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brooksy’s lucky he didn’t get the gate for goalie interference…
by redlineblue on Oct 13, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont want this to continue, but I have to admit I think this maybe what this team needs. Break all the egos down by loosing for a bit to get them to re focus on playing together again. I just hope it gets turned around before the end of the month.
On a seperate note, anyone catch the end of the Calgary v. Chicago barn burner?
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
by kurlNdrag on Oct 12, 2009 11:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I tend to agree… it’s better this happens now than later in the season. The “best line ever” + “Caps leading power rankings” + “Caps leading all scoring categories” etc. etc. was getting a little much after two friggin games.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 12, 2009 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course, they have to make sure they don’t dig themselves into too big of a hole, first.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 12, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i remember losing both of the games we played last year after moving to the 1 spot in the power rankings
that seems to be a bad spot for the caps
by twistedlogic on Oct 12, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe its an underdog thing
they prefer the surprising upset victory!
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was reading somewhere a comparison with the dynasty Oilers???
i don’t even remember where or what exactly it said, but just the headline made me cringe. Too much, too soon. But this is the blogosphere we live in, I guess.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recall reading that headline also.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 13, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was an article here…and it was just stat comparisons with some food for thought.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No sweat… that awesomeness they bottled up after game 1 is in the Awesome Cellar where it will stay until April.
Come get your sauce, Sid! I hope and pray we get those guys again in the playoffs and just annhilate ‘em. OK, I’ll settle for a win, no need to be greedy.
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 14, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I watched CHI/CGY and sat there thinking “at least we aren’t them.” I think the Caps will get things turned around eventually, and on the bright side they won’t have the division locked up by New Year’s.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couple o’ observations:
— Rotation on the power play is gone. Boudreau preached about this last year and the players would do it a couple games, stop and he had to keep reminding them. They’re standing still again allowing for passes to be picked off, as well as eliminating the play that sets up Green to come in the back door while Backstrom makes the in-close dish.
— Despite the goal MB30>Greenlife52. Marty stole one off that chance where Green raised his arms prematurely. Greenie was probably putting his tweet together in his head.
by chockster on Oct 12, 2009 11:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you on the first observation. Not sure what your point is on the second. MB30 is going to go down as one of the top 5 goalies ever. Most lists will have him top 3. Mike Green is a 24 year old with one good and one great season under his belt. I don’t think anyone is arguing that Mike Green is a first ballot HoFer right now.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a battle of the Self-marketed NHL Player All-Stars with fancy Web sites. Recall that MB30 on his helmet coincided with Marty’s MartinBrodeur30 Web site launched last year before that injury. If only Brodeur twittered …
by chockster on Oct 13, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks to the Japers’ Rink Ticket Exchange, I was able to attend the game tonight. (Thanks again, Zephyr!) From Section 408 I saw a highly entertaining game that was well-played by both teams. I was happy for Green and his birthday goal, and even happier for Knuble when he scored next.
The team played with discipline and energy (Period 2 was a little slow), but the offense had a poor night with uncharacteristic missed passes, stick whiffs, and pucks taking bad bounces.
The crowd stayed with the team right to the bitter, bitter end and it was a lot of fun roaring with them as Nicky got his SO goal and then Sasha and AO…didn’t. :: Sigh. ::
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 12, 2009 11:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wasn’t Sasha or Ovi’s day, in that department.
I think everyone’s trying to run Sasha out of town on a rail at this point, sad to say. I’m one of the wierdos who likes him, for some reason.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 13, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure who you think is running him out of town. If you mean that people overwhelmingly think Baxter is more valuable, then I guess we have different definitions of “running him out of town.”
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i'm not running anybody out
i hate his idiotic penalties. i was just commenting on how slick nick was with that shot. you couldnt have asked for better placement. i was kinda hoping ovie woulda gone top shelf too cuz brodeur was fairly committed to the splits by the time ovie released the shot
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He also had 5 hole open but it’s hard to decide that quickly. He has that huge hook so I don’t know how much control he has to go up top in that situation.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i thought about that right after i posted
with that blade its prob pretty difficult to lift the puck.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hah, you’re welcome. It was really no big deal to setup.
I guess you went with D’ohboy? That must have been pretty fun.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please God,
Please let the Caps win One Stanley Cup while Ovi is still with the team (and while I’m still alive.)
Of course, if the Caps win one, I’ll think of wanting another.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 13, 2009 12:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
You know, while I’m not there quite yet, this thought did just run through my head—if we’re trophy-less next season, we’ll be in that weird limbo that Cleveland Cavs fans must feel with Lebron. Like their this year is our next year, if that makes sense. If the Cavs don’t win it this year (or at least get there), something’s gotta give.
But yeah. We got a ways to go.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wonder if being critical of Semin is okay now? Last post, not published, maybe allowed now? I do have an avatar now.
by bestpilot on Oct 13, 2009 12:59 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for the avatar. And around here, it’s always OK to be critical of Semin.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Slapshot
I’m just not that upset about it. If Semin puts that right under the crossbar it’s a goal. I think Semin, undefended, can put a slapshot in right under the bar probably 4/5 times. He shot a little low and it looked like a pretty easy save. If it works out like this (I’d watch on mute, personally) or this then nobody is complaining.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 13, 2009 1:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I missed it, but I have no problem with pretty much any shot a shooter feels comfortable making in a shootout.
As long as it’s at least on net.
by Icebat on Oct 13, 2009 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah no major problem with it
It was on target and brodeur is tough on dekes
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 13, 2009 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just don’t know why he’d go glove side with a windup slapshot on Marty. His glove\glove side along with his ability to read shots is second to none. A Semin snapshot or wristshot would have had a much better chance of finding it’s mark IMO.
I’m sure he could make that 1 out of 10 times on Marty and he if did, you’re right, no one would be saying anything negative…
It’s just a SO anyway. That OT made the whole game worth going to for me. Jose was excellent while performing his best Hasek impersonation a few times tonight.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 13, 2009 2:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clark
Seems out of place. Always either a step behind of the puck defender and now the game’s action. It doesn’t seem like he’s with it.
by snowburnt on Oct 13, 2009 7:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We keep saying it's early but...
The Caps have to do more than okay in October and November to contend for the Cup. The Pens had 27-25-5 record , five points out of the final spot when Therrien got fired.
Then Bylsma got hired and they won 18 out of their last 25.
Nothing like that will likely happen here. But the same issues are cropping up over and over.
by S h a g g y on Oct 13, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Observations from Section 421
1) Theo and Brodeur were both The Man last night. Both were outstanding and had great games. Theo was awesome in the third and in OT, while Brodeur was great from the second period on (he was ok in the first, but still, 2 goals against…)
2) The first Devils goal was possibly the worst mental lapse/breakdown I’ve seen all season (albeit there are only 6 games.) The Caps break in, take a shot, it’s blocked, the Devils transition, and for about 1.5 seconds all three Caps forwards suffered a simultaneous brain fart (and we all know how painful that can be). The play was not a 3-on-2, but actually a 4-on-2… and the Devils cashed in.
3) The second goal by the Devils was another problem in that for some reason the guys couldn’t get the puck out. There comes a point in time when even icing the puck is acceptable, and that was it…
4) Zach Parise is a heckuva player, isn’t he?
5) Nice for Clark to stand up to Clarkson, but he’s a little out of his league with Clarkson. It’d be as if Sugar Ray Leonard had stepped into the ring to fight Evander Holyfield…
So after 6 games, the Caps are 1-1-1 at home and on the road for a 2-2-2 record. The schedule has been tough with five of the six games being against playoff teams from last year. After the Sharks on Thursday, five of the next six are against non-playoff teams, including two each with the Islanders and Atlanta, two cures for any team in a funk…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 13, 2009 9:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s pretty obvious now that Michael Nylander is the missing piece of the puzzle. What puzzle, you say? Uh……
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 13, 2009 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If only we could activate him for shootouts only…
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Oct 13, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they allowed you go move backwards in shootouts he could bore the goalies to death with his predictable circum-skate-ocution and then score ftw.
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For all the criticism of Semin going on these days, he’s actually only ONE goal off last year’s pace. He had a great stretch early this year and has had a couple of rough games, with a penalty against Detroit.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 14, 2009 7:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
21 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
19 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 18 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 9:16 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
