Tuesday Caps Clips: The Slide Hits Four Games
by J.P. on Oct 13, 2009 6:28 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
Email
PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps of last night's loss from Corey (blog, article), Tarik (blog, article), Vogs, Peerless, In Lou We Trust (SBN's Devils blog), OFB, Cap Centre, Ed Frankovic, Puckhead and Hockey Mom.
- Pictures! [Tic Tac Toe Hockey (some gorgeous shots for Devils fans), Caps In Pictures]
- At least Caps fans can spell. [Cap Centre]
- The Caps are ninth on The Hockey News's new power rankings (down six spots) and down six to eighth at The Sporting News.
- Elliotte Friedman is "[b]eginning to wonder how Washington will handle the pressure of high expectations." [CBC.ca]
- Ted Leonsis will do an "Ask the Owner" segment on WTOP at 10:00 this morning. [Listen here]
- ... and if that's not enough Ted for you, here he is, unfiltered. [LA Times]
- Bruce Boudreau likens coaching to parenting - "when your kids do something wrong you either scold them or you cajole them" - which, of course, fits in with how the owner viewed the team recently. [Capitals]
- Spotlighting the Caps' "Hockey Fights Cancer" efforts. [Hockey Mom]
- George McPhee confirmed that the team is working on a deal to send back to Sweden their Swedish center that's been a healthy scratch for every game thus far this season. What? Who'd you think I meant? [In The Room]
- Bear Tracks! [Lebanon Daily News]
- Braden Holtby is taking full advantage of Michal Neuvirth's injury to show the organization what he's got. [Lebanon Daily News]
- Mark Messier talks to SB Nation about "The Mark Messier Project," which is aimed at preventing head injuries in hockey (Matt Bradley wears a specially designed helmet as part of the project). [SB Nation]
- Finally, happy 44th birthday to Paul Cavallini.
244 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
anybody else starting to get concerned about how easily the Caps get pinned inside their own zone? It was really noticeable in the Pens series, and has been noticeable in every game this year (though not so much after the first 10 minutes of the Boston game).
Along that same line of thought, the Caps don’t seem to forecheck as aggressively as they did when Bruce first took over. Its been a gradual thing, but I bet if you compared video from last nights game to December 2007 you’d notice a huge difference.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
how easily the Caps get pinned inside their own zone
Most definitely noticeable. I wonder if it has anything to do with all of the souvenirs they were sending over the glass last year.
Quiet, don’t want to jinx it.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 13, 2009 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Getting pinned in your own zone is 1 or more of these things:
1. Players out of position
2. Players on the ice too long.
3. Players not willing to pay the price to get to loose pucks and get them out of the zone.
All of those things are easily remedied, and all of them are things that the Caps suffer from on a regular basis.
I think the largest reason for the Devils’ second goal was number two. Read that as you wish.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Pothier should have lifted a stick.
Also, Laich should have dumped it out rather than trying to skate it out. Take the icing, at least you have a 50/50 shot of winning the draw.
Yea, but I can see why he would try to skate it out. Icing doesn’t get those players off the ice, and it only gets them a brief break in the action. In hindsight, he should have just taken an icing call, but he was trying for the line change.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Chicken or the egg? They were only on the ice for so long because they were being outworked on the cycle.
The key is that if you have the opportunity, you need to get it out, Period!
If you take the icing, you take the icing. Maybe that results in a goal, but you can take a breath. The Caps on that shift just got flat outworked and didn’t get it out on the opportunity that they had.
Could have taken the time out after the icing as well.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
I don’t know if it’s anything new. They’ve been terrible at clearing the puck since the rebuild. Seems they always try to send it along the boards and there’s always an opponent there to keep the puck in. Plus the Caps collapse into the box really fast, so there’s never anyone challenging the guy who just kept it in.
And that’s on Bruce. He plays a fast-collapsing box, and prays that his players are fast enough to get back to the points to cover when the need arises. Against fast, dangerous teams, it’s a bad strategy, as the point men are simply open to fire at will. That’s 10 of 29 teams they face, and it’s enough to notice that it doesn’t work against those teams.
Tighter points: our D are supposed to be able to get the puck out on their own and send the streaking wings a gift.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 13, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
It seems like the less skilled D (i.e. Juice, Erskine, ShaMo) simply try to bang the puck around the boards and out. It’s too easily read. Green, Pothier, and Poti can make a skill move and do the heads-up clear, although Poti seems to like to simply bang it around too.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
The Caps get pinned in against teams that play the puck well behind the net. I don’t think it’s changing anytime soon.
If you noticed the center takes the man that goes behind. The dmen stand to the side or do whatever is safest based on where the other teams forwards are. This is supposed to help the dmen crash behind and gain possession since there are two men on the puck but if it results in a weak clear attempt they can get pinned in for a long time.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
For the first two periods, I was struck at how well the Caps kep the Devils pinned. It was rare that the Devils exited their own zone under control of the puck, either carrying it or getting a good exit pass out of the zone.
As for that last minute-plus episode that resulted in the Clarkson goal, sometimes a team (and it happens to the Caps more than it should) just gets caught a half second behind, and they end up chasing the puck around the zone. The Caps made two glaring mistakes all night — the one where Morrison and Laich got pinned deep, and the Devils went the other way on a 3-on-2 on which they scored (Rolston), and the minute-plus keep away, when Pothier and Morrisonn were too gassed to get a stick or body on Clarkson.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Boyd Gordon needs to be sent down a line for taking dumb penalties. There’s no line under the 4th you say? Fine with me.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
I’m all in favor of benching Gordon for a game or two but we don’t have a replacement.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
we don’t have a replacement
Brooks Laich to line 3 center, Dave Steckel to line 4.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Then we have a hole on line 2 that can’t be filled til Flash is cleared.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
Aucoin-Laich-Semin or Aucoin-Laich-Knuble would do fine in a pinch. Andrew Gordon is playing very well on the top line. At least Aucoin or Gordon would move his damned feet.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
When are they going to stop letting Ovie participate in the first three rounds of the shootout?
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
When he isn’t on the opening night roster or if he leaves the game before the shootout.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
That’s what I figured.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
Considering his normal moves (or lack thereof) during a shootout, I thought he did himself justice.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 13, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
And the guy in goal for NJ isn’t half bad.
by b.orr4 on Oct 13, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When he’s no longer the best goal-scorer in hockey.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 13, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think a lot of his game is based on speed, though. He (and most players) can’t back a goalie up strolling in on a shootout attempt like he can flying in off the wing on a transitional rush.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
I don’t disagree. But the first time Gabby benches AO and they lose a shootout, the fit hits the shan. Not gonna happen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thinking back to last year’s ASG, Team East had a plethora of worthy shooters to go with. They went with Ovie 3rd, disregarding his poor conversion rate, and it paid off.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Heh, he barely scored too. Looked like he pushed the puck—along with Luongo’s pad—into the net with his stick.
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I know our overall faceoff numbers look pretty good, but the inability to win faceoffs on the powerplay is one of the major factors in the ineffectiveness of that unit. Backstrom, Laich, Morrison—none of them are consistently winning that first faceoff that allows the PP to set up and get going. Serious problem right now.
Caps won 60% of their PP FOs last night (9-for-15), but that one at the beginning of the 5-on-3 that they lost was a killer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I honestly think its a positioning problem rather than a faceoff win problem. Both our point guys, Green and Ovechkin, are looking for a quick shot off the win. For that shot to be any good, they have to be positioned to the side of the faceoff, so they are shooting a hard to see screened shot, not a shot directly into the guys taking the faceoff. Seems like we have seen a lot of wins that went straight back, right between our point guys, and all the way back to our zone. This probably gets helped by the fact that the opponent probably sees the setup and plays the faceoff to allow the clean win, or even just help with a push back.
by HateOffSeason on Oct 13, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
PP Faceoffs:
Laich: 17 won, 14 lost
Morrison: 11 won, 5 lost
Backstrom: 5 won, 4 lost
Not sure how you define consistency, but at least they are all above .500
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s that on the top PP unit, there will be Backstrom to take the draw. If he gets kicked out, then Laich, if Laich is on the ice. Not exactly Steckel’s in the dot, those two.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Judging by those stats, I’d say Laich is the one taking the draw on PP. If he gets kicked out, Backstrom comes in. They’re not dominate on the faceoff like Steckel is on the PK, but I’d say they look decent so far.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Just for reference, PK Faceoffs:
Steckel: 13 won, 4 lost
Gordon: 10 won, 7 lost
Laich: 5 won, 2 lost
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
the first PP unit is one of those places the Caps are really hurting from the loss of Fedorov. I don’t have numbers, but to my eyes (and memory) it looked like he won the majority of faceoffs he took out there. Until the Caps can get someone out there to replace those sorts of numbers, its cross fingers and prayers.
‘08-’09 PP Faceoffs:
Backstrom: 101 won, 100 lost
Laich: 82 won, 72 lost
Fedorov: 62 won, 52 lost
Nylander: 34 won, 31 lost
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Some observations:
In the be careful what you wish for department: The refigured first line was on the ice for both Caps goals while the reworked second line was on the ice for both NJ goals. Semin for his part looked kind of lost out there. I’ll be interested to see if that line comes together.
Boyd Gordon- you’re a nice guy and all, but fourth-liners can’t keep taking crippling penalties late in the game and stay employed. It’s time for Bruce to back up his words and sit him.
Theo-Hey Bruce, if you’re going to rip him for the Rangers goals, how about some strong words of support when he was the best player on the ice for you? Without him, that game never gets to a shootout.
I have no idea. I guess you’d move Dave down a line, but then you have to put Brooks in third line center, which leaves a hole on line 2.. We need more dudes.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
healthy Flash would give line 2 a pseudo sniper, playmaker (Bmo) and grinder (Knuble) if they reverted to the original lines.
That being said, I’m not giving up on Boyd Gordon yet. He’s taken bad penalties for a stretch this season, but I don’t recall him doing so at any other point in his career.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 13, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
People give Laing a lot of grief for being a PK-only type player. I don’t see how Gordon is much different, except for maybe faceoffs.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
That last part is important. More importantly, Gordon’s just a better all-around hockey player than Laing is.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He takes a lot of defensive zone faceoffs and is successful. I can’t find faceoff stats broken down by zone, but I’d venture a guess that they are pretty impressive.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I think JP did these a few months ago (I think), and Gordo’s defensive zone faceoff numbers were pretty monster.
I thought so too, but I couldn’t find anything specifically about the faceoff. There was this post about zone starts. That’s all I could find.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree on Gordon’s horrible penalties (is he pressing too hard to do more in a contract year?), but the PK is bad enough with him in the lineup – can’t bench him. These PIMs are just an aberration… hopefully.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Six games played and in three of them Gordon’s committed horrible, lazy penalties late in the third. If a fourth-liner is allowed to get away with that, then how can the other player’s take Bruce’s threats seriously. I don’t know what’s wrong with him but he has gone from a solid third line center to a marginal fourth line player.
Small sample (and I’m not sure he was ever a solid 3C in my book).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
There’s gotta be something wrong with Gordon so far this season. Perhaps it’s mental. He has a proven track record as a low PIM player, and I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not advocating sending him to Hershey, but I think a game in the press box might help him see the game a little better. Right now, he seems to be a step behind the play which is probably the reason for the penalties. I’m not trying to scapegoat him but if this team can’t survive a game without Boyd Gordon, then their problems are a lot bigger than we think.
I’m not advocating sending him to Hershey, but I think a game in the press box might help him see the game a little better.
I’d agree under different circumstances, but I don’t see what as a viable option right now. Would the team dress Sloan as a forward again? Move Laich to center for a game? Seems like an awful lot of dischord in the lineup just to sit Gordon for a game or two.
There’s always that guy in the press box already…
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
have to worry about Flash’s conditioning at this point. no way he can be game ready after a blot clot?
have a friend that had recurring blood clots in his leg and it derailed his hockey playing days (after the first they just kept on coming…)
Didn’t even notice til you pointed it out.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
No doubt, the lack of centers is a problem, but I’m trying to take a big picture approach. Boyd seems like a guy who works so hard and when he makes bad mistakes, it seems to weigh on him. Watching him go into the penalty box last night, his body language just screamed frustration. I just think he needs a mental health day to get himself back on track. Again, he’s a fourth-liner. The team should be able to get by without him for one game.
Maybe today can be his mental health day. =]
Any player I know wants to get back out on the ice ASAP to work through things and make that next play better than the last. Not be scratched to have time to reflect on it. If that’s what Gordon thinks he needs I don’t want him on the team.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Maybe today can be his mental health day. =]
It might be for us – we have a post up later that will help to take your mind off the season so far.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I doubt Gordon wants a day off, but it isn’t about what he wants. It’s about what Bruce wants and what’s best for the team. Boyd is a defensive specialist who, right now, is a minus player with one point who’s making crucial errors at the worst times. If he’s not a candidate for a game off, then who is?
Problem is as JP mentioned he’s great on PK and draws. If he your average 4th line center I’d agree. Given how many dumb penalties the team as a whole has been taking I’d be loathe to bench him. However, if you did bench him you could double shift Stecks or Laich and just go with top 3 centers.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Double shifting Steckel seems like it might be a disaster right now. No one in the bottom 6 needs to sit. Semin or Green could have been benched just to make a statement but I think that time has passed too.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
I’d like it just to see Stecks with some different linemates. The current third line looks extremely poor at times in the offensive zone. I’m not sold on Steckel centering Clark especially.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
i'm not either
but i think clark really does have some offensive capabilities. he really needs to get himself going. steckel and clark together don’t provide enough offense. however, who would be better there?
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Clark just doesn’t seem to have his hands back at all.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
His legs are back though. And he’s gotten himself in scoring position a few times. I think Clark’s earned more PT, and I think his hands will come. With his history, he needs more than just training camp to really get back up to speed. It took Brendan Morrison a few months last year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
its hard to keep up
when you only play a handful of times over a long period of time.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually his gear doesn’t appear to be in the room, so scratch that.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 13, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
However, should the Caps bench him with SJS coming up?
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:39 AM EDT up reply actions
One probably has nothing to do with the other, but if his back is bothering him, could it affect him enough to cause the out-of-character, stupid penalties?
Semin for his part looked kind of lost out there./blockquote>
I would take the “kind of” out. The reconfigured top 2 lines looked out of sync for large portions of the game and Semin was a mess. Never got into the flow. I didn’t see the game Saturday night, so I’m not clear as to why BB broke up the Care Bears.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Semin’s HHT proclivity rose up Saturday, and he got bumped down as a result. The reconfigured lines had their first regular season action, and I can’t recall how much time Semin had on the Morrison time in the preseason, hence the unsync-ness.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 13, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
OK, thanx BP. I figured something must have happened in that game.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
BP – If I was you I’d take Costa Rica on Wed. night given my luck in DC this week.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Well the US is in, so do your best.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 13, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Crazy quote from Green in Tarik’s blog:
Obviously, there are expectations for me to produce for some reason as a defenseman.
He scored 30+ goals last year and is easily the most scoring-minded defenseman I’ve ever seen. Just confusing for him to act like he shouldn’t be expected to score the occasional goal.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
Dude, don’t pay attention to what Mike Green says. You’ll be scratching your head every time. He’s an odd duck.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
ThugLife52 doesn’t ask you to understand him. He dares you.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
He’s hockey’s version of Yogi Berra
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 13, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Mike Green is the most talented and highly paid headcase I’ve even seen. And some days, he just doesn’t get it at all.
but, hey, maybe a birthday goal is just what he needs to get back in the groove.
Mike Green is the most talented and highly paid headcase I’ve even seen.
Say what? This is a town that’s seen Gilbert Arenas, Jaromir Jagr, and Clinton Portis in less than ten years!
Don’t forget Elijah Dukes.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, and Gangsta Greenie is the most talented of them all! Freakishly talented. And completely headcase-y.
Ok, but maybe not the most highly paid.
I think being so far out of reality that you don’t feel the pressure is actually an asset. That’s what I saw from Greener last year. I think he’s thinking this year, and that needs to stop.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think that’s what he meant. The way people talk doesn’t always translate clearly to paper (or computer screen, whatever). I think that by “for some reason” he more closely meant “in some capacity” meaning he had to do something productive from the back-end. I honestly don’t think he’s shocked that he has expectations. He knew he had expectations from the minute he signed that big deal last summer.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
in Mike’s defense, I think his “for some reason” could have been read as “there are people out there that think I’m going to be a 65 goal scorer and if I don’t I’m a failure.” Because the pressure on the guy to score every night from the media and puck glitterati is just insane. Four games into the season, no goals, and everyone (well, not everyone) is screaming “Mike Green is a fluke!!!!!!!!!!! And he’s a horrible d-man, too!”
Did anyone else think that the call on BMo in the OT was a bit soft, especially considering it was made right after Knuble was dumped on essentially the same play?
The ref’ing last night wasn’t as bad as its been, but that was 2 penalities, or none.
No, it was the right call. He didn’t intend to trip the donk, but you have to be responsible for your stick at all times.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
Fine, I can’t argue that. But then it should have been called when Mottau’s stick was lodged firmly between Knuble’s legs lower in the zone as he made a crossover to get back into the play.
I also thought the guy went down a little too easy, but on the other hand, that’s exactly what I’d tell my players to do if I were a coach.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t know if you saw the Broncos/Patriots game but in the 4th the Broncos punted and the punter almost got ran over but made a nice move to hurdle the guy. No flag. Then NE punted an the punter made sure the oncoming guy bumped him and he went down. Flag and first down. So lame.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Speaking of punters, last night the Jets punter bobbled the snap and decided to just run for it. Got a first down without being touched.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
It starts with the power play
In the first games, the power play was working (as we all expected it to), but since then one big thing I’ve noticed is that these guys simply are not scoring with the man (or in some cases 2 man) advantage. It’s one thing to take “stupid” penalties at bad times than can lead to opponents taking a lead in the 3rd period, but it’s another to not capitalize when given the same opportunities.
Last night the Caps were given almost a full minute of 5 on 3 PP time, sandwiched between minute long 5 on 4 sessions, and not a single puck hit the back of the net. Most of the 5 on 3 was, in my opinion, squandered away regrouping after a lost face-off and a subsequent clearing, and just too much passing of the puck back and forth. Now, I’m not the guy that just stands there screaming “shoot it!!!” every time they get the puck — I know it’s not that simple, but you HAVE TO put the puck towards the goal when youv’e got one those rare 2 man advantages. If you can’t beat a team 5 on 3 or 5 on 4 with your “best” offensive guys on the ice, what chance do you have at even strength?
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 13, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions
They had a ton of PP shots, though.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
True, but you still can’t overlook the fact that they simply are not scoring on the PP lately.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 13, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
The point was that they’re trying to be too cute at times and too simple at others. Shots mean squat if they’re not going in. Granted, that was Martin Brodeur in net, but how can we expect them to beat NJD in the postseason, or PIT for that matter, when it really counts? Special teams have to come up big. What was the special teams goal differential last season, +3 or something? Atrocious considering the PP was #2.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
This is the same story as last year now. PK playing well and the PP struggling. I’ll throw my hands up in the air and run around screaming “everyone pancake!” by thanksgiving if the PP still sucks.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Seems like way too many pucks are getting cleared out of the offensive zone that should be kept in while on the PP as well.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 13, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
The puck is bouncing a lot at verizon. We’ve seen Ovi lose the puck and whiff on things he would never miss. Ovi and Green got really good last year at keeping the puck in. I think they’ll get back to that form.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
The puck is bouncing a lot at verizon. We’ve seen Ovi lose the puck and whiff on things he would never miss.
There was a LOT of that last night.
IS PAЯTY NOW
It must be getting close to NBA season.
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:41 AM EDT up reply actions
They did have a lot of shots, but their decisions on when to take shots were pretty poor (I’m thinking specifically of Backstrom shooting into Brodeur’s chest from on the goal line while on a 5 on 3). But as has been said numerous times, the big problem is not so much the shooting, but the lack of movement. They just aren’t moving their feet and making the other team work hard enough on the PP.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 13, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Does anybody else want to see Jose stick around for another year? If he keeps playing at near the level he is now, he could be a great guy to start 30 games (assuming Varlamov or Neuvirth prove to be starters this year.) I guess the big concern would be the weight of the contract..
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
A bit early to be asking that question, imo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
“if he keeps playing at near the level he is now”
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
not at his current rate, no.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Oct 13, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Only if the Caps gave him a 1 year contract so he is in a contract year again. But really, he had flashes of brilliance last season too. That doesn’t mean jack without consistency. The Flyers were ready to give Emery a Vezina 2 games into the season.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
It is a bit early, but if Varlamov and Neuvirth don’t prove themselves capable of being the goalies in DC, then Theo gets the new deal I’m guessing.
by red army line on Oct 13, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Or we could pick up Dan Ellis or something.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
Might not be so sure
Ellis has outplayed Rinne in Nashville’s first few games, especially considering that Rinne was pulled yesterday in a game vs the Oilers
Space Weed Says For The Belligerent and Truculent
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Oct 13, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but Nashville leaks a great goalie to free agency about every other year.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
It’s October. I’ll worry about goalie situation come Spring. We have depth at the position.
I’m still not sold on JT long term. He’s been solid so far this season, even spectacular in short stretches of games. The question is can he do it over the long haul.
I’m much more concerned that he seems to be the rare Cap who looks like he learned something from last season.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Imagine if the Caps had re-upped Olie for another year, then signed Craig Anderson this past offseason. Goaltending woes=solved.
by red army line on Oct 14, 2009 4:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Olie barely had much left in the tank as it was. Resigning him meant not getting Huet or making the playoffs in 08 and not having reliable goaltending in 09. I don’t see how any problem would be solved. Anderson would be on a multiyear deal and we’d just be burying our rookies in the depth chart for even longer.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I don’t think there is much chance Theo gets a new deal. The kids need a look. Holtby needs regular playing time. The team needs more cap space. And Theo is a head case that only has the tenuous trust of the organization.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I’m choosing not to get worried at 2-2-2. As our esteemed moderator said recently, “Regular Season Doesn’t Mean Dick”.
by mechanicsville on Oct 13, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I’m not worried about 2-2-2. I’m worried about the fact that the exact same kinds of problems that we saw fell the team last year seem to be back and be just as significant.
Exactly. This team seems to be stuck in the proverbial mud. Not improved except on the PK. I’m not concerned for the regular season as much as I am that this crap is going to continue again into the post season. The inconsistent play all around is maddening.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
To take The Boss’ analogy another step (the spoiled teenagers)… the Caps are the kids who come back from summer vacation to the first day of school, and the teachers have found that they have forgotten all their lessons from last academic year.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 13, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I’m worried about the fact that the exact same kinds of problems that we saw fell the team last year seem to be back and be just as significant.
Watching them get outworked for long stretches of time last night was the mist disturbing part of last night’s loss. When the Penguins beat them in the playoffs, it was obvious the Pens were willing to work harder. NJ’s second goal was just a classic example of one team wanting it more than the other. Until the Caps figure that out, expect more blown third period leads.
NJ’s second goal was just a classic example of one team wanting it more than the other.
I disagre wholeheartedly. For sure, the Caps couldn’t get the puck out of the zone…even an ice…before the goal. But you’re taking one shift and generalizing the entire game. There were plenty of times last night where the Caps were cycling the puck deep just as aggressively. Obviously the difference is the Caps didn’t take advantage and put one home. But over all, I thought they looked better than they had since the first half of the Toronto game.
Apropos of zilch:
Crosby has 1 assist in his first 6 games, and the Pens are 5-1.
by S h a g g y on Oct 13, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s also got four goals, is +3, and averages 20 minutes a game. To be honest, I’d rather Ovechkin have zero points and the Caps be 6-0-0
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely. My post was more an attempt to convince myself not to get too concerned. But you’re right, and I’m hopeful that some capable coaching will fix these recurring problems.
by mechanicsville on Oct 13, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I really want to see what Nylander will do in a game.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
I’ve seen it. It’s not good. I can’t recommend it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like OMK, and Semin won’t suffer a wit opposite 19.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Oct 13, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
no
i really like ovie and backstrom together. plus that line of clark, steckel, and fehr will provide less offense than the redskins in the redzone
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Impossible.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
unfortunately you're probably right
which is awful coming from a skins fan :-(
otoh, its great cuz it means our thrid line isnt THAT bad. just kinda reminscent of a 4th line.
by twistedlogic on Oct 13, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I realize that, amigo. At this point , I’ll take some Circles in addition to Cycles – at least Nyls occasionally goes to the net.
by S h a g g y on Oct 13, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
No thank you on the Nylander thing…let’s not a little streak get to us that much.
I’ll point out that the Caps were real streaky last year, too. I actually looked it up, but they had something like 7 losing streaks of at least 3 games. Only one was as much as 4, I think, but they had their fair share of slumps and slides last year.
They’ll get hot this year, too. Remember in January last year when they seemingly couldn’t lose? Then they were tepid down the stretch and into the playoffs? I would much rather them be hot in April this year.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 13, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No way. Last thing we need is him getting hurt in the midst of trade negotiations. Also, Boyd gives us way more than Nyles at this point even with his love for the sin bin lately.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 13, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
If he gets hurt, the guy goes on LTIR and doesn’t count towards cap anyway.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Only if it’s a long term injury, only while he’s on LTIR, and it prohibits the team from banking cap space.
Because the team is banking so much cap space now.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Because the option to move a guy, especially on defense, still exists.
And because the cap relief is only temporary.
The fact remains that if Nylander is a better option than Gordon at any point during the season, and we’re only carrying 13 forwards (or 14 and Fleischmann is out), and Nylander is NOT in the roster, Bruce Boudreau is failing as a coach to dress the best possible team he can.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
That would be true if Nyls was ever a better option than Gordon. Even with Gordon sucking ass through a straw Nyls isn’t a good option. Nyls absolutely cannot play in a checking role in the NHL. He can’t play PK. He can’t do any of the things that Gordon can do except take stupid stick fouls. We don’t need that in the lineup.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
This might come as a shock, but not all teams dress their fourth lines to be checking lines, and just because we do doesn’t mean we can’t mix it up. With Laing, Steckel, Bradley, Clark, Semin, and Laich, there’s no reason our PK should suffer at least from an upfront standpoint. And you’re not asking him to play a checking line role. A line of Laing-Nylander-Bradley is an energy line, pure and simple, that’ll likely focus on cycling away as much clock as their 9-12 minutes can do. And Nylander adds more offense to that line than Gordon ever will.
Just because you assume that a fourth liner has to check doesn’t mean that’s wha it has to do.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
But what’s Nylander’s usefulness as an energy line guy? He doesn’t play a particularly up-tempo style, doesn’t forecheck all that well, doesn’t hit, doesn’t make life a pain in the rear for defenders in the corner or in front of the net, etc.
That’s why you put two with him, and let him play his game. I’m sick and tired of people acting like he’s not a servicable center on the sole basis of his contract. I’d compare him to a lawn mower. And while his blades may be dull and really all he does is go around in circles at a slow pace, he still cuts the damn grass.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 13, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
To be fair I don’t think, F&B said Nylander wasn’t a serviceable center at the NHL level in any capacity, just that he doesn’t bring the same skill set Gordon does.
I was answering you. He’s not being asked to check. A line assignment doesn’t equate to a gameplay assignment. And yes, the team would be better off without his contract, but assuming he’s healthy, which there’s no reason he shouldn’t be, he shouldn’t hurt the team. Last year, he played 72 games, and we still won our division. Yeah, he only had 33 points, but he was an even player in +/- and he obviously contributed what he could in a reduced minutes role. Before his injury, he was still just under a point per game player. For the contract, yeah, we should get rid of him, but I do think playing him is the right move.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
Well I definitely didn’t say he wasn’t a serviceable NHL center, I said that I don’t think he does the things you want out of an energy line player, which I think is a valid question given that you had him on what you described as a “energy line”.
I’ll say it. Within this system, he’s not a serviceable center. He’s not very good defensively. On other teams, he’s made up for that with offensive production, but to produce on this team he’d have to play on a top line. That ain’t going to happen.
A poor defensive center who isn’t generating any offense — I think the Caps can do better than that on their 4th line.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
A poor defensive center who isn’t generating any offense — I think the Caps can do better than that on their 4th line.
I’m not sure how bad a defensive player he is. Aside from his first season back in DC (when he was playing with a torn rotator cuff), he’s only been a minus player twice in his last 15 seasons. Everything I’ve seen from him seems to indicate he’s pretty responsible in the defensive end of his game. It’s his offensive game I have a problem with.
The more granular stats paint a pretty terrible picture — at least for the last couple of years.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 13, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. Maybe he could work on some team, but he has to be in a top 6 role. Name one place ever where Nyls has played and been successful without legit scoring threats on his wings? Putting him with Q and Bradley is not setting him up to succeed. It’s setting the whole line up to fail. 4th line guys need to be defensively responsible 5/5 because they aren’t scoring goals. They ideally bring some PK acumen as well. Nyls does neither. Let’s slow the train on a “4th line scoring line” until we can actually do that with a 3rd line.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Nice analogy.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d compare [Nylander] to a lawn mower.
um, so Joe Finley is going to throw him across the front lawn at 3 am?
by RedBirdie on Oct 13, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
The fact remains that if Nylander is a better option than Gordon at any point during the season…
That’s a separate issue from whether or not it would be beneficial for the Capitals to put Nylander on LTIR if they could.
But I disagree. Doing what’s best for the team and dressing the best possible team on a given night are not one and the same.
I’d be curious to see if there’s anything behind Gordo not practicing today. Maybe there’s an injury he’s been nursing that could account for his iffy play lately.
Isn’t that the same issue he had last season when he missed a bunch of games or was it something else?
His back didn’t come to a full stop before the next pitch?
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 13, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for thinking what I was thinking.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 13, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Goalie Pads
Read this and thought it might be of interest to some of you….
In 2003 the league limited the size of a goalie pad to 38 inches high, but goalies can use that size any way they want. Pads are measured from the inside of your ankle to your knee and then from your knee to the top of your thigh, so goalies often add "thigh rise" (i.e., extra pad) to the top to get to the 38-inch limit if they want them that high. A shorter goalie might use a 33+5 pad, or a taller goalie might use 37+1, depending on the original size of the pad and how tall the goalie is (or at least how long his legs are). The end result is that Chris Osgood and Steve Valiquette end up using the same size pad, even though one of them is 5′11″ and the other one is 6′5″.
That’s just plain goofy, so starting next year goalies will be required to use pads that are measured and fitted to them by the NHL. It won’t be a big change for the bigger guys, but smaller goalies who’ve been using bigger pads will feel the crunch
No talk about the pants or the C\A though. Maybe next year…
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Good find, Zephyr. I look forward to seeing how it plays out.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
It’s the width that matters, right?
Right?
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
No the height is what closes off the 5 hole for those little guys like Osgood and Legacy.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I was reaching for humor there.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
That’s what she said?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 13, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
NHL goalies don’t really use the thigh rise to close the 5hole that much since it gives off such an extreme rebound.
I expect some goalies to be better because they’ll have more mobility back and won’t feel pressured into wearing the largest pad possible.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
NHL goalies don’t really use the thigh rise to close the 5hole that much since it gives off such an extreme rebound.
Not intentionally, but the thigh rise does help prevent anything from squeaking through when in the butterfly if the goalie is a little slow getting down or isn’t expecting a 5-hole shot (say on a deflection or a screened shot). For some of the butterfly goalies that have the really tall thigh rises it makes it almost impossible to squeak anything through down low.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 13, 2009 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, still 11 inches but the 38 inch max pad height will be enforced based on goalie by goalie measurements.
I would like to see what formula they are going to use some guys might end up looking way different a year from now.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Theo’s pads are pretty proportional to his height. I don’t think he’ll be affected much.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 13, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I would definitely love to see the formula for measurement and how it works. Does the NHL fit them then send the specifications to the manufacturer of the player’s choice?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Yeah some guy is going around measuring every goaltender right now and will be sending the measurements to all the companies.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
LeBrun says: The two goalies who apparently would have had to shorten the pads the most were Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury and Calgary’s Miikka Kiprusoff.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
Take away his Cup!
/cled
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 13, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Kiprusoff never seemed like he was abusing the thigh rise, but Fleury is definitely not a shock. I’m surprised there’s no mention of Lundqvist, he will definitely have to change his pads.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 13, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Bruce as Buddha
He and Boudreau had a lengthy conversation after practice, and the coach said it was about “life” and not about his role on the team or playing time.
-per Corey
And Corey also said the Flash hasn’t been cleared to play, contrary to what was reported earlier
Did anyone get a picture of this? Talk about a great “caption this” candidate…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
“So Nyls, how’s life treatin’ you”
“Oh, not too bad. I’ve got a $2 million home I can’t rent or sell, I’m living out of a suitcase. My wife and kids are in Sweden. And Jagr keeps calling every day, telling me how great Russia is. Other than that, life is peachy. How’s things with you, Bruce?”
“Stressful as hell. Pressure, man, pressure.”
“No pressure here, chief – sit on my ass, collect $5.5 million.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Are you allowed to give away your tickets for the STH party? I have other stuff to do tonight and don’t feel like going. Anyone here can have them if they are close to Frederick.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
If they are emailable I could take one, but Ima guessing they are actual physical tickets?
IS PAЯTY NOW
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots 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.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
- Bruins add a Bourque: Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, acquired from Capitals
- Shinnimin named CHL's Player of the Year
