Recap: Caps 4, Sharks 1
by J.P. on Oct 15, 2009 10:19 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
124 comments
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
A season ago, the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks were regular season champions of their respective Conferences. Fast forward to early 2009-10 and the two teams have something else in common - 4-1 losers to the Caps in perhaps the only two games in which the boys in red, white and blue competed for a full sixty minutes. For a team that has struggled to finish games as well as they started them thus far, this game was just what the doctor ordered.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Alexander Semin was focused and fantastic from his first shift of the game, drawing three first period power plays and firing five shots on goal (scoring once) before the game was nine minutes old. And here's something you won't see often - he had more shorthanded ice time on the night than David Steckel did (Nicklas Backstrom led all forwards in time on the kill).
- Speaking of Steckel, he continues to be red-hot in the faceoff circle, going 12-for-16 on the night, including 7-for-9 against Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
- Back to the scorers, Alex Ovechkin had never scored against San Jose before scoring on a rush in the second period. How'd he celebrate breaking that ten-plus period goal-less stretch? By scoring another just 28 seconds later, setting a mark for the fastest two goals of his career. The Caps are now 24-0-2 in the AO's last 26 multi-goal outings.
- Ovechkin and his new linemates Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison clicked, eh? Not that they need a nickname yet, but I'll throw "The Red Dawn Line" out there anyway, since they're a Russian and two Wolverines.
- The Caps played 8:52 of the first period on the power play (including 56 seconds at 5-on-3), but managed just eight shots on goal and the one Semin tally with the two-man advantage. Part of the problem? They were just 3-for-11 (27%) in the faceoff circle on the power play. Another part of the problem? Not enough movement. To come out of that period tied (1-1) had to be somewhat disappointing - good on Boudreau and the team for keeping at it in the second.
- The first period saw brilliant goaltending at both ends of the ice, as Evgeni Nabokov and Jose Theodore combined to stop 28 of 30 shots on goal. Unfortunately for Theodore, he was unable to continue after the intermission, having had Ryane Clowe fall awkwardly on him in a goal-mouth scrum (official word is "back spasms"). Unfortunately for Nabokov, he wasn't nearly as good in the final two periods as he was in the first.
- Semyon Varlamov (remember him?) was perfect in relief of Theodore... on the stat sheet, at least. He made all 15 saves he was asked to make, but his rebound control left a bit to be desired, and his inability to catch a puck after Marleau blew by Brian Pothier on a rush could have been costly (but obviously was not). We'll chalk it up to rust and hope that this effort against a high-powered offense starts to bring back the confidence we all saw last spring.
- For all the grief we sometimes give the men in the striped tops, we're happy to give credit where it's due, so kudos to Rob Martell and Justin St. Pierre for resisting the urge to cut short Caps' 5-on-3's or spend the rest of the night trying to even out what was a 5-0 first period advantage in power play opportunities for the Caps.
- Eric Fehr got some early power play time, but I'm not sure he got any after his weak backchecking effort on the San Jose goal (and against the Sharks' fourth line, no less). Keith Aucoin's not blameless there either.
- The Caps still have exactly one man (Matt Bradley) who is not a top-six forward or Mike Green who has scored a goal for them through seven games. That said, the fourth line generated some opportunities tonight, but the team's going to need more from the bottom six and the rest of the defense corps (which combined for three shots on goal tonight).
With tonight's win, the Caps close out a brutal first seven games of the season in which their opponents averaged 104 points in the standings in 2008-09, and head into what, on paper, should be an easier stretch. But, of course, games aren't played on paper...
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I’ll rec that for Red Dawn and the win.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Oct 15, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Beat me to it.
Also, the photo on this post. Beauties.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Oct 15, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
8-9-22 is a nice line. I hope it continues to work.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Oct 15, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to admit, I shouted Wolverines! a few times in 412 tonight.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Oct 15, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And here’s something you won’t see often – [Semin] had more shorthanded ice time on the night than David Steckel did
I love Semin on the PK, he’s active and seems to be really good at getting/making shorthanded chance. The fact that it improves the rest of his game is icing on the cake.
by superjuan on Oct 15, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So Varly is keeping number 40? There was talk of him taking 1 now that BJ is gone.
by hockeyman33 on Oct 15, 2009 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought he would take that or 20, but I guess he’s holding on to 40 until he’s a starter.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 15, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Red Dawn. I miss first-line Baxter, but I love it.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Oct 15, 2009 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Red Dawn is brilliant.
By the way, Backstrom is on the first line:
Even strength TOI
Line 1: Laich (12:31), Backstrom (13:36), Semin (13:53) — 13:20 Average
Line 2: Ovi (13:57), Morrison (12:11), Knuble (11:54) — 12:40 Average
Perhaps if Ovi practices really hard, he’ll be promoted to the top line again.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 15, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not first and second line… it’s Line 1 and Line A. Or Line A and Line 1… take your pick
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 16, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or… 
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 6:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about the mongooses, that’s a cool team name, The Fighting Mongooses.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Oct 16, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With tonight’s win, the Caps close out a brutal first seven games of the season in which their opponents averaged 104 points in the standings in 2008-09, and head into what, on paper, should be an easier stretch. But, of course, games aren’t played on paper…
If this were a playoff series, the Caps would have gotten out to an early 2-0 lead before losing four straight, the last one in overtime. Tonight would not have been played…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 15, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Meh. If the Caps’ backs were against the wall, they’d have played harder and better… we think/hope.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 15, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also hope the team ices its best lineup for the playoffs.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 15, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They have shootouts in the playoffs?
by RPI93 on Oct 15, 2009 11:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
They have shootouts in the playoffs?
by RPI93 on Oct 15, 2009 11:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t recall seeing a turnover tonight. I also got much joy watching Mike Green tonight. His speed getting back tonight a couple times simply astounded me. Looks like 52 is back.
by mechanicsville on Oct 15, 2009 10:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
mechanicsville I saw Backstrom throw a few passes to the wrong color and Jeff Schultz had a turnover as well. He recovered and shut his guy down but still a great game defensively.
by DaGreatOvechkin on Oct 16, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya know what else is the wrong color? The white on the right side of your post where an avatar should be.
/BP’d
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 16, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ooohhh… nice.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody notice Pothier being a nasty prick out there? I was impressed and pleased.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 15, 2009 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The crosscheck on Clowe after the Theo smack really made me happy, even if Clowe didn’t deserve it.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 15, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Deserves got nothin’ to do with it.”
— Will Munny
by TJA on Oct 15, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d for one of the great films.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 16, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Avatars, however, have everything to do with it. You know you want one.
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 16, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was a fan of Semin-Backstrom-Laich last year, and only more so now. Following that up with a Red Dawn is just rude and I hope Caps will do lots of it.
by redlineblue on Oct 15, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
J.P. apparently is a hockey genius. Those were the top 2 lines you said you wanted to see when you talked to Canes Country, right?
by red army line on Oct 16, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No and yes, respectively (i.e. I’m no genius, but I did want to see those lines in action).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved the defense pairings tonight. Obviously the discussion starts with Green and obviously he’s going to do his thing and Mo’s a solid partner for him. Schultz and Pothier works well because the two compliment one another – each has flaws in their game, but the flaws one has are the areas the other does well, and when they’re together neither’s going to be asked to do too much, making for a solid second/third pairing. Those pairings work well and leave Poti available and he’s strong enough and versatile enough to anchor a pair.
Overall very solid depth and quality in my opinion.
by David M. Getz on Oct 15, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 15, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would still like to see some Alzner and possibly Carlson soon. Maybe in a few easygoing games?
by DaGreatOvechkin on Oct 16, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re going to have to clear some cap and roster space. They simply don’t have the luxury of bringing guys up just to give them experience right now.
by David M. Getz on Oct 16, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Steckel looked much more relaxed on the fourth line than he has all season on the third. Playing on an energy line vs that of a quasi- scoring line seems like a far better fit for him. Ironically, I think he seemed to generate more offensive chances on the fourth line than he did on the third. I hate to say this but the fourth line was far more energized with Dave than with Boyd and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that line stay as it is even when Gordon is ready to play. And for all the Schultz-haters, his breakout pass to Morrison on the third goal was a thing of beauty. In fact, his passing all night was pinpoint accurate.
by b.orr4 on Oct 15, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think you make a very good point about the fourth line with Steckel over Gordon – he’s a harder forechecker and a much more physical player, but I wonder how much was his presence and how much was the fact that everyone seemed to be more energized.
by David M. Getz on Oct 15, 2009 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt the whole team had a lot more jump, but I just think the fourth line suits his skills a lot better. He just seemed real tentative on the third line as if he were trying to figure out how to play that position. On the fourth line, he just seems to know his role a lot better. I thought he, Brads and Laing dominated whoever they were playing against most of the night.
by b.orr4 on Oct 15, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved how Bradley took a shot that looked like his patented wide angle shot. He didn’t score on it this time, but everyone around us laughed.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 15, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 15, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me and my buddies were STUNNED by that Schultz pass, it was a little… too good. On replay I had a teensy inkling that it may have been a panicky clear that happened to go right to a tape. I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he meant to do it, but that pass is on probation… a few more like that and yes, “he meant to do it” a couple panicky clears and it’ll be “not so much”. Schultz also made a few actual body checks… not the “love taps” that we often witness. The growth is promising. As one of my buddies reminds me, people booed and made fun of how awkward Chris Pronger was his first couple of seasons. (and No I’m not saying he’ll ever be that good, but it’s no secret defenseman take a while to learn the NHL game)
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 16, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As one of my buddies reminds me, people booed and made fun of how awkward Chris Pronger was his first couple of seasons.
And Zdeno Chara. And, well, most defensemen over 6’4’’ or so, really.
by David M. Getz on Oct 16, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steckel conundrum
Stecks is so good on the dot and so useless in the crease. I don’t get it. If he’s got the hand-eye to dominate in the dot, how come he can’t put a rebound in. Many times last night he was in great position in front of the goal as a pass/shot/rebound came through the crease, and Stecks never (in my view) managed to get a stick or leg on any of them. Given his size and willingness to mix it up, seems like he ought to be able to stick more of those in. See also, last years playoffs where he missed a few layups.
by CarlosLA on Oct 16, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For all the grief we sometimes give the men in the striped tops, we’re happy to give credit where it’s due, so kudos to Rob Martell and Justin St. Pierre for resisting the urge to cut short Caps’ 5-on-3’s or spend the rest of the night trying to even out what was a 5-0 first period advantage in power play opportunities for the Caps.
Amen.
by David M. Getz on Oct 15, 2009 11:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I’ll second that.
This is the second time I was late getting to the game. Dang weather and traffic! The good news was they scored as we entered the building (power play). Then I got nervous because that happened at the Rangers game, too. Better resulst this time. Phew!
by gfcaps fan on Oct 15, 2009 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reason they didn’t is this was one of those all-to-rare games in which the Caps played defense with their feet, as in “moving them,” instead of taking the lazy way out with hooks and holds.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 16, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It works better, don’t it?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 16, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely agree, and the Caps gave the refs fewer chances to make marginal calls (which is all we can ask for), but the zebras still did about as good a job as I’ve seen in a while.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 6:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree. I didn’t see anything weirder than a missed offsides call. The refs were really good last night, and I noticed that. The penalties that were taken were legit penalties (I’m going to put my glove over your head now – Nabby) on both sides.
Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.
by gotsparkly on Oct 16, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually have to disagree, I think they did a decent job of calling the game, but I saw at least three 2-handers by the Caps that I would have called, including a classic late-game Semin slash right across the wrists of a player that I was stunned wasn’t called.
I think if I was a Sharks fan I would have felt jobbed in the 2nd and 3rd periods on a few occasions.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 16, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Clarkie was begging to be sent off for the 2handers a couple of times in the 3rd. We were lucky.
by CarlosLA on Oct 16, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Boudreau said it best:
“I just told the guys, ‘The only thing in this world that is free are [avatars].’ You want to consistently get into good [avatars].”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
With tonight’s win, the Caps close out a brutal first seven games of the season in which their opponents averaged 104 points in the standings in 2008-09, and head into what, on paper, should be an easier stretch. But, of course, games aren’t played on paper…
They’re played on TV Sets
- Kenny Mayne
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 15, 2009 11:16 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Solid game for 55. The outlet pass he made to BMo to start the break that led to Ovi’s second goal was a thing of beauty.
by ChrisAm on Oct 15, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Observations from Section 421
1) Alex Ovechkin… what a game. 13 shots, 2 goals, and he had the Sharks defensemen backing away all night.
2) Great game for Semin too, nicely done on the 5-on-3 (great pass from Nick) and no penalties taken.
3) Only 3 penalties, one of which was an “Off the Rink” penalty. Until the ice is better at VC, no player on either team can be faulted for an off the rink penalty.
This is exactly the game the Caps needed. Coming up are two with the Islanders, two with the Thrashers, along with Nashville and Philly. There are 12 points out there, and hopefully the Caps can come away with a bunch of them…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 15, 2009 11:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
also note that we can't blame poti for screening his own netminder
this is the first game that i watched (i missed most of the devils game) where i havent seen him screen his own goalie. maybe he’s a slow learner….
by twistedlogic on Oct 15, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jose and Varly had clear sight-lines all night. Granted, not having too many penalties to kill helps there. So does not having too many John Erskines in the lineup.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 6:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only goal that the Sharks scored really couldn’t be blamed on any one thing that the Caps did or didn’t do. They made a really nice play and the kid got off a really good shot.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 16, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree – good backchecking from the forwards could’ve prevented their fourth-liner from skating right down the middle of the ice and potting a gimme.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cough cough 17 cough cough …. he did nothing on that play. Acouin and Fehr aren’t blameless, but at least they tried to make a play (good or bad) … “the captain” didnt come within 10 feet of a sharks player on that entire play. pitiful. he can join nylander in the press box IMO.
by Scofield on Oct 16, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little too harsh there IMO Scofield. Remember he’s trying to get back into the groove. He missed a lot of time and I feel he’s slowly stepping it up. I say by mid season he should be making some noise
by DaGreatOvechkin on Oct 16, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally disagree – I’d place blame on that first on Fehr, then Aucoin, then Clark.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is not Fehr’s guy. I know he has to cover better for Aucoin in situation, but Keith was in deeper than he should’ve been, and that’s his guy. As a center I always feel I take the blame when a high-slot goal is scored where I should have been.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 16, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree – in transition there, that’s Fehr’s guy.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I don’t believe in 3rd and 4th line centers being in deep on the forecheck… sorta not your place. You’re a defensive position, it doesn’t excuse your linemates for not covering for you, but my linemates know I’m usually not going to be in deep forechecking and that’s their job.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 16, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely agree that Aucoin got himself in too deep.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious as to why?
I’m watching Fehr and Acouin both “attempting to forecheck” (i.e. force a pass in that situation) they do… and clark stands on the far side of the center circle and watches.
Again, I don’t necessarily think the plays made by 20 and 16 were the best, nor was their effort in back-checking, but at least they both moved. Clark stood by and watched that entire sequence with no one near him. he could’ve easily stepped into the play as soon as Ferriero touched the puck.
essentially it’s lack of A) hustle and B) communication. And i’m putting 17 at the top on that play.
by Scofield on Oct 16, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough on the offensive part of it, but I don’t think either Fehr or Aucoin were as defensively responsible on the play as they should’ve been.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree w/ that. I guess it just burns up my “inner hockey coach” watching someone stand around. I’m taking pills to fix it. :-)
by Scofield on Oct 16, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, standing around is rarely a good thing.
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by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, that’s what I’ve been waiting to see! Always more fun to be winning, but that was just one of those delightfully fun games. Ovie looked determined to turn a hat trick; Bradley was trying to will a second goal.
Did Poti get stitches, or just butterflies? I spotted him skating around with a band-aid underneath/to the side of his left eye after that high stick.
They showed the season ticket holder party/ OMG Semin speaks English! video on the big screen.
by RedBirdie on Oct 15, 2009 11:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice game, boys! Finally could beat the Sharks. (Okay, some pretty lousy Caps teams had played the Sharks during this past decade.)
The “Trade Semin” lobby can now just shut up.
Too bad about Theodore but glad Varly did well in relief.
I’d say, the current cast of characters in the top 2 lines are clicking.
by CapsFan75 on Oct 15, 2009 11:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The "Trade Semin" lobby can now just shut up.
I’m not a member, but tonight does not all of a sudden erase Semin’s shortcomings or make his performance in other games this season irrelevant. In fact, it is games like tonight that make it so infuriating when Semin doesn’t do it consistently. He’s a lot like the team as a whole: he/the Caps can dominate when he/they want, but other times he/they are just lazy and undisciplined. Until this is fixed and consistency is found, Semin/the Caps will always have naysayers.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 16, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I actually don’t mind when superiorly talented players under-perform, as long as they are still better than most (which Semin is). It’s the same reason I put Jagr on my Caps all-decade team.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“but other times he/they are just lazy and undisciplined.”
To take a page out of Malcolm Gladwell, I’d say that the ability to work hard and be consistently effective are both skills, just as much as stick handling and skating are skills. In the end what frustrates me about the endless Semin debate is the assumption by the detractors Semin should be able to develop those skills he’s lacking at some kind of pace/level that we wouldn’t expect of others with regard to other skills. I think this outlook results both in missing the beauty of what Semin brings at the expense of constant nitpicking and in unfairly discounting the great skill someone like Brooks Laich or Mike Knuble brings to the table with their incredible consistency and work rate.
I see no real evidence that supports calling Semin lazy b/c he hasn’t developed the level of work rate effectiveness of a Laich, any more than I see evidence that Laich’s lack of great passing ability is the result of “laziness” on his part — i.e., he could solve that by working harder at his passing.
And so I take a page out of Earl Weaver’s approach and say, let us value the things our players can do best and make sure we put them in positions where we maximize the leverage of their skills and minimize the damage of their shortcomings.
by CarlosLA on Oct 16, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Effort is not a skill.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 16, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I could go out and try my ass off and never pass at an NHL level. I could skate my ass off and never skate at an NHL level. The one thing I can do the same as any NHL player is try my hardest.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you could – and do – have an avatar.
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by J.P. on Oct 17, 2009 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The "Trade Semin" lobby can now just shut up.
Or push harder to sell high! Sell high!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 6:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theo's "Back Spasms"
I suppose Varly was always going to ger the nod vs. the Preds, just too good a confidence building game to be not start him in. That said, should we be worried about Theo’s back. For all the merely average play in the last 4 and half games, i thought Theo was a real bright spot.
by 718CapsFan on Oct 15, 2009 11:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Prior to the beginning of the second period, Ovi came out on the ice, skated toward Nabokov and pretended to launch a slap shot on him. Way to go, Ovi — get in his head!
That was fun to watch, and most people may not have seen it. BTW, Nabokov was also getting fussy about people in his crease-saw him head-butt Backstrom and slash at his feet if he entered the crease.
by Zelda on Oct 15, 2009 11:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone catch Ovi joking with Nabby after he had a glove save on him? I thought that was cute.
by DaGreatOvechkin on Oct 16, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And CSN asked what he said and he told them “it’s a secret.” I bet it was along the lines of “let’s see you show off when the puck is behind you, ass.”
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That reminded me of Nabby’s glove save on Kovy in the ASG in Atlanta a couple of years ago.
by red army line on Oct 17, 2009 7:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
60 mins X 200 feet is a beautiful thing
So far the Boston and SJ games need to be replayed for how the Caps should strive to play every game. While we do need more chipping in from the other players, you can’t argue with any part of that game. Going forward yes, the PP needs to be much better, but our team played together as a team again which I can only hope we see a lot more of.
It was even great to see Clark step up for Aucoin in the third. I remember seeing Clark step up and take exception to one of the hits and went after someone (not sure who though).
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
by kurlNdrag on Oct 16, 2009 12:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOLVERINES!!!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 16, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Must… photoshop… BMo’s or Knuble’s face…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 6:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, don’t be lazy! Photoshop that mother!
by bigeugene on Oct 16, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble...
…he’d wear a camo uniform if he could.
Although… I doubt BMo listens to Lady Gaga.
BTW – has anyone asked Steckel what he thinks of two Wolverines being on the team, seeing as he went to Ohio State….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 16, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bizarre moment in warm ups. A guy with a foam shark head on his head starts shouting insults at Varly, who was waiting by the blue line for his turn in goal, which ended with “You’re a playoff choker!”
Um, really buddy? A Sharks fan is using “playoff choker” to insult another team’s player?
by RedBirdie on Oct 16, 2009 12:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really hope someone pointed out the irony.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 16, 2009 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they showed that guy on TV
"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
by crabchowdah on Oct 16, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woo! That was a fun one. Only 11 years in the making!
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 16, 2009 12:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
(Sorry, 10 years \ 11 games)
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 16, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The real test...
…comes on December 30, when the Caps play at San Jose. They haven’t won there since 1993. The Sharks were expanded into the NHL in 1991 (and were pretty awful their first few seasons…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 16, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like this, from Dan Rosen:
The line of Ovechkin and Knuble between Brendan Morrison took command in the second period, Knuble and Morrison assisted on both goals, and for the night, the trio finished plus-6.
Is he saying that Morrison is enormously fat?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 16, 2009 2:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good game from the Caps tonight. Nothing more to say than that.
H/T to Fehr and Balanced, Knee high to a duck, Whiter Mage, and hockeyman33 for joining us over at Fear The Fin during the game. Sorry I couldn’t be around, I’ll make sure to pop by in here every once in awhile during the year.
Cheers.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Oct 16, 2009 2:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bruce needs to keep the Red Dawn line together, just so we can use that name.
by katzistan on Oct 16, 2009 2:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You may recall that as the new season was ready to begin, Alex Semin was asked how many goals he would score this year. “One more than Ovechkin,” was his reply. “Good luck,” said AO from behind him.
Fast foward to tonight, with both Alexes tied up at five goals apiece. Semin struck first, putting his season tally at six, which obviously Would Not Do. The cosmic Balance needed restoration, which was accomplished in the first minutes of Period Two.
Ovechkin 7, Semin 6. The space-time continuum is secure once again, the Sun to rise in the East, the pope to remain Catholic, and the rest of the National Hockey League to continue drafting on Ovi’s contrails.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 16, 2009 2:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You may also recall that the Sharks acquired Dany Heatley from Ottawa for Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek.
Well, tonight Heatley was ohfer 3 SOG and a -1, and Michalek picked up a sweet hat trick (two short-handed goals, and one power-play goal) on nine shots . Cheechoo had five SOG but didn’t convert. The Sens went on to shellack the TBL for a final of 7-1.
Epic WIN for the Caps on all sides of that trade tonight.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 16, 2009 3:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heater was polite enough to get his hat trick before visiting Washington DC.
Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Oct 16, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of visiting Washington DC, the Sharks did a little sightseeing on Wednesday. Awwwww.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 16, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw that. My wife and kid were actually at the same museum, same day. She did not report seeing Jumbo Joe, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
awwwwwwwwwwwwww. He’s right, I forget how cool all this stuff is sometimes.
by RedBirdie on Oct 16, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
•Eric Fehr got some early power play time, but I’m not sure he got any after his weak backchecking effort on the San Jose goal (and against the Sharks’ fourth line, no less).
I’m pretty sure he didn’t either. Accountability – the other white meat.(?)
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 16, 2009 6:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s easy to hold some guys accountable (Fehr’s PP time, Steckel’s “demotion” to the fourth line, maybe Gordon’s scratch) than others.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 6:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
BB hates the former-Bears. He only disciplines them but won’t say anything to our European stars? Favorites!
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fehr was late getting back on the Ferreirorororo goal, but I’d be inclined to cut him a bit of slack. He’s still on “training camp” time coming back from his surgeries, and his legs might not be where they need to be yet. He was a lot better on the forechecking side of things, though.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 16, 2009 6:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Effort and timing are different matters. If he was busting his hump I’d be ok with this but it looked like he let up (and where the hell was Aucoin?).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
earlier in that sequence Chris Clark got absolutely crushed in the corner, which didn’t help matters.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Oct 16, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 10% Eric Fehr is still better than Boyd Kane.
Winterion Game Studios
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by winterion on Oct 16, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True story.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Aucoin was in too deep. [insert cheesy Phil Collins reference here]
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Oct 16, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Caps still have exactly one man (Matt Bradley) who is not a top-six forward or Mike Green who has scored a goal for them through seven games.
Here is what that can mean for a team. Tyler Kennedy has four goals for 6-1-0 Pittsburgh (as many has that hack from Cole Harbour). Three of them are game-winners.
Spread it around, boys. the top-six forwards aren’t going to score three goals every night. It was good to see Bradley get one and Steckle looking like he was looking more on offense.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 16, 2009 7:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
…and if I could spell, I’d be dangerous.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 16, 2009 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could do with a lot more games like that. This team can flatten anyone when they play as a team for the full 60 minutes.
Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.
by gotsparkly on Oct 16, 2009 7:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You don’t see it very often (‘cept the playoffs—zing!), but SJ’s top two lines were invisible last night. Granted, the first was all screwed up by PK time, but none of those top six got rolling; they were a combined -5 and zero points. A relentless forecheck for 60 minutes can suck the life out of the greatest of players.
And is anyone still wondering whether Knubs has some hands? The saucer to 8 for his second tally was money. (Backstrom’s feather through the crease for Semin’s PP goal didn’t suck either.)
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Oct 16, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought the backhand saucer was the first OV goal, not the second – but yes, a thing of beauty. Amazing that both defenders turned to Knuble because of that bouncing puck.. he settles it down and feeds a totally ignored MVP for goal one, plus hilarious sprawling freeze-frame of Nabby, to boot.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Oct 16, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. Saucer pass = goal #1, Ovi picking up Knuble rebound = goal #2.
Nabby = stunned.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 16, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha, you guys are right…I saw the second goal live and the first on replay afterwards!
I have to say I had some slight doubts whether BMo could handle all the 1C duties, particularly in the dot and matching up vs. other 1C’s, but the little fella can defend.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Oct 16, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovie's amazing
In 28 seconds, he became the league leader in goals again. He never ceases to amaze me.
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Oct 16, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 8:36 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.
