Recap: Capitals 6, Maple Leafs 4
by David Getz on Oct 3, 2009 10:42 PM EDT
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Print[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Post Game]
While enduring the tedium of the hockey-less summer one topic discussed more than once was how the Capitals should handle their home opener and the raising of their 2008-09 Southeast Division Champions banner. Naturally, the team had to acknowledge their achievement, to put up a banner, and to give the fans a chance to celebrate a little bit. But to make a huge ceremony out of the event would have been a mistake because it would have been, in a sense, saying that winning the Southeast is in and of itself is cause for celebration when, at this point, the team's aspirations should be much higher. Ted Leonsis and the team's staff handled the banner-raising the right way, something that was reflected in the all-out, get-down-to-business manner in which the team started the game.
Of course the team came out and laid an egg in the third period, a fact that's undeniable no matter how well they played and how many things they did right in the first two. After the game Bruce Boudreau said he hoped the team had learned "a cheap lesson" and that in the situation the team was in at the second intermission they needed to clamp down and focus on winning the game 6-1 rather than taking risks and trying to win 9-1. While the point is well taken, it's also worth asking, "shouldn't they already know that?"
Ten additional thoughts on tonight's game:
- Jeff Finger is really, really good at running "legal interference". And not much else.
- One more good game from Shaone Morrisonn and I'll be ready to officially declare him back in 07-08 form.
- Lee Stempniak made Semyon Varlamov look awfully bad on his goal. That, Caps fans, can be the downside of a super-athletic goalie.
- Matt Bradley's new helmet looks like that goofy lid David Wright wore when he came back from concussion.
- Through two games Quintin Laing has been credited with exactly zero shot blocks.
- Nicklas Backstrom's curl to free up space on the play that eventually led to Mike Knuble's goal was downright Nylander-ian. In a good way.
- Two games, two "Alexander Semin hat tricks"...for Alex Ovechkin.
- For all the talk of the Maple Leafs new-found truculence, the Caps outhit them 24-22.
- The Caps have now killed off all eight powerplays against them this season.
- Wait, did John Erskine really just get undressed one-on-one by Jeff Finger? Damn it.
Here's hoping Boudreau's right that the team learned their lesson tonight, because there won't be nearly as much of a margin for error against the Flyers come Tuesday.
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I think in the offseason I had sort of forgotten how truly amazing AO is. Tonight he was like a seamstress with stick and puck!
We did the same thing in the third that we did vs. NYR in the preseason. Hopefully we can really learn the lesson without needing a loss to bring it home.
"My face is my mask."
That third period – ugh. Just. Ugh. D overall does look better than last year, tho.
And Gustavsson looks like he’s going to be real good.
Varly … I dunno. I still like Neuvirth better.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Oct 3, 2009 10:51 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Varly just looked like a rookie tonight, was all. He was obviously nervous, and awfully twitchy. He wasn’t anywhere near that nervous during the playoffs (it seems).
And, honestly, the 2 rebound and a deflection goals weren’t that bad – I think those go in on any goalie.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Wasn’t Varly pulled out of position on that Stempniak goal by Green (got tangled in his pads)?
And Mo is back to form, had a decent game but deflected a goal into his own net. A ShaMo-hattrick (hits, blocked shots, own goals)?
I don’t think Green pulled Varlamov out of position. I think Varlamov just challenged too hard and couldn’t get back. Green, Poti, and Varlamov misplayed that. ShaMo has looked good.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I’d rather have them go all-out offense than clam up into a defensive shell. Still not a pretty third period, but an error of excess enthusiasm, not excess caution.
by RPI93 on Oct 3, 2009 11:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
They don’t have to go into a shell, but when they’re up 6-1, they need to get the puck in deep every time, keep the third man high in the offensive zone, and make the other guys play the full length of the ice.
huh??
And not let Jeff Finger walk into the slot.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
My brother thought Varly left a week rebound (it was) but I said “When Jeff Finger walks into the slot everyone has failed.” You can’t really put that one on Varlamov, though he didn’t help his cause.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Erskine had a bad game. I found myself vocally wishing Schultz had played tonight, instead, a few different times.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
NOT A FIN-GAH!!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 4, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bad habits form in blow outs.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I wouldn’t waste a moment worrying about the third period. The team expended a ton of emotion in the first two periods and suffered a bit of a natural letdown. That game was never in doubt. Not for a minute. What caught my eye in the first two periods was the incrdedible difference in team speed between Toronto and Washington. I’m really looking forward to the game against Philly to get a real handle on how the Caps match up against a top rival.
Boston curb-stomped the Canes tonight, so I’m taking some heart from the opening night win. Philly’s going to be an interesting test. Haven’t seen them play, but the numbers look outstanding.
huh??
I think they match up against us very well. Heck they match up against anyone well. Their D downright frightens me. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Care Bear line split up at some point during that game.
The Care Bear line probably should have been split up in the third. Looked like they were reverting to cute again.
But during the first and second, they were scary good. The whole team was. They need to re-learn basic math. Twenty times three is sixty. The game has sixty minutes.
I think they were focusing on more basic math: 6-1=5 and there was no way they were giving up 5 that period.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Talk about a goalie who had a bad night – Brodeur got embarrassed, at least according to the highlights. Those were some bad goals.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
And the difference in the Battle of Alberta was a terrible stickhandling play by Khabi…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 6:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Through two games Quintin Laing has been credited with exactly zero shot blocks.
“I know it’s only two games” aside, but I’m presuming he’s going to be the proverbial 13th forward when Fehr/Flash come back and Kane/Sloan get sent down. Assuming this team can stay out of the box, you’re going to have Steckel, Gordon, Laich, Backstrom, Semin and (who’d a thunk it) Bradley as forward options on the PK. He’s not going to be a world beater on ES, and there’s possibly going to be better options in the coming weeks. For what it’s worth.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
Noted.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 3, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
My personal preference is to have Laing play more minutes than Bradley. I thought Laing had a heck of a game yesterday, and I think he’s overall the better player.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Really. That’s a bit of a surprise to me. Laing is a fine 4W but Bradley is a much better skater and given their roles that makes him the better player. There is a reason Bradley has been a solid NHL player for years and Q has just gotten nibbles.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Yup. I stand by it. Bradley is moderately below average at everything. Makes him a valuable player because he can do anything without embarrassing himself. Laing is exceptional at a couple of things, and terrible at others. Makes him great when you need the things he’s good at, and useless when you don’t.
On a team with workhorses like the Caps, I’d rather have the specialist than the generalist. You hardly even need a 4th line if you’re the Caps because your top lines eat so many minutes. Better to have the guy who can give you 5 carefully timed minutes of excellent penalty killing/defense.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The job that the 4th line has is to get in on the forecheck and make the other team spend a shift in their own end. Bradley is faster and a better forechecker. How many times have you seen Q get in on the forecheck just a bit too late? I think DMG said it earlier in the week and I have had the same thought: If Q was just a step faster he’d be a solid NHL player, but he’s not. I appreciate his toughness and willingness to block shots, but Bradley lets people punch him in the face under the guise of sticking up for his team. Bradley gave us reliable 3rd line minutes in the playoffs, even if that’s not an optimal role for him. He’s just a better hockey player.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Brads also potted two fairly important goals in the playoffs last year. Those are the sorts of guys that COULD keep us out of a 6- or 7-game marathon next time ’round if they pot some cheapies that get us done in 5 games.
Q? I highly doubt it. I love shot-blocking PK guys, don’t get me wrong… but I’m almost ignoring the regular season results and looking forward to what each player is going to bring to the table in the layoffs where it matters most.
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 5, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, I know for a fact Q blocked a shot standing up putting his shin pads together. It was just high in the D zone and created a Caps rush so of course Q couldn’t be responsible for that.
Either way he’s played great.
Laing also had a fantastic sequence on a kill where he kept the puck in the Leafs’ zone for an extra 15 seconds or so by using his shot blocking mojo on several attempted clearing passes.
Re my comment about Laing>Bradley, here are the lines I’d use when the kids are back.
Ovechkin – Backstrom – Semin
Laich – Morrison – Knuble
Fleischmann – Steckel – Fehr
Laing – Gordon – Clark
(Bradley rotates with Laing and Clark, but gets the fewest minutes of the three)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I like your lines, but suggest that Clarkie’s playing quite well so far, and doesn’t need to be rotating with anyone. Maybe Laing and Brads can switch off and leave Clark and Gordon as the “regulars”.
by mechanicsville on Oct 4, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree, though I think Clark and Steckel have some good chemistry going…
from the house that Red Jesus built
Maybe switch Clark and Fehr or try them on both lines. Speaking of chemistry b/t Clark and Steckel, 39 owes Clark an assist. 17 handed Stecks the puck on a golden platter last night. But I suppose when even Ovie misses a layup from time to time, we’ll let Steckel keep his sweater.
by mechanicsville on Oct 4, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Are people really fretting over the third period? It was 6-1! The game was 100% over at that point and there was no chance the Maple Leafs could have mounted a comeback. For them to lose a little focus in that situation, this early in the season, should be expected.
Of course they can’t do that against the Flyers or Penguins in a close game. This wasn’t the Flyers or Penguins, and it wasn’t even remotely close.
I am extremely optimistic about every aspect of this team right now.
by Kolzilla on Oct 3, 2009 11:30 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yes, because we want to see a team put together a complete game every night. Taking a period off means you might take the wrong period off. It is unacceptable for a potential Cup contender.
What would have happened if that third period was the first period?
If it had happened in the first then yes, it would have been unacceptable. But it’s different when you have a five goal lead with 20 minutes to play. Of course we would all like to see them play their best 100% of the time, but its only natural to let up a bit in that situation.
I guess it comes down to whether you think tonight’s third period was an indicator of how they’rr going to handle a lead or thr kind of effort they’ll put forth in the future. I happen to think it was meaningless.
by Kolzilla on Oct 3, 2009 11:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s just a disturbing trend. The team against the Pens last playoffs was taking one or two periods off—force of habit. Better to break that habit so they play 60 mins (or more) when the chips are down.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 4:05 AM EDT up reply actions
We are all officially at the point where a 6-4 victory is “a disturbing trend.”
I ain’t criticizing. It’s exactly right. 3rd period was a steaming pile. But still — expectations high enough this year?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 6:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I meant zero effort for any significant part of a game. I wouldn’t mind a 6-4 win over Pittsburgh if both the Caps and Pens were playing well all-around. But TOR scoring 4 is not good.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 6:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you’re making the third period more of a big deal than it actually is. We can expect greatness, but let’s not get greedy – it’s downright unreasonable to expect perfection.
Overall, the 6-4 victory was slightly less than great, but it wasn’t horrible by any means. Can’t let one bad period outweigh two fantastic periods.
http://dclandingstrip.blogspot.com/
but let’s not get greedy –
But. They CAN do “perfection” if they decide to. This we have seen. Key trait of a winner is the ability to keep your opponent, regardless of the score, pinned to the floor with no hope of respite. They CAN do this. They chose not to from time to time. This is a key puzzle piece that has nothing to do with skill or conditioning or strength or strategy or tactics or coaching or line combinations. Time to get greedy. I am. Grow up, boys. Grow your minds into your skill sets.
In the grand scheme of this game, the third period is not a big deal. However, I have seen this team (and many teams in the past) who are able to dominate a team like TOR only to play down to their level, and it is really frustrating as a fan. I’d really like to see a team that is capable of being the class of the league actually be the class of the league.
by renstar on Oct 4, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Could not agree more. This was a blowout in every sense of the word. How often have the Lakers gone up 30 points in the third quarter, yet the final margin is about half that? I know it’s not a perfect analogy, as our best players were still seeing some ice time…but a win is a win is a win, and in this case it was pretty dominating.
Hard not to be excited right now.
http://dclandingstrip.blogspot.com/
So wait, it’s OK if they play well for a full 60 against a team that’s a EC contender, but it’s forgivable if they don’t against a non-EC competitor? Kinda plays down to the competition and breeds inconsistent behavior (a trait this team showed in stretches last year), no?
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 3, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That third period made me sick. That was sad and pathetic, and inexcusable for a team wanting to win the Stanley Cup against a team, that, frankly, is not in the same class.
That said, 20 minutes. Oh well. It’ll be ok, likely, I just wasn’t happy.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
I’m with you in the unhappiness, but it seems like some folks here are essentially saying “that’s OK, it’s just Toronto,” or “it’s OK, it was 6-1,” which was basically the pre-playoffs meme last year. I don’t buy it and it’s not acceptable. To paraphrase Russell Crowe, what is done for 60 minutes in October versus Toronto echoes in April against say, New Jersey.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 3, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you really think the Caps’ undoing in the playoffs was a penchant to take parts of the game off? I didn’t really see it that way. Effort didn’t seem like the problem to me last April and May, and I don’t think it will be this year based on tonight’s third period.
by Kolzilla on Oct 4, 2009 12:01 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I really think the Caps’ lack of consistently complete and disciplined 60 minutes, combined the lack of keeping the foot on the neck of their opponent (whomever it may be) was the reason why they had a 7 seed take them to 7 games. I think that what we saw in the third was reminiscent of countless games last year. Whether this year’s team knows that and learns from it remains to be seen.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you forgot something.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
It’s very possible, I’ve been up for awhile.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I knew my DrinkingPartner would be with me? What’s your choice for the evening?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I started with that at Oyamel before switching over to arena beer. Now furiously hydrating.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2009 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I have Magic Hat 9 right now. Had to settle for 7-eleven selection.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
That’s a favorite of mine, actually. Your 7-eleven was blessed.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 4, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, if they have MH9 in 7-11, there’s some progress in America.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that what we saw in the third was reminiscent of countless games last year.
This is what concerns me. The inconsistency was what cost this team in the end last season. Great teams learn how to put the hammer down on good and weak opponents alike. They realize that habits are formed in practice and the regular season. You can’t just turn over a new leaf (pun not intended) come April.
Well, they don’t have to keep the pedal to the metal when up by 5 in the 3rd. But they have to get pucks in deep and play less aggressively. I don’t want injuries. But up by 2, then keep going, Even 3 or 4.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 4:07 AM EDT up reply actions
play less aggressively
Completely disagree. The minute you stop playing aggressive is when you get goals scored on you. It’s like playing a prevent defense in football. You don’t spend all your practices and other games teaching players to play aggressive and then all of a sudden expect them to play soft/safe. Yes, you can change things strategically, like giving your more defensive mended players more ice time, and take a couple less gambles in the offensive zone, but the minute you slow down and stop moving your feet then the other team will start scoring in bunches. Even more so when your system is predicated on pushing the play as BB’s is.
I guess we agree to disagree. I mean, defensemen shouldn’t pinch on 50-50 pucks. No 3-man forecheck. No cross-ice passes in the neutral zone. That sort of thing. The nature of the game is aggressive —> high risk. Attack and pressure in the D-zone, sure, but don’t make the high risk plays.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, to a point. If your system is an aggressive system, you have to play what got you the lead to keep it. If you use a strongly defensive system, then it wont hurt to stay defensive.
The key is to keep playing your system.
In other words, shift to a defensive mode, but play it aggressively, challenging the puck carrier, taking up lanes, etc. They did it well in Boston
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
No, it’s not ok (I enjoy answsering rhetorical questions) for lots of reasons…not the least of which is hanging Varlamov out to dry at least twice during the 3rd period. Heckuva way to screw with a young goalie’s confidence right out of the gate.
by mechanicsville on Oct 3, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
My problem is that all last year the Caps showed a propensity to lose focus and let their play slip when they thought they had the situation under control. They won the SE but I think that letting NYR take them 7 games was a factor in how slow and tired they looked against the Pens. It may be human nature to let down, but they get paid lots of money to overcome that. I expect them to play like professionals. If you’re over the game then get the red line and dump the puck. Keep that clock moving and make them go 200’ for a goal.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Rob Parker on Oct 4, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
JP, please lets roll back and see when a cup contender has let a 6-1 lead go and end up being 6-4. It’s not acknowleding the fact the game was over and everyone was going through the motions..its the fact that they did let up and did not show they learned anything from last year and let them leads score 3 goals more…well maybe 2 than they should have.
Do not let any team back into a game no matter who they are should be hanging on a wall somewhere in the locker room
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
The defending Stanley Cup champion let the Islanders take them to a shootout at home.
It’s October, folks. A long way to go. Games like this are part of the 82. Just so there aren’t too many when a team scores three late to make it interesting.
If you've read this far...seek help.
The defending Stanley Cup champion let the Islanders take them to a shootout at home.
am I a bad person that I get some pleasure out of this?
Just don’t publish anything that uses that word 15 times per week…
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 5, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For sure. We are all hockey starved and the regular season certainly matters for some things, but really it’s all preseason until the playoffs begin. Frankly I’d be a little worried if it had ended 6-1 about overconfidence creeping in. I’m thankful for the cheap lesson with Philly up next.
by grapejoos on Oct 4, 2009 9:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Brooks Laich is making me a happy man. It was great to see our brand new caps both notch some goals on the home opener as well.
Knuble is going to see a lot of pk time I think. I was hoping/thinking he would be one ofnour top defensive forwards going into the season and it looks like it’s shaping up that way.
Great to see these guys playing like this while missing Fehr and Flash.
/mobile commenting, excuse errors
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 3, 2009 11:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Jersey Foul o’ the Game:
Dude in a Nylander sweater, who spelled out in block letters with electrical tape – GO AWAY
(no pix, sorry)
IS PAЯTY NOW
I didn’t have my camera, but i saw a TON of fouls. And an ass in my section who had a sign asking chicks to take their shirts off.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
Hey, we’re in the same section. Did you see that enormous dude (not sure if it was the same one with the sign) actually take off his shirt? That was disturbing.
Hey, could be worse. You know the dude wearing all red spandex and not much else who showed up in photos? Turns out he sits in my section about eight rows behind me. He’s got another guy with him playing some sort of cowbell-type instrument; I swear it was like the Caps’ version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
You know the dude wearing all red spandex and not much else who showed up in photos?
This guy?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
They almost had a banner foul o’ the game when the SE banner got apparently hung up. I couldn’t see it, the scoreboard was in the way, so I watched it on the screen.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 4, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Apropos of nothing, I just had to fill in a two-word capcha and I got “circles rigidity”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Very.
Loosely related – I saw Nyls at “my” Starbucks this morning.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Anyone wearing a Jagr Caps jersey is commiting a jersey foul, and we saw the same one heading to and from Verizon last night.
I saw one at the caps convention, There is no excuse to still wear that in public.
"And next year it will be ours."
I came across one in a thrift store a couple of months ago.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
No sure why the hate for this one. It’s just his name is cyrillic. It’s what his Russian team jersey looks like. A lot of jersey things I have issue with, like putting your own name on it, putting another team’s player on (worst), or some slogan. But, its the spelling of his name with his own number.
Because if that’s what you want, buy a Russian Team jersey. I’m kind of with wittcap79 on this. Although not vehemently.
Disagree, I think it’s cool. I saw a Lokomotiv Varlamov jersey tonight too, and I thought that was awesome. They have a great logo.
And that's great
For Loco, but this is a Caps jersey, not a loco jersey, not a dynamo jersey. Players names are in English on NHL jerseys. You want his name in Cyrillic buy the t-shirt, or the Dynamo jersey
Does the jersey rule say the only acceptable jerseys are exactly what the players wear? Ovechkin’s Russian and proud of the fact, I see no problem with putting his name in cyrillic on your jersey. In fact, with the overwhelming number of Ovechkins around Verizon, I think this is a good way to be a little creative without too out of the box.
Yes, he's very proud
as most of the Russians I’ve met are. I represent my fandom/his patriotism with my Russian Nat’l Jersey with Ovie on the back. Which is, naturally, spelled in English, because that’s the official language in IIHF competition. JP reps it with his Dynamo Jersey, as does HD88 apparently. So yes, I think it’s unacceptable. Foul.
Got my Dynamo jersey from www.russianjerseys.com
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
I vote “Not A Foul.” It’s the dude’s name. On the back of a jersey. With his number on it.
Besides, it looks kind of cool
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
yeah, i saw a couple of these last night, and to be honest i was shocked that anyone would see it as a “foul”… eh, to each his own i suppose?
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
Frankly, the whole jersey foul thing reminds me of the 19th century female high society gossip circles. Wear what you want and who cares what the hockey henhouse thinks?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Oct 5, 2009 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you’re conflating two issues here. I agree: wear what you want and who cares what anyone else thinks, but… people can still think it and discuss it. People judge. It’s human nature.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think the fact that the Team Store made and is selling them this way makes it not a foul by default. A foul is caused by a consumer making an ill-advised decision at a personalization stand/website.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 5, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s super-cool. Let’s face it, folks, there are MILLIONS of people in Russia right now that love this team for 2 (or possibly 3)reasons and they both start with Alex. We are the new Red Machine and I can get on board with embracing that fact via a Cyrillic-spelled jersey.
Not a foul, spaciba! (sp?)
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 5, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Normally spacebo, but it’s a transliteration from a different language with different phonemes. What you typed out is closer to how it’s actually said.
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 5, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Foul or not?
Saw a couple down in 115, each with white Caps jerseys. The woman had #19 that said “Unleash” on the nameplate, while the man had #74 with “The Fury” on his.
Eh, I don’t know. Seems like they’re trying to hard. Not clever enough.
Brooks Laich is making me ahappyrich? man.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
Screw Da Man and his silly port security bill that tried to stop it… : ]
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 5, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
To me it seemed like the sloppy started with cute play – anyone else?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Oct 4, 2009 12:03 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I thought they were getting away with cute play early. They were passing through feet cross ice from the start of the game but they were moving their feet and winning the loose pucks (and getting some bounces) so it didn’t cost. I thought the problem in the third was the lack of urgency for the puck. When it was free it seemed like TOR won it.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
This. Cuteness was not the problem this night. And I’m usually all over the cuteness.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 6:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree. I don’t think it was the big problem but I’m not going to ignore that it was there and they got away with it, especially early.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Yup. Bad habits are bad habits:
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. That 3-on-1 in the beginning of the third where Ovechkin couldn’t put the puck in the open net (not really sure what happened there with no replay) was the spark. Toronto scored a minute after that to get it to 6-2. Ovie puts that home and it’s 7-1 and we’re all probably not having this conversation…
http://dclandingstrip.blogspot.com/
Results of the last two games show what happens when we have two scoring lines clicking. Morrison seems to be a great match with Knuble and Laich.
Yes, the third period was sloppy. I think we had failures with three different lines there.
Knuble is so money. We are going to bless GMGM’s heart more than once for this get. Stay healthy, Knubs!!
Wait. You mean that GMGM actually does something right once in a while? Say it ain’t so!
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Oct 4, 2009 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Depends on who you ask. The next person who wants Getzlaf instead of Fehr needs a swirly.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Am I really in the minority because I would take/make that transaction in the blink of an eye?
/patiently waiting by the porcelain goddess
Given our cap situation?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Obviously given our cap situation such a move would be impossible. I was simply taking the “wants” part of your statement literally. Put better, as a GM If I were given the choice of Fehr or Getzlaf, I take Getzlaf every time.
And with Getzlaf I don’t think Nylander is here.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe not, but Kessel would be good too. I suspect Backstrom would be here, but not both of Gustaffson and Johansson. Maybe they’d have taken Carlson with Gus’ pick and not traded those two seconds and Emmy.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
With Getzlaf means not Backstrom and no Alzner.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Getzlaf was 2003. He really started making an impact a couple of seasons ago. Sure, maybe no Alzner, but would he have made that big a difference? I doubt it, even if the sucking Caps called him up earlier. Backstrom IMO would still have come to DC. And frankly Getzlaf > Backstrom or Alzner, and for the time being, maybe even both.
by red army line on Oct 4, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
You can’t even begin to judge what Alzner means. Right now he has the potential to be the best defensive player in the organization. Will he be that? Maybe, maybe not. But you can’t dismiss his loss just because he hasn’t put points up. To say that you doubt that Alzner’s loss would make a difference is absurd at this point.
Getzlaf put up pretty solid numbers as a rookie in 05-06 (39 points in 57 games). He was also on a talented veteran team that made the playoffs, seeing little PP time. If he were on the Caps that year he’d be with AO all season and contended for the Calder. I think it’s very likely that having a legit offensive C with AO in 05-06 could have won the Caps enough points to move out of the lottery, thus losing out on Backstrom.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I wasn’t clear. I meant I doubt Getzlaf would have been making so much of a difference that Alzner doesn’t come here, or someone else high in that draft. He wasn’t as of yet playing 1C, so I think it would have been tougher on him playing 1C on the Caps, if he did, with basically zero talent on his wings. Maybe Alzner doesn’t come, but I think Backstrom is still here as the 2C.
by red army line on Oct 5, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
NO chance Alzner comes. We are not a lotto team in 06-07 with Getzlaf. Probably not with Backstrom either. What do you mean zero talent on the wings? I think you’re forgetting someone(s).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
I don’t think Ovechkin has a much better season with Getzlaf, if it’s in fact better at all—I think Zubrus, a fellow Russian-speaker, helped with chemistry with Ovie. Semin wasn’t here yet, and Clark-types who don’t have tons of talent won’t be helped by a great playmaker. Alzner is probably not here, Backstrom I think still is. Agree to disagree? You won’t change my mind, I won’t change yours.
by red army line on Oct 6, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t care what language Zubrus speaks, I think it’s pretty absurd to think that Getzlaf wouldn’t have been an improvement over Zubrus.
Even if you think Zubrus was a better fit on the top line, that leaves Getzlaf as the 2nd line C which is waaaaaaay better than anything the Caps had at the time. And Getzlaf sure couldn’t have hurt the 14.7% PP that the Caps put out there.
AO’s stats may not have been significantly better, but the team certainly would have been better with Getzlaf, which is the point being made.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 6, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Observations from Section 421
1) Ovechkin scored a goal, had 2 helpers, and could have had 2 more points if not for our crappy ice. Early in the third, he had a wide open net to bury a puck but it hopped over his stick.
2) Brooks Laich played well, but on the the Leafs second goal (the first in the 3rd period) he tried to get cute at the blue line and the puck didn’t get out. From what I saw after the Leafs scored, he was mad at himself and I doubt this will be an issue with him.
3) What is it with Ponikarovsky getting all of these multi point games against the Caps? Who does he think he is, Jon Sim or something? (Speaking of which, Jon Sim is available right now…)
4) Despite allowing 4 goals on 31 shots, Varly played pretty well, esp. in the first. He really only had one bad goal, the one in the second period when he ended up way out of position.
An ugly 3rd period, but a win is a win, and at the end of the year, they don’t ask how pretty, they ask how many. If they can learn from the way they played in the 3rd and still get the 2 points, that’s a good thing.
Let's go Caps!
Jon Sim is not available! He plays for NYI and biffed and empty net v. PIT. No chance he misses that goal against the Caps.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
Well...
…if there’s no resolution on the Islanders arena situation, he may go west next year to Kansas City…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 4, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I bet the Isles would be happy to let him go for a few boxes of pucks or a new arena…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 4, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Truculence won’t beat skill.
Yea, the third was bad, but It’s still early in the season.
I had a heck of a time!
"And next year it will be ours."
Truculence won’t beat skill.
This was absolutely one of the stories of the game. I loved Erskine declining a fight early and making them pay with a minor penalty. Caps defeated a physical team the right way — by taking advantage of the open space created when folks overcommit for a big hit and converting on the power play.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions
According to the circular video board under the main scoreboard, as well as the video board running around the arena just below the 400 level, the Caps second goal was scored by Mike Knubble. It was right everywhere else, though.
I thought the HNIC announcers brought up a pretty good point: when the Caps were up 4-1 in Boston they were able to spend the 3rd period just getting the job done. At home, even at 6-1 they wanted to keep putting on the show, whether consciously or not.
It’s a long season and I’m not going to spend it like last year hyper-analyzing every period. We killed them, regardless of how 6-4 looks. You’ve got 246 periods to play in a season and they all won’t be gems. I highly doubt the 3rd would have been the same were the score 2-2.
Varly was fine in my opinion. First goal was on him, otherwise we’re talking about deflections and poor defense, whether it was letting them penetrate down low or failing to clear after he made the initial save.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
Varly was fine in my opinion. First goal was on him, otherwise we’re talking about deflections and poor defense, whether it was letting them penetrate down low or failing to clear after he made the initial save.
Just playing devil’s advocate here…
Are we saying the same things if it was Theo in net during the third period last night? Or would the tone be more along the lines of the #1 getting paid to make the big saves?
not so funny
is Ov’s TOI - 21:13 average already!!! then again, isn’t he Superman? noticed a couple others were up in 26 min range…..
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Oct 4, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost forgot
MAJOR big ups for Brooksie’s new upgraded goal-scoring video. He morphs into Iron Man, with the music from the movie and everything.
Awesomesauce.
IS PAЯTY NOW
Boston beat Carolina tonight 7-2….we should have beat Toronto 6-1…maybe 6-2. The boys better get this crap from last season out of their system before February….really before the Olympics.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
well, i’ll take that too. I think I am more interested in seeing what they make of Ray Emery than Pronger, truth be told. We know what Chris brings, I don’t know what Ray will be bringing this year
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
Caps have got to play 60 min against Philly. Had a tough eneough time beating then last year, and now they have Pronger. What was the final decision on his salary issue, btw?
He’ll be over 35 when the contract extension begins. No cap break when he retires.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember, though – Boston was coming out of the gate having just been humiliated. They wanted a little of their own back and played like it.
I want to see the guys drop the hammer, though, and leave it down. Just take care of business instead of trying to show off for the home fans. But it’s totally not time to slam the panic button yet, folks. Chill out. Let’s see if Captain Clark and our new guys can straighten the locker room out over the course of the season – it’s a long way till April.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I was just venting, with a side of alcohol after I got home from the game last night, unfortunately….need to wait until the morning next time to post. :) Chillax’n now
Seriously, no panic at all actually and yes completely understand it’s October. I was hoping that we wouldn’t see that happen under Woods and BB in the second game of the season, no matter the circumstances….might call them BB&W from now on.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
"You felt like you were in a piranha fish tank,"
ace quote from Ronny Wilson (wonder how many chairs he smashed ‘tween periods in that visitor’s dressing room. . . ) in the G&M story
Great line by Robot Godzilla in the comments from the PPP recap thread:
Maybe I’m crazy, but maybe OV’s a superzombie.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 4, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I thought there was something inhuman about that photo. You nailed it. Rec’pocalypse.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Oct 4, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe this will cheer you up
For everyone who’s still got the third period in their head, maybe this will cheer you up.
Heh. Also, if you don’t follow Corey, this was his Twitter gem from last night.
Brooks Laich and Alex Ovechkin continue to engage in “anything you can do, I can do better.” Winner: not the opposition.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I just realized … “two Alexander Semin hat tricks in two games for Alex Ovechkin”? I thought the third part of it was a stick foul. Ovi’s penalty against Boston was a goalie interference call, wasn’t it? That’s not a stick foul.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
That, and it was a questionable call, not a dumb play on Ovechkin’s part.
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Oct 4, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Good game by your boys for the most part. If you play the rest of the season the way you did the first 2 periods, you’ll be in for a helluva ride.
Here’s hoping next time we play you we show up for the whole game instead of just the 3rd.
Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated... and truculent!
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
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