Recap: Capitals 5, Thrashers 4
by David M. Getz on Oct 22, 2009 11:08 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
116 comments
[AP Recap - Game Center - Game Summary - Event Summary]
Tonight the Capitals played an opponent they should have handled easily and let the game get closer than it should have been. Again. They took far too many penalties, many of which were unneccesary. Again. They failed to ratchet up their game and lock down a win when they had the lead against an inferior opponent. Again. The team lacked the level of cohesion and constant pressure a team full of players this skilled should have. Again.
It'd be convenient to blame the poor performance on the injuries and illnesses keeping some of the regulars out of the lineup, but the reality is to do so would be an excuse, and not an explanation, especially considering that Alexandre Giroux and Keith Aucoin both played well.
Bruce Boudreau wasn't hesitant to use the whip this week in practice, skating his players hard and letting them know in no uncertain terms that he was unhappy with them. So far that approach doesn't seem to have worked. It'll be interesting to see where Gabby goes from here.
Ten additional thoughts on tonight's game:
- You always want secondary scoring, and it doesn't get much more secondary than Eric Fehr, Alexandre Giroux, Chris Clark, Jeff Schultz, and Matt Bradley.
- For all the offense the Caps created, they simply weren't able to sustained pressure as often or as strongly as they should have been able to. Scoring off nice plays on the rush and on the powerplay is all well and good, but a truely dominant team is one that controls the game by keeping the puck in the opponent's end.
- Eric Fehr has now played six games against the Atlanta Thrashers in the last twelve-plus months. In those six games he has five goals. Apparently Eric Fehr:Atlanta Thrashers :: David Steckel:Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Even at the NHL level Keith Aucoin looks pretty good in the offensive zone. The defensive zone - as evidenced by his weak clear that led to Ilya Kovalchuk's first goal and the several other plays where he was caught out of position - not so much.
- If Nik Antropov fought Keith Aucoin, I'd take the young man from Waltham. It ain't the size of the dog in the fight...
- Speaking of Antropov, last spring we wondered how the big Russian didn't "get called for interference and/or diving a half dozen times a game". Not much has changed since then.
- Eric Fehr's spend a lot more time in front of the opposition's net this season. Which is a good thing, because that's where he's going to need to live if he's going to have consistent, long-term success in the NHL.
- The good news: Semyon Varlamov's glove-hand troubles seem to be gone. The bad news: he has apparently replaced them with five-hole troubles.
- For a while I was ready to praise Milan Jurcina with the old "I didn't notice him - and that's a good thing" line. And then the penalties started...
- I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the Thrashers' light blue jerseys.
In their next opponent the Capitals face a 1-4-3 team that just picked up their first win via the shootout. Here's hoping for the same result - and a different recap.
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Looks like another 51 minute game by the good guys.
I’m happy we won without Ovechkin scoring.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 22, 2009 11:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what was wrong with OV tonight but he looked tired and uninterested all game long. I wonder if he caught Semin’s cold. I wouldn’t be surprised if Semin is staying at OV’s house right now or is he required to stay away from everyone while he is sick?
The game was blacked out on CI here in Atlanta so I had to watch it in the local sports channel and the Thrashers announcers mentioned BB’s comment about the Caps only playing 51 minutes a game. They said BB was one of the funniest coaches in the NHL. They complemented the Caps for the most part throughout the game. They also showed several close-ups of OV during the game. He just did not look well. If he was sick; however, in my opinion, he should have stayed home.
Varly wasn’t very good but he did have a couple of good saves at the end. I hope they play better next Thursday because I’m sure the Thrashers are going to want revenge for this one. The Thrashers looked a little nervous at the start of the game but they got stronger and more confident as the game went on and I’m sure they feel like they should have won the game. We need OV to be on top of his game next Thursday.
by CapsFan2020 on Oct 23, 2009 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He gives up the first goal from seven feet through the five hole, and now he’s got problems? The goals after that were (I believe) stick side while he’s getting off his back, stick side just under blocker (really well placed), and under glove on a blast.
by six hole on Oct 22, 2009 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Bogosian goal was really weak.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 22, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that was a soft wrister that slide under his leg into the far corner. Very soft.
by Sct112 on Oct 23, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a soft goal...
…but Bogo hit a really good spot. The kid has got all the tools.
Ya know, where that puck went it, it sure looked a lot like Feds’ game 7 winner vs. the Rangers.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 23, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh. IIRC Feds sniped top glove. Bogosian put it right to the middle of the net and Varlamov just missed it.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 23, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feds’ shot was over Lundqvist’s glove, but it went in at about the same height, and both goaltenders just missed it.
Even then Bogo has a good shot and is going to be a top 10 defenseman (if not higher) in this league very soon.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 23, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look where Varly’s blocker goes to and lingers right after the shot goes in. Low, just above the pad, at the post. That’s where he got beat, and it’s a bit of a hard area to cover when moving left. A softie, yes, but perfectly placed.
Feds goal was just under the crossbar, next to the shoulder. It wasn’t even glove really because from that distance your glove won’t get there in time. It just took advantage of a slight opening created by going down in butterfly.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From that far away, you put your chest in the way of the puck. Should have been out farther.
No sweat, though. We still won.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I saw it looked like Bogosian’s shot was on the ice and went right under Varlamov’s pad. Definitely not like the Fedorov goal and a shot that an NHL goalie should save every time.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 23, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Varly would tell you he should have had all but two of those.
That said, he made the saves in the end to secure the win so whatever. I have to say, it’s pretty amazing how he is giving up 3+ goals every game and keeps coming out with the W.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 22, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He gives up the first goal from seven feet through the five hole, and now he’s got problems?
Yeah. Because he should have saved it. He had time to be in position and it wasn’t a great shot.
The goals after that were (I believe) stick side while he’s getting off his back, stick side just under blocker (really well placed), and under glove on a blast.
Bogosian’s goal was five hole, from a bad angle.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goalie reaction tells
How can you say that? Look at the replay, and see Varly’s body and head reaction. His head turns low right, he moves his blocker right and down. The shot was basically next to the post, above the pad, below the blocker.
No goalie ever turns right when he just got beaten five hole. If he did it’s because it was deflected, and he’s immediately looking down and moving his legs back in as the next reaction.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It certainly looked five hole to me live. I can’t watch it in HD at work, but I’ll take a look online when I get home.
In any event where the goalie tried to make the save doesn’t carry a lot of weight for me given that he didn’t actually make the save.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was 5 hole underneath the right leg pad. It looked like it went right under the pad as he was trying to go butterfly.
by snowburnt on Oct 23, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I wrote my earlier response I’d forgetting the NHL posts highlights in HD on YouTube. Went over and had a look and I’m still seeing what you’re seeing – one the ice, between the legs, under the right leg pad.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://capitals.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?hlg=20092010,2,121&event=ATL528&fr=false
It was also clearer when the TV showed the alternate replay zoomed on Bogo – the shot wasn’t on the ice. The goalie also doesn’t lift his stick (pushing his blocker down) when a shot is on the ice six inches from where the stick already was. There aren’t great replays out there now but I don’t know how much more conclusive this could get.
For the first one – the guy’s shooting from seven feet, you can’t get down that quickly, and anything you do to stop the shot is inherently a guess. I’m pretty sure that shot is just over his stick and off his butt, that’s why it trickles in – but the replay’s don’t make it easy to say. I’m sure Varly tells himself he could have stopped it but you don’t always get those.
The issue isn’t me over-zealously defending Varly – the third is a weak goal for him. I just don’t understand why the rush to create a new “five hole” narrative when the facts just aren’t there. We still have the perfectly fine “gives up one weak goal a game” thing to work with. If you’re trying to mislead oppo scouts then hey, awesome. I don’t think they’ll find too much love shooting five hole.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one’s trying to start a “new narrative” – it was just a note that Varlamov let in two five hole goals (I still really think the second went in five hole). Regardless, he should have saved both shots.
I don’t buy any argument about where Varlamov moved or tried to make a save because he didn’t make the save. To me that’s like watching a baseball player swing and miss at the letters at a belt-high pitch and saying that the pitch couldn’t have been belt high because the player didn’t swing there.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
analogy fail. goalies don’t swing bats.
the goalie had great sight of the puck. pucks don’t curve on the way in. unless jeff shultz is shooting them.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The analogy wasn’t that goalies swing bats, it’s that the fact that someone tried to meet a moving object at a certain point in space and failed to do so, making that that they tried to meet it there a poor argument for the object actually being there.
If that analogy doesn’t work, it’s like a wide receiver who has his hands his hands at his waist and has a pass bounce off his shoulder. The fact that the player thought the ball was going to be in one place – and then missed it – doesn’t demonstrate that the ball was in that place.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is getting funny. We can leave aside the subjective stuff about whether it was an easy save, even where it went in, etc. But you’re saying that goalies – at the NHL level – routinely move in some direction other than where the puck is going. Or that they are fooled by their own sight of the puck, that somehow the puck does not travel in a straight line. We’re not talking about deflections here. And I’ll acknowledge that a long, hard shot will very rarely flutter and move a bit up or down.
Conversely I’m saying that you can almost always – 98% of the time – see where a goalie’s been beaten by judging their reaction, if they saw the puck, if it wasn’t deflected.
I like your analysis, but this is just a weird position to take. I also would wager that you haven’t played much in goal.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you’re saying that goalies – at the NHL level – routinely move in some direction other than where the puck is going. Or that they are fooled by their own sight of the puck, that somehow the puck does not travel in a straight line.
I didn’t say that, nor did I intend to imply it. I don’t think it’s routine for an NHL goalie, which is exactly what makes this play a soft goalie. It’s a save you expect a goal at that level to make.
Again, not saying that it happens routinely but it does happen and if it never did we’d never see any soft goals. Guys can mess up their angles, read a shot off a stick wrong, lose a puck in the ads on the boards for a split second, get caught between trying to make the save with two different body parts, or do any number of things that make them react differently than they should have. Heck, if it never happened, we wouldn’t have seen those painful glove-side goals that Varlamov’s allowed from time to time.
What I am saying is that the argument that the puck went a certain place because that’s where the goalie tried to make the save doesn’t make sense on a play where the goalie missed. Giving the goalie absolute benefit of the doubt and assuming he didn’t mis-read the puck and mess up isn’t something I’m willing to do. These guys are only human and sometimes they make mistakes.
I like your analysis, but this is just a weird position to take. I also would wager that you haven’t played much in goal.
I don’t anymore, but it was where I played growing up.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s say this then. There’s a difference between anticipation, reaction, and lingering. You’ll always see a goalie’s eyes and head move to where the puck just beat them. And if they linger in a position after letting a goal in it’s with the movement they should have made that would saved it, if only they’d done it quick enough. The glove will pop up, the stick will go down, the pads suddenly get tight … something. It’s like a kid with a guilty look on his face. Like with Feds:Lundqvist, his elbow moves backwards as he tries to move his shoulder up.
Varly’s actions all say below blocker, above pad. Nothing says five hole.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see where you’re coming from but given that the puck (to me) looked it went under Varly’s right knee and it’s impossible to tell where he’s looking I don’t think that’s a particularly strong argument.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The goalie also doesn’t lift his stick (pushing his blocker down) when a shot is on the ice six inches from where the stick already was.
Unless they are letting in a terribly weak goal under their pad. I’m with DMG, assuming a goalie had perfect technique when giving up a soft goal is a very faulty assumption.
And NHL goalies can get down quickly enough to save that first goal. It’s not as weak as the third goal, but it is still a save that is routinely made in the NHL.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 23, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The puck went back… and to the left… back… and to the left… back… and to the left…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 23, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly. think i need to change my handle to Zapruder. or Jim Garrison.
by six hole on Oct 23, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We haven’t broken out the MS Paint. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was a second shooter between the circles.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course! That explains it!
Damn my naivete!
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shutlz was marvelous tonight. Should give him a lot of love. I hope they gave him the hardhat tonight.
by Zelda on Oct 22, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NHL’s first star of the game. He should have it bronzed framed.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 23, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Center Ice game replay going on for those that get it (still free preview period)
just go to bed when it"s 5-2
by Icebat on Oct 22, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Almost as atrocious as our power play. Eric Fehr sure played well…best player on the ice tonight, imo.
by mechanicsville on Oct 22, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Him or Schultz. Hard to tell – even when Schultz wasn’t shooting the puck, he was making generally solid clears.
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 23, 2009 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tonight the Capitals played an opponent they should have handled easily
Disagree with this — Atlanta may be one of the most improved teams in the league, and they came into this game playing some inspired hockey.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 23, 2009 12:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Same here…the Thrash is not Trash. And for that matter – we might not be as good, right now, as everyone says we are.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 23, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s more the other stuff said: once again we don’t maintain a lead.
Two seasons ago we were the team that would come back and win in the end or make it close no matter how far we’re down, leaving the other team disheartened. Now often we’re left with a bad taste with a win or ot loss
by Icebat on Oct 23, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you.
Just one word for this game… Ugh. I’ll take the two points, though.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 23, 2009 6:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, just the last ten minutes were “ugh”. The rest of it wasn’t so horrid.
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 23, 2009 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When a team with big ambitions is up 5-2 not 32 minutes into a game, there is no way a team, any team — not the 1979 Montreal Canadiens — should come back to come within an eyelash of tying the game in the last seconds.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 23, 2009 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Is it too early to raise a glass to this, or will just coffee do?
"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 23, 2009 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to stick with coffee for now. 2 points in Atlanta in October…mission accomplished. We’ll seek perfection another day.
by mechanicsville on Oct 23, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this. Good teams find a way to win, and the Caps did that with their two best players playing at 1/2 speed. Are there things that need improvement, yes. (I’m sure we’ll solve them here) But 2 non-SO points against a hungry young team on their sheet in Oct. is fine with me.
by Sct112 on Oct 23, 2009 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 points in Atlanta in October…mission accomplished. We’ll seek perfection another day.
Word.
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 23, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a rule that I must eat breakfast first.
by mechanicsville on Oct 23, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats why you eat the maraschino cherries first.
by Sct112 on Oct 23, 2009 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, but that was in the last ten minutes of the game, as I said previously. The rest of it wasn’t so bad, just the last ten minutes.
Still, mechanicsville is right. Perfection is a work in progress. For now, they didn’t get anything at all on their home sheet. I’ll take it for now and look for work on the things that want working on.
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 23, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with this. I’m not convinced after watching that games and a couple of Thrashers games before this that they’re not worth considering. They’ve got a solid backline and Pavelec had been providing some pretty darn good goaltending. Let’s face it – the Caps don’t see many backup goaltenders starting, and that’s no accident. (In the second and third is another story, but I digress.) They’ve also got some weapons up front worth considering. I think it’s a mistake to dismiss them so easily.
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 23, 2009 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't...
…Atlanta is improved and has some talented players. They’re not a doormat anymore in the league but they are barely a playoff contender. They’re building and on the right track, but they’re not a team that is close to being among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, whereas the Caps are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The Caps should handle a team of Atlanta’s calibre easily. If the Caps play focused for 60 minutes, then they do handle them easily (it was 5-2), but something happened and they got lazy in the last 10 minutes.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 23, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Atlanta is improved and has some talented players. They’re not a doormat anymore in the league but they are barely a playoff contender.
This is basically where I stand. The Thrashers aren’t awful, but they’re not that great either. If the Caps are a Cup contender that’s a team they should be able to clearly outplay.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any Given Night...
Two years ago, an up-and-coming Caps team that just eked its way into the playoffs went into Detroit on December 17th and managed to send the game into a shootout with a 3rd period comeback.
Detroit coughed up a 3rd Period lead to what was, at the time, one of the worst teams in the league. Then they went on to win the Stanley Cup in pretty convincing fashion.
Yes, statistically speaking, the Caps should beat the Thrashers more often than they lose to them, but to use a crappy cliche, “that’s why they play the games.” This was a road game against a hot opponent, not a cakewalk.
We can’t get our knickers in a twist each time the Caps don’t play up to our expectations. Let’s enjoy the win, point out that it was ugly as sin, and move on. The NHL season is an 82 game-long winding road, and what’s happening right now might turn out to be pretty irrelevant to what happens come playoff time. Unless you expect the Avalanche and Coyotes to battle it out for the Western Conference title while Detroit, Vancouver and Anaheim play golf in April.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 23, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying it’s an egregious, unforgivable offense that the Capitals didn’t come out and crush Atlanta, but I am saying that’s a game the Capitals should be in control of and that they yet again played to the level of their opposition and made the same kinds of mistakes they’ve been making since last January.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My only big concern right now
Is the special teams play. Yeah, the Caps are taking a bunch of dumb penalties, but if you look around the league, that’s happening everywhere during the NHL’s annual “look at us we’re calling the rulebook to the letter” phase at the start of every season. The team looked disinterested at times, but hey, it’s an October game in Atlanta and they had a 5-2 lead. To be fair, BOTH teams looked disinterested at times.
If the Caps can’t get the PP clicking consistently with the personnel that they’ve got. . . That’s not good.
I understand the frustration and its source, but the fact remains that no team goes 82-0, and every now and then, David does beat Goliath. Even though in this case David just gave Goliath a good scare.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 23, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two years ago, an up-and-coming Caps team that just eked its way into the playoffs went into Detroit on December 17th and managed to send the game into a shootout with a 3rd period comeback.
just want to say I vividly remember watching that game, and realizing it was ok to believe that hope was not entirely lost. Mr. Bird, however, accurately saw it as something even bigger and said “That’s a scarily good team I’m glad the Wings don’t have to play again.” I thought he was just trying to be nice. He was convinced that the Caps would absolutely steamroll the rest of hockey for the remainder of the season.
by RedBirdie on Oct 23, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way, the Islanders really are pretty bad, and are an opponent the Caps should handle easily.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 23, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aucoin?
I like Aucoin’s effort but he’s a small player that plays small. He’ll be a yo-yo player for as long as he’s around, I can’t see him ever sticking. A strong breath from an opposing D knocks him on his butt.
by DonnieKnutts on Oct 23, 2009 12:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
From a Caps fan’s point of view, the last two minutes of the game were horrible and I was shitting bricks the entire time. From a hockey fan’s point of view, that’s about as exciting as it gets.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Oct 23, 2009 1:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well put, exactly my thoughts as I watched it all unfold last night.
These Thrashers… they are not to be trifled with. And I must disagree, I like the newer Thrash jerseys over those awful Carolina blue monstrocities with the franken-sleeve. It reminds me of this in terms of clothing design… (probably been overdone, but I’m new and will take my chances, haha)
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 23, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
those socks just kill me. the jerseys are bad enough, but the socks…………..Tim Gunn is curled up in a corner crying about those socks.
by RedBirdie on Oct 23, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet Gordon Gartell knockoff!
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 23, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Tonight the Capitals played an opponent they should have handled easily and let the game get closer than it should have been. Again. They took far too many penalties, many of which were unneccesary. Again. They failed to ratchet up their game and lock down a win when they had the lead against an inferior opponent. Again. The team lacked the level of cohesion and constant pressure a team full of players this skilled should have. Again.”
Would any of this even have been relevant if Varly hadn’t allowed two soft goals? 5-2 and we’re talking about “taking care of business” as opposed to “bad habits.”
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Oct 23, 2009 1:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Did you watch the last ten minutes of the game? It was awful. Lots of penalties, and we could barely clear it from our own zone, let along play in there. If I had gone to bed after watching 50mins of hockey, I would have been happy. We played well. But watching the last ten minutes was rough.
by Bman21212 on Oct 23, 2009 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz' goal
Happy Caps fans, perturbed Thrashers fans
by Icebat on Oct 23, 2009 1:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know which is longer...
Schultz’ goal last night or Kevin Hatcher’s goal vs. the Rangers in Game 5 at MSG in the 1994 playoffs. Hatchers was a short handed goal, so maybe that adds something to it, but both were from deep in the Caps defensive zone and beat a goalie.
I suspect Hatcher beat a better goalie (Richter) than Schultz did…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 23, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC ShaMo had a long SHG against PIT a few years back, under Hanlon.
by red army line on Oct 23, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ivan Majesky
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 23, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure the Schultz goal was longer. For some reason I seem to remember Hatcher being a decent way up the half-wall when he let it go. Gotta love the final bounce on both shots though.
by jpbryant on Oct 23, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Antropov, last spring we wondered how the big Russian didn’t “get called for interference and/or diving a half dozen times a game”.
I kept thinking that all pre-season. Apparently if you’re really big the refs give you the benefit of the doubt, but it sure looks like interference to me at times. Glad he’s on my team though.
All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com
by The Falconer on Oct 23, 2009 2:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What happened to Pavelec last night? Has he had those sorts of lapses before?
by Sct112 on Oct 23, 2009 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s more the Caps bringing goalies back down to earth. I seem to recall everyone thinking how great Emery was playing, then the Caps put up five on him. Yeah, they lost that game, but I take small satisfaction in that. Sort of the same here, with the bonus of the win. Levels the psychological playing field.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 23, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, in the minors
Coach Anderson had him in the run to a AHL championship and he had some stinker games but always bounced back strong the next game. The problem with Pavelec is that he is more of a giant reflex goalie than a technique guy and when he is off it get get ugly quick.
All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com
by The Falconer on Oct 23, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely seemed like an excitable flopper.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excitable Flopper is going on its world tour next month.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 23, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Promoting their sophomore release, Weak 5-hole.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, this one left the team some room for improvement, no doubt.
I can’t decide which is more perturbing, Varly’s sieve impersonation or the bad penalties and inability to clear the zone. The Bogosian goal was horrible; Varly had a clear view, the shot wasn’t that hard, it was from an angle…that sucked. The second goal also kinda dribbled through him,
But the semi-lackadaisical effort, the inability to focus, the penalties, that’s been going on for a long time. I don’t know what BB can do? He’s been Mr Nice Guy, he’s been Mr Snarly, and he’s skated them hard. I guess he has to stick with the bag skates and yelling, and try to get through to them.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 23, 2009 6:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rec’d for the “non ten notes” content. Me likey good writey.
"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 23, 2009 7:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I rec’d for the SAT reference in the notes… Nice one.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 23, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking during last night’s game that so far this season, the Caps seem always to let the opponent set the pace of the game. If the opponent is skating fast and hard, so do the Caps. Likewise, if — like last night — the opponent seems lackadaisical, so do the Caps. They seem to take a reactive instead of proactive approach. Ultimately, that won’t get them very far.
by Caps_Chick on Oct 23, 2009 7:41 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Spot on. At some point last year I recall noting that they Caps were way too reactive rather than proactive in games – they’d see what kind of game it was and play to it. Nothing’s changed.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 23, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Boudreau wasn’t hesitant to use the whip this week in practice, skating his players hard and letting them know in no uncertain terms that he was unhappy with them. So far that approach doesn’t seem to have worked.
Premature judgement, I think. The habit is already formed and it dates from the middle of last season. Habits aren’t broken overnight, and expecting it to simply vanish after just one game and a few practices is unrealistic. On average, it takes three weeks of constant vigilance to break a habit once formed, and since you’re talking about many guys’ habits, it could well be months. Annoying for us, to be sure, but sackcloth and ashes over it is a bit much.
It’s a long season, guys and gals, and the regular season isn’t as important to us as it has been in years past. It’s a time for the team to get settled, get its act together, deal with any lingering issues and bad habits, and get ready for the postseason. I expect Bruce to keep with them and keep after them for a while.
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 23, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How is this a premature judgment? Gabby cracked the whip in practice. The team reverted to form. We’re not talking about training a schnauzer here.
It takes “on average, three weeks of constant vigilance” to make a hockey team show up to play 60 minutes? MAYBE MONTHS? Can you source any of that?
by TylerG on Oct 23, 2009 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, “three weeks to break a habit” is well-established psychology wisdom, and it holds for ANY habit no matter how large or small.
As for sources, there’s lots of them, but these links should get you started:
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-breakinghabits6-2009apr06,0,2419265.story
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habit_(psychology)
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 23, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Very cute, but it’s not clear to me how tips for individuals are applicable to a team dynamic. Still, at least that’s substance.
by TylerG on Oct 23, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
two ideas: a) A team is made up of individuals. b) A team should be a bunch of guys functioning as one.
"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 23, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see where you’re coming from, but when you put the team through what Bruce put the Caps through this week, you’re looking for immediate results.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But expecting them is not realistic, nor good analysis.
by Forsch31 on Oct 23, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, which is why I’m not a huge fan of the ‘berating players into higher performance’ theory.
by David M. Getz on Oct 23, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
IMO the Caps will look a lot sharper in Lawn Guyland, when they finally play the second of two games in a pattern closer to regular NHL scheduling. I’m starting to understand why the owners and coaches aren’t looking forwad to the Olympic break.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 23, 2009 8:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The fact they are playing the Isles won’t shouldn’t hurt either.
by Sct112 on Oct 23, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In theory.
PLEASE don’t play down to the competition. This game should be an easy two points.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 23, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
another short handed breakaway, and then a short handed goal in the third period. it’s getting old, and the season’s too young. :facepalm:
by lancerevo on Oct 23, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t have a problem with Varlamov’s five-hole goal after seeing Osgood flub one last night.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 23, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I would okay with this reasoning if we had one of the best bluelines in the league and consistently played disciplined hockey.
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 23, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other goalies playing like crap does not make me feel better about the Caps’ goalie playing like crap. There are plenty of goalies who are playing well.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 23, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s good to know that the Caps can still win without Ovie scoring. That bouncer that Pavelec let in was atrocious! I feel a little bit sorry for him, because that’ll be brought up on YouTube for a long time!
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Oct 23, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t feel the least bit sorry for him. If he comes out of his net even 5 feet that puck never goes in.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 23, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How would you feel about darkening the Captain’s hair to match his bad-ass ’stache? Maybe just for a “trial period” to see how it looks.
by mechanicsville on Oct 23, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t have the requisite computer skills to do this. I only work with actual Sealab 2021 shots so if you find a version of Dark-haired Murphy, let me know.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 23, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can hook you up if you remind me when I’m at home (sometime during the evening)
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You always want secondary scoring, and it doesn’t get much more secondary than Eric Fehr, Alexandre Giroux, Chris Clark, Jeff Schultz, and Matt Bradley. AGAIN
:-)
by Scofield on Oct 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt Bradley: you can’t stop him, you can only hope to slow him down :)
Alan Ryder named him the NHL’s best defense-first forward for last season……apparently, he wants to be an offensive dynamo as well!
by RedBirdie on Oct 23, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said that last night, haha.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble and Morrison
Even though 22 didn’t have a big game last night, how awesome are Knuble and Morrison doing this year? Put me in the group that was underwhelmed about the Morrison signing, but I always feel good when I see him or Knuble on the ice this year. They just seem to bring exactly what the team was missing last year. So far they seem like pretty decent upgrades from Feds and Kozlov, and I was bummed to see both of those guys go.
by jpbryant on Oct 23, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
they’re awesome. I’ve been THRILLED by B.Mo.
by RedBirdie on Oct 23, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And kick or not, Knuble put one past the goalie last night. At the very least, that’s got to get into the goalie’s head a little.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 23, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kanoobie was thrilled.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 23, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so thrilled he didn’t make an appearance on the blog :( I love Kanoobie sightings.
by RedBirdie on Oct 23, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.
I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the Thrashers’ light blue jerseys.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Oct 23, 2009 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
72 | 48 | 14 | 10 | 106 |
|
Atlanta
|
71 | 31 | 29 | 11 | 73 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
71 | 28 | 31 | 12 | 68 |
|
Carolina
|
71 | 30 | 33 | 8 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
70 | 28 | 31 | 11 | 67 |
(updated 3.21.2010 at 1:09 AM EDT)
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